Homeopathy and its ethical use in dentistry
Media coverage of homeopathy over the past few years has tended to concentrate on the very negative position taken by sceptics, while the possible benefits of homeopathy are ignored. This has resulted in coverage that has been rather one-sided, inaccurate and at times hysterical.
Homeopathy – the evidence
Homeopathy is a system of medicine that is based on the principle of 'like cures like', which has been used for over 200 years. The medicines used can be in both low- and ultra-molecular dilution but both clinical experience and evidence suggest that they are still effective.
These medicines have been available for such a long time they cannot be patented. Consequently, there is no commercial advantage in funding research for the drug companies and as a result investment in controlled clinical trials is minimal.
The constant attacks on homeopathy over the past few years have managed virtually to obscure the positive research evidence. There have been well over 100 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in homeopathy and far more are positive than negative. There have also been a series of meta-analyses of these trials and the majority of these have been positive.
Uses of homeopathy within dentistry
Dentists use homeopathic medicines in everyday practise as an adjunct to conventional treatment. The inclusion of homeopathic medicine in a dentist's therapeutic armoury is particularly useful for a range of treatments, from relatively mild acute conditions through to complex chronic pathologies. Some of these conditions have historically been shown to be difficult to treat or manage: for example, dental anxiety, atypical facial pain, burning mouth syndrome and post-extraction osteitis. Success has also been achieved in the treatment of chronic conditions where conventional treatments have failed or are contra-indicated and which include the management of lichen planus and recurrent infection.
Homeopathy is not a replacement or alternative to good clinical dental care but is used alongside conventional treatments and drug regimens.
For more information refer to our service Homeopathy page. If you're concerned about the health of your mouth or want to determine the cause of a health problem, contact us. We can show you how to take care for your teeth.