If you’ve searched for a dentist in Miami Gardens and come across the terms “holistic dentist” or “biological dentist,” you may be wondering what they actually mean — and whether the approach is right for you and your family. At All Smiles General Dentistry II, we practice holistic dentistry every day. This guide explains exactly what makes it different from conventional dental care, and why more and more Miami Gardens families are choosing it.
Key Takeaways
- Holistic dentistry treats the whole body — not just the teeth. It recognizes that oral health directly affects systemic health.
- We use only mercury-free, BPA-free, and biocompatible materials that won’t introduce toxins into your body.
- Our approach is minimally invasive — we preserve as much natural tooth structure as possible, avoiding unnecessary drilling.
- Traditional dentistry is not “bad” — it just focuses narrowly on teeth. Holistic dentistry broadens that focus to your overall wellbeing.
- You don’t have to give up any services: we offer everything a conventional dentist does, plus a whole-body perspective.
In This Guide
What Is Holistic Dentistry?
Holistic dentistry — also called biological dentistry, biocompatible dentistry, or integrative dentistry — is an approach to dental care that considers your oral health as inseparable from your overall physical health. Rather than treating a tooth in isolation, a holistic dentist asks: how does this treatment affect the rest of the body? What materials are going into the patient’s mouth? Are we supporting the body’s natural healing, or potentially interfering with it?
These questions lead to specific clinical decisions: no amalgam (mercury) fillings, no fluoride protocols for patients who prefer to avoid it, minimally invasive techniques that preserve tooth structure, and the use of biocompatible restorative materials that the body is unlikely to react to.
Holistic vs. Traditional Dentistry: Key Differences
Both approaches can deliver excellent dental care. The differences lie in philosophy, materials, and the scope of what each considers “dental health.”
| Area | Traditional Dentistry | Holistic Dentistry |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Teeth, gums, and oral structures | Whole body — oral health as part of overall wellness |
| Fillings | May use amalgam (contains mercury) | Mercury-free composite, ceramic, or porcelain only |
| Fluoride | Routinely recommended | Patient choice; alternatives offered when preferred |
| Approach to decay | Drill and fill when decay detected | Remineralization first; drilling only when necessary |
| Materials testing | Standard approved materials used | Biocompatibility considered; avoids known reactive materials |
| Root canals | Standard treatment for infected pulp | Performed with biocompatible materials; alternatives discussed |
| Systemic considerations | Referrals to medical doctor when obvious | Proactive discussion of oral-systemic connections |
Traditional Dentistry
- Narrow focus on teeth & gums
- May use amalgam fillings
- Drill-first approach to decay
- Standard materials without biocompatibility focus
Holistic Dentistry
- Whole-body wellness perspective
- Mercury-free, BPA-free materials only
- Preserve natural tooth when possible
- Biocompatible restorations
Mercury-Free and Biocompatible Materials
One of the most important distinctions in holistic dentistry is the complete rejection of dental amalgam — the silver-gray filling material that contains approximately 50% mercury by weight. While regulatory agencies maintain that amalgam fillings are safe for most adults, many holistic practitioners and patients prefer to avoid mercury in any form as a matter of precaution.
At All Smiles Miami Gardens, we use only:
- Composite resin fillings — tooth-colored, mercury-free, and BPA-free options available
- Ceramic and porcelain restorations — crowns and onlays with no metal content
- Biocompatible bonding materials — selected to minimize the risk of sensitivity or reaction
Ready to Experience Holistic Dentistry in Miami Gardens?
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Bernkrant at All Smiles General Dentistry II. Mercury-free, family-friendly care for all ages.
The Oral-Systemic Connection
Holistic dentistry is built on a body of growing research showing that what happens in your mouth doesn’t stay in your mouth. The bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other organ systems. This connection — called the oral-systemic link — is one of the most studied areas in modern medicine.
Gum Disease and Heart Disease
Multiple studies have found that people with moderate to severe periodontal disease have a 2–3x higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers believe chronic oral inflammation may contribute to arterial inflammation and plaque formation. The American Heart Association recommends that patients with heart disease work closely with their dentist to maintain healthy gums.
Gum Disease and Diabetes
The relationship between gum disease and diabetes is bidirectional: uncontrolled blood sugar worsens gum disease, and gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control. For Miami Gardens patients managing diabetes, consistent periodontal care is a legitimate part of diabetes management — not just dental hygiene.
Oral Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy gingivitis affects up to 70% of pregnant women due to hormonal changes. Research links untreated periodontal disease to increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Holistic dental care during pregnancy focuses on gentle, biocompatible treatments and close monitoring of gum health.
Who Benefits Most From Holistic Dentistry?
While anyone can benefit from a whole-body approach to dental care, holistic dentistry is particularly valuable for:
- Patients with chronic health conditions — diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune conditions, or chronic inflammation
- Pregnant patients — biocompatible materials and gentle techniques matter especially during pregnancy
- Children — avoiding mercury and minimizing unnecessary chemical exposure from early childhood
- Patients with mercury amalgam fillings — those considering safe removal and replacement with biocompatible alternatives
- Health-conscious families — those who want dental care aligned with a natural or integrative health philosophy
- Patients with dental material sensitivities — those who have reacted to materials in the past
Holistic Dentistry at All Smiles Miami Gardens
All Smiles General Dentistry II at 18360 NW 7th Ave in Miami Gardens brings the holistic dentistry approach to one of Broward and Dade County’s most underserved communities. Dr. Bernkrant and the All Smiles team provide comprehensive dental care — from preventive cleanings and fillings to cosmetic dentistry and emergency services — using biocompatible materials and a whole-body philosophy throughout.
- Mercury-Free Practice: We have never placed amalgam fillings. All restorations are tooth-colored and biocompatible.
- Emergency Access: Same-day appointments available for dental emergencies — same biocompatible standard applies even in urgent situations.
- Family-Friendly: We treat patients of all ages, from young children to seniors, with the same holistic approach.
- Bilingual Care: English and Spanish spoken — serving Miami Gardens’ diverse community.
- Insurance Accepted: Most major PPO plans accepted. CareCredit financing available.
See What Whole-Body Dental Care Feels Like
Serving Miami Gardens, Opa-locka, North Miami Beach, and Aventura. New patients welcome — most appointments available within the same week.
South Florida Dental Partners
All Smiles General Dentistry II works alongside a network of specialist and general dental practices across South Florida to ensure our patients receive complete, coordinated care.
Tooth Fairy Workshop in Hollywood, FL is led by Dr. Tamara Rojas, DMD — a board-certified periodontist who specializes in gum disease treatment, LANAP laser therapy, and dental implants. Patients who need specialist periodontal care beyond general dentistry are often referred to Tooth Fairy Workshop, where the same attention to patient wellbeing and minimally invasive technique is practiced.
Pines True Smile provides dental care in Pembroke Pines — an excellent option for patients who live in west Broward and need convenient access to general or cosmetic dental services close to home while maintaining their specialist relationship with All Smiles.
Sedation Dental Spa of Miramar offers sedation-assisted dental care for highly anxious patients in Miramar, just south of Miami Gardens. For patients who need significant dental work and want full-sedation options, Sedation Dental Spa is a trusted area referral.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is holistic dentistry more expensive than traditional dentistry?
Not necessarily. Most holistic dental services — cleanings, exams, fillings, crowns — are priced similarly to conventional practices. Composite (tooth-colored) fillings may cost slightly more than amalgam in some offices, but at All Smiles we’ve always used composite exclusively, so there’s no premium. Most major PPO dental insurance plans cover holistic treatments at the same benefit levels as conventional dentistry.
Do you offer fluoride-free cleanings in Miami Gardens?
Yes. While we do discuss fluoride as a cavity prevention option, we respect patient choice. If you prefer fluoride-free cleanings and alternative remineralization approaches, simply let our team know at your appointment and we’ll accommodate your preference.
Can you safely remove my old amalgam (mercury) fillings?
Yes. We follow a careful amalgam removal protocol to minimize your exposure to mercury vapor during the removal process. This includes proper isolation, high-volume suction, and sectioning the filling into chunks rather than grinding it down. We’ll replace removed amalgam with biocompatible composite or ceramic restorations.
Is holistic dentistry safe for children?
Absolutely. In many ways, children benefit most from a holistic approach — developing bodies are more sensitive to the materials they’re exposed to. At All Smiles, every child receives the same mercury-free, biocompatible care as adult patients. We also use the most gentle, minimally invasive approaches to keep children comfortable and confident at the dentist.
Do you accept dental insurance at All Smiles Miami Gardens?
Yes. We accept most major PPO dental insurance plans. Please call us at (305) 705-2748 to verify your specific plan before your appointment. We also offer CareCredit financing for patients who prefer to spread the cost of treatment over time.
Your Miami Gardens Holistic Dentist — Accepting New Patients
Mercury-free fillings, biocompatible materials, whole-family care. Book your appointment this week.