Holistic dentistry looks at your whole body, not just your teeth, and treats your mouth as an entry point for germs and harmful materials. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, Dr. Steven Haywood offers holistic dental care built on science, safe materials and a careful look at the root cause of problems.
Your mouth is often overlooked as a source of trouble for the rest of the body. Yet it is where bacteria, metals and plastics can enter. Holistic dentistry focuses on reducing harmful bacteria and materials that may affect your overall health and wellness. This article explains what a holistic dentist does, what concerns guide the approach, and what holistic care looks like at Southern York Smile Care.
What is holistic dentistry?
Holistic dentistry, also called biological dentistry, treats your mouth as part of your whole body. Rather than only fixing the tooth that hurts, a holistic dentist asks why it hurts. Diet, medications, habits and your overall health are all part of the conversation.
In practice, that means:
- Choosing materials with your whole-body health in mind
- Avoiding mercury and other materials that may be harmful
- Finding and treating hidden infections in the gums and teeth
- Using the gentlest treatment that solves the problem
- Explaining your options so you can make an informed choice
Holistic care at Southern York Smile Care goes beyond how most dental offices practice, while staying grounded in safe, scientific solutions. For a deeper look, visit the holistic dentistry page, or the biological dentistry page.
Is holistic dentistry scientific?
It should be. Some people worry that "holistic" means unproven. At Southern York Smile Care, holistic care means making careful, evidence-based choices with your whole health in mind. It is still modern dentistry, with digital X-rays, 3D scans and proven treatments. The difference is in how materials are chosen, how much attention goes to the root cause, and how much time is spent listening to you. You can ask why any treatment is recommended, and you will get a straight answer.
The concerns behind holistic care
Holistic dentists pay close attention to a few specific concerns.
Mercury in old fillings
Silver (amalgam) fillings contain mercury. Southern York Smile Care is a mercury-free office and never places silver fillings. If you have old silver fillings, they can be removed following holistic best practices and replaced with tooth-colored fillings. Learn more on the mercury-free dentistry page.
Metals and plastics
Some people are concerned about metals such as nickel, and about bisphenol (BPA) plastics found in some dental materials. Holistic care favors metal-free options where possible. The white fillings used at Southern York Smile Care are tooth-colored and BPA-free.
Gum bacteria and fungi
Gum disease is driven by bacteria and fungi that live below the gumline. Research shows links between gum disease and other health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Treating gum infection is one of the most important things a holistic dentist does, because a healthy mouth supports a healthy body.
How enamel is strengthened
Holistic patients can choose remineralization varnish to help rebuild and strengthen enamel. Fluoride is also available for patients who want it. Your dentist will talk through both so you can choose what suits you.
The benefits of holistic dentistry from Dr. Haywood
Before any procedure, the team wants to understand your health concerns. Wellness starts with the absence of obvious disease, so the first step is taking the time to understand your needs and diagnose your specific problems. Dr. Haywood is firmly opposed to mercury amalgam and to leaving oral infections uncontrolled. The aim is to improve your life and health through mindful, holistic care.
Dr. Haywood earned a DDS cum laude in 1987, completed an advanced residency with the US Air Force and has more than 35 years in practice. That experience helps when deciding which treatment truly fits your situation, and which ones you can safely skip.
Holistic treatments and tools
Southern York Smile Care offers a range of holistic services and modern tools that support them:
- Safe removal of old silver fillings, following holistic best practices
- Tooth-colored, BPA-free white fillings that bond to the tooth
- Oral DNA tests that show which bacteria are living below your gumline, so gum treatment can be targeted
- Green CT 3D cone beam scans that can show problems around old root canals and in the jawbone that regular X-rays may miss
- Remineralization varnish to help rebuild enamel
- Picasso laser treatment for gum care, a gentle way to treat gum tissue
- Air abrasion, which can remove small areas of decay with little or no drilling
- Digital X-rays with up to 90% less radiation than older film X-rays
- DIAGNOdent, a laser pen that helps find early decay so it can be treated while it is small
Read more about these tools on the dental technology page, and about treating gum infection on the gum disease treatments page.
What to expect at a holistic visit
Your first holistic visit is unhurried. Expect a conversation about your health history, diet, medications and any concerns you have about past dental work. Bring a list of your medicines and supplements, and any records you have from previous dentists.
Next comes a thorough exam. Depending on your needs, this may include digital X-rays, a Green CT scan or an oral DNA test. Every exam includes an oral cancer screening. Cleanings are a full 60 minutes, so there is time to be thorough and gentle.
Finally, you will get a clear explanation of what was found and your options. Nothing is done without your agreement, and you are welcome to take time to think, ask questions or talk it over with your family or your doctor before deciding. If you feel nervous, oral sedation is available.
Paying for holistic care
The office is out of network with every insurer. You pay at the visit, and the office files the claim so your insurance company can reimburse you. CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are available. Kelley Fisher, the Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, can answer your insurance and financing questions. See the financing page for details.
Meet a holistic dentist in Shrewsbury
If you have questions about the holistic approach and philosophy, the team would be happy to help. You can also read The Benefits of Holistic Dentistry to learn more.
To set up a thorough evaluation with Dr. Haywood, call (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment. Southern York Smile Care is on Main Street at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury, PA, and serves Shrewsbury, York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
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