What if the pain or illness associated with any part of the body were related to what happens to us in the teeth? This is the question on which the birth of a discipline known as integrative dentistry. With it they try to treat all types of pathologies, focusing on oral health. Thus, by filling a cavity, the solution to a very specific physical or emotional problem could be found. It sounds good, of course. But, to the surprise of almost no one, has no scientific evidence. Come on, it’s a pseudoscience like a cathedral.
Although it is quite fashionable in the West, the integrative dentistry is based on the Chinese traditional medicine. This introduces the famous concept of meridians, with their channels through which energy flows, connecting different parts of the body. Supposedly, an imbalance in these channels can cause many health problems, so they must be solved through techniques such as acupuncture.
The foot reflexology It is another of the disciplines based on the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. This indicates that the different areas of the feet are connected through meridians with other parts of the body, so any pathology can be treated with good manipulation of the feet. The same thing happens in the case of integrative dentistry. It is indicated that each meridian connects one or more organs with two or more teeth and, in turn, many emotions. Therefore, energy imbalances can be solved directly from the teeth, promoting the correct functioning of the rest of the body. Everything seems too good to be true. And that is precisely what should make us start to doubt. But there are more reasons to do it.
Bruxism as a lure of integrative dentistry
If we dive into the websites about integrative dentistrywe can see that, sometimes, they use the bruxism as a decoy. That is, they show us something that does have an explanation and scientific evidence to attract us to a discipline that has none.
Bruxism is the phenomenon by which a person constantly clenches or grinds their teeth, wearing them down or even causing headaches and pain in the face, in the jaw area. This is often associated with stress or anxiety. Therefore, it is true that we have an emotional condition that is associated with our teeth. But integrative dentistry is not about that.
Basically, it relates each set of teeth to a series of organs and emotions. For example, the incisors are linked with the bladder and kidney. In turn, the latter is considered the organ of coexistence, so incisors that are born crooked after the baby teeth fall out are related to problems within the family. Meanwhile, the central incisors are associated with the lumbar and sacral; Therefore, if cavities are detected in these teeth, it is advisable to monitor possible pain in these bones.
What about the meridians?
All this, as we have seen, is related to the existence of the meridians through which energy circulates. vital energyknown as chi. The problem is that Not even the defenders of the existence of these meridians agree in what is its biological foundation. There are many studies that demonstrate its existence, but most are methodologically poor and not replicable. Additionally, they are published in magazines specialized in alternative medicineso the criteria for the inclusion of studies are not so strict.
Yes, it is true that it has been seen that some meridians coincide with nerve bundlesso it could be explained that, in a certain way, its management can help treat painas with the acupuncture. There isn’t enough scientific evidence either, but it could make a little sense. What is impossible to explain is that parts of the body as distant as the kidney and the incisors can be connected and that problems in one affect others, also emotionally.
For this, not even its defenders have an explanation. There are no solid studies that show that chi exists and therefore connects the parts of the body that are reflected in the integrative dentistry.
A technique to make money
As is often the case with other pseudosciences, integrative dentistry is mainly oriented to economic benefit of those who practice it.
In an article published on the McGill University websitethe dentist Maria Grossman makes it clear that this technique It is not taught in college, is not recognized as a specialty, and does not require any training.
However, the professionals who practice integrative dentistry are based precisely on their supposed specialization to charge much more expensive than other dentists. To do this, they also resort to such unethical tricks as discrediting the techniques with plenty of scientific evidence carried out by conventional dentists.
For example, they are against endodontics and surgeries of gums and root canals.
Forbidden substances
Furthermore, integrative dentistry points out alleged harms from the use of substances such as the amalgam used in fillings or fluoride of toothpastes.
Grossman acknowledges that in recent years amalgam has begun to be replaced by more effective materials. Although it could continue to be used. For fluoride, however, there are no reasons to justify its prohibition.
It may not be necessary to add it to tap water, as proposed in countries such as USA. However, in toothpaste it helps strengthen enamel, promote tooth remineralization and minimize bacterial growth. It is an ideal way to prevent cavities.
But of course, if clients don’t use fluoride, they will be more likely to have cavitiesthese cavities may be related to any physical or mental health problem and they may be charged a fortune for a treatment that could have been prevented or that, in the worst case, would be solved with a simple filling.
If we add to that that these dentists often recommend totally unnecessary detox products, vitamins and other supplements, we are facing a waste of money that makes no sense. Because no, they don’t send customers to the pharmacy. Generally they sell everything themselves.
For all these reasons, if someone recommends integrative dentistry, run away. It sounds great, but it will make you much poorer, with scientific evidence conspicuous by its absence. Your smile can say many things about you, but it has nothing to do with the health of the rest of your body.