When it comes to looking after your smile, you have more options than ever before. While most people are familiar with traditional dentistry, there’s growing interest in what’s known as “holistic dentistry”. Which is a more personalised and wellness-focused approach to dental care.
At Dental and Skin Clinic in East Bentleigh, we’re often asked about the difference between holistic and traditional dentistry. This blog breaks it down in simple terms, so you can make informed choices about your dental health.
What is Traditional Dentistry?
Traditional dentistry focuses on diagnosing and treating problems in teeth, gums, and mouth using clinically proven methods. It includes routine check-ups, fillings, crowns, extractions, and other treatments that restore function and manage disease.
Traditional dentistry plays a key role in preventing and managing oral health issues. It’s based on up-to-date science, clinical guidelines, and decades of research. Most general dental practices, including ours, use traditional principles as a foundation for safe, effective care.
What is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry looks at oral health as part of a person’s overall wellbeing. Rather than just treating symptoms, a holistic approach considers lifestyle, habits, diet, breathing, and other factors that may be linked to dental health.
It also places greater emphasis on prevention and use of materials that are selected with individual sensitivities or preferences in mind. While still using clinically sound techniques, holistic dentistry focuses on minimally invasive treatments where suitable and encourages long-term support for the whole person.
Key Differences Between Holistic and Traditional Dentistry
Focus and Philosophy
- Traditional dentistry focuses on diagnosing and fixing dental issues (like tooth decay, gum disease, or bite problems).
- Holistic dentistry considers the root causes of those issues and how they may be connected to general health, aiming to support balance and prevention over time.
Material Choices
- In traditional dentistry, a wide range of restorative materials may be used based on function, durability, and availability.
- Holistic dentistry often avoids materials like amalgam or BPA-based plastics when suitable alternatives exist, and may offer biocompatibility testing for patients with sensitivities.
Treatment Techniques
- Traditional dentistry may use more invasive approaches when required, such as drilling, local anaesthetic, or surgical gum treatments.
- A holistic approach aims to preserve natural tooth structure and may offer non-invasive alternatives where appropriate, such as BPA-free gum coverings or breathing support to help manage grinding.
View of the Body
- Traditional care typically treats oral health issues as localised problems.
- Holistic care considers how the mouth, jaw, airway, and body systems interact. For example, how poor breathing habits or poor sleep might contribute to clenching, jaw tension, or gum inflammation.
Patient Involvement
- Both approaches involve patient education, but holistic dentistry may place more focus on collaboration, self-care practices, and understanding how lifestyle habits can support oral health outcomes.
Can You Combine Both?
Absolutely. At Dental & Skin Clinic, we believe holistic and traditional approaches can work hand in hand. Our goal is to offer safe, evidence-based dental care while considering your preferences, values, and overall health.
We use modern technology, current clinical standards, and a calm, personalised approach to care. Whether you’re looking for general dental support or are interested in a more holistic view, we’re here to help guide your options.
Which Approach is Right for You?
The answer depends on your personal goals, comfort level, and preferences. You might be more drawn to a traditional approach if you prefer tried-and-true procedures and don’t have sensitivities to common materials.
You may prefer a holistic approach if you:
- Value minimal intervention when possible
- Have sensitivities or specific material preferences
- Are looking for a broader conversation around the causes of dental issues
- Want to explore treatment options that align with your general wellbeing
In all cases, a full dental assessment is needed to ensure any treatment is clinically appropriate and tailored to your needs.
Talk to Us About Your Options
At Dental & Skin Clinic, we take the time to understand what matters most to you. Whether you’re new to holistic dentistry, or simply wanting to explore your choices, our team is here to provide care that’s respectful, gentle, and based on up-to-date clinical knowledge.
Disclaimer: All dental treatments and recommendations are made following a comprehensive clinical assessment and in line with current dental guidelines. This blog is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalised clinical advice.
