Holistic approach to oral health: Five lesser-known insights | Columnists

Most people know the routine: you go in with a cavity and come out with a filling. If the issue is more serious, it could mean a root canal or even an implant. But what if dental problems point to broader health concerns?

Dr. Amelia M. Ellingson, DMD, of Swiss Biologic Dentistry in Phoenix, takes a different approach that connects oral health with overall wellness. Her practice examines the underlying causes of dental issues, raising questions about some common practices in traditional dentistry.

Dr. Ellingson shares five lesser-known insights that might shift the way you view dental care.

1. Cavities may signal deeper health issues.

Instead of just treating the cavity, Ellingson looks into potential root causes such as gut health, stress, or nutritional imbalances. “If we don’t treat the root causes, the problem will keep coming back,” she said.

2. Root canals aren’t always inevitable.

While root canals are a standard treatment for infected teeth, some practices explore alternatives first. For example, Swiss Biologic Dentistry will try to save the tooth, but if it is not salvageable, they will use targeted biopsies to evaluate less invasive options. “We try to avoid irreversible procedures when we can,” Ellingson noted.

3. Some filling materials may raise concerns.

Older amalgam fillings, often referred to as “silver” fillings, can contain mercury. Holistic dental practitioners increasingly opt for biocompatible materials to avoid metal exposure. Ellingson has observed patients with unexplained symptoms such as fatigue or brain fog whose issues may be linked to dental materials.

4. Metal-free implants are an option.

Titanium implants are common, but not the only solution. Ceramic (zirconia) implants, which are metal-free, are sometimes preferred for patients with sensitivities or concerns about metal corrosion and immune response.

5. Oral infections can affect overall health.

Infections in the jaw or gums have been associated with systemic inflammation, cardiovascular issues, and even neurological symptoms. Ellingson said dental imaging and assessments sometimes reveal hidden infections that correlate with unresolved medical conditions. “Oral infections are sometimes the missing piece in a larger health puzzle,” she explained.

Added to the emphasis on the correlation between oral and overall health, Ellingson noted that the environment a patient is treated in can impact their experience as well. For example, Swiss Biologic Dentistry’s office feels more like a high-end wellness retreat than a traditional dental office. Adding to the atmosphere is a small garden where resident tortoises roam; an unusual but thoughtful feature meant to help reduce patient stress and create a more welcoming experience. “We want to create a healing space,” Ellingson noted. “Not just a place for drills and fillings.”

The broader implications of oral health are significant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the U.S. loses over $45 billion in productivity each year due to untreated dental disease. While views vary across the dental profession, integrative models like the one at Swiss Biologic Dentistry aim to bridge gaps between oral and general health.

To learn more, visit swissbiologic.com.