Holistic dentistry also known as biological or integrative dentistry is an approach that views the mouth as part of a larger, interconnected system. At The Dentist Lounge in Santa Monica, we believe a healthy smile reflects a healthy body, and that dental care should support your breathing, sleep, posture, digestion, immune system, and long-term well-being. We take time to understand each patient’s lifestyle, health history, and concerns so we can provide thoughtful, personalized dental care for adults and children.
Many people come to us because they want a gentler, more natural approach that still uses modern science, digital technology, and comprehensive diagnostics. Others visit us after years of chronic symptoms that traditional dentistry could not explain. Whether you’re seeking safer materials, whole-body prevention, or support for breathing, sleep, or development, our team is here to guide you.
If you are ready to begin your journey with a wellness-aligned dentist, you can schedule your first visit online at any time.
Schedule your holistic dental consultation: https://www.flexbook.me/dentlounge/1
What Makes Holistic Dentistry Different
Holistic dentistry includes all the services you would expect from a traditional dentist, such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, and examinations. The difference lies in how we evaluate oral health, the materials we use, and the way we partner with patients to support the body as a whole.
At The Dentist Lounge, our approach includes the following principles.
Biocompatible, non-toxic dental materials
We use BPA-free composites, ceramics, and materials carefully selected for safety and compatibility. More about this can be found in our section on Integrative Dentistry, which explains how we prioritize long-term health outcomes.
Airway-centered dental care
At each visit, we assess nasal breathing, tongue posture, facial development, and potential signs of sleep-disordered breathing. These factors can influence energy levels, inflammation, behavior in children, and overall comfort. Our approach integrates insights from our work in Airway Orthodontics.
Root-cause philosophy
Rather than treating isolated symptoms, we look for underlying causes such as mouth breathing, poor tongue posture, clenching, nutritional patterns, chronic inflammation, or restricted airway.
Collaborative wellness mindset
We often coordinate care with ENTs, myofunctional therapists, sleep specialists, chiropractors, lactation consultants, and other health professionals to support whole-body well-being.
Prevention before intervention
Preventive care is central to our philosophy. Our team helps patients build healthy lifelong habits, strengthen the oral microbiome, support nasal breathing, and reduce inflammation. More on this is available in our Prevention and Hygiene section.
Why Santa Monica Patients Choose Holistic Dentistry
Many people in Santa Monica and the surrounding communities prioritize wellness, natural living, and thoughtful health decisions. They choose holistic dentistry when they want dentistry to align with the rest of their lifestyle and values.
You may benefit from holistic dentistry if:
- You want safer, non-toxic materials for yourself or your child.
- You have sensitivities or reactions to metals or certain dental materials.
- You struggle with mouth breathing, fatigue, jaw pain, or chronic headaches.
- You prefer a gentle, personalized experience that considers your whole health.
- You are pregnant and looking for safer options during prenatal care.
- You want a dentist who focuses on early childhood development, posture, and breathing.
- You want to reduce inflammation and support a balanced immune system.
Our practice welcomes patients from Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Brentwood, Culver City, and throughout Los Angeles who seek a mindful, education-focused dental experience.
Services We Provide With a Holistic Approach
We offer a full spectrum of dental services designed to support patients’ overall wellness while ensuring clinical excellence and long-term oral health.
Biocompatible fillings and ceramic restorations
We use BPA-free composite materials and high-quality ceramics chosen for safety and durability.
Low-radiation digital X-rays
Digital imaging reduces radiation exposure by up to 90 percent and provides precise detail for diagnostics.
Myofunctional therapy
This therapy retrains the oral and facial muscles to improve breathing, swallowing, posture, and craniofacial development. You can explore this further on our Myofunctional Therapy page.
Airway and sleep assessments
We evaluate mouth breathing, snoring, clenching, tongue-tie, and other signs of sleep-disordered breathing. Learn more through our section on Breathing and Sleep.
Fluoride-free cleanings and remineralization
We offer natural alternatives for strengthening enamel and improving gum health.
Tongue-tie evaluations and releases
Our team supports infants, children, and adults with tongue-tie diagnosis and treatment, addressing feeding challenges, speech patterns, facial growth, and sleep issues. Learn more through our page on Children’s Growth and Development.
Nutrition and lifestyle coaching
We help you understand how diet, hydration, mineral balance, TMJ strain, and airway function affect oral health and overall comfort.
SAFE Amalgam Removal in Santa Monica
Many patients come to us with concerns about older metal amalgam fillings. While these fillings were standard in the past, today many people prefer to replace them with modern, biocompatible materials. Our practice offers SAFE amalgam removal, a detailed protocol designed to protect your body from unnecessary exposure to mercury vapor or particles during the removal process.
SAFE removal involves several important steps:
Isolation and protection
We use specialized barriers and equipment to protect your airway, skin, and soft tissues from debris.
High-volume evacuation and filtration
Advanced suction systems capture particles at the source while air filtration systems maintain clean air during the procedure.
Clean air supply
You are provided with a clean air source to minimize inhalation exposure while the filling is removed.
Careful sectioning of the filling
Rather than drilling through the entire material, we section the amalgam into larger pieces to reduce heat and vapor.
Biocompatible replacement materials
Once the metal filling is removed, we restore the tooth with BPA-free, tooth-colored composite or ceramic materials.
Post-removal support
We provide guidance on hydration, remineralization, and nutrition to support your oral and overall health after the procedure.
Patients pursue SAFE amalgam removal for many reasons, including reducing their chemical exposure, supporting long-term wellness, or addressing sensitivities to metals. Our team will help you determine whether this approach is appropriate for you through a comprehensive evaluation.
Holistic Dentistry for Children
Children benefit greatly from a holistic approach because early habits and airway development influence lifelong health. We focus on gentle, preventive, and educational care to help children grow into strong, confident, healthy adults.
Our approach to pediatric holistic dentistry includes:
- Monitoring nose breathing, tongue posture, and jaw development
- Identifying early signs of airway restriction
- Using non-toxic materials for all restorations
- Encouraging proper oral habits that support balanced facial growth
- Providing guidance for parents on posture, sleep, feeding, and behavior
Our team works closely with families and other health professionals when needed to ensure children receive thoughtful and comprehensive care. You can learn more on our Children’s Growth and Development page.
A Patient Story: Healing Through a Whole-Body Approach
One of our patients came to us with recurring headaches, jaw tightness, and persistent daytime fatigue. She had tried nightguards, muscle relaxers, and traditional dentistry without long-term relief. During her visit with us, we identified mouth breathing, clenching, and airway restriction as the underlying issues.
After creating a personalized plan that included airway evaluation, myofunctional therapy, and changes to her nighttime breathing habits, she noticed significant improvement in her comfort and energy levels. Her experience reflects what many patients discover through holistic care—when you treat the root cause instead of the symptom, you support the entire body, not just the tooth.
Common Questions About Holistic Dentistry
Is holistic dentistry supported by research?
Yes. Studies continue to show strong relationships between oral inflammation, airway function, bacterial balance, and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, fatigue, and sleep-related disorders.
Is holistic dentistry safe for children?
Holistic dentistry is well suited for children because it supports natural growth, early airway development, and whole-body wellness while using non-toxic materials and gentle methods.
What materials do you use?
We use BPA-free composites, high-quality ceramics, and biocompatible materials chosen for strength, safety, and longevity.
What is SAFE amalgam removal?
SAFE amalgam removal is a protocol designed to minimize mercury exposure during the removal of old metal fillings by using isolation, clean air, specialized suction, and careful techniques.
Do you use fluoride?
We offer fluoride-free and natural remineralization options for families who prefer alternatives.
Can holistic dentistry help with sleep or breathing concerns?
Yes. Oral anatomy, tongue posture, and airway development play a major role in breathing and sleep. Learn more in our section on Breathing and Sleep.
Your Holistic Dentist in Santa Monica
If you’re seeking dental care that respects your values, supports your wellness goals, and considers the whole body—not just the teeth—The Dentist Lounge is here to help. Our team combines advanced technology with a warm, educational, family-centered approach to create a supportive environment for every patient.
We welcome patients from Santa Monica, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Culver City, and the surrounding Los Angeles communities.
To begin your journey toward healthier, whole-body dentistry, you can schedule your visit online.
Book your holistic consultation: https://www.flexbook.me/dentloung