Oral Health Care: The Ancients Did It, You Should Do It to

Oral health is usually discussed through the lens of modern medicine, but it’s by no means a modern concept. 

Treatments for tooth decay were written about as far back as ancient Asia and Greece. 

It seems even the ancients knew that we only get one set of teeth in our lifetimes. So, even then, it was imperative we learn to take care of them. 

What followed led to the rise in modern dentistry as we now know it today. Dentists like Dr. Tomazin tackle many of the same dental problems their ancient counterparts did. 

What has changed, however, is the methods and technology available to ensure teeth stay strong and healthy. 

Common Dental Troubles

Modern dentistry has grown in leaps and strides since Aristotle first wrote about treating tooth decay. 

Dentists can preserve or even replace teeth to prevent decay from happening in the first place. 

Yet, periodontal disease continues to affect one out of every two Americans, according to a study from the Center for Disease Control.

The study shows that over 64 million Americans have a form of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss or more severe health issues. 

Symptoms don’t always appear right away, so knowing what to look out for can make a difference in long-term prevention and treatment. 

Cavities

Cavities develop when tooth enamel starts to break down, often due to the consumption of sugary food and drinks.

When left untreated, cavities can cause pain or extended tooth decay; in worst-case scenarios, tooth removal could be the ultimate outcome.

After they have developed, cavities are usually treated with fillings or crowns. But the best way to treat cavities is with preventative oral care. 

Dr. Tomazin uses intra-oral lasers, which can detect cavities earlier than any other option. 

Keeping a regular dental hygiene routine and avoiding certain foods and drinks also prevent cavities from occurring. 

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Chipped or broken teeth can cause pain if the nerve of the tooth is exposed. 

Broken or chipped teeth could also lead to uneven tooth placement, affecting your bite and the alignment of your smile. 

Dr. Tomazin may able to simply grind the chipped part of the affected tooth down if the chip is small, but, in some cases, chipped or broken teeth may need to be replaced with a porcelain crown or covered with veneers. 

Teeth Grinding

Grinding teeth or clenching the jaw together typically occurs at nighttime, but teeth grinding can also occur during the daytime. 

Teeth grinding can be debilitating, and cause the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Soreness or tenderness along the jaw area
• Pain in teeth and gums
• Broken or chipped teeth

Treating bruxism starts with identifying what its causes or triggers may be. 

Common causes include stress, anxiety, a misaligned or abnormal bite, or sleep disorders. Teeth grinding is also made worse by alcohol and smoking. 

Dr. Tomazin treats bruxism by creating an accurate impression of the patient’s teeth to produce a customized night guard that helps to protect teeth and prevent grinding.

Disease and Decay 

Inflammation of the gums, known in its early stage as gingivitis, first happens when gums swell from the presence of too much bacteria. 

When left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease, where the gums actually start to recede and expose teeth and delicate tissues. 

Periodontal disease can lead to the loss of bone as gums grow weaker and are unable to support teeth, causing them to fall out. 

Prevent and Treat: How To Maintain Oral Health

While the ancients were aware of the importance of keeping teeth from decay, they were less skilled in ways to treat them. 

Fortunately, the stores of knowledge available today have led to sophisticated and effective treatments. 

Take Advantage of Modern Dental Medicine

Dr. Tomazin offers several treatment services that are all effective at keeping teeth and gums healthy. 

Regular use of services like these can prevent decay from occurring or stop it in its tracks, ensuring teeth remain healthy for longer. 

Activated Oxygen-Ozone: These treatments use ozone’s oxidizing qualities to destroy the bacteria that cause decay and other dental issues, including gum disease.

X-Rays & Intra-Oral Lasers: Dr. Tomazin uses these devices to immediately get a visual on patients’ teeth for the best treatment plans. Digital X-rays and intra-oral lasers both use less radiation than their counterparts for an overall safer treatment. 

CEREC: This machine allows Dr. Tomazin to make and complete porcelain crowns in-office, making the process shorter and more convenient for patients. 

VELscope®: Dr. Tomazin uses this device to get a good view of the tissues in the oral cavity and check for signs of oral cancer. 

Keep Up With Your Dental Hygiene

Preventative care is widely held to be the preferred method of maintaining oral health by dentists all over the world, including Dr. Tomazin.

It’s really a matter of staying on top of your dental routine and making it a consistent habit. 

Some tips to incorporate into a daily dental routine include: 

• Brushing and flossing twice a day
• Avoiding sugary foods and crunchy snacks
• Decrease alcohol and tobacco consumption
• Wear mouthguards and night guards regularly

Dr. Tomazin offers his patients several products that are specially designed to ensure preventive care becomes a regular part of their dental routine. The items include:

• power toothbrushes
• ozone trays
• mouthguards for bruxism
• specialized flossing instruments
• sealants
• snore guards

Want More Information?

Interested in learning more? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomazin by calling our office at 951-686-3666 or using our contact form online.