How To Find A Holistic Dentist

Heather Dessinger

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How To Find A Holistic Dentist

An Embarrassing Confession

So . . . I have been carrying a tube of fluoride in my diaper bag for three months now. Yep, I’m talking about the industrial waste product that prior to 1938 was used exclusively as rat poison. Despite what the well-meaning dentist said when he pushed it into my hand I KNOW it’s toxic. But what am I gonna do . . . show up at a hazardous waste dropoff site and hand them a bottle of fluoride? How do I get rid of this thing?

Oy vey. It was a moment of weakness in the moments before Micah’s surgery. I wanted the doc’s mind focused on my son instead of his crunchy, controversy-prone mama. You get it, right? Come to think of it, I’ll bet you reaaally get it. How many of us have locked horns with healthcare providers over vaccinations, fevers, and fillings? It’s not an easy thing when we believe fundamentally different things.

How To Find A Holistic Dentist That Won’t Fight You Tooth & Nail

Good news, mama! Holistic dentists specializing in the use of biocompatible materials are becoming more common. Often called holistic dentists, biological dentists or mercury-free dentists, these providers recognize the need to protect our little ones from unnecessary exposure to x-ray radiation, silver (mercury) fillings, and other assaults on the immune system. Here’s how to find one, plus some tips on selecting a traditional provider if there isn’t a holistic one in your area.

Get Digital X-Rays

Digital radiographs emit 90% less radiation than traditional x-ray films and provide better diagnostic information. No need to pull out all the stops to keep your little ones still while waiting on results, either. They’re available instantly!

Even better, a new technology that uses “pen” lasers is ideal for creating a non-threatening, painless experience. The laser detects demineralized areas of tooth structure using harmless, high-intensity, fluorescent light and a numerical reading is displayed on the LED screen. (The number represents the amount of decay. )

“When I refer to the caries detector as my “magic tooth wand,” the pediatric patient transforms into a willing subject, awaiting each magic beep,” says Winifred J. Booker, DDS. Yep, that was our experience!!

Ask About Their Policies

Especially whether you’ll be allowed to stay with your child at all times. People with masks and a shiny tray of tools that look like knives can be scary to little kids. ‘Nuff said. 🙂

Another thing I’d ask about is their stance on fluoride. Despite the fact that studies have linked it to lowered IQ, weakened bones, thyroid suppression, lowered metabolic function, Alzheimer’s and Down’s Syndrome, most dentists still recommend it!¹ Pass, thankyouverymuch.

To Find A Biological Dentist or Holistic Dentist Near Me . . .

Check out the Mercury-Safe Dentist Directory, Biosafe Dentist DirectoryInternational Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine Database, or the Holistic Dental Association.

Do you have a question or tip for finding holistic healthcare providers? Tell us below!

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

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102 thoughts on “How To Find A Holistic Dentist”

        • Can anyone recommend a natural Pediatric dentist in the Phoenix area (East Valley) please? My 8 year old had a “regular” dental appointment today and all I heard was fluoride, fluoride, fluoride and metal fillings! No way!

          Reply
          • Emma, I composed this list of directories when I was looking a couple years ago. Good luck!

            BioSafe Dentistry
            Best Holistic Emergency and Routine Dentists Near Me
            Holistic Dental Association
            Intl Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine (IABDM)
            Intl Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT)
            Mercury-Free Dentists Directory

    • Hi I have a 2 year old who has had a cavity on her front tooth . She’s had a filling applied 3 times but it will not stay put! Now her new dentists recommend a resin crown the prosedudure is less then five min and no numbing even necessary but that’s no my concern , my concern is that there’s fluoride in the resin they use. I just don’t know what else to do about this now open spot on her tooth ?

      Reply
      • Not sure how old this comment is but a filling WONT stay in your child’s mouth…I chose a filling as the less invasive/traumatic option for my daughter and it took me months to find someone who would put one in for her. They told me upfront it couldn’t hold well because children’s teeth are so small that’s why most dentists just cap them but my dentist just said to come back and they refilled it every few months until the teeth finally fell out…now with my youngest we are a natural dentist who agrees with me that fillings and drilling is silly since she isn’t in pain and she will loose the teeth naturally soon so We are monitoring closely and choosing not to drill or fill. I use remineralization toothpaste twice a day and her teeth are hard and have not continued to decline

        Reply
          • People are so misled when it comes to the advertising of ‘remineralizing’ or ‘rebuilds enamel’…. NOTHING can put back or re ‘grow’ what’s lost. It’s like saying you could put a ‘re-treading’ oil on a bald tire & ‘grow’ a fresh new tread. It simply does not work that way, your only option is a NEW tire. I don’t know how these companies can get away with this false advertising, it gives people false hope & is just plain wrong. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, I wish it were true myself but it’s not.

          • Josephine that analogy doesn’t work. Just like you can build strong bones and stop infections elsewhere, you can rebuild teeth. Teeth need to soak up minerals from nutritious food. Glycerine, even in natural toothpaste (like Tom’s), coats your teeth so that they can’t absorb minerals. My daughter had TERRIBLE cavities when she was younger and they are GONE since we stopped eating grains. Yes, grains caused her teeth to sometimes come in black! A couple were pulled but others were healed. We were brushing her teeth for her so it wasn’t her bad brushing.

          • I use a remineralization powder (you use it in place of toothpaste) from Earthley.com. They are an awesome small business with great natural alternatives that I have had a lot of success with.

        • Is there a remineralisation toothpaste that works because my daughter has these decay spots on all four front teeth and trying to heal with nutrition and hygiene just is not working. I was planning to get fillings to reinforce her teeth but now I am seeing this. Advice welcome!

          Reply
  1. Or maybe a question about finding a midwife, chiropractor, herbalist or whatnot? Let me know and I’ll try to help!

    Reply
      • We absolutely loved Dr. Strader, a holistic dentist in Dallas. He saw a few of our children. He didn’t offer any nutritional advice unfortunately and actually gave our daughter a piece of candy as she left. 🙄 Other than that, he really helped us avoid anything toxic and spent a lot of time with us, unlike others I had contacted around TX. There was nobody in the Houston area (well, one terrible holistic dentist, Marilyn somebody). We drove 5 hours several times to see him (we threw the candy away😉). We have someone closer now but i’m not sure they have the same level of concern about toxicity, etc.

        Reply
    • hi where did u find that holistic dentist that will work with children? and r u happy with him/her?
      I am in wichita, cant find anyone…

      Thanks
      Sofia

      Reply
      • Hi Sofia! I tried to contact Azure just in case she didn’t see your question but have been unable to. I hope you find someone!

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        • my search on one of the biodentistry links you posted found one guy in Horton KS. Fetzik is the only one I’ve found yet in Wichita, and I haven’t met him yet.

          Reply
          • Where is Horton, ks? I have looked up this guy, too and talked with them. Did you ever consider Dr. Boyton in Wichita? I think he is mostly holistic in approach, but still does root canals.

      • Wow I am a few years too late on this post about finding a holistic dentist. I am also in the Wichita area, and have used Dr. Fetzik. He does have some great natural practices, but has been unable to work great with my children when they have had fillings. We started going to a regular pediatric dentist, but I am sick of being pressed to use fluoride, even a small root canal being done and informing me afterward, and silver caps being put on but coming loose shortly, causing an abscess. If you have found another holistic type dentist in the Wichita area, I would love to know please!

        Reply
  2. @Meaghan – In general tooth “pastes” tend to coat the teeth and prevent minerals from our food from getting in and strengthening them, so we use a liquid toothsoap or tooth powder to clean. I’m hoping to post some easy homemade recipes in the next few weeks but if you want to make the switch today check out toothsoap.com. Does that help?

    Reply
  3. Thank you for this very informative article. I didn’t even know there WAS Holistic Dentists out there. I used to go to an oriental dentist who did Accupressure instead of freezing and that was amazing but he’s in Canada and too far for me now 🙁 Thanks again for the great info!

    Reply
  4. Do you belong to the Holistic Moms Network? Thought about joining but not sure if it’s worth it or not.

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  5. @Alexis – I have been to a few meeting but am not a member. There’s no shortage of holistic moms around here so I haven’t really had the need. 🙂

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  6. Great info! I soooo wish we had a holistic dentist in our area (or even just one CLOSE to holistic!). There are none. The 2 closest to us is are 8-12 hours away. I LOVE living in a rural area of the US, but this is one of those times it would be beneficial to be elsewhere (since the cost of traveling to those locations is definitely not in the budget!).

    Reply
    • I can just imagine the conversation, Brynna. “A laser caries detector. No it’s not a decoder ring. Oh nevermind” Rural sounds nice though!

      Reply
  7. One, thought you’d be interested in knowing Eamon and I figured out how to make listerine out of essential oils ;]
    Two, what about finding a dentist that takes Medicaid or helps families with financial need? These holistic dentists don’t come cheap :\

    Reply
    • I want that recipe! And on the subject of Medicaid, I’d say that varies too much between docs to come up with a hard and fast rule. The holistic dentist we just went to did offer payment plan options. AND there’s always bartering! My mom had a home-based business growing up and that’s how she got out teeth cleaned, etc.

      Reply
  8. thanks! and how do you find more natural general practitioners/family doctors? I would love to find one who is an MD but will also give natural advice. 🙂 any suggestions? -but dentists and doctors that take not so good insurance would be great! 🙂

    Reply
    • Are you going to an M.D. for a checkup or because you have specific concerns. I’m not asking you to list any concerns, just trying to figure out what you might need. 🙂

      Reply
    • Maybe try a DO instead of an MD. They are trained in some natural medicine and much more in prevention. Some are still covered by insurance. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Hope that helps.

      Reply
  9. my katie’s allergic to fish and dairy but i stopped waffling and just got her fclo in today (and the emulsified fclo/bo cinnamin tingle for me; yum!) to trial. down with cavities!!! good job mama! thanks for sharing. it helps. 🙂

    Reply
  10. @ 20 Something – Excellent name choice! Hope the fclo works out. I know sometimes people that have dairy allergies can have ghee, so maybe it will work out 🙂 We like the cinnamon tingle too but it’s not GAPS approved. Boo

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  11. Dr. Stacy Cole in west Ft. Worth is great! oh and i use dessert essence tooth paste, i like it a lot!

    Reply
  12. Thanks for the name kudos! It doesn’t beat yours though. 🙂 Ghee didn’t work for her last time we trialed it, but we’re about 3 months into GAPS and she’s made some improvements already. Here’s to hoping! Cinnamon tingle isn’t GAPS legal? Oops. I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that. lol What’s the illegal in it?

    Reply
  13. i’ve been doing a little research on making my own toothsoap and before doing such i wondered if you know if the naturally occurring glycerin in dr. bronner’s castile soap coats your teeth the same way that the glycerin in toothpaste does? i want to make sure before spending money on the essential oils.

    Reply
  14. We, by chance, ended up with a “holistic” dentist. His nurse or assistant definitely isn’t, so I was ready for a fight when I met him. He was so great he didn’t make me get x-rays (although, they are digital) he even said he likes the “wait and see” approach to cavities rather than filling them with the non-mercury fillings. When my wisdom tooth started to come in and I was so upset I’d need to get surgery he said he doesn’t believe in pulling them out unless they cause pain and that is the way it should be. Whew!…but we just moved an hour away from him. I think we may still make the big truck out to see him I love him so much!

    Reply
  15. @Meghan – The Cure Tooth Decay book didn’t mention anything along those lines, but sometimes formulations change so maybe it wasn’t an issue when it was published. I’m compiling a list of tooth powders, soaps, etc. and will definitely look into this more before I publish. Personally, I think the toothsoap I buy leaves my mouth feeling just a **little** bit cleaner than Dr. Bronners, but that could just be because it doesn’t taste as fresh

    Reply
  16. This is a great article. I’m so thankful for the one you posted today & the chance to check out all your previous dental posts. I’m going to see what I kind find in the way of a holistic dentist in our area… didn’t even know they existed. My kids did their homeschool science project on fluoride toothpastes vs. natural tooth cleansers (http://thebasicsoflife-elvisgirl.blogspot.com/2011/06/academy-of-gospel-2011-science-fair.html). I didn’t write too much in detail on the project, but one of the keys I didn’t write was how beneficial xylitol was for teeth & how those natural toothpastes cleaned better. I sacrificed myself, and my daughter’s friend (who regularly uses fluoride toothpaste) volunteered to use the poison to clean our teeth. I figured that I used to eat the stuff as a kid, a little more won’t kill me too much faster…? I haven’t used fluoride since I was pregnant with my son, 9+ years ago; and the kids have never used the stuff. I was still using the flouride free “baby” toothpaste on my daughter. I wish I would have known all you know about restoring teeth, because my kids had a lot of dental work done when they were younger. Sorry this is so long! Awesome info! Thanks again!

    Reply
  17. Just found this website, as I’m also looking for a holistic dentist in Dallas as I need to have some silver fillings removed. Can anyone suggest someone a good one?

    Reply
  18. Thanks, Heather. I’m looking to find a mercury & fluoride free dentist in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area and it’s not easy! Thankfully, traditional dentists are becoming aware of these harmful habits. I actually did an infographic not too long ago on the dangers of fluoride – that might interest you! Check it out… http://blog.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/2013/02/21/the-truth-about-fluoride-infographic/ scroll all the way down and click twice on the graphic ; ) Thanks for the info!

    Reply
    • Did you ever find a mercury free dentist in green bay wi? I am presently doing that. The only true mercury free/mercury safe one is in weyauwega….dr twohig. The only other one is in green bay and is dr. Quandt. Have you been to either one of these dentists?….or did you find someone else? Anything you could tell me would be awesome, seeing as we are both here in green bay! Thanks for your help!

      Reply
      • 5 years later after the original post. I recently switched dentists from a traditional dentist to a holistic dentist in Weyauwega named Dr Twohig. He eliminated the need for 2 roots canals and saved 2 other teeth I was told needed to be pulled by my former dentist. I will never go back to conventional dentistry ever again. I highly recommend Dr Twohig and give him 5 stars out of a possible 5.

        Peace everyone

        Scott Hamilton

        Reply
    • I know this question was asked quite a while ago but I thought I would add some info. I have seen Dr.Quandt . Him and his staff are very friendly but he was not able to work on my daughter and referred her elsewhere. We were not at all happy with his suggestion so I contacted Dr. Twohig whose office staff was amazing but sadly they were not taking new patients. They did however recommend Dr. Olson in Sturgeon Bay. She was taking new patients, is very reasonably priced, and is fantastic with my girls who are 3 and 8 years old. We are so glad to have found her! She does not believe in using fluoride or metal fillings, has information about diet, vitamin D and other health related material in her office, and has young children herself. I really can’t say how happy we are to have found her!!

      Reply
    • For safe mercury removal, i recommend Dr Wackwitz in Green Bay area. He did 8 fillings following safe protocol and replaced with composites.

      Reply
  19. Hello,
    I am a natural minded mother of three, and tonight (to my surprise and horror) I discovered that my little 4 year old boy has an abscessed tooth!!! After showing his mouth to a friend of ours (who is a pediatric dentist) she determined that the tooth would have to be extracted!!!
    I am beside myself how did this happen!?!?!?. We brush regularly, no candy, low grain diet, floss, etc. I am panicked and so incredibly overwhelmed by the thought of my little boy needing to have a tooth removed at the tender age of 4. I was scouring the web for any type of “alternative” to the extraction. I have not been able to come up with anything conclusive. My hope is that you can shed some natural light on this for me. Moving forward, I will be focusing on the oral health of the entire family in a very different way… Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  20. After being given the choice between fluoride, fluoride, more fluoride or fillings for our three year old, we tried to find a dentist that would work with our beliefs. We made an appointment with a non-fluoride dentist, only to have them call back and tell us that because we have Medicaid, and they can’t accept Medicaid, legally they couldn’t see us at all. They couldn’t even see us if we were carrying cash. I don’t know what to do… Help!?

    Reply
  21. Hi, great article and we’re always interested in holistic healing whenever possible. I was very happy to see you touch on Mercury Free (even though this article is a bit dated) so I wanted to offer a very lengthy article we have written regarding, what we call, “DiY Dentistry”. Not quite the same as holistic, but the intent blurs the lines a bit.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  22. My son is 2, his teeth are beginning to crumble in his mouth. I have been searching weeks for a holistic dentist that can help. He says it hurts when we brush. I am feeling terribly. Does anyone know of a holistic dentist (truly holistic, I’ve found some, then they tell me about the x-rays and other treatments that aren’t at all holistic or safe) we are around the Philadelphia, PA area and I am willing to travel some distance to go to a good dentist for him. We brush, his diet is good, he’s always been breastfed. I don’t understand why this is happening to his teeth but I just feel awful.

    Reply
    • Hey, I know this post is old but im also in the Philadelphia area and would love to know what you ended up doing. Did you find a dentist to work with you? Ive tried Dr. GERALD REGNI and he is great but not a pediatric dentist and pricey as they dont take insurance. My Lo has some cavaties and the many pediatric dentists we have visited wanted to do General Anesthesia and silver crowns and caps. The last visit, she was fussy and thats unlike her but it looks like we may need to finish in one sitting but not sure where to go. Any help would be much appreciated.

      Reply
  23. What if my children already have cavities and the holistic dentists in my area only take children over a certain age? What can I do?

    Reply
  24. Hi! I would love to find a natural/ holistic/NUTRITIONAL dental practice (nutritional dentist and/or dental hygienist) “near” Columbus, Ga 31904. I would be willing to drive an hour or two if necessary, although I would prefer to avoid Atlanta traffic if possible!!
    Phenix City, Alabama is right across the Chattahoochee River from us, so areas of Alabama “near” there would be a possibility, too.
    We thank you profusely for any help you can give us!! Have a great day!!

    Reply
    • Hi Carla, I am in Carrollton, GA 30116 and also looking for a natural/ holistic/NUTRITIONAL dental practice and am willing to travel. Would you please share a little about what promising practice(s) you’ve found since your post last month? Thank you so much!

      Reply
    • Hi Carla Jackson, I live in Columbus, GA too. Did you find us a holistic dentist? Thank you so much. God bless you and those you love. 🙂 Teresa

      Reply
  25. Heather – thanks so much for this post! It was just what I needed and I found dentist right by us. It’s so fun to see your article pop up on my google search! Many blessings to you and your family.

    Reply
  26. So…I can’t find a holistic dentist in my area. And I’m really tired of listening to the spiel about Flouride, and sealants, etc… And now, in researching the safety of sealants (which I’ve decided is a no-go), I’ve discovered that those new, non-Mercury, composite fillings are made of plastics, i.e. – BPA. Why can’t people make things safe for people to use!!!!! Do you know of other options for fillings?

    Reply
  27. Hi, do you think you or someone could refer a holistic dentistry in Los Angeles -California , how accepts insurance? My 3 years old son has a huge cavity and his teeth is very damage, I think maybe he needs to take the teeth off. I really don’t know what is the best thing to do and if he needs to take off, I’m super worry about the procediments and sedatives, or what materials they will use to repair. We have a super healthy diet and we try to use most natural medicines as possible. Please if anybody can help me. I have no idea how to start or what to do, and specially worry to find someone able to care kids in a really safe way. Since now I really appreciate, Thank you so much

    Reply
  28. I’m 11, and in Buffalo NY, could you possibly point me in a good general direction of a holistic Orthodontist???
    Thanks!

    Reply
  29. Thanks for your article. I see its a few years old but it still applies. My clinic uses most everything in this article for holistic dentistry as much as possible. Many of our new patients ask about the xrays radiation and we can always say that our machines use very low radiation emissions. We also try to always use biocompatible tooth fillings and also with dental implants. I think many traditional dentists are doing the same. Thanks again!

    Reply
  30. These are sites that may help you find a holistic dentist in your area:
    BioSafe Dentistry
    Best Holistic Emergency and Routine Dentists Near Me
    Holistic Dental Association
    Intl Academy of Biological Dentistry & Medicine (IABDM)
    Intl Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology (IAOMT)
    Mercury-Free Dentists Directory

    Reply
  31. Dr. Memoli keeps current on the newest dental techniques. He has his patients’ health and best interest at heart. My procedure went smoothly with no issues.

    Reply
    • Can anyone recommend a biological or holistic dentist/surgeon in NY? I need to extract a root canal tooth. Any recommendation will be appreciated.

      Reply
  32. Heather, I like that you said that I should go to a holistic dentist that offers digital x-rays because it emits 90% less radiation. My family recently moved to the city, so we’re looking for a new dentist. Since I’ve read many good things about holistic dentistry service, perhaps I should try to focus my search on holistic dentists in the area. Thanks!

    Reply
  33. I’m not on FB, but this came in an email, and wanted to let ya’ll know about it:

    Please join us this Friday (June 25th at 11am CST) for our next Facebook live! We will be joined by Marshall Olson, DDS, and our Senergy Advisor Emmy Grimes about how dental health affects your overall wellbeing, what a biological dentist is, and more. Don’t forget that dental issues are one of the 5 main causes of low voltage in the body! Hope to see you there! 💙

    Reply
  34. So, what do you suggest if there are no holistic dentists within 2 hours? I just want to find a dentist that isn’t so quick to “fill and drill.” Someone a little more holistic minded even if they aren’t listed on the holistic dental list.

    Reply