Oct
What goes into your body can significantly impact your overall health. Whether that be the foods and drinks you consume, medications you take, or materials used in whatever medical or dental procedure you may be considering.
Dr. Olivia Hart and the team at Virginia Biological Dentistry serve patients in the Richmond, Virginia, area using only treatments and materials considered biologically compatible and safe.
Biological dentistry, also referred to as holistic dentistry, is a field of dentistry that believes in not only treating your teeth but, by doing so, providing wellness to your entire body. To some, it may be an alternative to traditional dentistry.
For years, teeth were drilled, and fillings were filled. Metals, including toxic mercury, have been used for a very long time. The symptom was treated without looking at the larger picture of how the patient’s overall wellness may have been affected or been a part of the cause.
In a time when more people seek out healthy, organic foods and subscribe to healthier habits, the popularity of biological dentistry has started to skyrocket. This field of dentistry continues to evolve, and a biological dentist will practice according to the belief that treatment cannot be isolated to a single area of the body without also considering other health concerns that may be linked to patient oral health. A biological dentist will always have the connection between your oral health and overall health in mind while considering any possible treatments. As a result, Dr. Hart, as a biological dentist, will not only focus on treating symptoms but will also try to address the root causes of your dental issues and will develop her dental treatment plans with this in mind.
Is it surprising to hear that your oral health is closely connected to your overall well-being? There are many examples of how the two are linked, but we will use gum disease as a prime example.
When looking at some of the leading causes linked to chronic inflammation, gum disease is among the top. Inflammation is an essential component of your body’s healing process. When your body detects injury or foreign entities like bacteria, it sends inflammatory cells to help heal. With chronic inflammation, like what is caused by gum disease, these inflammatory cells remain in place too long.
When inflammation of the gums remains untreated, it can lead to severe health conditions, including elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, diabetes, and cancer. This is just one reason why it is so critical for your dentist to understand the connection between your mouth and your body. It allows them to treat the whole person, not just symptoms.
A biological dentist such as Dr. Hart will follow at minimum four particular methods, which set them apart from other dentists. These are:
If you want to learn more about what a biological dental office can offer you, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Olivia Hart today! Our office can be reached at (804) 381-6238.