Holistic dentists are often labeled and considered as unconventional doctors as they are known to use many practices that are considered uncommon in the world of dentistry. For instance, some holistic dentists use hair for measuring the body's nutritional state. Some use computerized dietary analysis to determine the composition of a patient's diet. They normally advise their patients to have a blood chemistry screening test, to aid them in recommending supplements to balance the body chemistry of their patients.

These types of dentists receive extensive training in the nutritional aspects of dental health. Still, not many are qualified to perform general dietary counseling before giving dental treatments. The blood chemistry tests, usually obtained from a highly regarded laboratory, are justifiable but are often misinterpreted. As an alternative of accommodating the laboratory's range of normal values, they use a much more constricted range of values and would advise patients that anything outside that range means they are out of balance and that they need immediate treatment.

In addition, they do not often recommend root canals because they believe that root canal treatment cannot obtain great results unless the canal is deeply cleansed and 100% bacteria-free. Studies have shown that it is very difficult to achieve a bacteria free canal. They also argue that too much fluoride can cause fluorosis and that fluoridating public water supplies is forced medication of the general public. Some holistic dentists are in favor of topical fluoride while some are against.

Holistic dentistry is based on the principles of what goes into your mouth can affect your entire body. Many of these beliefs and thoughts have now become highly regarded in today's health conscious climate. Holistic Practitioners or dentists believe that the condition of your mouth, gums, teeth and tongue are windows to the state of your overall health.