ALTERNATIVE & SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCED PREVENTIVE THERAPIES FOR ORAL HEALTH

Question 1

What are the characteristics of holistic dentistry?

Answer 1

• Addresses the health of the oral cavity
• alternative methodology to treatment (minimally invasive)
• Involves investigating root cause of symptom or disease
• NOT a recognized specialty
• Still provide standard of care (i.e., cleanings, restorations)

Question 2

What are the characteristics of traditional dentistry?

Answer 2

• Addresses the health of the oral cavity
• Treats oral diseases through traditional practices (fillings, deep cleanings, etc.)
• Prevention and treatment of oral disease, including diseases of the teeth and supporting structures of the periodontium

Question 3

What are the other names for holistic dentistry?

Answer 3

• Biologic dentistry
• Biomimetic dentistry
• Natural dentistry
• Integrative dentistry
• Biocompatible dentistry

Question 4

What are the core ideologies of holistic dentistry?

Answer 4

• Balancing oral microbiome to promote oral health
• Eliminating toxins from the body through removal of old dental materials
• Consideration for nutrition as key to prevention and reversal of degenerative oral diseases
• Preventing and treating dental malocclusion
• Sleep dentistry
• Preventing and treating periodontal diseases at their biological basis

Question 5

What is the education for holistic dentistry requirements?

Answer 5

• No separate educational program
• DDS or DMD degree still needed to practice
• Certifications may be earned that meet safety and effectiveness in specific educational programs or organizations (American Naturopathic Medical Certification, International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology)

Question 6

What is a traditional dentist?

Answer 6

focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral disease

Question 7

What is a holistic dentist?

Answer 7

incorporate traditional methods of dentistry with whole body health to determine the root cause of oral health problems rather than focus solely on symptoms

Question 8

What do holistic dentists think about endodontics?

Answer 8

• Avoided at all cost in holistic dentistry
• Concerns regarding infection and toxicity of materials used

Question 9

American Association of Endodontists consider endo procedures…

Answer 9

“safe and effective”

Question 10

Holistic dentists utilize ____ to evaluated previously treated root canals to assess for problems

Answer 10

CBCT

Question 11

If endo is truly necessary, holistic dentists will refer patient to endodontists who…

Answer 11

utilize more therapeutic approaches to endo treatment

Question 12

Are amalgams used in holistic dentistry?

Answer 12

never

• Claim amalgam has mercury and other toxic metals

Question 13

Why do holistic dentists not like amalgam?

Answer 13

• Claim that certain patients have susceptibility to negative effects related to mercury exposure
• Some practitioners perform blood serum testing to determine best materials for patient’s immune system (biocompatibility testing)

Question 14

Is fluoride used in holistic dentistry?

Answer 14

never recommended for careis prevention in holistic dentistry

Question 15

Why do holistic dentists not like fluoride?

Answer 15

• Possibility of fluoride compound accumulating over time, potentially causing health problems (no studies that show long-term accumulation of fluoride in host)
• Holistic practitioners typically recommend natural products for caries management

Question 16

What do holistic dentists think about nutrition?

Answer 16

• Holistic practitioners believe nutritional status impacts all aspects of a patient’s ability to heal
• Nutritional support is important for wound healing, especially in periodontal therapy
• Nutritional support is an important factor for caries management in holistic dentistry

Question 17

How do holistic practitioners consider the whole health of a patient?

Answer 17

• New patients complete intake forms and interviews comprised of a comprehensive health history and in-depth assessment of patient’s nutrition
• Holistic practitioners cannot diagnose medical conditions, so they collaborate with functional or integrative physicians to improve the patient’s whole health

Question 18

When treating caries, holistic practitioners…

Answer 18

remove all caries from the tooth then use a biocompatible dental material to restore it

Question 19

Prior to treating the patient, a _____________ test is performed to make sure the patient is not sensitive to any materials

Answer 19

biocompatibility

Question 20

Tests are utilized to identify the different types and quantity of cariogenic __________ in the mouth as well as to test the pH level of the oral cavity

Answer 20

bacteria

Question 21

A low oral pH of ____ and below is considered a significant risk factor contributing to acidogenic bacterial growth, causing caries

Answer 21

5.5

Question 22

What products can help manage caries in a natural way?

Answer 22

1. Xylitol
2. Organic mouthrinses
3. Oral sprays
4. Probiotic supplements

Question 23

How does xylitol work?

Answer 23

binds with calcium ions and aids in remineralization of tooth enamel

Question 24

How does organic mouthrinse work?

Answer 24

contain ingredients that neutralize acid and balance pH, strengthen enamel, reduce bacteria, and support tooth health are available to prevent and manage caries

Question 25

How do oral sprays work?

Answer 25

help soothe and moisturize the mouth by acting as a pH neutralizer

Question 26

How do probiotic supplements work?

Answer 26

have the potential to prevent oral infections, neutralize the pH level of the mouth, inhibit the growth of cariogenic bacteria, and can colonize on a tooth surface that further acts as a protecting agent against acid attacks

Question 27

How do you manage and treat periodontal disease in a holistic way?

Answer 27

• Diagnosed and treated similarly to traditional dentistry
• Post-op care differs; CHX rinse is NOT recommended for use after scaling and root planing since it is a chemical compound and has the potential to be considered a toxin by holistic practitioners
• Green tea and lemongrass oil mouthrinses are used instead-both having studies to support antibacterial, antioxidant, anti inflammatory, and antiviral properties that are effective against caries and periodontal diseases without any long-term effects

Question 28

Why would a patient seek holistic care?

Answer 28

• Natural methodology may help some patient feel more at ease and may encourage certain populations to receive oral healthcare vs no care at all
• Patient education is key, oral health professionals should always understand the rationale for alternative treatments and self-care methods to better meet the needs of their patients

Question 29

How can you incorporated holistic dentisitry into your own practice?

Answer 29

• Stay informed
• Continuing education courses
• Educate patients (nutrition counselling, preventive therapies, providing treatment options, informed consent)
• Read labels for OTC products
• Understand how minimally invasive procedures can benefit your patient

Question 30

What are the positive aspects of social media in dentistry?

Answer 30

• Can be used to promote awareness on oral health
• Provide information about different areas of dentistry
  — Key opinion leaders (experts in their field)
  — Influencers (individuals who have built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise)

Question 31

What are the negative aspects of social media in dentistry?

Answer 31

• Information may not always be evidence based
• Brings about a lot of confusion for individuals with no dental background seeking advice
• Spread of misinformation
• Opinions/bias becomes prevalent in comments sections

Question 32

How do you identify credible sources?

Answer 32

• Pages that are run by individuals educated in dentistry (i.e., DDS, DMD, RDH, etc)
• People who provide evidence to support their claims (i.e., scientific publications at the end of a blog post on oil pulling)