Jacksonville, FL, residents know that finding the right dentist is part of the overall plan for high-quality dental health. One option you may not have considered is holistic dentistry. Holistic dentistry focuses on whole-body wellness and prevention; it uses a range of viewpoints and techniques to support your entire body, not just your teeth.

How Holistic Dentistry Supports Your Overall Health

A holistic dentist takes a different approach than the average dentist. For example, instead of braces, they may offer Invisalign, an option that is easier to maintain and better for the teeth. This is a gentler approach that preserves overall dental health.

What is Holistic Dentistry?

Holistic dentistry is a different approach to oral health that focuses on the entire person’s wellness and health. This type of dentistry focuses on the connection between wellness and dental health by addressing various issues, such as nutritional deficiencies, toxins, and inflammation. It can focus on biochemical balances, biomechanics, prevention, nutrition, hygiene, and various techniques that support physical well-being through biocompatibility and lower levels of invasive procedures.

The Mouth-Body Connection

Traditional dentists often consider teeth and oral health as a single system rather than one part of a more complex design. For example, when you have periodontal disease, a traditional dentist may prescribe antibiotics. A holistic dentist, on the other hand, provides details on how gum disease can impact heart health and encourages additional care through better nutrition and hygiene. Similarly, a traditional dentist may look at cavities as spaces to be filled, while a holistic dentist will recommend additional calcium intake. These approaches provide better overall health while directly supporting issues with oral health.

Focus on Wellness and Prevention

In a similar comparison, you could think of a traditional dentist focusing more on fixing what is broken, while a holistic dentist focuses more on preventative care. By concentrating on routine checkups and regular cleanings, holistic dentists focus on identifying the earliest signs of possible problems and taking action to minimize the invasiveness of procedures. Lifestyle changes and dietary modifications are promoted to improve nutrition and hygiene, improving overall wellness at the same time. Similarly, issues with biomechanics, such as bites, should be addressed before they become an issue of needing veneers for worn teeth.

Minimally-Invasive Techniques and Biocompatible Materials

When you work with a holistic dentist, you’ll also benefit from using minimally invasive techniques and biocompatible materials. Instead of traditional X-rays that can deliver radiation, a holistic dentist uses various imaging options that reduce exposure. Similarly, ceramic fillings are often used instead of metal fillings, which can potentially leach metallic compounds into your bloodstream. These options reduce inflammation, improve recovery time, and improve overall wellness.

Holistic dentistry offers a range of options to improve health while preventing minor issues before they become potentially invasive down the road. If you are looking for a great holistic dentist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Tiffany Shields and her Smiles by Shields Dentistry team provide some of the best care in the region. Reach out today to see how we can help you improve your oral and overall well-being.