Holistic Dentistry in Los Angeles: What It Is and Why Patients Choose It

by | May 10, 2026 | Holistic

HOLISTIC DENTISTRY · THE COMPLETE PATIENT GUIDE · LOS ANGELES

Your mouth is connected to everything. Holistic dentistry starts with that truth and builds a completely different kind of care around it.

Holistic dentistry, also called biological dentistry, is an approach to oral health that considers how dental materials and treatments affect the entire body. Holistic dentists avoid materials with known toxicity concerns, treat the underlying causes of dental problems rather than just the symptoms, and account for the connection between oral health and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.

Last updated: July 2026 · Written by Dr. Maryet Nikkie Babrood, DDS, IAOMT member · Rite Dentist, Valley Village, CA

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Dr. Babrood - Holistic Dentist in Los Angeles at Rite Dentist

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What Makes Dentistry “Holistic”?

The word holistic comes from the Greek holos, meaning whole. In dentistry, it describes a philosophy that treats the mouth not as an isolated system but as one part of a connected body. A holistic dentist asks not just “what is wrong with this tooth” but “what does this tooth problem tell us about the person’s overall health, and will this treatment support or undermine it?”

Biological dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association. It is a philosophy, meaning any licensed dentist can practice it. The key differentiators are the materials used, the treatments offered, and the way the practice approaches informed consent. Holistic dentists typically belong to organizations like the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) or the Holistic Dental Association (HDA), which publish research-based guidelines for biocompatible care.

At Rite Dentist in Valley Village, biological dentistry means no mercury amalgam, no fluoride in office treatments unless specifically requested, BPA-free restorations, and an approach to every procedure that considers the patient’s full health picture. It begins with a thorough biological dental exam that looks well beyond the teeth.

The Core Principles of Holistic Dentistry

Holistic practices vary, but nearly all are built on the same set of guiding principles. These are the pillars that separate a biological practice from a conventional one.

  • Biocompatible materials. Restorations are chosen to work with the body, not against it. That means BPA-free composite resin and ceramic instead of mercury amalgam or metal alloys with toxicity concerns.
  • Mercury-safe protocols. Existing amalgam fillings are removed using the IAOMT SMART protocol, which protects the patient and the team from mercury vapor. Learn more in our guide to mercury amalgam fillings and safe removal.
  • Fluoride-free options. Patients who prefer to avoid fluoride are offered alternatives such as hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel.
  • Minimally invasive care. Preserving healthy tooth structure and treating problems early takes priority over aggressive intervention.
  • The oral-systemic connection. Gum inflammation, bite issues, and airway problems are understood in the context of whole-body health, not treated in isolation.
  • Informed consent. Every material and treatment is explained so the patient can make decisions that reflect their own priorities and comfort level.

Holistic Dentistry vs. Conventional Dentistry

Both approaches share the goal of healthy teeth and gums. The difference lies in materials, methods, and what counts as a complete picture of care.

Filling Materials

Conventional dentistry still places mercury amalgam fillings in many practices. Holistic dentistry uses only BPA-free composite resin or ceramic restorations, eliminating heavy metal exposure entirely.

Fluoride Use

Conventional offices apply fluoride as a standard preventive treatment. Holistic dentists offer fluoride-free alternatives such as hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens enamel without the concerns associated with systemic fluoride intake.

Whole-Body Perspective

A conventional dental exam focuses on teeth, gums, and bite. A holistic exam also considers the patient’s systemic health history, medication list, nutritional status, and stress levels, because all of these influence oral health and vice versa.

X-Ray Protocols

Holistic practices use digital X-rays, which produce up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays, and take only what is clinically necessary rather than following a blanket annual schedule. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are standard.

90%

Less radiation from digital X-rays compared to traditional film

50%

Mercury by weight in conventional amalgam fillings, per the WHO

1984

Year the IAOMT was founded to research biocompatible dental care

What a Holistic Dentist Offers

A common misconception is that holistic dentistry is a narrow niche. In practice, a biological office provides the full range of dental care, delivered with biocompatible materials and a whole-body lens. At Rite Dentist, care falls into three pillars.

Holistic and Biological Dentistry

Mercury-safe amalgam removal using the SMART protocol, fluoride-free cleanings, ozone therapy, biocompatible restorations, and treatment of the oral-systemic connection. This is the foundation of the practice.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneers, metal-free crowns, tooth-colored bonding, and smile makeovers, all completed with materials chosen for both beauty and biocompatibility. A better smile should never come at the cost of your health.

General and Family Dentistry

Routine exams, gentle cleanings, tooth-colored fillings, and preventive care for the whole family, including a fluoride-free approach for children. Everyday dentistry, done the biological way.

Holistic Dentistry Across the San Fernando Valley

Rite Dentist is located at 12520 Magnolia Blvd, Suite 205, in Valley Village, which places the practice within a short drive of many of the communities it serves. Patients travel to Rite Dentist for biological care from across the eastern San Fernando Valley, including:

  • Studio City holistic and cosmetic dentistry patients, roughly ten minutes away
  • Sherman Oaks patients seeking mercury-safe and metal-free care
  • North Hollywood families looking for fluoride-free general dentistry
  • Encino patients researching biocompatible restorations and implants
  • Valley Village neighbors, right in the practice’s home community

If you are searching for a holistic dentist near you in any of these neighborhoods, we welcome you to call (818) 766-7776 or book a consultation online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a holistic dentist do?
A holistic dentist provides the full range of dental care, from cleanings and fillings to crowns and implants, using biocompatible materials and a whole-body approach. They avoid mercury amalgam, offer fluoride-free options, remove existing amalgam fillings using safe protocols, and consider how oral health connects to the rest of the body.
Is holistic dentistry the same as biological dentistry?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to a philosophy of dentistry that prioritizes biocompatible materials, whole-body health, and minimally invasive treatment. Some practitioners prefer “biological dentistry” because it emphasizes the science-based rationale behind material choices, while “holistic” better captures the whole-person approach to care.
Is holistic dentistry safe and evidence-based?
Holistic dentistry is practiced by licensed dentists and draws on a growing body of peer-reviewed research connecting oral health to systemic conditions. Concerns about mercury in amalgam are supported by the WHO and the FDA, and hydroxyapatite as a fluoride-free remineralization agent has been validated in clinical studies. As with any field, patients should choose a credentialed provider, such as an IAOMT member, and expect clear reasoning behind each recommendation.
Does holistic dentistry cost more than conventional care?
Some holistic treatments cost more than their conventional counterparts because the materials and protocols are more involved. Composite resin fillings, for example, typically cost more than amalgam. However, many patients find the investment worthwhile given the absence of heavy metals and the longer-term health considerations. Rite Dentist accepts most PPO insurance plans and can work with you on financing.
Do I have to give up all my current dental treatments to see a holistic dentist?
No. Many patients come to Rite Dentist for specific concerns, such as safe amalgam removal or a fluoride-free cleaning, while keeping other aspects of their care the same. We meet patients where they are and provide full informed consent so you can make decisions that reflect your own priorities and comfort level.
How do I know if a dentist is truly holistic?
Look for IAOMT membership, which requires ongoing education in biological dentistry and adherence to published protocols. Ask whether they still place amalgam fillings, whether they offer fluoride-free options, and what materials they use for restorations. A holistic dentist should be able to explain the reasoning behind each material choice.
Where can I find a holistic dentist near me in Studio City or Sherman Oaks?
Rite Dentist is located at 12520 Magnolia Blvd, Suite 205, in Valley Village, just minutes from Studio City, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, and Encino. The practice welcomes new patients from across the eastern San Fernando Valley. Call (818) 766-7776 to schedule a holistic dental consultation.
Does Rite Dentist accept insurance?
Rite Dentist is an out-of-network provider but can submit claims to most PPO dental insurance plans on your behalf. Many patients receive partial reimbursement for covered services. We are happy to provide a cost estimate and benefits breakdown before your appointment so there are no surprises.

Ready to Experience Dentistry That Treats You as a Whole Person?

Rite Dentist serves patients in Valley Village, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, and Encino. Call (818) 766-7776. Same-day consultations available.

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