About Holistic Dentists

Holistic dentists practice alternative dentistry. They oppose potential toxic materials in fillings, support nonsurgical approaches to gum disease, and believe root canals can be dangerous and spread dental bacteria in the patient’s body. As with many alternative medical treatments, holistic dentistry is criticized by many traditional dentists.

Holistic Dentistry

• Holistic dentistry promotes health and wellness instead of treating a disease. Holistic dentistry deals with the patient’s mind, body and spirit, not just teeth. A holistic dentist will educate a patient about their overall health and the role of dentistry in it.


• According to the Holistic Dental Association, the basic principles of holistic dentistry are as follows: proper nutrition to prevent and reverse dental disease, avoidance and elimination of toxins from dental materials, the prevention and treatment of bite problems and the prevention and treatment of gum disease at its biological basis.


• The website of the Holistic Dental Association has a list of holistic dentists in each state. 

Differences Between Traditional and Holistic Dentists

• Traditional dentists use mercury amalgam fillings, and believe they are stabilized and safe. They point to the fact that insurance covers the cost. Holistic dentists do not place mercury fillings.  They believe mercury is a toxin and a health risk.


• Traditional dentists believe that a root canal is a safe and effective procedure to save a severely decayed tooth, or one that will soon die. Holistic dentists believe that a root canal is not effective unless the canal is fully sterilized and cleaned of bacteria. They argue the sterilization chemicals are toxic, and bacteria left in the canal may cause heart disease and breast cancer.


• Traditional dentists favor ingesting fluoridated water and fluoride drops for infants as a way to decrease cavities. Holistics argue that ingested fluoride is linked to cancer and bone problems. To them, fluoridated public water as forced medication.


• Most traditional dentists will not test for biocompatibility to see if the materials they use will cause a reaction in the patient. Most do not give their patients a choice in composite filling materials. The majority of holistic dentists will test biocompatibility of materials they use, and use different composite filling.