Biologic Dentistry

Key Benefit

Assists in understanding many underlying health complications potentially related to the oral cavity that may otherwise go undetected. Contributes to the overall health and wellness of both the oral cavity and the body.

Overview

Biologic Dentistry is an approach to dentistry that takes into account the physiologic and energetic relationships between the oral cavity and the body. It goes beyond the traditional, mechanical dental approach-filling a cavity, removing plaque or pulling an impacted tooth. Instead, Biologic Dentistry integrates traditional dental services and body health while assessing which services should be sought with regard to overall priority.

The oral cavity-teeth, gums, palate, cheek, lips, tongue, jawbone, and tonsil area-is intimately connected to the rest of the body and therefore affects its health. Likewise, health of the body affects the mouth. So, for the sake of optimum overall health, when treating issues of the oral cavity and of the body, both dental and medical practitioners should consider factors outside their chosen area of expertise.

Links Between the Oral Cavity and Body and How They Affect Each Other

One reason the oral cavity affects the rest of the body is because of its close proximity to the junction between the brain and the top of the spinal cord, the thyroid, the parathyroid glands in the neck, the major circulatory channels for the blood (jugular vein and carotid artery), the lymphatics (tonsils, thoracic duct) and respiratory centers. Also in this area is the sphenobasilar symphysis atlas, the structure at the base of the skull that determines much of our structural alignments (see cranial orthopedics/orthodontics).

The oral cavity and midface is fed by greater than half the entire autonomic nervous system which regulates the body's entire response to stress from our environment (see Autonomic Response Testing ART). These factors alone cause irritants or stressors in the oral cavity to affect the entire body.

The most obvious link between the oral cavity and the rest of the body is that the oral cavity is the body's entry point for nutrients. But it's also an intake area for toxins, and microbes. If it functions poorly due to bad teeth, decreased saliva, compromised antimicrobial defenses (tonsils removed, low levels of digestive enzymes), the rest of the body is taxed and compromised, because it must then assume these functions. The oral mucosa, which lines the oral cavity, is highly permeable and anything absorbed through it immediately gets into the blood and lymphatic systems as well all spaces between the cells.

The oral cavity can also foster many pathologic microorganisms. If these microbes grow unchecked under the gums (periodontal disease), within teeth (abscesses) or in a hole in the jaw (cavitation or NICO) they produce an ongoing source of infection carried by the blood and lymph to the rest of the body. Oral microbes cultured from around the body have shown to be risk factors in heart disease, strokes, and diabetes.

Dental materials such as fluoride, amalgam fillings, and nickel used in crowns, partial dentures, and orthodontic appliances introduce toxicity and electric current into the body. These currents and toxins each effect health in various ways depending on various factors in the body, and they can lead to compromised health and chronic or degenerative diseases discussed elsewhere in this Website.

Acupuncture meridians-the energy channels that run throughout the body-are connected to teeth and other oral cavity structures. Anything adversely affecting the teeth or these structures will impact tissues and organs throughout the body along that particular acupuncture meridian. For example, problems with the front teeth can affect the kidney, bladder, uterus and prostate because those organs share the same acupuncture meridian.

In Closing

An integrated, biological approach to dentistry, performed by a knowledgeable practitioner, provides a more comprehensive approach to dentistry which is key to achieving optimum, overall health.

Truly qualified biological dentists are hard to find because of the training and expertise necessary to fully understand the number of specialties involved. Natural Horizons Health & Wellness Center can refer you to a number of experienced Biologic Dentists.

Who Benefits?

Anyone needing dental services and who is interested in better overall body health will benefit from biologic dentistry whether or not there are obvious symptoms in the mouth.

Schedule an Appointment

To arrange for a biologic dentist, or to learn more about this holistic practice and the many advantages it provides, contact Natural Horizons Wellness Centers at (877)-292-1571.