Alternative medicine is winning over health conscious individuals from all walks of life. Practitioners of natural medicine treat patients by addressing the fundamental causes for illness and by utilizing remedies that stimulate self-healing.

Many people are unaware that a select family of dentists are alternative as well. This new type of dentist is called by various different titles: natural, holistic, biologic, alternative, naturopathic or homeopathic. Regardless of what they label themselves, the foundation of natural dentistry is to deliver treatment that is nontoxic and biologically appropriate.

Hippocrates, historic Greek physician, established the fundamental guidelines of holistic medicine. He believed each and every doctor must rigorously comply with these guidelines in treating patients:

1. First of all, don’t do harm … the remedy should never leave the affected worse off

2. Honor the Vis Medicatrix Naturae … nature provides the power to heal

Mainstream dentistry has ignored these basic rules. Several of the most toxic elements on planet earth are used in the materials that conventional dentists insert in your mouth. Holistic dentists recognize that dental health may influence over-all health in both positive and negative ways. They implement effective therapies and safe products that assist your body’s self- healing potential.

Alternative dental principles include:

*Tooth preserving methods … conserving tooth structure helps to prevent the need for root canal therapy and crowns

*Avoidance of toxic compounds such as mercury, metals, fluoride and antibiotics

*Using only biologically appropriate substances (such as composite resin, porcelain/porcelain or zirconia) to repair teeth

*Utilize digital x-rays to lessen your radiation dose to insignificant levels

*Recognize the Vis Medicatrix Naturae by providing treatment that promotes self-healing (periodontal disease and tooth decay are curable)

*Under no circumstances replace an amalgam filling unless strictly following “Mercury-Safe Procedures”

The most important criteria to use when picking a dentist is definitely whether they safeguard you from mercury-vapor during dental amalgam removal. Although mercury fillings are horrible, you are actually way better to leave them alone versus having them replaced in an unsafe fashion. The instant a dentist starts to grind on an old dental amalgam filling, mercury vapor is released in huge amounts. Holistic dentists place many layers of safety between you and the vapor. Traditional dentists disregard the mercury contained in amalgam fillings. This oversight could spell disaster for your health.

Becoming a holistic dentist isn’t easy. It requires courage to buck the system and do what you believe is right. A holistic dental clinic differs in many ways from a normal office … distinct materials, special equipment, unique clientele and commonly different employees. And so, you might have to spend a bit of time in research before you locate a holistic dentist who meets your requirements. Go for it though … your health is worth it!

Go on and “Google” holistic dentist, schedule a consultation and begin to experience better health.

Curt Eastin, DDS, ND is a holistic dentist and a naturopathic physician. His dental degree is from the University of Washington School of Dentistry and he earned his naturopathic degree from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine. You can learn more about amalgam filling removal by following the link.