Have you heard of natural or holistic dentistry? Not sure what that means? Today, we're going to discuss how a natural dentist cares for your smile and your whole-body health. We'll also touch on how and why this type of dental care benefits you. Let's get started!
Why Holistic Dentistry?
Dr. Gentry has had her own journey with holistic treatments that started with her own health issue. She began developing hives all over her body for no apparent reason, and they worsened over the years. She saw many doctors and specialists and tried many medications––even a chemotherapy drug to reset her immune system––to eliminate the painful and itchy hives.
It wasn't until she began researching the cause of "idiopathic urticaria" that she found the source of her problems: chemicals and artificial food colorings, among other toxins in the environment and food. As a result, Dr. Gentry completely changed her diet to all-natural foods with no preservatives or food colorings, and her five-year-long battle with chronic hives was finally over.
Dr. Gentry was astounded that doctors and specialists had only suggested more medications and had never mentioned that her diet could be the problem. Since then, she has conducted hundreds of hours of independent research on toxins, the body's responses to these toxins, and how to heal herself naturally.
She realized holistic dentistry could benefit her dental patients, so she began scrutinizing materials and incorporating holistic and natural services into her dental practice.
What Is a Holistic Dentist?
A holistic dentist pays close attention to how dental care impacts one's entire body and overall health and well-being. They consider how the types of materials they use impact health and take measures to make dental procedures as safe as possible for patients, staff, and themselves. For example, they use the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) to remove old metal amalgam fillings.
They may also provide nutritional counseling and biocompatibility testing to help you understand your body's unique diet and dental treatment needs.
Understanding Biological Dentistry
Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Gentry may recommend certain natural services that could benefit you. Here are some of the holistic services we provide at Gentry Dental:
- Biocompatibility Testing — Dr. Gentry will use biocompatibility testing to ensure that the materials we use to restore your teeth are safe and compatible with your unique biological makeup. This will prevent you from having allergic reactions to the materials we might use to restore or enhance your smile.
- Use of Safe Materials — Dr. Gentry focuses on using materials, such as porcelain, composite resin, and metal-free crowns, to restore or replace compromised teeth. Biocompatibility testing directs us to the safest materials for your smile.
- Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART) — The mercury in metal amalgam fillings has proven problematic for some patients, causing allergies or other health concerns. If you have old metal amalgam fillings in your mouth, Dr. Gentry may recommend replacing them for health and aesthetics. She uses the SMART safe mercury removal techniques and protocols to ensure the procedure is as safe as possible for you, her team members, and herself.
- Natural Supplements — We offer supplements, such as activated charcoal and chlorella, to help detoxify after mercury amalgam removal.
- Aerosol Reduction — We use a Dental Mercury Vapor and Oral Aerosol Vacuum System designed to remove and filter potentially toxic vapors and microbiological contaminants away from the immediate breathing area of the patient, dentist, and assistant.
- Ozone Therapy — A minimally invasive treatment that eliminates oral bacteria and prevents tooth decay. It also kills viruses, fungi, toxins, other harmful organisms, and debris in the mouth.
- Nutritional Counseling — The foods you eat contribute to your whole-body health, including oral health. Our team provides nutritional counseling to help our patients make the most of their diets, using food as a medicine to strengthen and protect their bodies.
Biological dentistry is highly personalized and focused on preventing problems before they start in the first place. We use holistic services to ensure that you receive dental care and treatment that is safe and beneficial for your body and your own unique needs.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Natural Dentist in Charlotte, NC?
Many dentists are moving toward using holistic dental services in their practices because of all the advantages these services and procedures offer the patient and dental team. Here are some benefits to consider:
- Highly Personalized Treatment — Holistic dentistry is based on your unique needs and biocompatibility. Highly personalized treatment ensures you receive the best treatment procedures and materials.
- Minimally Invasive Treatment — Biological dentistry aims to provide the least invasive procedures, highly relying on preventive dentistry for early detection of common dental concerns. Services like ozone therapy can also help prevent problems like tooth decay and cavities.
- Biocompatibility Testing — You can have peace of mind and comfort knowing that your holistic dentist uses the safest and best materials for your smile if you need dental restorations. What works best for you may significantly differ from what works for someone else. Biocompatibility testing helps us protect your overall health and well-being.
- Use of Natural Materials — Your holistic dentist aims to use the safest materials for your smile while still providing the durability you need and the aesthetics you want.
Contact Gentry Dental for More Information on Holistic Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
If you want to learn more about holistic dentistry or become a patient at a biological dental practice, contact Gentry Dental at (704) 554-1007. We accept new patients and would love to welcome you into our holistic dental family.
Gentry Dental provides a wide range of comprehensive and holistic dental services, making it easy to get all the dental services you need for a healthy and beautiful smile in one convenient location in Charlotte, NC.
We look forward to meeting you and caring for your smile!