What is Biological Dentistry?
Have you ever heard of the terms ‘Biological Dentistry’ or ‘Holistic Dentistry’? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. If these words are new to you, consider today your lucky day because you are about to get a glimpse of what’s possible by having healthy teeth with biocompatible dentistry that can positively impact and improve your overall health.
Biological dentistry is growing in popularity in many areas of the United States. As a result, health-conscious individuals across the country are looking for alternative natural solutions to traditional dental procedures like mercury fillings and chemical teeth whitening.
Dr. Chris Brady – Biological Dentist
Hi. My name is Dr. Chris Brady. I have been a truth-seeking dentist for over 35 years. On this road to truth, I’ve seen many ideas in dentistry come and go. And I’ve heard a lot of opinions about what works best and why.
In my quest for truth, I confess that I’m a little bit ‘nerdy’ when it comes to ensuring my patients get what’s best for their overall health. I just don’t blindly stick something in a person’s mouth simply because it’s inexpensive or “approved” by someone or looks pretty or my corporate boss tells me what to do. (I don’t have a corporate boss!)
Biological Dentistry Defined
According to the International Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine, a biological dentist understands that the mouth and body are connected and that illness or disease that occurs inside the body is reflected orally and vice versa. Factors like stress, diet, and sleep patterns have a direct impact on oral inflammation and disease.
This ‘truth-seeking’ path has caused me to learn from all aspects of health and has ultimately led me to the point of practicing holistically or biologically dentistry. Which means before I do anything, I take into consideration not just the health of the tooth but also the health of the entire person. Then I must consider the impact of what I do might have not only on the health of the mouth but also the health of the entire body. Sounds complicated? It’s really quite simple. Here’s why.
The Why for Biological Dentistry
Traditional dental materials and dental procedures can affect the health of the immune system. Some procedures and materials are biocompatible with the human body but many aren’t. I choose to offer dental choices that do NOT negatively affect the immune system. And suggest to remove materials, infections, etc. that are dragging down the immune system.
For example…you have probably known since you were a child that mercury is toxic to humans. And yet did you know that mercury is the primary ingredient in “silver” fillings? Whether mercury is in a tooth or your finger or behind your ear, it’s still toxic. Many dentist now place “white composite fillings”-which is great–sort of. (The large majority of white composite fillings contain flecks of metal.) But here are 5 simple truths that you must absolutely know.
5 Truths from a Biological Dentist
Truth #1: Did you know that you can get mercury poison in your lungs and in your bloodstream if a silver filling is taken out of your tooth by a dentist who doesn’t utilize a strict protocol along with special equipment to protect you from inhaling or swallowing mercury vapors and/or particles?
Truth #2: And did you know that if you or a family member steps foot in the office of a mercury using dentist-even to have your teeth cleaned-you will breathe in mercury that is in the air?
Truth #3: And did you know that after extracting an infected tooth (or wisdom tooth) without removing the ligament that holds the tooth in the socket can be a future source of a sub-clinical infection in the jaw?
Truth#4: And did you know that most tooth colored fillings are not really 100% metal free?
Truth #5: Porcelain crowns oftentimes have a metal substructure that contains nickel or have mercury in the “build up” hidden underneath the crown?
These are just 5 truths you need to know. Listing all of the truths that I have uncovered in the last 35+ years and also the myths that are falsely believed, is beyond the scope of this blog.
How to Choose a Biological Dentist
To find a biological dentist, there are probably a few factors to take into consideration. The first being location. For example, if you live in Colorado Springs, you can search for a holistic dentist in Colorado Springs. You can also visit www.dental-scout.com. This site will match you with high quality dentists that have been reviewed and consistently deliver great service.
Find out what types of services the dentist offers to determine if they align with your needs.
Find a Dentist in these Cities!
Many biological dentists offer a wide range of services like:
- Dental exams
- Deep cleaning
- Gum disease treatment
- Sleep apnea and sleep disorder breathing treatment in children and adults
- TMJ treatment
- Teeth whitening
- Non-metal, zirconia Dental implants
- Veneers
- Clear braces
What is Biocampatiblity Testing
Biocompatibility testing by definition, assesses the compatibility of medical devices with a biological system. It studies the interaction between the device and the various types of living tissues and cells that are exposed to the device when it comes into contact with patients.
Factors used to determine biocompatibility include:
- Nature of contact: With which tissues does the device or part of the device come into contact?
- Type of contact: Is there direct or indirect contact?
- Frequency and duration of contact: How long is the device in contact with tissues?
- Materials: What is the device made from?
Every person is different which means a biological dentist won’t always use the same materials. Which means, materials and procedures they perform are dependent on the compatibility with the patient before any treatment is performed.
Treating each patient individually will help eliminate any short term and long term side effects. Side effects such as allergic reactions or specific immune responses. As a result, a patient’s entire medical history and health status are taken into consideration before a decision is made. It’s common for your holistic dentist to use blood samples, stress assessments, and applied kinesiology for biocompatibility testing.
Traditional Dentists vs Biological Dentists
All biological and holistic dentists have gone to dental school and have a DDS or DMD degree like a traditional dentist. Holistic dentists also offer traditional dental services, like bi-annual cleanings, cavity fillings, and treatment for periodontal disease.
The biggest difference between these two types of dentists is their approach to the practice. A traditional dentist often treats symptoms, while a biological dentist tries to find the root cause of the symptom.
A traditional dentist may see a cavity, drill it, and fill it. But a holistic dentist will inquire about a patient’s diet, alcohol consumption, workout regimen, hormone imbalances, and sleep patterns that may promote healing and prevention.
The type of materials used to treat patients is another significant difference between biological dentistry and traditional dentistry. Holistic dentists use organic, natural, and biocompatible materials that are non-toxic and safe for human consumption.
However, traditional dentists still use toxic mercury and other materials that can negatively impact overall health.
What to Expect at Your First Biological Dentistry Appointment
Your first appointment will be somewhat different compared to other dental exams you’ve had in the past. The dentist will start by taking a full health history to learn as much about your health and wellness as possible in order to provide you with personalized and biocompatible treatment options.
Appointments last about 90 minutes, and you can expect to fill out paperwork related to your health history. Typically, experienced staff will also speak to you directly to get more information about your oral health concerns. The dentist will then review your information and complete a full dental examination before recommending holistic treatment options based on your individual needs.
But If you want ‘safe dentistry’ in your body. And if you want to make sure your dental condition is not affecting your body and immune system in a negative way, give us a call at Dental Health and Wellness-260-9000. We’ll take good care of you and ‘Yes’, we’ll tell you the truth.
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