A functional dentist is a dental professional who focuses on the relationship between oral health and overall systemic health. Functional dentists take a comprehensive approach to dental care, addressing not only oral health concerns but also the impact of oral health on the body's natural balance and the patient's overall wellness. They use diagnostic tools and treatment strategies that go beyond traditional dental care to identify and address the root causes of oral health problems.
Functional dentistry may include the following:
- Comprehensive dental evaluations that take into account the patient's overall health history, lifestyle, and environment
- Advanced diagnostic testing, such as saliva and blood testing, to identify imbalances or dysfunctions in the body
- Treatment plans that focus on correcting underlying health issues, rather than just treating symptoms
- Collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as nutritionists and functional medicine practitioners, to address overall health and wellness concerns.
Functional dentistry is a relatively new field, but it has gained popularity in recent years as patients seek out more integrative and personalized approaches to dental care.
What is the difference between a holistic dentist and a functional dentist?
Holistic dentistry and functional dentistry are both alternative approaches to traditional dental care that focus on the relationship between oral health and overall health. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Holistic dentistry is a philosophy that considers the entire body when diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Holistic dentists believe that the health of the mouth and teeth is connected to the health of the rest of the body, and they use natural and non-toxic materials and techniques to promote overall health and wellness.
Functional dentistry, on the other hand, is a more medically oriented approach that combines principles of traditional dentistry with the principles of functional medicine. Functional dentists use advanced diagnostic testing to identify underlying health issues that may be contributing to oral health problems. They focus on addressing the root cause of these issues rather than simply treating symptoms.
In summary, while both holistic dentists and functional dentists share a commitment to a more integrative and personalized approach to dental care, holistic dentists may focus more on natural and non-toxic materials, while functional dentists may focus more on advanced diagnostic testing and treatment of underlying health issues.
References:
Functional Oral Health. (n.d.). What is Functional Dentistry? Retrieved from https://functionaloralhealth.com/what-is-functional-dentistry/
Institute for Functional Medicine. (2021). Oral Health. Retrieved from https://www.ifm.org/functional-medicine-approach-to-oral-health/
O'Malley, S., Vora, S., & Rosenbaum, J. (2019). Functional dentistry: A new era in integrative health care. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 16(4). doi: 10.1515/jcim-2018-0177
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Updated: 09-24-2023