Biological Dentistry: Targeting the root cause of major health issues

Ever been to an Osteopath, described a pain you want them to fix and they start working on a completely different part of your body? This is because they treat the body as a whole and understand the connections between different parts of the body, so the back pain you’ve been suffering is actually due to an unresolved issue in your ankle from 10 years ago.

Well, Biological dentists, also known as holistic or integrative dentists, are the osteopaths of the mouth. The teeth link to every element of the body, similar to the nervous system around the spine. Acupuncture meridians for the entire body end in the teeth, these meridian pathways mean that infection in specific teeth can cause more serious issues in the linked part of the body.

Traditional dentistry leaves dead tissue in the body, which harbours bacteria. Bacteria loves dark, moist, oxygen deprived places that the immune system can’t get to, so they thrive in these tooth infections. There are links between Periodontal disease and neuro inflammatory disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, one of the 5 main bacteria found in Periodontal disease, Treponema Denticola has been found in brain tissue samples from patients with Alzheimer’s.

At the core of biological dentistry is the belief that dental materials and procedures should be biocompatible, minimizing toxicity and adverse reactions. Practitioners often avoid traditional materials, such as metal fillings, opting instead for safe, natural alternatives that support the body’s healing processes. 

A common treatment in Biological dentistry is the removal of all metal fillings and replacement with natural alternatives. This commitment to biocompatibility extends to all treatments, ensuring that patients receive care that aligns with their overall health goals.

In traditional dentistry, a tooth removal would involve anaesthetic, tooth removal (simple or surgical) and blood loss prevention (packing).

In Biological dentistry, the aim is to remove the entire infection and bacteria and promote healthy regeneration of the area.

After the tooth removal, they use a combination red light lasers which annihilate the bacteria, an ozone/oxygen mix which kills any remaining bacteria and re oxygenates the area, and green light lasers to re-energize the cells in the area. Teeth are connected to the jaw bone, which is porous, so the aim is to kill any bacteria which may have travelled down the meridian pathway to other parts of the body. In some cases Biological dentists will actually use the patients own blood to create Platelet rich fibrin, a substance containing a high concentration of platelets, white blood cells (leukocytes), and fibrin, which acts as a natural scaffold to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing by releasing growth factors into the gum around the socket.

Biological dentists also prioritize preventive care and education. They focus on addressing the root causes of dental issues rather than just treating the symptoms. This includes evaluating dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and even stress levels, as these can significantly impact oral health. Traditionally, dentistry has been viewed in a separate category to general medicine, but what if we put it at the forefront? At least an initial check to see if any dental work has been done, why put all the effort into fixing a specific part of the body if the initial cause, periodontal infection, remains untreated to cause further issues down the line.

Another key aspect of biological dentistry is the emphasis on the microbiome. Biological dentists recognize that oral health is intricately linked to the balance of bacteria in the mouth and body. They promote practices that enhance this balance, such as proper nutrition, natural oral hygiene products, and lifestyle modifications that support immune function.

In addition to traditional treatments, biological dentists often incorporate alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, nutritional counselling, and homeopathy, to promote healing and well-being. This integrative approach allows for a more personalised treatment plan that aligns with each patient’s unique health needs.

Choosing biological dentistry means opting for a dental practice that prioritises your overall health. It’s an approach that recognizes the mouth as a vital part of the body and encourages a holistic view of wellness, next time you have a tooth ache or any dental work done, think if you have any other nagging issues that you’re putting down to aging, injury or some other cause, they may be linked to that tooth.