La holistic dentistry is distinguished above all from traditional dentistry by the fact that it does not use neither mercury nor fluorine. She also insists on the use of biocompatible materials to make cavities fillings. In addition, it takes into consideration all aspects of the health of the individual. According to the logic of holistic dentistry, a caries dental or a abscess signals a more general imbalance in the body, and a diseased tooth can cause problems elsewhere in the body. Holistic dentistry also favors a healthy diet and various complementary approaches, such as homeopathy, aromatherapy, energy medicine and osteopathy, to treat health problems.

With regard to the fluoridation water, let us mention that holistic dentists believe that the different studies are too contradictory for us to be really sure of their safety. They consider that the alleged side effects, especially with regard to osteoporosis, justify banning its use, especially since a healthy diet and good hygiene would be sufficient to fight cavities.

Holistic dentists have resolved not to usemercury amalgam for filling cavities, for fear ofintoxications possible. Mercury amalgam, silver in color, commonly referred to as ” seals », Have been used by dentists for about 175 years. They are easy to use, durable and affordable. Note that, despite their name, they do not contain lead, but an alloy of metals (silver, tin, zinc, copper) and 50% mercury, a highly toxic substance if it is found in the body.

It was long believed that the mercury in amalgams could not migrate into the body. However, research carried out over the past few decades has shown that mercury vapors continually escape from the surface of the amalgam fillings and chewing and bruxism (teeth grinding) contribute to this release¹. In addition, when a filling must be removed or restored, the heat given off by the bur causes the release of mercury vapors which can be absorbed by the body if they are not properly eliminated.

The debate on the toxicity of mercury it’s nothing new^2,3. The controversy began with the introduction of mercury amalgam in the United States in the early 1830s. American dentists quickly opposed its use because of the side effects they attributed to it, such as dementia (confusional states) and motor disorders. In 1840, they created the American Society of Dental Surgeons and passed a resolution banning use. But the Society was dissolved in 1856. Three years later, the proponents of mercury amalgam created the American Dental Association (ADA), which still brings together American dentists today, and which defends the harmlessness of the drug. mercury as dental material⁴.

From the 1980s, data^2,5,6 accumulated on negative effects mercury on the health individuals andenvironment again questioned its use. Several studies have shown that mercury, when ingested, binds to body tissues, especially the kidneys, brain, lungs, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and exocrine glands. It could cause them harm. Other studies^7,8 have demonstrated that it represents a danger to the fetus. In addition, the scientific documentation⁹ reports hundreds of cases of patients suffering from chronic disorders, saw their condition improve dramatically after the removal of their mercury dental amalgam. However, given the lack of controlled studies, it is difficult to establish a causal relationship in these cases.

Mercury advocates argue that there was no evidence that the minimal quantities released by dental amalgams have a harmful effect. In addition, they noted that the use of mercury for 175 years – with no demonstrated adverse consequences – proves that it is a product very safe. However, following a comprehensive synthesis of studies published from 1997 to 2002, Sweden and Germany recommended that the use of mercury dental amalgam cease as soon as possible.^10,11. In 2008, Sweden banni, for reasons concerns, the use of any product containing mercury, including amalgams. However, the ADA considers this measure unnecessary in the United States where mercury is safely recovered.¹².

Several professional associations, including the American Dental Association⁴ and the Canadian Dental Association¹³, see no need to ban mercury,Absence conclusive evidence on his toxicity. In contrast, the Quebec Holistic Dental Association¹⁴ and the International Academy of Dentistry and Toxicology¹⁵ argue that mercury is a poison and that there is no dose that can be described as safe. In the absence of scientific certainties, the dentists of these associations invoke the principle of precaution. They claim that the potential risk that is avoided justifies the additional costs of 30% to 35% of composites used to replace mercury amalgam.

For its part, Health Canada, following the filing of a comprehensive report prepared by D^r Mark Richardson¹⁶, concluded in a document entitled The safety of amalgams dental¹ that it cannot be said that mercury amalgams present a real danger to the majority of the population, but that the Prudence is required.

Most public health authorities recommend limit the use of mercury dental amalgams and to inform the population so that they can make an informed choice on the materials available to repair dental cavities. The holistic dentists recommend using only biocompatible materials to restore cavities and replace gradually mercury amalgams. To this end, the Mercury dental amalgam ablation protocol proposes a series of measures to avoid the absorption of mercury during the installation, removal or polishing of amalgam. The dentist must, among other things, keep the amalgam froid and use a system ofaspiration throughout the operation to prevent particles from being swallowed.

Le Patient guide, published by the Quebec Holistic Dental Association, available on their site (see Reference sites), provides a lot of practical information on alternatives to mercury amalgam.

In Quebec, to consult a holistic dentist accredited, contact the Quebec Holistic Dental Association¹⁴. Elsewhere in the world, the International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology¹⁵ brings together holistic dentists from several countries.

To date, holistic dentistry has not been the subject of any scientific publication evaluating its specific benefits for oral health and in the treatment of various health problems. Consequently, it cannot be concluded that this therapy is effective in treating ailments other than those directly related to conventional dental practice.

The first meeting does not take place quite like a conventional dentist, since we are not only interested in your teeth, but also in your condition. general health, your medical history and your specific expectations. In addition, a holistic dentist will tend to give you general health advice. For example, if he notices the presence of a whitish or brownish carpet on your tongue, he may suggest that you use a tongue scraper, take homeopathic remedies or consult a doctor. naturopath. If you have gum problems, your doctor may suggest that you make a homemade toothpaste from baking soda (“little cow”). However, usual interventions such as cleaning andteeth examination, the x-rays reparation teeth, etc. proceed in much the same way as with a traditional dentist.

Training in holistic dentistry is offered in addition to already recognized dentists. She teaches, among other things, new techniques for using mercury-free materials. Courses are offered by the Académie de dentisterie biocompatible du Québec, among others.¹⁴ and the International Academy of Dentistry and Toxicology¹⁵.

Gauthier Yves. The teeth-light – Towards health through holistic dentistry, Éditions Soleil, Switzerland, 1989.

It deals with prevention, dental care, nutrition, the controversy raised by mercury amalgam, replacement materials, and gives some culinary advice …

Hervé Denis. Holistic dentistry: A multidisciplinary therapeutic approach, Louise Courteau, Canada, 1991.

A comprehensive book that demystifies holistic dentistry.

The section Online Store of the HugNet site offers books and videos in English produced by Dr.^r Huggins, one of the American pioneers in the research of biocompatible dental materials. [Accessed October 13, 2006].

www.hugnet.com

International Academy of Dentistry and Toxicology

International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT)

Since 1984, the IAOMT has brought together doctors, dentists and researchers concerned about the biocompatibility of dental materials and who dispute the use of mercury.

www.iaomt.org

Quebec Association of Holistic Dentistry

The site provides extensive information on holistic dentistry and the potential dangers of amalgam containing mercury. There are also contact details for holistic dentists.

www.amdhq.qc.ca

Canadian Dental Association

The Frequently Asked Questions on dental amalgam is particularly enlightening.

www.cda-adc.ca

HugNet

The site of Dr. Hal A. Huggins, a specialist in research into biocompatible dental materials, presents educational materials for the general public and professionals.

www.hugnet.com

No to dental mercury

An association campaigning in France against the use of toxic materials for dental restorations.

http://nonaumercuredentaire.free.fr

SEVA

Another militant association, from Switzerland this time, which offers, in French, information on the toxicity of mercury; studies, testimonies, reports, etc.

www.sevaonline.com