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.

What is Smile Restoration Dentistry?

The term “Smile Restoration Dentistry” is often used by dentists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry. However, over the past several years the term has evolved to include all levels of dentistry. Simply put, smile restoration dentistry is bringing a person’s dental health and aesthetics back to an earlier stage of life.

Age and a lack of proper dental care are two of the main reasons people’s teeth become unhealthy. Often times, teeth get pulled when they are too far gone or the patient doesn’t have the insurance or money to cover the cost of root canals, crowns or other dental procedures that can save a tooth.

When it’s time to restore a smile, dentists often do a full mouth exam with x-rays followed by a detailed plan of the procedures necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Several of the following procedures are necessary in smile restoration dentistry:

•    Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace lost teeth, and attach to adjoining natural teeth. This is for aesthetics as well as health since missing teeth allows your other teeth to drift from their proper position. This in turn causes jaw pain, headaches and a higher increase of decay.

•    Tooth Crowns
Smile restoration often includes tooth crowns, often referred to as a “cap.” Crowns help to strengthen and protect tooth structure in case of fracture or heavy decay.

•    Dental Implants
Many dental patients choose dental implants over dental bridges. Implants are more permanent and are known to stop bone deterioration caused by tooth loss. In addition, dental implant specialists believe that implants add to a more youthful appearance, restores natural biting and chewing, and eliminates the pain and inconvenience of dentures, bridges and partials.

•    Dentures
When people have lost many or all of their natural teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, the best solution for restoring their smile is to create partial or complete dentures. With today’s technology, dentures look completely natural. In many cases, they improve speech and the ability to chew.

Dr. G is a general and cosmetic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey who specializes in Smile Restoration Dentistry. Visit the website at www.drgdds.com, or you can follow on Twitter or Facebook.

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.

What are Invisalign Braces?

Like the name implies, Invisalign braces are virtually invisible. What an easy and innovative way of straightening teeth! Invisalign uses a patented proprietary method that eliminates the use of standard metal braces with uncomfortable and often times painful brackets and wires. In addition, the Invalign braces system incorporates 3D modeling software and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology to not just straighten teeth but deal with many other kinds of orthodontic problems.

When you opt for Invasign braces, you will get a series of removable, comfortable, nearly invisible aligners that move your teeth -- the same way metal braces do, but in most cases, much faster. About every two weeks, you will switch out your aligner, which has been customized with the exactly calculations of your mouth in order to gradually shift your teeth into place.

While metal braces have proven to work well, many people have held back from straightening their teeth because of the unsightliness of the metal. Invisalign nearly hides the fact that you're wearing braces. Also, Invisalign braces are usually more affordable than metal braces.

Dr. Gashinsky is a general and cosmetic dentist in New Jersey who offers patients Invisalign braces. Visit his website at www.drgdds.com.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

The term "Cosmetic Dentistry" is a formal name used in the dental industry and one that has become a household term in the past decade. Simply put, cosmetic dentistry is the act of fixing whatever is wrong with your teeth, your mouth or your smile. As Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky says, "Whether your teeth are damaged, missing or discolored, cosmetic dentistry can give you a great looking smile that enhances your appearance and self-confidence." (Dr. Gashinsky is often referred to as Dr. G, a New Jersey dentist with a holistic practice.)

Traditional dentistry deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral disease, and places an emphasis on oral hygiene. Dentists consider these necessary routine services. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry is done in addition to standard treatment protocols. Though it can be restorative in nature, cosmetic dentistry is more of elective services. For example, a dentist will use standard elements such as amalgam to fill your cavities. However, when you elect to use a higher-grade material for an enhanced look, such as porcelain or composite materials that can be matched to the color of your own teeth, then you have moved into the cosmetic dentistry realm.

There are many ways to answer the question, "What is cosmetic dentistry?" In general, however, cosmetic dentistry includes dental tooth bonding, braces, porcelain veneers and tooth whitening.


Dr. Gashinsky is a Millburn, New Jersey cosmetic entist with a holistic approach to dentistry. To learn more about what cosmetic dentistry is, visit his website at www.drgddds.com

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.

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