Biological dentistry purposefully combines the mind and body as a comprehensive and inclusive system. As one of the most important gateways to our body’s overall health, a biological dentist expands the practice of dentistry to understand and treat the interactions between the two, in order to support them as one.

   

Dr. Jeanne Anne Krizman is one of Tucson’s premier biological dentists and several of her patients travel from other parts of the state and country to receive this type of care. As the owner and founder of Tucson Biological Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive dental health through identifying and addressing areas of potential disease, toxicity and chronic health issues caused by current or prior dental care.

   

A primary reason for Krizman’s passion to heal through this specialty came from her father’s experience with oral illness when she was young. After removing amalgam fillings and previous root canals, she remembers his health improved greatly. In addition to seeing a turn for the better in him, she decided to pursue a profession in healthcare where she could spend more than five minutes with patients in order to truly understand underlying issues and the full story of health. She attended the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, where she received her DMD. Krizman also has her master’s degree in Public Health with a concentration in Environmental and Occupational Health from the University of Arizona College of Public Health.

   

Integrated medical degrees and specialized training directly contribute to Krizman’s ability to view the systems within the body as a constant interface of cause and effect. As such, she conducts biocompatibility tests for her patients to determine whether a material will be biologically compatible with their body’s unique chemistry. These assessments allow her to identify types of mercury from amalgam fillings, existence of other toxic metals and overall mineral and vitamin deficiencies that are required for healing and long-term health.

   

Krizman’s care and understanding is evident in each personalized touch throughout her office. For those who are uncomfortable with dental appointments and procedures, patients have access to several anti-anxiety methods including Buzzies/Touch Points, CBD oils, melatonin and more. Many of her patients are unable to withstand typical pain medications and antibiotics, so she has several alternative options for sensitivities to various chemical treatments that are frequently used in other offices.

   

A clear goal of Tucson Biological Dentistry is to address the harmful nature of bacteria and its ability to spread and permeate the air and water, thereby negatively affecting the patients and their procedures. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental water should not have more than 200 cfu/ml of aerobic, mesophilic, heterotrophic bacteria, and according to the ADA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s conclusion, maximum contamination of dental treatment water should be less than 500 cfu/ml. In Krizman’s office, ozonated water is generated daily and is the only water used in the lines. Her water currently tests with no bacteria at all.

   

Her team also uses ozonated water and gas in the office, which has been shown to increase the effectiveness of the immune system and stimulate white blood cells—ultimately helping to prevent infections and immune deficiencies by destroying fungi, bacteria and viruses. Various air purifiers are used in the office to help alleviate airborne bacteria and viruses.

   

Krizman’s office stayed open during the last few months since the breakout of COVID-19. “We are an essential service to many,” she says. “My patients are like family to me.” Most of the patients continued to visit because they knew that the environment was safe, and the team’s objective has always been to keep the office free of viruses and other harmful material.

   

Ultimately, Krizman believes that dentistry will change progressively since the advent of the coronavirus. She suggests that we may see more dental care professionals concerned about the spread of other types of infection, in addition to the consequences of stress and their effect on patients’ long-term health. Although most offices maintain high standards of care and safety, some may consider additional processes to minimize harmful materials even more and provide alternatives to current standards of care.

   

Krizman suggests that patients who may be looking for a new care provider consider those that have air purifiers used during dental procedures, offices that monitor bacteria in their dental units, closed bays so that air cannot travel between operatories, absence of carpeted rooms to prevent germs and bacteria that sticks to cloth—and finally, to stay away from amalgam fillings.

   

Regardless of personal condition or sensitivities, Krizman’s patience, specialized education and knowledge allows patients to make the best decisions based on experience and a wide array of scientific resources. She may help by identifying possible physical causes, chemical interactions, emotional connections and other considerations that could be directly affecting health. Either way, her patience, empathy and true care for patients and staff will put anyone at ease, and help to determine the best course of action for current and future oral and full-body health.