“The practice of holistic dentistry,” explains Dr. Carl McMillan of Holistic Dental Centers in Cary, “is simply the acknowledgement that dental health and overall physical health are inextricably linked, and profoundly impacted by toxins in our environment.

“Our goal, always, is to seek the safest, least toxic way to provide dental care. And, by viewing dental health through that holistic lens, we have a better understanding of the causes and treatments for common dental problems.”

Sugar Causes Tooth Decay? Not So Simple

“The problem of tooth decay is a good example,” says Dr. McMillan. “The commonly held belief is that cavities result from poor dental hygiene—too much sugar and not enough brushing and flossing to remove the ‘sugar bugs’—the bacteria (Streptococcus Mutans) that cause decay.

“But it’s not that simple. Through my 35 years of practice, I’ve noticed striking patterns among people who get decay and people who don’t. Those patterns relate to body chemistry—specifically to the acidity or alkalinity of the mouth (measured by pH levels.)”

Mysteriously, notes Dr. McMillan, “some of those patients had little plaque and did a reasonably good job taking care of their teeth, but nonetheless would have frequent decay. Other patients whose hygiene was poor would be cavity-free. The difference? Those with decay were acidic—always below a pH of 7, and typically 5.6 to 6.2; Those without decay had a pH well above 7—often 7.4, 7.8 or more. The acidic patients also had more mouth inflammation, and their tissues were more tender and sensitive to injection.

“So, it’s about biochemistry—about your body’s particular biochemistry that produces an acidity, which leads to an environment that invites the bacteria that we call ‘sugar bugs.’ The sugar bugs don’t create the acidic environment, but an acidic mouth provides the perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive. And they don’t survive if the mouth is alkaline.”

Many things contribute to an acidic body chemistry, notes Dr. McMillan. “These include including diet, stress, exposure to chemicals, metals in our bodies (including metal crowns and fillings), a some medications. So, because the source of the problem is complex, addressing body acidity needs to be a holistic process; but it can be done.”

Holistic Dentistry

“The main principle of any holistic dental practice is the belief that dental health and over-all health are inextricable,” explains Dr. McMillan. “Our bodies function as a whole unit, and one that is influenced by factors—many of them toxic—in our environment. Holistic dentists are guided by principles (see box) that take these environmental factors into account.”

Dr. McMillan’s commitment to this holistic approach is reflected in his decades-long membership in the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT). “The IAOMT is a global network of dentists, health professionals, and scientists who support and disseminate research on the biocompatibility of dental products, including the risks of mercury fillings, fluoride, and root canals,” he explains. “Over many years, this research has been invaluable in shaping my practice and keeping me abreast of the ever-changing information on biological, holistic approaches to dentistry.”

Dr. McMillan is a charter member, and former president of the International Academy of Mercury Free Dentists, and served on the Board of Directors of the IAOMT for over 20 years. He is also a member of the Holistic Dental Association and the International Association of Biologic Medicine and Dentistry, and is a Naturopathic Doctor.