Homeopathy

The following information explains how homeopathy is used in the provision of dental health care.

What is homeopathy?

Homeopathy uses the principle that like, cures like. That is to say, treating an illness with a substance that causes those same symptoms in a healthy person.

How is homeopathy different from conventional medicine?

Conventional medicine takes the view that symptoms are a direct manifestation of the illness. Homeopathic medicine sees the symptoms as the body’s attempt to overcome the illness and seek to stimulate this reaction, not suppress it.

Are there side effects to homeopathic medicines?

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances and act by stimulating the body’s own natural forces of recovery.

How is the right homeopathic medicine chosen?

People suffering from the same disease do not necessarily require the same homeopathic medicine. This is because the symptom picture of the disease is partly made up of the individual’s own personality and temperament and this is taken into account when selecting the right medicine.

Can homeopathic medicines have a harmful effect?

In normal and correct usage the answer is no. In certain circumstances the medicines can have a detrimental effect but only by going against all the principles of correct prescribing. This is why it is important always to seek the advice of a professionally qualified homeopath who knows when it is inappropriate to use homeopathic medicines.

Can homeopathic medicines safely be given to children?

Because of their mode of action and absence of harmful side effects, homeopathic medicines are ideal for giving to even very young children, providing this is done under qualified professional supervision. For example, there is a medicine for the teething child which helps take away the pain of teething, the associated tummy problems and bad temper.

How can homeopathy be used in dentistry?

The use of homeopathy is more limited in dentistry than medicine. Homeopathy cannot replace the mechanical arts of dentistry and there is no homeopathic medicine that will selectively numb a tooth. There are many ways in which homeopathy can be integrated into the practice of dentistry either to replace conventional drugs or to act on instances for which there is no conventional alternative.

Many prominent people including the royal family of England, use homeopathic medicines in their lives. For example:

	There are homeopathic medicines which can be prescribed in place of antibiotics for cases of infection like gum abscesses, gum disease, etc.
	There are homeopathic medicines which prevent the mouth and lips from being sore after being stretched during long appointment.
	There is a homeopathic medicine which takes away the fatigue and rather shaky feeling after a long appointment such as multiple crowns, occlusal equilibration and oral surgery.
	There is a homeopathy medicine which reduces the swelling and bruising after extractions and assist the body to heal more quickly.
	There are several homeopathic medicines for the very anxious person which can help the patient overcome their fear without the need to resort to intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
	There are homeopathic medicines and creams which reduce the discomfort and duration of cold sores.

 Homeopathic Toothpastes:

There are a number of homeopathic and herbal toothpastes on the market. These have no artificial sweeteners, deodorants, bleaches, colors, or fragrances.

How should homeopathic medicines be taken?

The medicines usually come in the form of tablets although sometimes they are prescribed as powders, liquids or granules. The tablet should be chewed or sucked "on a clean tongue" that is to say at least a half an hour after food, coffee, peppermint (including toothpaste) or tobacco.

Can the medicines be used to prevent the recurrence of disease?

One of the few ways in which harmful effects can be caused by the use of homeopathic medicines is to take them to try to keep the disease state from returning. If you have no symptoms, do not take the medicine!

How can I find a dentist qualified to use homeopathy?

The dentist who practices homeopathy is usually concerned about the whole patient and may offer other holistic treatments such as dietary analysis, use of non-mercury containing fillings and the treatment of headaches and neck pain. You may want to contact one the organizations below to get a list of dentists who have taken the trouble to learn how to use this invaluable system of medicine in their practices.

	United States:	National Center for Homeopathy (703) 548-779
	Great Britain:	British Homeopathic Dental Association 01923 233336

Many thanks for the use of the brochure of the British Homeopathic Dental Association.