With more than 40 years’ experience in biological dentistry, David Lerner, DDS, bridges the gap between modern dental technology and the ageless traditions of natural healing. He recently took the time to explain to Natural Awakenings readers how his practice, The Center for Holistic Dentistry, in Yorktown Heights, provides oral and dental healthcare based on a fuller understanding of each patient’s whole-body health. 

We offer an innovative approach to dental care that integrates knowledge of natural healing with that of contemporary dental science and technology. Rather than simply treating the symptoms of dental disease, we focus on finding the cause. Our methods help identify hidden or unidentified sources of dental stress in your mouth that may contribute to the process of aging or the development of disease in your body.

In our office we use biocompatible testing of the materials to be used in treatment to make sure they are absolutely biocompatible with the patient. Before we begin any procedure or place any restorative material in the mouth, we will screen our patients to be sure it will not cause an allergic reaction or other adverse effects. We also favor the use of applied kinesiology—what’s known as muscle response testing—to check our patience for sensitivity. 

There are common factors in all degenerative diseases, including nutritional deficiencies and biochemical imbalances, toxicity, inflammation, infection, genetic predispositions, and various forms of stress that interfere with the body’s inherent self-regulatory functions.

Then there are certain dental conditions that impact overall health. Those include allergy or toxicity related to dental materials like mercury; infection and inflammation of the gums; tooth decay leading to infections; failing root-canal-treated teeth; residual bone cavitations in the jaw; electromagnetic currents created by electro-galvanic dental metals; imbalance of the bite or misalignment of the jaws causing neuromuscular, craniosacral and myofascial tension; restrictions of the airway leading to snoring or sleep apnea; and discoloration or disfigurement of the teeth that affects your self-image and comfort in smiling.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, patients may feel reluctant to get regular checkups; they might feel that having routine dental cleanings is not necessary. However, we stress to our patients how crucial is it to stay on track with their oral health to prevent gum disease, which affects more than 50 percent of the adult population. We recommend our patients come in for regular cleanings and checkups at least twice a year.

What is commonly called dental plaque is actually a sticky coating loaded with disease-causing bacteria. As the plaque forms and thrives on your teeth, the bacteria release chemicals that begin breaking down the lining of the gum tissue, allowing the bacteria to enter your gums. Eventually, the bacteria penetrate your body’s defenses and can get into your bloodstream. Once there, these disease-causing bacteria may contribute to disease in your blood vessels, your heart, your brain and other areas. With regular at-home dental care and regular dental cleanings, patients can significantly reduce these risks. 

Location: The Center For Holistic Dentistry, 2649 Strang Blvd., Ste. 201, Yorktown Heights, NY. For more info, call 914.214.9678, email [email protected] or visit HolisticDentist.com.