Holistic dentistry

Overview
top holistic dentistry (MDH) is distinguished mainly by traditional dentistry that it does not use mercury or fluorine and stresses on the use of biocompatible materials. Moreover, it takes into account all aspects of health. According to the logic of holistic dentistry, dental caries or abscesses indicates a more general imbalance in the body, and a sick tooth can cause problems elsewhere in the body. Holistic dentistry also emphasizes healthy eating and various approaches such as homeopathy, aromatherapy, energy medicine and osteopathy for treating health problems.

Open mouth ...
The first meeting did not go quite as classic with a dentist, because not only does your teeth, but also your overall health, your medical history and your expectations. In addition, a holistic dentist will tend to give you general advice health. For example, if it finds the presence of a white or brown carpet on your tongue, it may suggest you use a scraper language, take homeopathic remedies or consult a naturopath. If you have gum problems, you might suggest to make a particularly effective toothpaste house, based on hydrogen peroxide and baking soda ( "little cow"). However, as the usual cleaning and dental examination, X-rays, repair teeth, etc.. take place in much the same way as traditional with a dentist.

With regard to the fluoridation of water include the holistic dentists believe that the various studies are too contradictory for it can be really sure of its safety. They consider that the alleged side effects, especially with regard to osteoporosis, justified in banning the use, especially since a healthy diet and good hygiene would be sufficient to combat tooth decay.

Mercury amalgam
Holistic dentists have resolved not to use mercury amalgam fillings to make cavities, for fear of possible poisoning. The mercury amalgam, silver, commonly known as "fillings" are used by dentists for about 175 years. They are easy to use, durable and affordable. Note that, despite their name, they do not contain lead, but an alloy of metals (silver, tin, zinc, copper) and 50% mercury, a highly toxic substance if it is found in the body.

It was long believed that mercury amalgam could not migrate to the body. However, research conducted over the past few decades have shown that mercury vapor escaping continuously from the surface of amalgam and chewing and bruxism (teeth grinding) contribute to this libération1. In addition, when you must remove or restore a filling, heat the strawberry causes the release of mercury vapor that can be absorbed by the body if not properly disposed.

A health risk?
The debate on the toxicity of mercury is not hier2, 3. The controversy began the introduction of mercury amalgam in the United States in the early 1830s. U.S. dentists were quickly opposed its use because of side effects attributed to him, such as dementia (confusional states) and motor disorders. In 1840, they created the American Society of Dental Surgeons and adopted a resolution banning the use. But the Society was dissolved in 1856. Three years later the proponents of the mercury amalgam created the American Dental Association, which includes dentists still Americans, and defends the safety of mercury dentaire4 material.

From the 1980s, données2, 5.6 accumulated on the adverse effects of mercury on human health and the environment were again called into question its use. Several studies have revealed that mercury, once ingested, is fixed into organic tissue, especially in the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract and exocrine glands. It could cause damage. Other études7, 8 have shown that it represents a danger to the fetus. But again, defenders of mercury have argued that there was no evidence that the small amounts released from dental amalgam could have a harmful effect. In addition, they noted that the use of mercury in 175 years - without apparent adverse consequences - proves that it is a safe product. However, following an exhaustive summary of studies published from 1997 to 2002, Sweden and Germany recommended that the use of mercury amalgam dental stops as soon as possible. They cited the risks they could pose to the santé9, 10.

In addition, documentation scientifique11 reported hundreds of cases of patients suffering from chronic, have seen their condition improved dramatically after the elimination of mercury in dental amalgams. However, given the absence of controlled studies, it is difficult to establish a cause and effect in these cases.

The official positions
Several associations, including the American Dental Association Association4 and dental canadienne12 not see any need to ban mercury, in the absence of conclusive evidence on its toxicity. In contrast, the Association of holistic dentistry Québec13 and the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology14 argue that mercury is poisonous and that there is no dose that can be described as safe. In the absence of scientific certainty, dentists of these associations rely on the precautionary principle. They argue that the potential risk justifies that avoids additional costs from 30% to 35% of the composites used to replace mercury amalgam.

For his part, Health Canada, following the filing of a comprehensive report prepared by Dr. Mark Richardson 199515, concluded in a paper entitled The safety of amalgam dentaires1 we can not say that the mercury amalgam present a real danger for the majority of the population, but that caution should be exercised.



Here is a summary of the main conclusions of this document.

In general, it seems preferable to reduce human exposure to heavy metals in the environment even in the absence of clinical evidence of any adverse health effects, provided that we can achieve at a reasonable cost and without creating adverse effects.
Even if the mercury amalgam fillings are the single most important source of mercury exposure for average citizens, there is no evidence to prove that they currently affect the health of the general population. However, there is a small proportion (3%) of people hypersensitive to mercury and in which this element can lead to serious health problems even at low doses.
It does not seem justified to ban the use of mercury amalgam or recommend the removal of amalgam fillings mercury in good condition in patients who show no signs of adverse effects due to exposure Mercury.
Consideration should be given to use mercury-free dental materials for restoration of teeth of children when the mechanical properties of these materials are adequate.
Wherever possible, we should not install or remove mercury amalgam teeth of pregnant patients.
We should avoid the use of mercury in dental amalgam for patients suffering from kidney disease.
When installing or removing mercury amalgam fillings, dentists should use methods and equipment to reduce the risk of exposure to mercury vapor, both for their patients and for themselves, and prevent waste of amalgam lead in municipal sewer systems.



Alternatives
Most public health authorities recommend limiting the use of mercury in dental amalgams and inform people so that it can make an informed choice on the materials available to repair dental cavities. Holistic dentists recommend using only biocompatible materials to restore the cavities and gradually replace the mercury amalgam. To this end, the Memorandum of removing mercury amalgam dental proposes a series of measures to prevent the absorption of mercury during the installation, removal or polishing amalgam. A dentist must, among other things, keep the cold mixture and use a suction system for the duration of the operation to prevent particles are swallowed.

The Patient's Guide, published by the Academy of Dentistry biocompatible Quebec, available on their website (see Links), gives much useful information on alternatives to mercury amalgam.

In Quebec, to see a dentist holistic accredited, contact the Academy of Dentistry biocompatible Québec13. Elsewhere, the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT) 14 includes holistic dentists in several countries.