Showing posts with label holistic dentist in millburn new jersey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holistic dentist in millburn new jersey. Show all posts

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, 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

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.

Monday, July 26, 2010

What is Gum Disease?

If you find yourself asking “What is gum disease?” you’re not alone. Many people visit the dentist and hear the term, but don’t really know what it is, what the symptoms are, or the level of damage gum disease can do. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease happens when an infection of tissues and bone causes loose teeth, or in advanced stages, teeth to fall out. Often, gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, which contains bacteria that produce toxins that in turn irritate or damage the gums.

Since plaque creates an invisible layer of germs that form on the teeth, it’s no wonder dentists recommend that their patients brush and floss several times a day. Add to this the fact that hundreds of types of bacteria are found in the mouth, and it's easy to see that gum disease can happen to anyone, and that there's a need for continual cleaning of the mouth.

Certain people actually inherit the tendency for gum disease so they must be pro-active in their efforts to prevent the disease. While smoking is one of the leading causes of gum diseases (and increases the likelihood of mouth cancer), there are additional factors that increase the potential for gum disease, including the types of snacks people eat. For example, fast food, candy and soda have a lot of sugar and starch. Both of these substances feed the acids that attack the enamel on teeth.

In addition, specific medicines and medical conditions such as diabetes and Down syndrome, increase the risk of gum disease. A poor diet, a lack of sleep and stress also add to the risk.

The following are some signs and symptoms of gum disease:

•    Gums that bleed during brushing and/or flossing. (A mild form of gum disease is called Gingivitis.)
•    The presence of calculus or tartar, which is plaque that has hardened over time
•    Teeth that are pulling away from the gums.
•    Gums that are discolored, swollen and tender
•    Continual bad breath
•    Loose teeth

It’s better to prevent gum disease than to deal with it in the early stages. Managing gum disease in the late stages is even harder but can be accomplished over time. The goal in this case is to counteract some of the damage, and to prevent gum disease from spreading to areas of the jawbone that support the teeth.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky DDS is a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey who works to prevent gum disease and to treat it at all levels. Visit www.drgdds.com, or follow Dr. G on Twitter.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Zirconia Dental Implants Offer Holistic Advantages

Although they have been around for several years, zirconia dental implants are a fairly new trend in holistic dentistry. Before the development of zirconia dental implants, titanium was the preferred metal used to manufacture dental implants. 

Titanium proved to be compatible, it offered a high strength-to-weight ratio for dental implants and became known for its durability. However, in recent years, metal-free zirconia has made its way to the forefront of the dental implant industry and into mouths of patients who believe that it is a safer option for them.

The dictionary describes zirconia (Zr02) as the dioxide of zicondium, a metal close to titanium in the periodic table. It notes that zirconia has similar biocompatibility properties as titanium and has tooth-like color. This pleases the aesthetic and cosmetic desires of dental implant patients.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky – also known as Dr. G – offers both zirconia and titanium implants, understanding that patients have reasons for preferring one over the other. Dr. G is currently using Z-Systems dental implants in his Millburn, New Jersey dental practice. The zirconia dental implants come in four different one-piece implant designs for a broad range of indications. For more information, visit www.drg@drgdds.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/dentist_drg.

Monday, May 10, 2010

What is Holistic Dentistry?

The term 'Holistic Dentistry' is defined in different ways by many people, but in general, it is an approach to dentistry in which overall health and wellness is the goal of the practice. These dentists don't just treat symptoms and the various diseases related to gums and teeth. Holistic dentists combine modern science and new dental techniques with natural healing therapies.

Holistic dentistry is also referred to as biological dentistry or biocompatible dentistry. Those who practice it are focused on the teeth and gums, but are also concerned with the mind, body and spirit of the patient.

Patients who prefer holistic dentistry want to protect themselves from harmful radiations and toxins. While standard dentists continue to use mercury, silver and amalgam fillings, holistic dentists use mercury-free alternatives and are certified in advanced amalgam removal protocols. They also advocate non-surgical procedures for treating gums and use biocompatible aesthetics and dental materials.

Holistic dentistry is a way of being, so in most cases, the entire staff has the holistic mindset. As a result, patients are more relaxed in the office of holistic dentists, and report having less pain and less stress in the overall experience.

For more information on the subject of holistic dentistry, visit the website of Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, a New Jersey dentist with a holistic approach. www.drgdds.com.

Monday, May 3, 2010

What is Mercury-Free Dentistry?

North American dentists have been using mercury in amalgam fillings since 1830 because it works, it's inexpensive and convenient. However, mercury is considered a neurotoxin and when inhaled, has the potential to enter the lungs and blood stream. Once it does, the body is unable to expel the mercury, so instead, the body stores the toxin, which has been known to cause various health issues. For example, the vapor emitted from mercury fillings may work against the immune system in a child's body.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is one of a small percentage of dentists who practice mercury-free and mercury-safe dentistry in the United States. In fact, only about 6% of dentists in North America are currently offering this service. While not all patients of Dr. Gashinsky choose this method, those who do have decided to avoid potential health and environmental risks related to amalgam fillings.

Mercury-free dentistry contains safe, tooth-colored porcelain composites that are as strong as mercury/silver amalgam fillings. In addition to mercury-free fillings, a mercury-free practice can use porcelain composite material to repair chipped, cracked, broken or worn teeth.

For more information on mercury-free dentistry in New Jersey, visit the website of Dr. Gashinsky. www.drgdds.com