Understanding dental care can be hard because there are many different types. Two types that often confuse people are biological dentistry and holistic dentistry. Even though they both work in similar ways, there are important differences between them.
Biological dentistry pays attention to the critical connection between oral health and general body health. It strives to integrate traditional dental practices with modern health principles. This approach appreciates the influential role dental health plays in causing and treating diseases. Therefore, biological dentistry aims to offer treatments that treads softly on the body, minimizing exposure to harmful substances and radiation.
On the other hand, holistic dentistry also emphasizes the interconnectedness between oral health and overall body health. However, its core principles rest heavily on natural treatment methods and being non-invasive wherever possible. Holistic dentistry aims to nurture the body’s self-healing capabilities. This viewpoint leads to treatment approaches leaning towards techniques like oil pulling, natural cleaning products, dietary advice, and more.
Understanding the differences is a matter of understanding the thought process behind each approach. While biological dentistry takes a conventional dental approach, expanding it with supporting health principles, holistic dentistry leans closer to alternative treatment methods and natural remedies.
A key difference becomes apparent in their choice of materials and preferred methods. Biological dentistry focuses on biocompatible and safer materials, significantly reducing the possibility of harmful exposure. On the contrary, while holistic dentistry also incorporates the use of biocompatible and safer materials, holistic dentistry stresses implementing non-invasive procedures to sustain oral health, extending even to nutritional consulting and homeopathic remedies.
Regardless of their distinctions, biological and holistic dentistry share the pursuit of transcending beyond traditional dentistry. Both accept the intrinsic bond between oral health and overall body health. Nevertheless, critical differences lie in their approach to treatment and preventative measures. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these differences will help individuals make informed decisions on dental approaches resonating with their personal health philosophies and needs.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) is a network of dentists, physicians, and health professionals committed to promoting biological dentistry. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our advocacy for biocompatible dental materials and toxin-free practices.