Ask Dr. G: Questions and Answers about Holistic Dental Care

Why should I choose a holistic dentist?
Dentists with a holistic approach consider the source and the causes of the problems in your mouth, not just the symptoms. In general, holistic practitioners are mindful of the mind, body and spirit. Holistic dentistry emerged in the late 1970s as biological dentistry, which was a new form of Probiotic (life-supporting) dental medicine. It was developed in Germany and is now taught and practiced throughout the world. Holistic dentists invoke natural healing. They opt for non-invasive treatments and techniques whenever possible. In addition, holistic dentists provide patients with information and resources to help them take charge of their overall health.

How can I tell if I have periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease usually starts between the ages of 30 and 40. Symptoms include chronic bad breath, swollen and/or bleeding gums, loose and/or sensitive teeth and receding gums. While advanced periodontal disease is easy to detect by the natural eye, the early stages are only diagnosed by either dentists or hygienists. Dentists believe that gum disease needs to be treated with the same kind of intensity as heart disease, diabetes and other major ailments because it is detrimental to the health and well-being of patients. Holistic dentists treat gum disease with herbal remedies and thorough deep cleanings, plus lifestyle and nutritional changes to keep the gum disease under better control.

What are zirconia dental implants?
Zirconia dental implants are a metal-free alternative to titanium dental implants. The reason holistic dentists and others are offering zirconia is that the metal in titanium may affect some people in a negative way. Zirconia dental implants are also safe and strong, with studies showing that these metal-free implants don't retain a lot of plaque. Zirconia is classified as a high-performance special ceramic and does not conduct electricity. As a result, there are no negative effects on meridian energy pathways. Zirconia dental implants have tooth-like color, which makes them aesthetically and cosmetically pleasing to patients. To learn more, visit www.zirconiadentalimplantsblog.wordpress.com

What’s the deal with mercury-free, mercury-safe dentistry?
Many dentists and others are concerned about the toxicity of amalgam fillings in the mouth. As a result, a mercury-free movement has been established within the dental community. 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. Mercury-safe dentistry has taken safety to another level, with equipment and an overall environment that ensures patients, dentists and all others in the dental office are safe from fumes during the removal of amalgam fillings.

To learn more about Dr. Gashinsky and his holistic approach to dentistry, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also find the New Jersey holistic dentist on Twitter and Facebook.

I Need to Find the Right Dentist for Me

There are many general and cosmetic dentists in every city, but people want to find the right dentist for them. In years past, people used the Yellow Pages and word of mouth as the two basic ways of deciding which dentist chair to sit in.

Today, the Internet makes choosing the right dentist a lot easier with websites, reviews and even recommendations showing up on Google and Yahoo’s front page of listings. Dentists who use social media are also helping people discover them by using keywords to get search engine optimization on specific types of dental services. For example, Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky is a holistic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey. He's a mercury-free, mercury-safe dentist and those looking for dentists with a holistic approach can easily find him by searching the Internet.

No matter what, there are a few basic rules to finding the right dentist for you: Here’s a partial list:

1. Ask around. Your friends and family know you best, so start with them.
2. Study your options on the Internet or through telephone interviews.
3. Get a free consultation. Here’s where you’ll get a one-on-one visit so you can see if you are comfortable with that dentist.
4. Look around the dental office and make sure the office is using newer technology.
5. If you need a lot of different types of work done, identify a well-rounded dentist who is able to perform many procedures.
6. Insist on cleanliness throughout the dental office. Also, ask about sanitation procedures.
7. Make sure the office staff and the dental assistants are friendly and professional.
8. Confirm that you are comfortable being there.

The relationship between a dentist and a patient is a long-term one, so finding the right dentist is the first step in having a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Check out the office of Dr Vladimir Gashinsky, also referred to as Dr. G. He’s a general and cosmetic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey. For information on Dr. G, visit www.drgdds.com. You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.