- Safe and harmless- Clean and non-toxic- Cost-effective- Non-polluting- Adaptable and flexible- Accessible to all people- Renewable- Protective of the quality of life on earth, the environment and earth?s natural resources- Synergistic with human health and planetary well-being- Connected with the web of lifeConventional healthcare, in contrast, focuses on cure and specialization, costing more money and often limiting care to only those who can afford it. Conventional medicine places emphasis on treating the end points of disease rather than employing the precautionary principle and focusing on prevention and the link between human health and the environment. In addition, conventional healthcare consumes huge quantities of resources, which are becoming scarce and many of the waste products of healthcare actually do harm. The over-prescribing and misuse of pharmaceuticals, the improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, the incineration of bio-hazardous waste and the utilization of medical products containing environmental toxins, poses a serious threat to human health. There is an undeniable connection between our health and the environment. The environment, both locally and globally, both indoors and out, is a primary determinant to your health. The WHO (World Health Organization) puts the value of clean air, clean water and healthy land for uncontaminated food and recreation close to 60% of the primary basis for a healthy life, affecting you just as much as your genetic makeup!The implementation of sustainable medicine and dentistry lies in two directions. One is the way of prevention, health promotion, and a public health priority. Here the focus will be on reducing the social and environmental problems that are now reckoned to be the most significant source of illness, disease, and premature death. The other direction is toward greater personal responsibility for health, laying upon individuals a far stronger obligation, backed by appropriate social and economic incentives, to take care of their health and simultaneously, laying upon society a stronger obligation to change those social and economic institutions that generate, or abet, poor health (D. Callahan, www.teleosis.org).How can you incorporate sustainable healthcare into your everyday life?- Eat healthy food, preferably organic and locally grown- Engage in regular exercise, preferably outdoors, walk to places- Rest regularly- Understand your local environment (where are places for you to engage in active recreation, where are places that have hazards or risks that should be avoided)- Purchase supplements and medications in small amounts (everything you buy has to be disposed of if unused)- Choose personal care products (PCPs) that are natural and non-toxic (the improper disposal and overuse of PCPs and pharmaceuticals are posing a serious threat to our municipal water system and the ecosystem)- Only use antibiotics when absolutely necessary and listen to your doctor- Seek practitioners that endorse sustainable medicine and dentistry.At ORA Dental Studio and ORA Oral Surgery & Implant Studio we are committed to the wellbeing of our patients, our team, our community, and the environment. We are proudly the first green group dental practice in the nation and have not only built green healing facilities, but practice green health care as well. For more information visit www.oradentalstudio.com and www.orasurgery.com.Steven A. Koos D.D.S., M.D.

As a Natural Dentist I have noticed an increase in the awareness about the effects of toxins that the conventional dentistry plants in our bodies.

Health experts have always suggested regular visits to the dentist for the maintenance of their oral health. But the present conventional dentistry can add toxins to the human body. With increase in awareness, and also the growth in the market for natural dentistry now there have been many theories and practices that avoid using any such harmful substances.

A holistic approach is followed that says that the body is one unit and anything that affects one part also affects the other parts as well. To prevent bad oral health, you can use a waterpik oral irrigator system in place of flossing which can protect you from tooth decay and gum diseases. Natural dentistry is a mixture of scientifically proven holistic approach. This dentistry is not only good for you and your body but also for everyone around you as well.

There have been many serious discussions about the usage of mercury and fluoride toxicity and now people are switching to the natural and holistic approach rather than the traditional dentistry.

In the past, amalgam fillings that have equal parts of silver and mercury have been commonly used. But lately these have developed a bad reputation. The toxicity caused by mercury is known to cause neurological damages, weakening of the immune system, renal damage, blood cell disorders and serious ailments like multiple sclerosis, parkinson?s etc.

Even fluoride which has been introduced in toothpastes is among the top 20 materials that are most harmful materials. It is in fact the main ingredient in rat poison, and in pesticides.

Similar to mercury and fluoride, there are many other components as well which are used in conventional dentistry that are harmful to the human health. Therefore a holistic or a natural dentist will first remove the mercury fillings and then add such nutrition to the patient?s diet which will detoxify the effects of these elements.

As per the holistic and the natural approach, dietary and lifestyle changes to support a good oral health. The dentists following natural or holistic dentistry also emphasize the importance of mental, spiritual and physical well being so that the relation of the body and mouth is improved. There are many natural ways in which one can improve his oral health. Therefore one must follow Biosafe Dentistry for a safer and healthier oral health.