Other common name(s): holistic dentistry

Scientific/medical name(s): none

Description

Biological dentistry is the removal of dental fillings or teeth claimed to contain toxins, which are said to cause systemic diseases or pain.

Overview

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that removing healthy teeth or amalgam fillings can prevent cancer or any other disease. The American Dental Association (ADA) has twice declared that the unnecessary removal of silver amalgam is improper and unethical.

How is it promoted for use?

Practitioners of biological dentistry claim that the mercury in ordinary fillings can escape, travel to distant organs, and contribute to the development of diseases, including cancer. They claim replacing metal fillings with synthetic, nontoxic compounds will eliminate toxins from the body and increase resistance to disease.

Some biological dentists also claim that decaying teeth produce a chemical called dimethyl sulfide, which can cause cancer and other illnesses. They further state that there can be infected cavities within jawbones that are not detectable by x-ray and that must be scraped out even though there is no visible evidence that the teeth are infected or diseased in any way.. They call this condition is called "cavitational osteopathosis."

Some practitioners claim that each tooth is related to a corresponding organ in the body. Because of this, an unhealthy, misaligned, or filled tooth (which may contain mercury) disturbs the flow of vital energy or life force called qi (or ch'i) that flows freely through a healthy person. By removing the tooth or filling, or realigning the jaw, practitioners claim they can stop the production of toxins from the mouth and restore the proper flow of energy, resulting in improved health. Some biological dentists say that root canal procedures increase the risk of disease in other parts of the body.

Several Web sites promoting or supporting biological dentistry claim that patients with conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, allergies, and thyroid problems improve after their mercury-containing fillings are removed. A Swiss physician claimed that 90% breast cancer patients he treated had dental problems that may have contributed to formation of the disease.

What does it involve?

Biological dentistry involves the removal and replacement of mercury-containing dental fillings with synthetic substitutes. Practitioners approach their patients holistically, meaning they consider the entire body rather than just the illness or diseased area. A biological dentist may also prescribe other remedies or diets, claiming that they can detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system. Biological dentistry can also involve oral acupuncture, surgical scraping, chelation therapy, neural therapy, laser therapy, and "mouth balancing," which is an attempt to improve structural deformities in the mouth and jaw (see Chelation Therapy and Neural Therapy).

What is the history behind it?

Dentists have used silver amalgam, which contains about 50% mercury, to fill cavities for more than 160 years. A German physician, Dr. Josef Issels, was among the first to state that toxins from dental fillings could harm a person's overall health, and that root canal procedures posed the threat of infection to various organ systems. Dr. Issels also claimed there was a connection between the growth of tumors and the presence of dental toxins. He stated that 98% of his adult patients with cancer had from 2 to 10 teeth that had undergone root canal procedures. Such teeth, he believed, must be removed in order to decrease the level of toxicity in the body.

In 1999, a practitioner who removed fillings containing mercury was placed on probation by his state's Board of Dental Examiners for 5 years. They ruled on the basis of extensive complaints from patients who claimed their health and safety had been compromised. A few years earlier, a group of patients filed a lawsuit against several practitioners of biological dentistry, claiming that perfectly healthy teeth had been removed without any improvement in health.

What is the evidence?

Typical dental fillings contain metals such as mercury, copper, and silver, but there is no solid evidence showing that the presence of these metals in teeth causes disease in other parts of the body. The clinical studies that have been published in peer-reviewed conventional medical journals found no link between mercury-containing fillings and the development of cancer and other diseases. The amount of mercury absorbed by the body from amalgams is so small it is considered harmless. A study of US dentists found that dentists themselves have higher mercury levels in their bodies than patients with mercury-containing fillings, because of daily exposure at work. However, the dentists showed the same disease patterns as everyone else and actually outlived non-dentists by about 3 years. A 1998 study concluded "there was no clear evidence that dental radiography (x-rays) or amalgam fillings are related to the development of tumors of the central nervous system." Another study found there was no connection between amalgam fillings, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, or early death.

In 1987, the American Dental Association declared that removing perfectly good fillings (even if they contained mercury) is unethical, and this position was reaffirmed in 2002. They stated that the use of dental amalgam was reviewed and found to be safe. National Institutes of Health experts also concluded there was no evidence to support the idea that dental fillings caused serious health problems. The US Food and Drug Administration has conducted long-term investigations into amalgam safety and continues to conclude that it is safe. In 2006, an independent panel generally agreed that there is no evidence that dental amalgams cause health problems in most people. However, the panel did have concerns about the lack of knowledge about possible effects of dental amalgam on people who are very sensitive to mercury, such as pregnant women and small children. Some dentists prefer to use other types of filling materials for pregnant women and small children because of concern over the slight possibility of harm during periods of rapid growth.

Some people do, however, have metal allergies that can lead to problems in the mouth if they have metal fillings. In a few people, certain kinds of mouth sores or spots, called contact lesions or oral lichen planus will develop. These are linked to direct contact with metal fillings. One study found that replacing the fillings that were touching the lesions helped most of them to heal. Some people respond similarly to metals in dentures and bridgework.

Are there any possible problems or complications?

Most dentists and other health experts believe the removal of healthy teeth or fillings is improper and unethical and should be avoided. Removal of teeth that show no infection or abnormality usually results in restricted food choices and poorer nutrition, even if the teeth are replaced with bridges or dentures.

Relying on this treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional medical care for cancer, may have serious health consequences.

Additional Resources

More information from your American Cancer Society

The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).

• Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Methods

• How to Know What Is Safe: Choosing and Using Dietary Supplements

• The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management

• Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management

• Placebo Effect

• Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer

• Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

References

ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Dental amalgam: update on safety concerns. J Am Dent Assoc. 1998;129:494-503.

Ahlqwist M, Bengtsson C, Lapidus L. Number of amalgam fillings in relation to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and early death in Swedish women. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 1993;21:40-44.

Bratel J, Hakeberg M, Jontell M. Effect of replacement of dental amalgam on oral lichenoid reactions. J Dent. 1996;24:41-45.

Dodes JE, Barrett S. Cavitational osteopathosis, NICO, and "biological dentistry." Accessed at: http://www.quackwatch.org on May 30, 2008.

Issa Y, Brunton PA, Glenny AM, Duxbury AJ. Healing of oral lichenoid lesions after replacing amalgam restorations: a systematic review. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004 Nov;98:553-565.

McComb D. Occupational exposure to mercury in dentistry and dentist mortality. J Can Dent Assoc. 1997;63:372-376.

National Institutes of Health. Technology Assessment Conference. Effects and Side Effects of Dental Restorative Materials. Bethesda, Md: National Library of Medicine;1991.

Rodvall Y, Ahlbom A, Pershagen G, Nylander M, Spannare B. Dental radiography after 25 years, amalgam fillings and tumours of the central nervous system. Oral Oncol. 1998;34:265-269.

Trans-agency Working Group on the Health Effects of Dental Amalgam. Review and analysis of the literature on the health effects of dental amalgams, Final Report. Executive Summary. Accessed at: http://www.lsro.org/amalgam/frames_amalgam_report.html on June 4, 2008.

US Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on Dental Amalgams. Center for Devices and Radiologic Health. Updated 10/31/06. Accessed at: http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/amalgams.html on June 3, 2008.

Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation.

Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008