Frequently Asked Questions

After working closely with patients seeking a more holistic approach to dental care, we have consolidated the most commonly asked questions we receive about holistic dentistry, oral health, dental materials, inflammation, chronic dental concerns, and whole-body wellness.

This question and answer guide was created to help patients better understand how holistic dentistry differs from conventional dental care, what treatment options may be available, and what factors to consider before starting treatment.

Whether you are exploring holistic dentistry for the first time or looking for deeper answers, this is one of the most comprehensive FAQ resources on holistic dentistry in Singapore.

Holistic and Biological Dentistry FAQs

What exactly is holistic dentistry?

Holistic dentistry is dentistry that considers your systemic health in relation to your dental and oral health. 

It is about a thorough whole body assessment to find the root cause, rather than just targeting the problem area which usually manifests through dental conditions such as dry mouth, rampant dental caries or loose and shaky teeth.

Holistic dentists consider the impact of the following factors on your current and long-term oral health: 

  • Your current and past medical conditions 
  • The medications and supplements that you take 
  • Your current and past dental work 
  • Your breathing patterns 
  • The nutrition you take on a daily basis
  • Your current and recent energy levels
  • Whether you have an active or sedentary lifestyle
  • Your sleep hygiene 
  • How your occupation plays a role in your physical and oral health
  • Your current stress levels. 

If necessary, holistic dentists combine the use of nutritional advice, lifestyle counselling and alternative therapies (e.g. acupuncture and homeopathy) with modern dental treatments.

What exactly is biological dentistry?

Biological dentistry is often confused and used simultaneously with holistic dentistry. 

While biological dentistry also considers a holistic approach to dental care, it prioritises minimally invasive treatments and the use of natural, toxic-free dental materials during treatment. 

It avoids the use of metal or toxic materials (e.g. mercury fillings in amalgam fillings). 

Biological dentists use biocompatible solutions like porcelain or zirconia for restorations. 

Is holistic dentistry evidence based?

Holistic dentistry practiced at kohe™ Holistic Dental Centre is evidence-based.

We do not subscribe to trend-based dental care and only apply dental techniques or treatments that have had extensive research done to back its success factors up. 

What is the difference between holistic dentistry and traditional dentistry?

Holistic dentistry takes a more 'whole' view towards dental care. Instead of solving just the problem, we also look into: 

  • Your current lifestyle (e.g. your sleep cycle and hygiene, whether you are a smoker/vaper) 

  • Nutrition

  • Whether you have any existing medical conditions or symptoms

  • The medications and/or supplements that you have been taking

  • Present and past dental work, among other factors. 

     

Traditional dentistry usually problem solves by targeting what you came in for.

If you came in because of a loose or shaky tooth, traditional dentistry aims to solve the loose or shaky teeth by seeing whether it is saveable with gum disease treatment. If it is not, the tooth is extracted and replaced with a tooth replacement solution. 

Both dentistry styles deliver the same outcomes, but holistic dentistry builds the foundations for better dental health in the long-run by tackling the root cause. 

Is holistic dentistry the same as biological dentistry?

Both holistic dentistry and biological dentistry terms are often used interchangeably.

Both holistic and biological dentistry: 

  • Focus on how systemic health can affect oral health and vice versa 

  • Ensure the use of biocompatible and safe dental materials in the mouth
  • Focus on minimally invasive procedures
  • Work with root-cause prevention. 

However, there are some key differences to holistic and biological dentistry: 

  • Holistic dentistry considers emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. When necessary, a holistic dentist might recommend engaging the assistance of a nutritionist or alternative medicine practitioners to enhance your overall systemic and oral health. 
  • Biological dentistry often does advanced biological testing to ensure that your body has no adverse immune or allergic reactions to dental materials. It also focuses heavily on how certain dental procedures can interact with the immune system and contribute to inflammation markers. 
Can holistic dentistry replace conventional dentistry?
Do holistic dentists use X-rays?
Do holistic dentists prescribe antibiotics when necessary?
Do holistic dentists give fluoride treatment?
Is holistic dentistry safe?

Holistic dentistry is extremely safe for all ages. It is safe because of the following reasons: 

  • The use of biocompatible materials that do not affect your systemic health

  • Reduced risk of adverse effects on your body because of safe materials approach 
  • The use of special protection protocols for all dental treatments (e.g. removal of amalgam fillings)
  • It is extremely personalised and takes into account current medications and medical conditions to tailor the treatment approach and maintenance
  • An emphasis on holistic and minimally invasive approach. 

In fact, many patients who visit our holistic dentist have provided feedback that the process feels reassuring and gives them the right insights to address their lifestyle in relation to their oral health.

 

Holistic Dental Consultation FAQs

What happens during a holistic dental consultation?

Your holistic dental consultation starts before you enter kohe™ Holistic Dental Centre. We take a detailed and analytical approach to how we work with our holistic patients. 

You will be asked to fill up a comprehensive and extensive patient form. The form will request for details on: 

  • Your current and past medical history 
  • The medications and supplements that you are currently taking 
  • Your current and past dental work 
  • Whether you have a history of dental infections, inflammations, abscesses, root canal failures, implant failures, or extractions
  • Known allergies or sensitivities to dental materials, metals, latex, medications, foods or chemicals 
  • Your breathing patterns when you sleep 
  • Whether you breathe mainly through your nose or mouth 
  • Whether you snore, grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or wake up with jaw tension
  • Your airway, tongue posture, swallowing habits, and facial muscle habits
  • The nutrition you take on a daily basis which includes your sugar intake, acidic food intake, hydration habits, and frequency of snacking
  • Your gut health, digestion, bloating, reflux, or food intolerance history
  • Your current and recent energy levels e.g. Whether you experience fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, or low recovery
  • Whether you have an active or sedentary lifestyle
  • Your exercise habits, movement patterns, and postural strain
  • Your sleep hygiene and sleep quality
  • Your current occupation and how it plays a role in your physical and oral health
  • Whether your work involves long sitting hours, high screen time, shift work, frequent travel, public speaking, or high stress
  • Your current stress levels

Our holistic dentist will review all the information before the consultation so that she is able to set the direction of the consultation to meet your expectations and needs. 

During the consultation, she will ask you further questions based on what you have indicated. The initial consultation sets the tone for the next steps of your patient journey. Each patient journey is tweaked based on your specific needs and requirements. It is important to be extremely clear with your holistic dentist during the consultation. 

 

Do I need blood tests before a holistic dental consultation?

No, you do not require blood tests before a holistic dental consultation.

During your 60 to 90 minutes holistic dental consultation, our holistic dentist will do a few basic in-house screenings like blood pressure and blood glucose checks. 

There are certain exceptions where you might be required to do blood tests before a holistic dental consultation: 

  • If you have a history of severe allergies or sensitivities, it might be necessary to do a blood test to see what filling materials are safest for your immune system. 
  • If you require complex biological treatments such as the removal of a severely infected root canal, or using Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) for better healing, then it might be necessary to do a blood panel to ensure that your body is ready for optimal healing.
  • If you have an underlying chronic health condition, your holistic dentist might ask for existing and recent blood work to understand your systemic health better. 

If you have existing copies of any recent blood test results, it will be a good idea to bring these so that your holistic dentist can determine if further tests are required after meeting you and evaluating your mouth.

Do you check my medical history during a holistic dental consultation?

Yes, we do thorough medical history checks before and during a holistic dental consultation.

Because holistic dentistry focuses on the connection between mouth-body, your holistic dentist will look at how your overall physical, nutritional and lifestyle health has impacted your oral health, and vice versa. 

At kohe™ Holistic Dental Centre, the consultation process begins before your actual in-person consultation commences. 

Do you check the dental materials used in my mouth?
Do you work with medical doctors or functional medicine practitioners?
Should I bring my existing dental X-rays?
How do you decide whether a dental material is suitable for me?
Do I need to do treatment immediately after a consultation?

X-Rays, CBCT Scans and Dental Diagnosis FAQs

Are dental X-rays safe?
Are CBCT scans necessary?
How often should dental X-rays be taken?
Can dental infections be hidden on normal X-rays?
What can a CBCT scan show?
Do holistic dentists avoid unnecessary radiation?
Are digital X-rays lower radiation?
Can scans detect failed root canals or cavitations?

Holistic Treatment Cost, Insurance and Treatment Planning FAQs

Is holistic dentistry more expensive?
Why does holistic dentistry cost more?
Are ceramic implants more expensive than titanium implants?
Can holistic dental treatment be staged?
Can I choose only the urgent treatment first?
Are holistic dental treatments covered by insurance?
How do I compare treatment options?
Do I need to do everything at once?

Dental Materials Safety and Sensitivity FAQs

What dental materials are used in holistic dentistry?
Are traditional dental materials toxic?
Can dental materials trigger allergies?
What are biocompatible dental materials?
What is dental material compatibility testing?
Are composite fillings safe?
Are ceramic crowns safer than metal crowns?
Are titanium implants safe for sensitive patients?

Gum Disease and Oral Inflammation FAQs

Is gum disease linked to inflammation in the body?
Can gum disease affect heart health?
Can gum disease affect diabetes?
Can gum disease affect pregnancy?
Can gum disease affect autoimmune conditions?
Why do my gums bleed?
Can gum disease be reversed naturally?
Do I need deep cleaning?
Can ozone help gum disease?

Safe Amalgam Removal FAQs

Is mercury amalgam filling removal safe?
Should all amalgam fillings be removed?
What is the safest way to remove mercury fillings?
What precautions are used during amalgam removal?
Can I remove amalgam fillings while pregnant?
What should I do before and after amalgam removal?
Is amalgam removal painful?
What material will you use to replace amalgam fillings?

Mercury, Heavy Metals and Dental Toxicity FAQs

Can dental fillings release mercury?
Can heavy metals in the mouth affect general health?
What are the symptoms of mercury sensitivity?
Can mercury fillings affect inflammation?
Can dental metals cause galvanic reactions?
What is oral galvanism?
Should I detox after amalgam removal?
Can dentists diagnose heavy metal toxicity?

Mouth-Body Connection FAQs

Can oral health affect overall health?
Can dental infections affect the immune system?
Can gum disease affect chronic inflammation?
Can poor oral health affect digestion?
Can missing teeth affect nutrition?
Can bite problems affect posture?
Can dental issues affect sleep and breathing?
Can oral bacteria travel to other parts of the body?

Dental Surgery, Healing and Recovery FAQs

How does holistic dentistry support healing after surgery?
What should I do before dental surgery?
What should I eat after dental surgery?
How can I reduce swelling naturally?
Is PRF used in holistic dentistry?
What is platelet-rich fibrin?
Can dental surgery be done without unnecessary antibiotics?
How long does healing take?

Root Canal and Tooth Infection FAQs

Are root canal-treated teeth safe?
Can a root canal tooth still have infection?
What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?
When should a tooth be extracted instead of root canal treated?
Can a dental infection affect general health?
Can old root canals cause symptoms?
How do holistic dentists assess root canal teeth?
What is a cavitation?

Dental Cavitations and Jawbone Infection FAQs

Can old extraction sites become infected?
Can wisdom tooth removal sites cause problems later?
How are dental cavitations diagnosed?
Can cavitations cause jaw pain?
Can cavitations affect general health?
What treatment options exist for cavitations?
Is cavitation surgery always needed?

Metal-Free Ceramic Implant FAQs

What are ceramic dental implants?
Are ceramic implants better than titanium implants?
Are ceramic implants completely metal-free?
Are zirconia implants safe?
Are ceramic implants suitable for everyone?
Can ceramic implants fail?
How long do ceramic implants last?
Are ceramic implants more expensive?

Titanium Implant Sensitivity and Implant Material FAQs

Can someone be sensitive to titanium implants?
Can titanium implants cause allergies?
Can dental implants trigger inflammation?
What are signs of implant material sensitivity?
Should I remove a titanium implant?
Can I replace titanium implants with ceramic implants?
How do I know which implant material is right for me?

Ceramic Fillings, Crowns and Restorations FAQs

Are ceramic fillings better than composite fillings?
Which is better: Inlays/Onlays or dental crowns?
What is the difference between composite and ceramic restorations?
Are ceramic crowns metal-free?
Are zirconia crowns safe?
Are lithium disilicate crowns safe?
Can ceramic restorations be used for back teeth?
How long do ceramic restorations last?

Dentures, Bridges and Metal-Free Tooth Replacement FAQs

What are metal-free options for missing teeth?
Are dentures safe?
Are flexible dentures safe?
Are metal dentures suitable for sensitive patients?
Are ceramic bridges possible?
Should I choose a bridge or implant?
Can missing teeth affect my health?
What is the most biocompatible way to replace missing teeth?

Failed Dental Implants and Dental Prosthesis FAQs

Why do dental implants fail?
Can failed dental implants be replaced?
What is peri-implantitis?
Can implant dentures become loose?
Can old implant bridges be repaired?
Can a failed titanium implant be replaced with a ceramic implant?
How do holistic dentists assess failed implants?

TMJ and Bite FAQs

What is TMJ disorder?
Can bite problems cause jaw pain?
Can dental work affect my bite?
Can missing teeth cause TMJ issues?
Can clenching and grinding affect the whole body?
Can TMJ problems cause headaches?
Can TMJ problems affect posture?
How do holistic dentists assess bite problems?

Biomimetic and Natural Tooth Preservation FAQs

What is biomimetic dentistry?
How is biomimetic dentistry different from normal fillings and crowns?
Can biomimetic dentistry prevent root canals?
Can cracked teeth be repaired biomimetically?
Are onlays better than crowns?
Is biomimetic dentistry suitable for large cavities?
Does biomimetic dentistry last?

Minimally Invasive Dentistry FAQs

What is minimally invasive dentistry?
Can cavities be treated without drilling?
When does a cavity need a filling?
Can enamel repair itself?
What is remineralisation?
Can early decay be reversed?
What is air abrasion?
What is laser dentistry?
How do you preserve natural tooth structure?

Ozone Therapy and Dental Debridement FAQs

What is dental ozone therapy?
Is ozone therapy safe?
Can ozone kill bacteria?
Is ozone used for gum disease?
Is ozone used during root canal treatment?
Is ozone used during implant treatment?
Can ozone help infected extraction sites?
Does ozone replace normal dental treatment?

Airway and Sleep Dentistry for Adults FAQs

What is airway dentistry?
Can dental arches affect breathing?
Can mouth breathing affect oral health?
Can sleep problems be related to dental structure?
Can children’s jaw growth affect breathing?
Can adults improve airway issues with dental treatment?
Can tongue posture affect the airway?
What dental signs suggest airway problems?
Can I use MARPE palatal expander to improve airway?

Airway and Sleep Dentistry for Children FAQs

Is it normal for children to snore?
Can children have sleep apnoea?
Can poor sleep affect children’s behaviour?
Can teeth grinding be linked to sleep problems?
Can mouth breathing at night affect children’s teeth?
Can enlarged tonsils or adenoids affect dental development?
Can a narrow palate affect sleep?
What dental signs suggest poor sleep breathing?
Should my child see a dentist if they snore?
How can holistic dentistry support better sleep and breathing?

Children’s Holistic Dentistry FAQs

What is children’s holistic dentistry?
How is holistic dentistry for children different from regular children’s dentistry?
Is holistic dentistry safe for children?
What age should my child first see a holistic dentist?
Does holistic dentistry still use dental X-rays for children?
Can holistic dentistry prevent cavities naturally?
Are holistic dentists against all conventional dental treatment?
How does a holistic dentist assess my child’s whole health?
Can children with medical conditions see a holistic dentist?
When should I bring my child for a holistic dental check-up?

Pregnancy and Holistic Dental Care FAQs

Is dental treatment safe during pregnancy?
Can I remove amalgam fillings while pregnant?
Can gum disease affect pregnancy?
Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?
What dental materials are safest during pregnancy?
What should I avoid during pregnancy?
Should I see a dentist before trying to conceive?
Can I have dental cleaning while pregnant?

Autoimmune Conditions and Dental Health FAQs

Can dental infections affect autoimmune conditions?
Can gum disease worsen inflammation?
Should autoimmune patients check for hidden oral infections?
Are dental materials important for autoimmune patients?
Can root canal-treated teeth affect immune stress?
Can autoimmune patients get dental implants?
Are ceramic implants better for autoimmune patients?
How should autoimmune patients prepare for dental treatment?
Should autoimmune patients avoid unnecessary dental surgery?
How do you plan dental treatments for autoimmune patients?

Diabetes and Blood Sugar FAQs

Can gum disease make diabetes harder to control?
Why do people with diabetes get gum disease more easily?
Can treating gum disease improve blood sugar control?
Should diabetic patients have more frequent dental cleanings?
Why do my gums bleed more when my blood sugar is high?
Are dental implants safe for patients with diabetes?
Does diabetes increase the risk of dental implant failure?
Should I stabilise my blood sugar before dental surgery?
Can dry mouth from diabetes increase tooth decay?
What should a holistic dentist check if I have diabetes?

Heart Disease and Cardiovascular Health FAQs

Is gum disease linked to heart disease?
Can oral inflammation affect cardiovascular health?
Should heart patients treat gum disease more urgently?
Do bleeding gums mean there is inflammation in the body?
Can bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream?
Is dental treatment safe if I have heart disease?
Do I need antibiotics before dental treatment if I have a heart condition?
Are dental infections risky for patients with heart valve problems?
Can poor oral health affect stroke risk?
What should I tell my dentist if I have a heart condition?

High Blood Pressure FAQs

Can dental anxiety raise blood pressure during treatment?
Is dental treatment safe if I have high blood pressure?
Should my blood pressure be checked before dental surgery?
Can gum disease and inflammation affect vascular health?
Can certain dental anaesthetics affect blood pressure?
Should I take my blood pressure medication before dental treatment?
Can tooth infections increase physical stress on the body?
Can sleep apnoea, airway issues, and high blood pressure be related?
What dental signs may suggest clenching from stress?
How does a holistic dentist manage patients with hypertension?

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Joint Inflammation FAQs

Is gum disease linked to rheumatoid arthritis?
Can oral inflammation affect joint inflammation?
Should rheumatoid arthritis patients have regular periodontal checks?
Can arthritis medication affect dental healing?
Can immunosuppressants increase dental infection risk?
Are dental implants safe for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Can jaw joint pain be related to rheumatoid arthritis?
Can TMJ pain be mistaken for arthritis pain?
What dental materials are suitable for rheumatoid arthritis patients?
How should dental treatment be planned if I have joint inflammation?

Thyroid Disease FAQs

Can thyroid disease affect dental health?
Can hypothyroidism affect healing after dental treatment?
Can hyperthyroidism affect dental treatment safety?
Can thyroid medication interact with dental treatment?
Can dry mouth be related to thyroid problems?
Can gum inflammation be worse with hormonal imbalance?
Should I tell my dentist if I have Hashimoto’s disease?
Are dental material sensitivities more common in thyroid patients?
Can clenching and jaw tension worsen during thyroid imbalance?
What would a holistic dentist consider if I have thyroid disease?

Allergies, Sensitivities and Histamine FAQs

Can dental materials trigger allergies?
Can dental treatment trigger sensitivity reactions?
What should I tell my dentist if I have multiple allergies?
Are there dental options for highly sensitive patients?
Can latex-free dental treatment be arranged?
Can anaesthetic sensitivity happen?
What if I react badly to dental materials?
Can histamine issues affect dental treatment?

Medication, Supplements and Dental Treatment FAQs

What medications should I tell my holistic dentist about?
Can blood thinners affect dental treatment?
Can osteoporosis medication affect dental surgery?
Can supplements affect bleeding?
Should I stop medication before dental treatment?
Can antibiotics affect gut health?
Are antibiotics always needed for dental infections?
Can painkillers be avoided after dental treatment?

Fluoride, Remineralisation and Preventive Care FAQs

Is fluoride necessary?
Are there fluoride-free alternatives?
Can teeth remineralise naturally?
What causes enamel to weaken?
Can diet affect tooth decay?
Are hydroxyapatite toothpastes useful?
Can cavities heal naturally?
How do holistic dentists prevent decay?

Nutrition, Oral Microbiome and Saliva FAQs

How does diet affect oral health?
What is the oral microbiome?
Can gut health affect oral health?
Why do I keep getting cavities despite brushing?
Can dry mouth increase dental problems?
Can probiotics help oral health?
What foods support healthy teeth and gums?
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Dental Anxiety FAQs

Is holistic dentistry suitable for anxious patients?
Can dental treatment be done gently?
What if I am afraid of dental injections?
Can dental treatment be done slowly over stages?
Do holistic dentists explain every step?
Can I avoid unnecessary dental work?
Can I get a second opinion?
How do I know if treatment is truly needed?
Do It Once, Do It Right

Holistic Dental Care

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