Thursday, June 16, 2011

What is Biological Dentistry?

Biological Dentistry emerged as a new field of Probiotic (life-supporting) dental medicine in the late 1970s. It was developed in Germany and is now taught and practiced throughout the world.

Though the term Biological Dentistry sounds scientific, it can be explained in simple enough terms. In general, biological dentistry incorporates a holistic philosophy into a clinical practice, and connects the health of the mouth and gums with the rest of a patient’s body.

Biological dentists are concerned about the overall health of patients, believing that dysfunction in one part of the body will show up as illness somewhere else. They investigate symptoms of patients to identify and work to eradicate their root causes.

The goal of biological dentists is to invoke natural healing using non-invasive treatments and techniques whenever possible. Secondly, these dentists double as educators and teachers, providing patients with information and resources to help them take charge of their personal health.

Biological dentistry can be categorized as conscious dentistry. Most of these dentists practice the holistic lifestyle and are therefore aware of the mind, body, spirit connection. Many are also connected to other holistic practitioners, so they are able to share about or incorporate time-proven healing into their methods such as homeopathy, acupuncture, nutrition, physical therapy and herbology.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is a biological dentist who offers a holistic approach to dentistry and lives the holistic lifestyle. He is an expert at placing zirconia dental implants and is considered a mercury-free and mercury-safe dentist in Millburn, New Jersey.

To get a check-up or to receive compassionate and holistic care from a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also follow Dr. G on twitter and become a friend on Facebook.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

FDA to Study Harmful Effects of Mercury in Amalgam Fillings

Traditional dentists and those with a holistic approach to dentistry are keeping their eyes open for news covering the debate about the toxicity of amalgam fillings that contain mercury. Amalgam fillings are silver-colored and have been used by dentists since the civil war to treat and prevent tooth decay.

However, reports of environmental pollution and illness related to metals in the mouth have many people concerned. As a result, scientists are studying the potential detrimental health effects of mercury in fillings. Also, anti-mercury activists are insisting they be heard. Meanwhile, mercury-free, mercury-safe dentists, including Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, are taking pro-active steps to eliminate mercury in their practices.

An article dated May 5, 2011 appeared in the Los Angeles Times and discussed the amalgam filling debate. The article, titled “Mercury in Dental Fillings Comes Under Fire at FDA Meeting in Orlando,” points out that the FDA considers mercury to be toxic, but has determined that amalgam fillings are safe. The same is true for the American Dental Association. However, this doesn’t sit well with Dr. Gashinsky who practices holistic dentistry in Millburn, New Jersey, or with Dr. James Hardy, a dentist and author of the book "Mercury Free.”

During the FDA’s town-hall meeting in Orland, Dr. Hardy voiced his concerns about amalgam fillings and pointed out an irony. "After it [an amalgam filling] is taken out of a patient's mouth, it is treated as hazardous waste. But somehow, when it is in the patient's mouth, it is not." The doctor also said that the U.S. should consider following the actions of Sweden, Denmark and Norway who in recent years have banned the use of mercury fillings.

Potential harmful effects of mercury in amalgam fillings include chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, birth defects, oral lesions and mental disorders (according to Wikipedia). Even so, the debate over the use of amalgam fillings also involves economics and functionality. Advocates for amalgam say it is durable, cheap and easy to use, compared to the alternatives, including composite materials and gold.

Dr. Jeff Shuren, head of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiologic Health headed up May’s Orland meeting. He noted that a scientific panel has been reconvened to study the agency's position on amalgam.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is a mercury-free, mercury-safe dentist in Millburn, New Jersey. With a holistic approach to dentistry, Dr. Gashinsky deals with the causes of issues related to the mouth and gums, not just the symptoms. To learn more about mercury-free dentistry, visit the website of Dr. Vladimir Gashinksy, go to http://www.drgdds.com. You can also find Dr. G on Facebook and on Twitter.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Will the U.S. Government Phase Out Amalgam?

There’s good news for the mercury-free movement in the United States. With the government’s announcement that it will support a phase-down of mercury amalgam, the mercury-free dental community and their members are celebrating what they call a “radical reversal” in the government’s position. Although it’s early in the negotiations, this new development could result in the eventual elimination of mercury-based fillings in the United States.

The dangers versus the benefits of amalgam have long been debated between the pro-mercury faction (made up of members of the World Dental Federation and the American Dental Association) and the mercury-free faction (the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry and Consumers for Dental Choice). The Mercury Policy Project set the groundwork for negotiations regarding a phase out of amalgam at a 2009 World Health Organization meeting, and a series of meetings has resulted in the latest announcement.

According to an April 5, 2011 letter written by Charles G. Brown, National Counsel, Consumers for Dental Choice and the President of the World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry, the debate has shifted from ‘whether to end amalgam’ to ‘how to end amalgam.’ In his words: “We applaud the U.S. government. But tough work lies ahead. For example, we must demonstrate to the world that the available alternatives – such as composites and the adhesive materials used in atraumatic restorative treatment (“ART”) – can cost less than amalgam and increase access to dental care particularly in developing countries.”

To learn more about mercury free dentistry, visit the website of Dr. Vladimir Gashinksy, a mercury-free, mercury-safe dentist in Millburn, New Jersey at http://www.drgdds.com. You can also find Dr. G on Facebook and on Twitter.

* Full text available at http://www.unep.org/hazardoussubstances/Portals/9/Mercury/Documents/INC3/United%20States.pdf

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

What is Oral Cancer Awareness Month?

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month. This means that dentists around the country are participating in a month-long project to remind the public about this extremely serious disease of the mouth. In most cases, American dentists are performing free oral cancer screenings for patients and others in their communities. These screenings are fast and painless.

It’s estimated that upwards of 37,000 U.S. citizens are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. With awareness and screening, this disease can be found in the early developmental stages (pre-cancer), which means that it’s treatable and curable.

The goal of Oral Cancer Awareness month is to make the screenings part of an annual overall health check-up. Early detection of this disease eliminates costly and painful treatments at later stages, and ensures that survival rates for oral cancer patients remain high.

The most at-risk groups for contracting oral cancer are those who smoke cigarettes and have a long history of drinking alcohol to excess. Others are those who have been exposed to the HPV 16 virus (human papilloma virus version 16), a newly identified etiology. This virus is also responsible for most cervical cancers in America and for making healthy, non-smokers the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population.

The following are three early signs of oral cancer:

• The soft tissue around the mouth has red and/or white discoloration.
• The existence of sores in the mouth for longer than 14 days.
• A continual hoarse voice.

In addition to early signs, people who have the later stages of oral cancer experience the following:

• The feeling that something is stuck in your throat.
• Your mouth is numb.
• It becomes harder to move your jaw or tongue.
• You have increased trouble swallowing.
• Sores under your dentures won’t heal properly.
• You have a lump in your mouth or on the neck that won’t go away.

To get an oral cancer screening, contact a dentist in your area. If you are looking for a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey, Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky does the oral cancer screenings. Visit his website to learn more about this dentist with a holistic approach at www.drgdds.com, or follow him on Twitter and Friend him on Facebook.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

How to Treat Periodontal Disease

All teeth and gum infections have a bacterial origin. The bacteria that is associated with gum disease, especially in the more advanced stages, is extremely toxic. This is very dangerous because the bacteria and toxins can enter your bloodstream, even when chewing your food in the presence of a gum infection. This bacterial infection can cause changes in your body chemistry that may create more serious health problems.

Recent studies show that not only alcohol, smoking and drug abuse are increasing the risk of premature birth, but now periodontal disease may be one of the threats. With new studies showing the relationship between gum disease and other diseases of the body, it’s time to take this issue seriously. In fact, some dentists say that gum disease needs to be treated with the same kind of intensity as heart disease, diabetes and other major ailments.

Anyone who suspects or knows they have gum disease should have a thorough examination and allow their dentist to develop a plan to eliminate or control it. Certain dentists, like Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky in Millburn, New Jersey, treat periodontal disease aggressively, using a holistic approach to treatment.

Dr. Gashinsky steers clear of antibiotics and surgery in most cases, and instead treats gum disease with herbal remedies and thorough deep cleanings. If this doesn’t solve the problem, this holistic dentist may give a locally delivered antibiotic to kill the bacteria specifically in the area of infection.

To get a check up or to receive compassionate and holistic care from a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also follow Dr. G on twitter and become a friend on Facebook.

What's Involved with a Smile Makeover?

The term ‘smile makeover’ has gained popularity as the dental profession has increased its capacity to serve patients and offer more types of services than ever before. In the last several years, many new dental methods have been developed to ensure patients have healthy teeth and gums, as well as opportunities to create beautiful smiles.

Straight teeth, clean teeth, healthy teeth and white teeth are all key ingredients to the noteworthy smiles of those who have enjoyed dental smile makeovers. While more and more television and big-screen personalities are showing their upgraded pearly whites for audiences, regular citizens are quickly following suit. Beautiful smiles are no longer considered a luxury, but a matter of taking advantage of new dental technology that over time has become more affordable.

Today, teeth whitening is easier and less expensive than it was just a few years ago. It’s true that over-the-counter products are the least expensive and have a certain level of results, but teeth whitening systems done at the dentist’s office often are usually faster, better and longer lasting.

For example, Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is a general and cosmetic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey. He offers the ZOOM Whitening treatment, and is currently charging patients only $450 instead of the standard fee of $650.

In addition to teeth whitening, Dr. Gashinsky and other dentists offer patients Invisalign braces, porcelain veneers, zirconia and titanium dental implants, tooth bonding, bridges, crowns and when necessary, dentures.

The first step in getting a smile makeover is to choose a dentist with a good reputation. You can find a good dentist by word of mouth or even by doing a Google search in your region or city.

To find out more about Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky and his Dr. G dental practice, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also follow Dr. G’s holistic approach to dentistry on Twitter and Facebook.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Should I See a Holistic Dentist?

You’ve been hearing about holistic dentistry, and may have even considered going to see a specific dentist who has a holistic approach. Still, you’re wondering if you need to see a general dentist, a cosmetic dentist or a holistic one.

Dentists with holistic approaches are specialists, but also have skills in general and/or cosmetic dentistry. They use many of the same procedures, but incorporate holistic methods and work from a holistic philosophy. Many dentists with a holistic approach live a holistic lifestyle. And, since holistic dentistry is a way of being, the entire dental staff is usually prone to living holistically at home.

In general, holistic practitioners are those who consider the mind, body and spirit as a whole in their work. There’s holistic physicians, physical therapists, chiropractors, and others who look at the causes of physical and mental problems, not just the symptoms.

When it comes to a holistic approach, dentists combine modern science and state-of-the-art dental techniques with other healing therapies. The goal is to care about the overall wellness of the person, not just deal with the symptoms of unhealthy gums and teeth.

Holistic dentistry is also referred to as biological dentistry or biocompatible dentistry. Those who practice the holistic dental approach treat the teeth and gums in conjunction with the rest of the body.

Patients who prefer holistic dentistry appreciate that holistic dentists care about their overall wellness, and have developed procedures and systems that protect patients from harmful radiations and toxins.

For more information about the holistic approach to dentistry, contact Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS, a Millburn, New Jersey holistic dentist at the Dr.G website: www.DrGDDS.com. You can also follow Dr. G on Twitter.