In using the term biological dentistry, we are not attempting to stake out a new specialty for dentistry but rather to describe a philosophy that can apply to all facets of dental practice and to health care in general: Always seek the safest, least toxic way to accomplish the mission of treatment and all the goals of modern dentistry, and do it while treading as lightly as possible on the patient’s biological terrain. A more biocompatible approach to oral health is the hallmark of biological dentistry.
By making distinctions – some obvious, and some subtle – among the available materials and procedures, we can reduce the impact on our patient’s biological responses. Our sense of duty to advocate for the well–being of our patients should make biocompatibility a high priority, and the fact that there are now so many new ways to make dentistry work better gives us the opportunity to do just that. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) is an organization for that group of dentists, physicians, and allied researchers who consider biocompatibility to be their first concern and who demand scientific evidence as their key criterion. Members of this group have, since 1984, examined, chronicled, and supported research into the distinctions that can make dental practice more biologically acceptable. This “biological dentistry” attitude can inform and intersect with all topics of conversation in health care where the well–being of the mouth is an integral part of the health of the whole person.
Nutritional status impacts all aspects of a patient’s ability to heal. Biological detoxification depends heavily on nutritional support, as does periodontal therapy or any wound healing.
Your body produces toxins during normal body functions. It is also exposed to pollutants, or toxicants, in the air, drinking water, and food. In Functional Medicine, detoxification or “detox” refers to the body’s process of making toxins, toxicants and hormones less harmful.This process is also referred to as “metabolic detoxification”.
Studies on how drugs are broken down and cleared from the body have helped us to understand the detox processes.There are well-defined pathways in the body that are responsible for changing toxicants into chemical compounds that are easier for the body to eliminate.This happens primarily through the urine or stools.
Our society is becoming more and more toxic. The constant exposure is resulting in an ever-increasing body burden, or toxic load, of chemicals. One of the most common exposures is too toxic farm chemicals: pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Other sources of toxicants include materials used in new construction, carpet chemicals that can off-gas into the air, paint, household cleaners, mixed metals used in dental repairs, synthetic materials found in dental products, and even personal hygiene products applied to face, skin, and hair. Air pollutants are found in regional or work industrial areas, primary or second-hand smoke exposure, and auto exhaust. On a daily basis, your liver, kidneys, large intestine, lymphatic system, and sweat glands work to reduce the body burden, or buildup, of these environmental contaminants.
Scientists estimate that the average adult carries within her or his body at least 700 toxins. A newborn’s body can contain over 200 toxins.
Your toxic body burden is a result of three main factors:
Toxic symptoms may occur when you reach your personal limit of accumulated toxins and are not able to clear them quickly or efficiently enough. Researchers are recognizing the following symptoms related to the buildup of toxins:
The goal of a clinically-directed metabolic detox protocol is to provide nutritional support for the pathways involved in the processing and elimination of toxins. A detox program results in improved symptoms and an increased sense of well-being for most individuals. Many who participate in a personalized detox program describe improvement in pain and fatigue levels, enhanced cognitive function and moods, more effective and satisfying sleep cycles, and weight loss.
Do you think you have high toxin exposure? Fill out the questionnaire below and call our office to discuss your treatment options?
Avoiding toxins in oral care products
Do you have questions about our approach to more complete and holistic dental care? Our patient coordinator is standing by, happy to answer any questions you have to determine if we are right for you.
Desert Ridge Medical Plaza 20950 North Tatum Blvd, Suite 300, Phoenix AZ 85050 Phone: 480.563.4141 info@go.wholehealthdentistryaz.com