The Natural of Appeal Holistic Dentistry

By: Estelle Sobel

I have always been afraid of going to the dentist. Something about the drills, the injections, even the gas gave me the chills (and not in a good way). That all changed the day I walked into the office of Linda Golden, DDS, a Manhasset, NY-based dentist who specializes in "distraction dentistry" which can be a comforting part of holistic dental care.

Courtesy of Dr. Golden’s artistry, I sport beautiful porcelain laminates that look entirely natural. But most importantly, I no longer get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach any-more at the thought of going to the dentist. Perhaps it’s because the minute I walk into Dr. Golden’s office, I can plunk myself down in her deluxe massage chair, or better yet, take advantage of a on-premise masseuse who uses a combination of Swedish and shiatsu techniques to get the kinks out of my neck and back. Later as Dr. Golden works on me, the masseuse works reflexology magic on my feet and hands. Most of the time, I feel like I’m at a spa instead of at the dentist and that’s just fine with me.

"I do try to create a spa-like atmosphere to help my patients relax," says Golden. "While in the chair, patients can relax, watch a movie (on video, complete with headphones), get a massage, listen to music. We also offer them coffee or tea, ad a blanket t rest with before, during and after treatment. An added benefit is that when my patients are relaxed, I can on their teeth with a minimal pressure from them to get it done faster."

Holistic dentistry recognizes the relationship between the mouth and overall health and tries to enhance the patient’s health and well being while doing the least amount of harm in any course of treatment, according to the Holistic Dental Association in Durango, CO. Since dentists can’t get specialized training or accreditation in "holistic" forms of dentistry, most, like Dr. Golden, are satisfied to simply apply the principles to their practices in a number of ways.

"We do everything that a regular dentist would do, except we understand the relationship between how the teeth can affect the rest of the body, based on the nutrition and lifestyle habits of the person," says Reid Winick, DDS, a Manhattan and Manhasset, NY-based holistic dentist.

Kristina Saljanin, 30, who admits to having been "petrified by dentists" in the past, is thrilled with her treatment by Dr. Winick. She especially liked that his assistant rubbed an acupuncture pressure point between her index finger and thumb while she got an injection so she wouldn’t feel the needle too much. "He also suggested I get myrrh oil and rub it on my gums after he worked on a cavity, and he gave me a sugar-and fluoride-free toothpaste and oral rinse, and recommended I use an oral irrigator instead of flossing."

Cor Van Huemen, 41 from Kansas City, MO, found a local holistic dentist to replace his amalgams. David Dowling, DDS, tested him for allergies to standard dental products, suggest epoxies, fillings and crown replacements, and tested each tooth for its polarity, to see which he needed to work on first. "He also suggested I take coQ10 and vitamin E in limited amounts. I’ve been thrilled with the results."

CoQ10, available as a dietary supplement, is a natural substance used by every cell in the body to produce energy. Some experts believe it can help reduce blood pressure. It is also frequently used by people suffering congestive heart failure.

Simple relaxation techniques can go a long way in dental treatments. A study at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed the use of a warm eye mask and a massaging pillow can reduce pain, according to Dr. Andre K. Mickel, DDS, MSD, an endodontist (root canal specialist) in private practice who headed the study. In his practice, Mickel offers patients herbal tea and soft, classical music.

Many conventional dentists have adopted at least some form of holistic practices. Stephen Z. Wolner, DDS, a Manhattan-based dentist, uses a non-surgical treatment for bacterial-caused periodontal disease. Bacterial periodontal disease, according to the American Academy of periodontology, strikes more than 75% of American over the age of 35 and is the primary cause of tooth loss in US adults.

The most common method of treating periodontal disease is surgery-a painful, expensive and often ineffective treatment.

"I believe that surgery should be the last resort, not the first," says Wolner, who restores the natural balance of bacteria in the mouththrough a three-month regimen of antibiotics, boasting a 95% success rate.

"I use an ultrasonic cleaning device in conjunction with antiseptics to reduce bacteria to extremely low levels, and when necessary I prescribe an antibiotic for acute infections. I also recommend supplements, such as coenzymeQ10 (120 milligrams), vitamin E (400 IU), calcium (1200 milligrams) and vitamin D (400 IU), which is essential for optimum calcium absorption," says Dr. Wolner , whose home care program also involves the use of an electric power toothbrush, tongue cleaning device and an oral irrigation unit. Other suggestions: limit red meat to no more than once or twice a week, as its high level of phosphorus may lower your calcium absorption, and avoid cola and caffeinated coffee.

Dr. Winick also uses a non-surgical, nutritional approach to gum and periodontal disease, favoring herbal medicines and supplements. "We use a number of natural oil/herb based formulas that are preservative, chemical, and fluoride-free, with which to kill bacteria. We also use a magnetic irrigator, that I tell my patients to add antimicrobial tea tree oil to. Not only is the bacteria killed this way, but the water is polarized, so it repels bacteria from teeth." Dr. Winick recommends his patients supplement with antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, garlic (90-100 milligrams), coenzyme Q10, and grapeseed extract.

Although the American Dental Association (ADA) reassures us that the silver/mercury amalgam filling, which have been used to fill cavities for the past 160 years, are perfectly safe, others disagree. Organizations such as The Holistic Dental Association, The Foundation for Toxic Free Dentistry and the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology oppose the use of silver amalgams, believing that the mercury in amalgam is linked to health problems.

According to Michael F. Ziff, DDS executive director of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, an antimercury organization, several countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Austria, Germany, England and Canada, have issued advisories stating that mercury-containing amalgams can be dangerous in the mouths of children under the age of six, people with kidney problems and pregnant women. A 1997 report by the US Environmental protection Agency says nothing deposits more inorganic mercury into the body than feelings. Silver amalgams have been shown to be responsible for increasing mercury, a problematic substance in the body (Arch Environ Health 1996 May-Jun, 51(3): 234; Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed 1994, 104(11): 1336-40; J Dent Res 1998 Mar, 77(3): 461-71).

Newer porcelain, ceramic and resin filling cost about 20% to 100% more than amalgams and many insurance companies won’t cover the difference. Before removing amalessential fatty acids, flaxseed, evening primrose oil, DHAs, plus drink a lot of water and exercise."

Tools of the Trade

Many holistic dentist are using lasers in place of traditional drills along with alternatives to amalgam fillings. Dr. Richard Hansen, DDS, in Fullerton, CA, uses a Hydrokinetic hard tissue laser that uses sterilized water to cut enamel, dentin and carry away decay, without the need for anesthesia, needles or the drill. Because the laser cauterizes nerve ending, expose and infected tissue feels less sensitive.

In other offices, people uncomfortable with the noise and vibration of a drill can opt for air abrasion, where a thin stream of aluminum oxide particles driven by compressed air sprays away tooth decay, on or close to the surface of the teeth. Because the tool used is non invasive, no anesthetic is usually required, making it an ideal treatment for small children of fearful patients …like me.

All of these kinds of measures are changing the face of dentistry to a kinder, gentler profession.

The term "periodontal" means "located around a tooth," and periodontal disease infects gums or other teeth-supporting structures.

Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, describes the early and reversible stage of periodontal disease.

Nearly 20 percent of working Americans between the ages of 55 and 64 suffer advance gum disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease loosens teeth, hampers speaking and chewing and causes tooth loss.

Plaque (colorless, sticky film that constantly forms on the teeth and contains bacteria, mucus and food particles) under the gum line is one of the main causes of gingivitis. When bacteria in plaque contact sugars and starches in our mouths, the bacteria produce an acid that attacks tooth enamel, leading o tooth decay. The gums become infected, causing pockets to form between teeth and gums that trap more plaque. Left untreated, gingivitis (puffy, red, bleeding gums) makes way for advance periodontal disease, destroying bone in the jaw and its supporting tissues.

As we age, gum disease replaces cavities as the greatest tooth-related concern. The good news: just two visits to the dentist each year combined with impeccable oral hygiene can save your teeth by preventing or curing gingivitis. But the key to healthy pearly whites is excellent oral care at home.

Spend time on your teeth. Allow 15-20 minutes each night before bedtime to floss, brush and use an herbal rinse. Follow flossing by brushing with a soft, small-headed toothbrush. Don’t scrub side to side; doing so destroys tooth enamel. Move the bristles in circular motions over teeth and gums.

When you’re done brushing, use a gum stimulator to apply gentle pressure taps on the gum between your teeth.

When you’re through brushing, swish a capful of herbal rinse in your mouth for 30 seconds. Aside from leaving fresh scent and taste, an herbal rinse may help soothe swollen, irritated gums and make your mouth feel better.

Herbs benefit the gums the same way they benefit the skin.

Good-for-the-gums herbal rinses include:

• Echinacea, used by Native Americans to treat abscesses and wounds; fights bacteria and stimulates the immune system.
• Goldenseal, also used by Native Americans, treats wounds and inflammation.
• Grapefruit seed extract, reputed to kill germs.
• Bloodroot, a Native American remedy once used to treat skin ulcers, is now linked to preventing cavities and destroying germs that cause plaque
• Calendula, a natural antiseptic used to treat cuts, sores and burns.
• Aloe, an herb that treats damaged tissue.

A poor diet can contribute to gum disease by causing an imbalance in certain proteins and minerals. This imbalance allows more bacteria to collect on the plaque on the teeth.

Holistic dentist Victor Zeines, DDS, tells his patients "to change their diet. The American diet of today is not fit human consumption, because it’s high in fat and cholesterol from meat. The ideal diet is largely grains, vegetables and fruit." Meat and junk food, he says, are a major cause of dental problems. Dr. Zeines recommends body detoxification, an internal cleansing to rid the body of wastes.

He suggests: Eat a natural diet, high in fruits and vegetables; drink two quarts of distilled water each day; take a high potency vitamin/mineral supplement; take the herb milk thistle (a natural detoxifier); take vitamin C with bioflavonoids (deficiencies of vitamin C are thought to allow toxins, like those from the bacteria in plaque, to permeate, like psyllium seed, nightly; decrease consumption of caffeinated beverages.

The health of your gum tissue depends on fulfilling its nutritional needs. Make sure your diet supplies enough vitamin A as well as Zinc. Zinc acts with vitamin A to reduce healing time.

A deficiency of vitamin A is thought to be a cause of periodontal disease. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant, which, according to Dr. Zeines, can help reverse periodontal disease, Vitamin E and selenium, too, have been shown to have beneficial affects against periodontal disease.

According to Dr. Zeines, "Healing can be enhanced by good diet rich in nutrients and high in fiber with a decrease or absence of caffeine and smoking. By changing the body’s chemistry and enhancing the immune system, periodontal problems can be greatly reduced."

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