How to Find the Best Holistic Pediatric Dentist
As a natural minded parent, you want to find healthcare providers who align with your values. Those same values apply to dental care. If your little one experiences dental anxiety, a holistic pediatric dentist may be the best fit for your family.
What is a Holistic Pediatric Dentist?
A holistic pediatric dentist is a dental professional who goes beyond treating teeth. They consider the connection between oral health and overall health, often incorporating natural and non-invasive practices. Dr. Mark Burhenne is a holistic dentist who focuses on how the oral microbiome impacts overall health.
Holistic dentists prioritize biocompatible materials, focus on preventing future issues through education, and use techniques that align with the body’s natural healing processes.
For parents looking to avoid unnecessary chemicals or treatments, holistic dentistry can offer peace of mind while making sure their child receives excellent care.
According to Dr. Burhenne, some of the specific areas of focus of children’s dentistry include:
Preventive and invasive oral care of children: Pediatric dentists learn how to recognize tongue thrust, tongue ties, baby bottle tooth decay, enamel hypoplasia, and other conditions that only affect children.
Developmental and growth issues, related to the mouth, jaw, face and head: Baby teeth are very different from adult teeth, and pediatric dentists must learn how to handle different eruption patterns and the many stages of oral development that infants, toddlers, and children move through.
Treatment of children under anesthesia and sedation by dental sedation services. A good pediatric dentist will emphasize the importance of nose breathing (as opposed to mouth breathing). Learning this key function won’t just improve the experience of a child’s dental visit, but it will also improve sleep and overall health.
Treatment of medically compromised and support needs children, including focus on child psychology: Some children require special dental care, and a pediatric dentist can work with parents to ensure that their child establishes the proper foundation for long-term oral and dental health.
Why Choose a Holistic Approach?
Parents are drawn to holistic pediatric dentists for many reasons, including:
- Non-toxic materials: Treatments often avoid potentially harmful substances like BPA, mercury, and certain chemicals in traditional dental products.
- Prevention-focused care: These dentists emphasize nutrition, proper oral hygiene, and lifestyle factors to prevent dental issues rather than just treating them.
- Gentle techniques: From minimally invasive treatments to child-friendly environments, holistic practices aim to make dental visits less intimidating for young patients.
For families practicing natural parenting or green living, this approach aligns beautifully with their values.
Where to Look for Holistic Pediatric Dentists
Finding a reputable holistic pediatric dentist may require some research. Here are some ways to find someone your family can trust.
Online directories
Check resources like the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) or the Holistic Dental Association for lists of qualified professionals. Ask the Dentist offers a directory of functional dentists that includes some pediatric specialists.
Word of mouth
Local parenting communities are often excellent sources of recommendations. Dr. Burhenne explains that, “seeking the advice of other parents and asking questions about the comfort of the office and the overall atmosphere can give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a dental practice that a phone call or website visit may not reveal.”
Visit your local dental school
Another of Dr. Burhenne’s tips is to ask staffers at a local dental school who they recommend. They’ll likely be familiar with newly practicing dentists who are thoughtful, skillful, and still building their business. You might also consider having your family’s dental care provided by the dental school program.
Reviews
Read feedback from other parents on platforms like Google or health-specific review sites.
Questions to Ask Your Potential Holistic Pediatric Dentist
Sometimes dentists label themselves “holistic” when what they really mean is “eco-friendly”. This might mean that they use greener materials and are generally low-waste in their practice. In this case, they may still drill, fill, x-ray, and fluoridate just like a regular dentist.
When visiting a potential holistic pediatric dentist, consider asking:
- What materials do you use for fillings, sealants, and other treatments? (Look for a dentist who uses BPA-free, mercury-free, and fluoride-free options where appropriate.)
- How do you approach fluoride treatments? Are there alternatives?
- Do you offer minimally invasive treatments, such as silver diamine fluoride or ozone therapy?
- How do you make dental visits comfortable and positive for children?
- Do you have children? If so, what are their ages?
These questions will help you gauge whether the dentist’s philosophy aligns with your family’s needs.
More Ways to Find a Great Fit
As with any healthcare decisions, do your homework and be sure to listen to your instincts.
“You are giving someone the authority to examine your child’s mouth, and this dentist may end up drilling, filing, prodding, or pulling your child’s teeth,” explains Dr. Burhenne. “With all that at stake, I don’t believe you could call too many offices or over-research the topic of children’s dentistry.”
Read through our interview with Dr. Staci Whitman, a holistic pediatric dentist based in Portland. In it, she answers some of the top questions parents have about functional dentistry and how it helps kids.
Dr. Whitman explains that during a child’s consultation, the Functional Dentist asks parents questions about the child’s diet, sleep, and lifestyle habits. They ask many non-teeth related questions because, “it is essential to look beyond just poor dental hygiene practices as the cause of oral health problems.”
Choosing a holistic pediatric dentist is about finding a provider who aligns with your family’s values while delivering excellent care for your child. By asking the right questions and knowing what to look for, you can feel confident in your decision.
More on Dental Health and the Oral Microbiome
There’s loads to learn on these topics, no matter your age. Here are some of our articles and resources:
Holistic Pediatric Dentist Q and A with Dr. Staci Whitman
Mouth Breathing vs. Nose Breathing
How to Boost Your Child’s Microbiome
Fluoride in Drinking Water and Your Child’s IQ
Sippy Cups and Kids’ Facial, Dental, and Jaw Growth
How to Curb Thumb Sucking