People in Cornelius and Cary can enjoy healthy holistic dentistry

The effect that oral health has on overall health is frequently overlooked by many dentists, professional healthcare associations, and a percentage of the public in general. However, ignoring this truth does not make it any less relevant. Equally important; dental work can seriously affect the health of the entire body. At Holistic Dental Centers, with offices in Cary and Cornelius, patients enjoy care that promotes and protects the health of their entire bodies, not just the oral cavities.

The doctors understand that the teeth and gums are an integral part of the entire system, and consider this when designing each patient’s treatment plan. Their goal is to restore optimal oral health while minimizing the impact of any treatment on the rest of the body. They don’t believe in fixing a problem in your mouth just to cause problems somewhere else in your body.

Holistic dentistry isn’t a certain set of techniques, a specific “brand” of dentistry, or a dental specialty. It is an approach to dental care that is based on scientific evidence and dedicated to seeking the least toxic, safest way to accomplish the goal of restoring and maintaining optimal oral health for every patient.

Although there is a lot of media and marketing hype about the “discovery” of the mouth-body connection, holistic dentists have always understood this premise. Everything that goes on in your mouth has the potential to help or harm the rest of the body. Even something as simple as toothpaste can have far reaching effects. Many of the common ingredients in toothpaste can be serious health concerns:

• Fluoride – This chemical is a toxic byproduct of the fertilizer industry that has far-reaching negative effects in the body. In the past 30 years, over 100 different studies have demonstrated that fluoride exposure can damage the brain, affecting intelligence, memory, and visual-spatial organization. It also affects the thyroid, and demineralizes the teeth, among other concerns.
• Artificial Sweeteners – The FDA feels the need to establish standards for maximum safe standards for artificial sweeteners, and according to the Harvard Heart Letter, studies have found these chemicals may be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and a 36 percent increased risk of atherosclerosis.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – This is a common ingredient in toothpaste, but it is also used in garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers! It is known to be harmful to the lungs, liver, brain, eyes, and skin.
• Aluminum – Aluminum is found to be collected in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and when this metal is combined with fluoride, it can be absorbed into the body at a frightening rate.

Toothpaste is just a very small example of the effects certain methods of oral care can have on overall health. If you would like to know more about health based dental care, call and schedule an appointment at our office in Cornelius (704) 765-3150 or Cary (919) 865-0700 today.

Holistic Dental Centers in Cary and Cornelius, NC offer many general and cosmetic options, designed to protect patients’ oral health, as well as overall health and well-being.

Dr. Carl McMillan is a holistic dentist with a medical degree from the College of Dental Medicine of the Medical University of South Carolina. Due to his expertise, he was honored with the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) presidency. He is compassionate towards patients and committed to providing them with safe, toxic-free dental treatments to help them maintain a happy and healthy smile.

Dr. Luis Crespo obtained his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. An IAOMT member, he believes prevention is the best medicine and strives to educate both patients and parents on the benefits of maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit. He has served underprivileged communities across the world.

Dr. Erin Wilbanks graduated from Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is an accredited IAOMT member, is SMART (Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique) certified and is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.