Toxic free dental care has been becoming a major trend in oral health over the past few years but why is that? The fact is that traditional dentistry uses many chemicals to care for teeth and treat diseases. But holistic dentistry, with its emphasis on natural and toxic free dental care methods, not only helps with oral health but also the health of the whole body. Holistic dentists offer treatments with the help of biocompatible materials and natural alternatives and consider oral health to be related to the health of the entire body. You too can ensure your health without the presence of toxic and chemical substances by following a few simple principles and natural oral care. So let’s learn more about holistic dentistry, its methods, and toxin-free dental care at home.

What Is A Dental Detox

As we mentioned earlier, holistic dentistry believes that oral health directly affects the health of the entire body and vice versa. So, reasonably enough, the major focus of this dentistry field is on the use of biocompatible materials (mercury-free and free from toxic substances), natural treatment methods (such as Oil Pulling, Ozone Therapy, and herbal mouthwashes), toxic free dental care, and a nutritious diet and lifestyle.

Therefore, when we talk about dental detoxification in biological dentistry, we are talking about the removal of chemical and toxic substances from the body (e.g., mercury from fillings) and the removal of bacteria and inflammatory factors from the mouth using natural methods.

The Importance of Toxin-Free Materials

When we talk about “non-toxic” or “biocompatible materials” in holistic dentistry, we mean materials that are used in the human body but do not cause any harmful, toxic, or allergic reactions. These materials are designed to be compatible with living tissues of the body and do not endanger the general health of the person.

One of the toxins in some resins and composites is BPA. This substance can disrupt the body’s endocrine system by mimicking the action of the hormone estrogen. Though health organizations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have stated that the amount of BPA leached from dental materials is very minute and harmless, holistic dentistry believes that exposure to the substance, especially in children and pregnant women, can be attributed to issues such as behavioral problems, early puberty, and metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. All these can be addressed by using BPA-free dental materials.

Amalgam (silver fillings) is another toxic material that is not used in toxic free dental care and holistic dentistry. It is made up of about 50% mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Though the amount of mercury released from amalgam has been vouched as safe by major health organizations such as the FDA, in biological dentistry, the material is “toxic” and thus not used due to mercury’s toxicity and concerns about its bioaccumulation in the body. Composites are an excellent alternative to the conventional amalgam fillings that are not only tooth-colored and more pleasing but also contain no toxic substances.

Non-Toxic Dental Materials And Methods

There are various ways of curing and preventing oral disease. One of the first things that holistic dentists perform on their patients is a preventive diagnosis. They want to find out the cause of oral problems, such as infection or inflammation, so that they can treat them before they become serious and prevent invasive procedures. Therefore, it is best to visit your dentist once every six months for an examination and check-up.

But therapies should also be non-toxic. In holistic dentistry, newer technologies, such as lasers for root canal treatments, are sometimes used to avoid chemicals or more invasive methods.

Ozone Therapy

One of the toxic free dental care procedures is Ozone Therapy. Ozone Therapy is a biological dental procedure in which ozone gas (O₃) is used to disinfect and treat oral tissues. It is called a chemical and more invasive procedure alternative due to the strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties of ozone. Ozone therapy is used to kill decay-causing bacteria in its early stages and aid in tooth enamel remineralization, heal gum disease, and treat root canal infections.

Composite or Porcelain Fillings

The truth about conventional dental fillings is that they are made up of amalgam which consists of over 50% of mercury. Mercury is a very toxic metal and unfortunately it vaporizes in your mouth as you chew daily. You can opt for toxic free dentistry by replacing existing amalgam fillings with new fillings made of biocompatible material such as composite resin or porcelain (ceramic). This process is called the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (a.k.a SMART). Even if you need a new filling, you can opt for a non-toxic material to fill the tooth.

Detoxify Your Oral Care Routine

You can start toxic free dental care at home. Let us look at some natural, non-toxic ways of teeth care. These are not temporary trends; these are lifestyle choices you can undertake.

Brushing Your Teeth Properly

Holistic dentists usually recommend that people brush their teeth using fluoride-free toothpaste. The reason for this is the belief that fluoride is toxic in large quantities and has a negative effect on the thyroid gland and the nervous system. Therefore, toothpastes, mouthwashes, and fluoridated water are not used in holistic treatment.

A few of the substitutes for fluoride toothpaste include hydroxyapatite toothpaste, xylitol toothpaste, baking soda toothpaste, and herbal toothpaste containing tea tree oil, neem, and clove.

Using Non-Toxic Dental Floss

Regular flossing maintains cleanliness and removes trapped food particles and plaque between your teeth. Most standard flosses carry a coating of synthetic waxes, and even harmful chemicals like PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are difficult to degrade in the environment and the human body, accumulate over time, and may be linked to health problems, including immune system problems, endocrine disruptions, and cancer. Hence, if you are looking for toxic free dental care, holistic dentistry suggests using natural biodegradable floss made of silk or other biodegradable products.

Check this guide out on how to choose a toxin free dental floss.

Oil Pulling

One of the most popular toxic free dental care practices in biological dentistry, rooted in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, has been used to purify the mouth for thousands of years. The best time to do oil pulling is in the morning on an empty stomach. This is because bacteria accumulate in the mouth overnight, and doing this in the morning kills them. But if you have no time for this, do this two to three times a week. For oil pulling, put a tablespoon of oil (coconut, sesame, or olive oil) in your mouth and swish it around for 15 to 20 minutes, and then spit it out. This will not only reduce bacteria and plaque but also maintain healthy gums.

We have a whole other blog on oil pulling so make sure to check it out here.

Tongue Cleaning

Your toxic free dental care does not stop with brushing your teeth. Tongue brushing will further improve your mouth health by reducing bacteria and halitosis. You can use a tongue scraper to brush your tongue. Of course, most toothbrushes also feature a rough surface at the rear for tongue cleaning.

Using Herbal Mouthwashes

Switch from alcohol-based and fluoride mouthwashes to herbal mouthwashes. Salt water is a natural, ancient mouthwash and disinfectant that will calm minor inflammation and reduce bacteria. Green tea infusion is another natural mouthwash that will keep your mouth fresh.

Proper Nutrition

Something that makes a huge difference in oral health and is easily neglected is good nutrition. Bacteria in our mouths love to feed on sugar, so less sugar consumption means less bacteria. Conversely, hard foods such as carrots and celery encourage saliva flow in the mouth and allow the mouth to clean itself naturally. Proper consumption of calcium, vitamin D, and foods containing antioxidants also serves to harden tooth enamel and gums.

Healthy Teeth In Harmony With Nature

Toxic free dental care can help you have a fresh mouth, healthy teeth, and a healthy body overall. In order to prevent any disease, it is better to visit the dentist regularly in addition to natural care and make sure that your teeth are healthy. Aria Dental benefits from the presence of the most experienced holistic dentists and the latest technologies. As a result, you can book a consultation with peace of mind and use the most advanced dental services.