Dental Health and Wellness

What is it?
Dentistry is viewed by the dental patient in many ways based upon their attitudes, and influenced by their personal values and past experiences. Dentists also view dentistry in various ways. Terms such as "holistic" and "wellness" have been popular during the last decade or so. To some, it means alternate methods of achieving or maintaining health from traditional medicine, such as homeopathy, herbs, meditation, acupuncture, nutrition, etc., etc. They realize that most traditional medicine is based mainly on treating symptoms rather than preventing them through seeking their causes. The difference in those who pursue a path of wellness as opposed to the more traditional western philosophy of medicine is simply one of attitude. Those who value their health, realize that they have a responsibility in achieving and maintaining it. They form partnerships with doctors who have similar points of view and together they develop and strive towards common goals of obtaining optimum health. The holistic physician views the "whole" person and predominantly uses natural, rather than synthetic supplements and medications to allow the body to work as efficiently as possible, and is an example of his/her own beliefs as demonstrated by his/her own personal health. On the other hand, the traditional physician will be mainly looking for disease and prescribing medications to control it, and while perhaps recommending dietary modifications and exercise, does not develop a relationship with his/her patients wherein an accountability is expected. Those patients who have attitudes based on a valuing of health and wellness will seek out doctors with similar attitudes. Those who want fix-it treatment will select doctors with similar attitudes.   

Why do we think this is important?
Our viewpoint has to do with evaluating the entire system, from assessment of periodontal health to recognizing that the teeth are integral components of a complex system which includes the jaw joints and the surrounding structures such as muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves, etc. Obviously, teeth are what most people think of when it comes to the dentist, but by concentrating upon the teeth alone without taking into consideration the rest of the oral system, problems can develop. It could be like placing new tires on a car with the front end out of alignment - could be a dangerous ride. Improper fillings, bridges and orthodontics can throw the jaw joints (TMJ's) out of alignment and cause head and neck aches and sore, popping and clicking jaw joints. Also, there is twice as much mercury in "silver amalgam" fillings as silver. Why has traditional dentistry named them silver amalgam rather than mercury amalgam fillings? An interesting question, but not for a holistic dental practice. Aside from the potential mercury toxicity, there are more durable and esthetic materials available that would alone point in the direction of a mercury free dental practice. Our Hippocratic oath says "First do no harm" and this is why it is important to be under the care of a dentist who has been trained in evaluating not only the oral system (relationship of the teeth, gums, muscles, ligaments, TMJ's), but how all bodily systems effect the health, and are affected by the health of the oral system - true holistic dentistry.

How is this approach different in wellness centered, holistic dentistry?
In the field of dentistry, it is no different. In fact, dentistry was fashioned after the historic medical disease model of diagnosis and treatment. If there's a toothache, go to the dentist. As with the physician, the dentist "fixes" the problem, which may well have been brought on by the patient's unawareness or neglect - this puts all the responsibility onto the dentist, which is not fair. Healthful recommendations may be given, but the relationship does not primarily include teaching and has low accountability.

In a wellness centered, holistic dental practice a developing relationship occurs during and through the diagnostic processes which engenders high trust, as the patient realizes that the dentist and team are truly their advocates. High levels of health are developed prior to treatment with appropriate esthetic and functional technology, which supports the health gained. The dentist is him/herself healthy and works with staff persons who are also healthy and share similar attitudes.

A holistic dentist is primarily a teacher who wants his/her patients to be as healthy as possible and realizes s/he is limited in his/her ability to do this without the cooperation of the patient. So, after the elimination of any discomfort, the holistic dentist will have the patient learn about their oral status and inform and demonstrate the patient's responsibility in attaining and maintaining optimum oral health. In order to be a good teacher, the doctor must also be a continuing student, and continually searches for more knowledge about the entire oral and bodily systems, rather than just "fixing teeth". This learning process lets the wellness dentist realize that the mouth is influenced by and is an influence on "whole" bodily health. How poor gum health is a factor in such afflictions as heart and arterial disease, diabetes and low birth weight babies. Also, how an imbalanced blood chemistry can influence gum and general health. In the Surgeon General's Oral Care Report, he said "the mouth is the mirror to general health and well being."

(See "Traditional Hygiene vs Wellness Hygiene", "Periodontal Disease", "Bacteremia", "Oral Health and Your Heart", "Getting to the Heart of Dental Disease", & "Periodontal Disease May Lead to Diabetes")

Why might this be the place for me?

Because we do a thorough evaluation of each of our new clients, including:

• thorough medical and dental history
  
• microscopic assessment of their dental plaque (which is the main cause of the infection that causes gum disease)
  
• complete measuring of the spaces between the teeth and gums
  
• assessment of occlusion ("bite"), TMJ's and associated muscles
  
• assessment of abnormal tooth wear
  
• oral cancer examination
  
• yes, we check for decay too

We have a family of talented, caring people that enjoys working this way within a unique, happy, warm, comfortable and safe environment that inspires awesome results.