An oral healthcare provider operating under a paradigm that prioritizes the patient’s overall health, employing methods and materials considered biocompatible and less toxic. These practitioners consider the mouth’s connection to the entire body, emphasizing the impact dental treatments can have beyond oral health. For example, mercury amalgam fillings are often avoided, and alternatives like composite resins or ceramics are preferred due to concerns about mercury’s potential systemic effects. The noun phrase serves as the central subject of the discourse.
This approach to dental care focuses on minimizing the introduction of harmful substances and addressing dental issues in a way that supports the body’s natural healing processes. This perspective can be particularly valuable for individuals with sensitivities, allergies, or systemic health conditions. Historically, concerns about the safety of dental materials and the potential impact of oral infections on overall health have fueled the growth of this philosophy within the field of dentistry.
