Understanding what holistic dentists believe, what they do differently, and the evidence (or lack thereof) behind their practices helps you make an informed decision about whether this approach is right for you.
What Makes Dentistry "Holistic"
Core beliefs and philosophy:
At its heart, holistic dentistry is built on the idea that oral health is intimately connected to whole-body health—what happens in your mouth affects the rest of your body, and vice versa. This concept actually has significant scientific support: research has linked gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.
Beyond this foundation, holistic dentists often emphasize using biocompatible materials—dental materials they believe are safest for the body. They tend to favor minimally invasive treatments when possible and consider nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors as part of dental care.
What holistic dentists often avoid:
Many holistic dentists are mercury-free practices, meaning they don't place amalgam (silver) fillings, which contain mercury. Some actively remove existing amalgam fillings using specific protocols they believe minimize mercury exposure.
Some holistic dentists avoid or minimize fluoride use, questioning its safety despite mainstream dental endorsement of fluoride for cavity prevention.
A subset of holistic dentists question or avoid root canal therapy, based on theories (largely unsupported by mainstream evidence) that root-canaled teeth harbor harmful bacteria that affect overall health.
Certain practitioners avoid specific materials or products based on their assessment of biocompatibility or potential toxicity.
Important context:
The practices of holistic dentists vary widely. Some integrate evidence-based care with a focus on biocompatible materials and preventive lifestyle approaches. Others adopt practices that lack mainstream scientific support. When considering a holistic dentist, understanding their specific practices matters more than the "holistic" label itself.
Common Holistic Dentistry Practices
Mercury-free and mercury-safe dentistry:
Most holistic dentists don't place amalgam (silver mercury) fillings, opting instead for composite resin, ceramic, or other alternatives. Many also offer mercury-safe removal of existing amalgam fillings—using specialized protocols including dental dams, high-volume suction, alternative air sources, and room ventilation to minimize patient and staff exposure to mercury vapor during removal.
The concern about dental amalgam is controversial. Mainstream organizations including the American Dental Association and FDA maintain that amalgam is safe for most adults and children over 6. However, the FDA also acknowledges potential risks for certain groups and has strengthened warnings. The debate continues, and many patients prefer to avoid mercury entirely.
Biocompatibility testing:
Some holistic dentists offer testing to determine which dental materials are most compatible with your individual body chemistry. This typically involves blood tests that assess immune reactions to various materials. The scientific validity of these tests is debated—mainstream dentistry doesn't widely endorse them, but proponents believe they help avoid materials that could cause adverse reactions.
Focus on prevention and nutrition:
Holistic dentists often spend more time on prevention than the average conventional practice. This may include detailed dietary counseling—discussing how sugar, acid, and nutrient deficiencies affect oral health. Some recommend specific supplements or dietary approaches. Others incorporate discussions of how stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors affect oral health.
Consideration of oral-systemic connections:
Holistic dentists tend to emphasize how oral health affects (and is affected by) conditions elsewhere in the body. This includes discussing links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. Some collaborate with other healthcare providers to address these connections.
Other common features:
Many holistic offices use digital X-rays (which do reduce radiation exposure, though this is also common in conventional practices now). Some avoid certain chemicals in dental products. Many use ozone therapy, which involves applying ozone gas for antimicrobial purposes—a treatment with limited but emerging evidence.
Potential Benefits and Who Might Consider It
Potential advantages:
More personalized, comprehensive care—holistic appointments are often longer and involve more in-depth discussion of overall health and lifestyle factors.
Avoidance of materials some patients find concerning—even if the mainstream view is that amalgam is safe, patient preference matters, and those who prefer non-mercury options will find holistic offices accommodating.
Focus on whole-body wellness—the emphasis on how dental health connects to overall health resonates with patients seeking an integrated approach to their care.
Prevention emphasis—while good preventive care exists in conventional dentistry, holistic practices often devote more attention to dietary and lifestyle prevention strategies.
Who might benefit from a holistic dentist:
Patients with known metal sensitivities or allergies may appreciate the focus on biocompatibility and careful material selection.
Those who prefer to avoid mercury or have concerns about amalgam, whether or not mainstream science supports those concerns, can find practitioners who share their values.
Patients seeking a comprehensive wellness approach to healthcare often appreciate the holistic philosophy.
People who've had unexplained reactions to dental work or who experience heightened sensitivity to dental materials may find holistic practitioners more attentive to these concerns.
Anyone who simply prefers more time with their dentist and appreciates in-depth discussion of prevention and lifestyle factors.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Holistic Dentist
Cost considerations:
Holistic dentistry often costs more than conventional care. The alternative materials used (composites, ceramics) typically cost more than amalgam. Appointments tend to be longer, and additional services like biocompatibility testing add expense. Some services may not be covered by dental insurance.
Variation in evidence:
The evidence base for various holistic practices ranges from solid (composite fillings work well as an amalgam alternative) to weak (some biocompatibility tests have limited validation) to contrary to mainstream science (some claims about root canals causing systemic disease). When evaluating a holistic dentist, ask about the evidence behind their specific recommendations.
Wide variation between practitioners:
Because "holistic dentist" isn't a formal specialty, practices vary enormously. Some are essentially conventional dentists who happen to prefer mercury-free materials. Others adopt a range of alternative practices. Research individual practitioners rather than assuming all holistic dentists are similar.
Questions to ask any holistic dentist:
What specific practices do you follow that differ from conventional dentistry? What's the evidence supporting your approach? Can you explain your position on amalgam, fluoride, and root canals specifically? What additional costs should I expect compared to conventional care? Are you open to discussing where mainstream and holistic views differ?
Finding a practitioner:
Look for holistic dentists through organizations like the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) or the Holistic Dental Association. But remember—membership in these organizations tells you about their philosophy, not necessarily about their clinical skill or the evidence behind all their practices.
Key Takeaways
If holistic dentistry interests you, research practitioners carefully. Ask specific questions about their practices, costs, and the evidence behind their recommendations. The "holistic" label encompasses a wide range of approaches, so understanding what a specific dentist does—rather than assuming all holistic dentists are alike—is essential to making an informed choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are holistic dentists real dentists?
Yes, absolutely. Holistic dentists complete the same dental school education and licensing requirements as all dentists—typically four years of dental school after college, followed by board exams. The difference is in philosophy and practice choices, not training or credentials. Some may have additional certifications from holistic dental organizations, but the core dental training is identical to conventional dentists.
Is holistic dentistry more expensive?
Often yes. Alternative filling materials typically cost more than amalgam. Appointments are frequently longer, increasing per-visit costs. Additional services like biocompatibility testing add expense. And insurance may not cover some holistic-specific services. However, costs vary by practitioner and region. Some holistic dental practices charge comparable fees to conventional dentistry for standard services.
Does mainstream science support holistic dentistry?
It depends on the specific practice. The oral-systemic connection (linking oral health to heart disease, diabetes, etc.) has substantial scientific support. Using mercury-free filling materials is completely valid clinically. But other practices—like some biocompatibility tests, opposition to fluoride, or claims that root canals cause distant illness—have limited or contradictory scientific evidence. Evaluate each claim individually rather than accepting or rejecting the entire holistic approach.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
