No Need to Worry About Your Children – Pediatric Holistic Dentistry practice in Cary, NC

Dental health goes together with your overall wellness, and Dr. Carl McMillan is here to treat it that way. At Holistic Dental Centers in Cary, North Carolina, Dr. McMillan is in the practice of pediatric holistic dentistry. Our philosophy is to place the importance and focus on your whole being above all else. We are here to treat your health problems rather than mask the symptoms.

Traditional Dentistry – What Are the Risks?

May common treatments for oral problems and diseases will too often include elements that are known as toxic. One of the most common examples of this is when you, as a patient, go in for a filling. One element of that filling you receive is certain to be amalgam, which contains up to 50% mercury. A heavy metal, mercury can potentially damage both your immune and central nervous system. Mercury can also remain in your body for up to a year. What’s scary is many of us don’t realize this. According to a poll conducted in 2006 by Zogby International, 2500 U.S. residents were surveyed and, of those, 72% did not know that mercury was used in fillings.

More than just exposing yourself to mercury during the placement/removal of amalgam fillings, many other dental practices (gum cleanings, root canals, etc.) can lead to bacteria being forced into your bloodstream. This can lead to harmful effects for some patients. The issue is that these procedures are critical to maintaining good oral health, so dentists who employ holistic methods will often use natural antibacterial agents to reduce the risk of complications.

Additionally, there are also environmental concerns. Improper disposal of dental waste can cause these heavy metals to be released into local water sources and can pose a threat to nearby wildlife. Due to this reality, it’s very possible that the release of these heavy metals into nature could be a cause of increased levels of mercury found recently in certain fish and fish-eating animals.

Holistic Dentistry – How is it Different?

 Dentists who follow the practice of holistic dentistry take a view of the entire body instead of just focusing on your teeth and gums. Holistic dentists may act as advisors, not just on good dental hygiene, but on topics ranging from improved nutrition, the benefits of ending smoking habits and controlling your intake of alcoholic beverages. This is all done in an effort to improve both your mind and body.

Many dentists practicing holistic methods are opposed to performing root canals due to the chemicals present in the sterilizing agents. Also, during a root canal, it’s very possible that bacteria can become trapped in the canal. This can cause long-term health effects.

The use of amalgam and other metals (such as nickel, another widely used metal) in fillings is negatively looked upon. Many holistic dentists will use a composite resin instead. This practice has also begun to gain widespread acceptance among non-holistic dentists. Many patients are now being encouraged to have their amalgam fillings removed so that the fillings can be replaced using healthier composite materials.

There can be differing opinions among the holistic dentistry community. One example that has been seen concerns the use of fluoride. Some holistic dentists believe fluoride to be ineffective in preventing tooth decay and believe that long-term health issues linked to the use of fluoride (including cancer risk and bone disease) are not worth the risk.

How Can You Locate a Holistic Dentist?

Holistic dentists are, most of the time, part of the Holistic Dental Association. The HAD maintains a public national database of dentists who practice holistic dentistry.

Your children are the most important people in your world. You want to know that they are going to live a long and healthy life. Making sure that dangerous metals and bacteria don’t cause long-term health effects is incredibly important to you because their immune systems are still developing and strengthening at their young age. Dr. Carl McMillan is here to put your mind at ease. You can feel safe knowing Dr. McMillan has your child’s whole well-being in mind as he follows holistic methods when treating your child’s pediatric dental needs. Come into Holistic Dental Centers of Cary, North Carolina today and Dr. McMillan will be happy to sit down and provide you all the information you need to make the best choice for your child. Or call us at (919) 865-0700 to schedule an appointment.

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.