Books on alternative medicine fill the shelves at the local bookstore. Authors, gurus, doctors and "healers" work the talk-show circuit. Late-night television infomercials pitch the latest vitamins, herbs, diets and exercise programs. More and more, alternative medicine fights for your attention, often disparaging traditional Western medicine. What does it all mean?

In dentistry right now, the concept of alternative dentistry centers on alternatives to the array of traditional pharmaceuticals and microbial techniques used by clinicians. While not all claims are accurate and few may turn out to be dangerous, some alternative therapies have merit. But if you are considering any type of product or treatment that will affect your mouth, it is important to discuss it with your dentist first.