What's Included in Holistic Dentistry?

When you think about your dental health, you might focus on cleanings, fillings, and the occasional X-ray. But what if your dental health doesn’t just affect your mouth? What if it impacts your entire body? 

That's the philosophy behind holistic dentistry, and it's why Dr. Ed Trizzino’s approach to dental care goes beyond just treating your teeth — it's about supporting your overall health.

Learn more about holistic dentistry and what’s included in the holistic dentistry services here at Smiles of Atlanta.

What’s included in holistic dentistry?

At the heart of holistic dentistry is the theory that your oral health is deeply connected to your entire body. This is known as the mouth-body connection. Your oral health can impact your physical health; it’s not just an isolated part of you.

For example, a specific type of bacteria related to gum disease (P. gingivalis) can increase your risk of dementia. It’s just one way your mouth and the rest of your body are connected.

This interconnectedness shapes what Dr. Trizzino and the Smiles of Atlanta team offer here in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Holistic dentistry includes:

Comprehensive consultations

As with conventional dentistry, holistic dentistry starts off with a consultation. Dr. Trizzino begins with a comprehensive consultation that considers more than just your dental history. 

He examines how factors like nutrition, airway health, and body chemistry impact your dental health. For example, proper nutrition, including vital supplements like vitamins D3, K2, calcium, and magnesium, helps promote strong teeth and gums, while a deficiency can detract from your oral health. 

Dr. Trizzino also diagnoses jaw problems and airway obstructions, which can impact your sleep, energy levels, and even your cardiovascular health.

Dental cleanings

Dental cleanings are part of holistic dentistry. After your Smiles of Atlanta hygienist cleans your teeth, Dr. Trizzino conducts an oral cancer screening, examines your mouth, looks for any potential red flags, and inspects any current restorations.

Routine cleanings are an important part of your oral health care because they can discover issues early on. You can get started with the treatment before a small issue snowballs into a bigger one.

Mercury-free fillings

If you have older amalgam (silver) fillings that contain mercury — one of the top 10 chemicals that pose a public health threat, according to the World Health Organization — you might wonder if you’re stuck with your filling. The answer is no. Amalgam fillings can be removed. 

Dr. Trizzino takes special care in removing these fillings safely. During the procedure, he uses a rubber dam to isolate your tooth, provides oxygen through a nasal hood, and uses high-volume suction to minimize your exposure to mercury vapors. 

Restorations with biocompatible materials

Restorations here at Smiles of Atlanta are made of biocompatible materials — those that work harmoniously with your body's natural chemistry. Dr. Trizzino and his team use materials that are safe and effective. 

For example, if you need a filling, you’re not stuck with amalgam or harmful plastics. Our team uses BPA-free composite resin for fillings, which avoids the potential health risks associated with certain plastics.

Treatments that benefit your entire body

If you’re wondering whether you can benefit from holistic dentistry, the answer lies in the understanding that your mouth isn’t isolated from the rest of your body. Dental issues can lead to problems in other areas of your body. 

For example, missing teeth can lead to pain when chewing, and if you can’t eat properly, you might not get the nutrients you need.  

Oral infections can also spread beyond your mouth. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can lead to chronic pain and headaches.

Treatments for all of these dental issues — whether that’s missing teeth, oral infections, or crooked teeth — can impact your entire mind and body. Replacing missing teeth can restore your confidence, improve your ability to eat, and restore clear speech. 

The bottom line is that these holistic dentistry treatments affect your entire person, not just your mouth.

Get started with holistic dentistry today

Whether you’re new to the idea of holistic dentistry or you’ve been searching for someone to remove amalgam fillings, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Trizzino at 770-407-8459.

You can also click here to book an appointment online and experience the benefits of holistic dentistry for yourself.