Holistic dentistry treats your mouth as part of your whole body, not just a set of teeth to fix. Regular dentistry focuses on the problem in front of it — a cavity, gum disease, a broken tooth. Holistic dentistry also asks: could the materials we use, or the way we treat this, affect the rest of your health? That means we avoid things like mercury fillings, use body-friendly materials, and look at how your diet and lifestyle play a role in your oral health.

Holistic dentists avoid mercury amalgam fillings due to concerns about continuous mercury vapor release, which can contribute to chronic health issues such as neurological problems, autoimmune disorders, and fatigue. They follow the "precautionary principle." Instead, they use biocompatible, metal-free materials like composite resin, ceramic, or glass ionomer fillings. If amalgam removal is necessary, holistic dentists use strict safety protocols (called SMART protocol—Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) to minimize mercury exposure to you, the dentist, and the environment.

This is a debated topic. Many holistic dentists avoid or are highly cautious about root canals. They cite research suggesting that even a “successful” root canal can leave microscopic areas where bacteria thrive, potentially causing chronic low-grade infection that impacts the immune system. Some holistic dentists will recommend extraction instead, followed by a biocompatible replacement like a zirconia implant or a bridge. However, other holistic dentists perform root canals using advanced techniques (e.g., ozone therapy and laser disinfection) to sterilize the tooth thoroughly, believing this reduces systemic risks. Each patient needs to make their own informed decision on whether they want to keep or remove a tooth.

Quite a lot. What you eat, how stressed you are, and how well you sleep all affect your teeth and gums. We may talk about foods that help strengthen teeth naturally, habits that increase decay risk, and things like jaw tension or breathing patterns that can affect how your teeth wear over time. The goal is to help your body look after your teeth — not just fix problems when they appear.

Yes — in fact, it's especially careful during these times. For pregnant women, we avoid mercury, skip unnecessary X-rays, and focus on gentle preventive care. For children, we skip fluoride varnish if you prefer, use safer sealant materials, and pay attention to breathing, diet, and jaw development from an early age.