Holistic dentistry

Short description: Alternative medicine for dentistry

This article is part of a series on

Alternative and pseudo‑medicine

General information

* Alternative medicine
* Alternative veterinary medicine
* Quackery (Health fraud)
* History of alternative medicine
* Rise of modern medicine
* Pseudoscience
* Antiscience
* Skepticism
* Skeptical movement
* National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
* Terminology of alternative medicine

Fringe medicine and science

* Acupressure
* Acupuncture
* Anthroposophic medicine
* Apitherapy
* Applied kinesiology
* Aromatherapy
* Auriculotherapy
* Bach flower remedies
* Bates method
* Biorhythm
* Black salve
* Bodywork
* Bonesetter
* Bowen technique
* Breathwork
* Camel urine
* Cow urine
* Cancer treatments
* Greek cancer cure
* Charcoal cleanse
* Chiropractic
* Chiropractic treatment techniques
* Vertebral subluxation
* Christian Science
* Chromotherapy
* Colon cleansing
* Coffee enema
* Colorpuncture
* Craniosacral therapy
* Crystal healing
* Cupping therapy
* Detoxification
* Foot baths
* Duesberg hypothesis
* Ear candling
* Energy medicine
* Esoteric energy
* Therapeutic touch
* Facilitated communication
* Feldenkrais Method
* Functional medicine
* Hair analysis
* Herbal medicine
* Holistic dentistry
* Hologram bracelet
* Homeopathy
* Biological terrain assessment
* Hypnotherapy
* Iridology
* Ionized jewelry
* Lightning Process
* Lymphotherapy
* Medical intuitive
* Mesmerism
* Magnet therapy
* Manual therapy
* Megavitamin therapy
* Mind–body interventions
* MMS
* Myofascial release
* NAET
* Naturopathy
* Oil pulling
* Orgone
* Orthomolecular medicine
* Orthopathy
* Osteomyology
* Osteopathy
* Parapsychology
* Phrenology
* Psychic surgery
* Psychodermatology
* Radionics
* Rapid prompting method
* RBOP
* Reiki
* Reflexology
* Rolfing
* Scientific racism
* ThetaHealing
* Thought Field Therapy
* Urine therapy
* Urophagia
* Vaginal steaming
* Vision therapy
* Vitalism
* Young blood transfusion
* Zero balancing

Conspiracy theories

* Anti-fluoridation/Water fluoridation movement
* Anti-vaccination
* Vaccines causing autism
* Big Pharma conspiracy theory
* GMO conspiracy theories
* HIV/AIDS denialism
* Discredited HIV/AIDS origins theories
* OPV AIDS hypothesis

Classifications

* Allopathic medicine
* Alternative medical systems
* Mind–body intervention
* Biologically-based therapy
* Manipulative methods
* Energy therapy

Traditional medicine

* African
* Muti
* South African
* Ayurveda
* Ayurvedic acupressure
* Dosha
* Maharishi Vedic Approach to Health
* Balneotherapy
* Brazilian
* Bush medicine
* Cambodian
* Chinese
* Blood stasis
* Chinese herbology
* Dit Da
* Gua sha
* Gill plate trade
* Meridian
* Moxibustion
* Pressure point
* Qi
* San Jiao
* Tui na
* Zang-fu
* Chumash
* Curandero
* Faith healing
* Iranian
* Jamu
* Kambo
* Japanese
* Korean
* Mien Shiang
* Mongolian
* Prophetic medicine
* Shamanism
* Shiatsu
* Siddha
* Sri Lankan
* Thai massage
* Tibetan
* Unani
* Vietnamese

Diagnoses

* Adrenal fatigue
* Aerotoxic syndrome
* Autistic enterocolitis
* Candida hypersensitivity
* Chronic Lyme disease
* Electromagnetic hypersensitivity
* Heavy legs
* Leaky gut syndrome
* Multiple chemical sensitivity
* Wilson's temperature syndrome
* Wind turbine syndrome

* v
* t
* e

Holistic dentistry, also called biological dentistry, biologic dentistry, alternative dentistry, unconventional dentistry, biocompatible dentistry or biomimetic dentistry, is the equivalent of complementary and alternative medicine for dentistry. As such, it typically incorporates pseudoscientific beliefs and practices.[1]

Although the holistic dental community is diverse in its practices and approaches, common threads include strong opposition to the use of amalgam in dental fillings, nonsurgical approaches to gum disease, and the belief that root canal treatments may endanger systemic health of the patient through the spread of trapped dental bacteria to the body. Many dentists who use these terms regard water fluoridation unfavorably.

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Criticisms
* 3 See also
* 4 References

## History

Holistic dentistry can be traced to the research of Weston A. Price, who blamed tooth decay on modern Western diet habits such as consumption of white flour, pasteurized milk, and processed sugar, which he also linked to criminal behavior. Price's theories were expanded by Melvin E. Page and Hal Huggins, who promoted the pseudoscientific idea of "balancing body chemistry".[2]

The Holistic Dental Network defines the field as: "an approach to Dentistry that promotes health and wellness instead of the treatment of disease. This approach to Dentistry encompasses both modern science and knowledge drawn from the world's great traditions of natural healing...Holistic Dentistry acknowledges and deals with the mind, body, and spirit of the patient, not just his or her "Teeth".[3] They attempt to coin the following basic principles as being unique to holistic dentistry:[3]

* Proper nutrition for the prevention and reversal of degenerative dental disease
* Avoidance and elimination of toxins from dental materials
* Prevention and treatment of dental malocclusion (bite problems=physical imbalance)
* Prevention and treatment of gum disease at its biological basis

The Holistic Dental Association writes of that organization's founding: "In 1978, concerned, dedicated dentists came together to share their common interest in treatment modalities that were not included in the dental school curriculum. Some of these modalities were very new, and others were very old; the one thing that they shared in common was that they offered additional options for treatment. These dentists wished to establish an organization that would provide a forum for the development and sharing of health-promoting therapies. A shift from the early emphasis of the dentist on modalities to a consideration of the attitudes and feelings of the patient and the dentist has occurred. But the primary goal to teach and to learn has not changed since the founding members first met."[4]

## Criticisms

The techniques and services practitioners of holistic or biological dentistry offer vary greatly. While many conventional dentists recognize there is significant merit to different preventative approaches to dentistry, some of these dentists have criticized holistic practices for a lack of efficacy of approach and false marketing in their practices.[5][6]

Many mainstream dental community and skeptics of alternative medicine criticize the practices and opinions among alternative dentists as not being evidence-based.

A significant part of the critique of holistic dentistry is related to the unsubstantiated use of certain services and treatments, many of which have either been investigated and found ineffective or have not been researched enough to be declared safe and effective for practice.[5] For example, herbal remedies are often recommended in the form of mouthwash and toothpaste to prevent or treat certain dental conditions.[6] They are supposedly safer products because they are 'natural.' However, there is a lack of scientific research that supports such treatments,[7] and in fact, herbal remedies have been found to impact the safety of more invasive or prolonged dental procedures, and can lead to additional complications if they interact with a patient's current medications.[8] However, some traditional herbal dental techniques, such as the use of the Miswak stick is of possible effectiveness.[9] However, the realm of herbal dental hygiene remains a largely understudied realm, and further rigorous scientific evaluations will be necessary to determine the efficacy of different methods.

Some critics of holistic dentistry practice also note that the methodologies and equipment used during treatment are not science-backed. A potential example of this is the Cavitat, a non-validated ultrasound device purported to be able to detect alleged lesions described as "cavitations" (see: neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis), or the non-evidence-based utilization of breathing apparatus by certain "biologic dentists" during removal of amalgam fillings, intended to reduce mercury toxicity by eliminating inhaled airborne material. However, others argue that such practices are not representative of the entire field of holistic dentistry.

## See also

* Dentistry
* Root canal
* Dental spa
* Gum disease
* Alternative medicine
* Focal infection theory
* Weston Price
* George Meinig
* Dental amalgam controversy

## References

1. ↑ Dodes, John (June 2013). "Holistic dentistry – pseudoscience in the 21st century". Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 18 (2): 101–102. doi:10.1111/fct.12019.
2. ↑ Jarvis, William T. (1990). "Dubious Dentistry". Loma Linda University. pp. 16-20
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "What is Holistic Dentistry?". Holistic Dental Network. http://www.holisticdentalnetwork.com/HolisticDentistry.php.
4. ↑ "Holistic Dental Association - About Us". Holisticdental.org. http://www.holisticdental.org/aboutholisticdentistry.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Goldstein, B.H. (2000). "Unconventional dentistry: Part I. Introduction.". Journal of the Canadian Dental Association 66 (6): 323–326. PMID 10927899.
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Thakur, N.; Bagewadi, A.; Keluskar, V. (2011). "Holistic dentistry: Natural approaches to oral health.". Journal of International Oral Health 3 (2): 9–12.
7. ↑ Goldstein, B.H.; Epstein, J.B. (2000). "Unconventional dentistry: Part IV. Unconventional dental practices and products.". Journal of the Canadian Dental Association 66 (10): 564–568. PMID 12584780.
8. ↑ Little, J.W. (2004). "Complementary and alternative medicine: Impact on dentistry.". Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology 98 (2): 137–145. doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.05.011. PMID 15316539.
9. ↑ "Periodontal treatment needs among Saudi Arabian adults and their relationship to the use of the Miswak.". Community Dental Health 8 (4): 323–328. 2003. ISSN 0265-539X. PMID 1790476.

* v
* t
* e

Dentistry

Specialties|

* Endodontics
* Oral and maxillofacial pathology
* Oral and maxillofacial radiology
* Oral and maxillofacial surgery
* Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
* Pediatric dentistry
* Periodontics
* Prosthodontics
* Dental public health
* Cosmetic dentistry
* Dental implantology
* Geriatric dentistry
* Restorative dentistry
* Forensic odontology
* Dental traumatology
* Holistic dentistry

Dental surgery|

* Dental extraction
* Tooth filling
* Root canal therapy
* Root end surgery
* Scaling and root planing
* Teeth cleaning
* Dental bonding
* Tooth polishing
* Tooth bleaching
* Socket preservation
* Dental implant

Organisations|

* American Association of Orthodontists
* British Dental Association
* British Dental Health Foundation
* British Orthodontic Society
* Canadian Association of Orthodontists
* Dental Technologists Association
* General Dental Council
* Indian Dental Association
* National Health Service

See also|

* Index of oral health and dental articles
* Outline of dentistry and oral health
* Dental fear
* Dental instruments
* Dental material
* History of dental treatments
* Infant oral mutilation
* Mouth assessment
* Oral hygiene

* v
* t
* e

Pseudoscience

Terminology|

* Cargo cult science
* Charlatan
* Crank
* Fringe theory
* Fringe science
* Pseudoarchaeology
* Pseudohistory
* Junk science
* Paranormal
* Pathological science
* Quackery
* Snake oil
* Superseded scientific theory
* True-believer syndrome
* Voodoo Science

Topics
characterized as
pseudoscience|

* 2012 phenomenon
* Acupuncture
* Adrenal fatigue
* Alchemy
* Alternative medicine
* Ancient astronauts
* Anthroposophic medicine
* Applied kinesiology
* Aquatic ape hypothesis
* Astrology
* Bates method
* Biodynamic agriculture
* Bloodletting
* Body memory
* Catastrophism
* Chiropractic
* Chromotherapy
* Conspiracy theory
* 9/11 conspiracy theories
* Chemtrail conspiracy theory
* Climate change denial
* Moon landing conspiracy theories
* Conversion therapy
* Creation science
* Cryonics
* Cryptozoology
* Crystal healing
* Detoxification
* Colon cleansing
* Dianetics
* Doctrine of signatures
* Doktor Koster's Antigaspills
* Dowsing
* Ear candling
* Electromagnetic hypersensitivity
* Electronic voice phenomenon
* Eugenics
* Facilitated communication
* Feng shui
* Flat Earth theory
* Germ theory denialism
* Graphology
* HIV/AIDS denialism
* Hollow Earth theory
* Homeopathy
* Humorism
* Indigo children
* Intelligent design
* Japhetic theory
* Levitation
* Lunar effect
* Lysenkoism
* Magnet therapy
* Mediumship
* Naturopathy
* Nazi archaeology
* Nibiru cataclysm
* Numerology
* Orgone
* Palmistry
* Perpetual motion
* Phrenology
* Polygraph
* Primal therapy
* Pseudoarchaeology
* Pseudohistory
* Genocide denial
* Historical negationism
* Holocaust denial
* Pseudoscientific metrology
* Psychohistory
* Quantum mysticism
* Rapid prompting method
* Recovered-memory therapy
* Reiki
* Scientific racism
* Aryan race
* Melanin theory
* Trepanning
* Ufology
* Vertebral subluxation
* Voice stress analysis
* Water memory
* Cowpathy

Promoters of pseudoscience|

* Andrew Wakefield
* Deepak Chopra
* Gaia, Inc.
* Goop (company)
* Jenny McCarthy
* Mehmet Oz
* William Donald Kelley

Related topics|

* Bourgeois pseudoscience
* Demarcation problem
* Scientific method
* Suppressed research in the Soviet Union
* Traditional medicine

Resources|

* Committee for Skeptical Inquiry
* Cults of Unreason
* Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience
* Fads and Fallacies in the Name of Science
* Quackwatch
* JREF
* The Psychology of the Occult
* The Ragged Edge of Science
* The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience
* Skeptical Inquirer
* The Skeptic's Dictionary

List of topics characterized as pseudoscience

0.00

(0 votes)

Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holistic dentistry. Read more

|

Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Unsolved:Holistic_dentistry&oldid=4355761"
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template