Blog

2 Minute Read: 

Over the past 150 years, a material called dental amalgam has been used by most dentists to fill in cavities. This material is a mix of elemental mercury, silver, tin, and copper. Unfortunately, because a majority of dental amalgam is made of mercury, it can release low levels of mercury vapors over time. 

While the FDA has classified dental amalgam as safe for people over the age of six, there has been limited research on the effects of mercury vapor exposure on fetuses, nursing babies, or children under the age of six. Despite ruling dental amalgam “safe,” the FDA has also raised the danger classification of the material from class I to class II, deeming it requires more extensive regulation to maintain a safe level of quality control. 

Are Mercury Dental Fillings Dangerous?

While mercury-filled dental amalgam material has been used by dentists for over a century, recent doubts and questions have been raised as investigations into the health risks associated with the material have begun. 

Data on the subject is still limited, and due to ethical considerations, performing studies on people exposed to low-level mercury vapors from their fillings has proven difficult.

What Are the Health Risks Associated With Mercury Poisoning?

The level of mercury vapor exposure due to dental amalgam fillings is low, but as it occurs and is present over an extended period, it can become significant. 

High levels of mercury exposure can lead to severe damage to the lungs, kidneys, and brain. So far, no studies have successfully proven that dental amalgam fillings expose patients to dangerous levels of mercury vapor; however, low-level mercury exposure is linked to fetal growth issues, according to The National Center for Biotechnology Information. 

Allergic reactions to dental amalgam, whether due to mercury or another element within the compound, can create additional adverse health concerns. 

If you believe you have an allergic reaction or are concerned about long-term health effects, you may wish to remove your fillings. 

What Is Safe Mercury Removal?

Many patients are looking for ways to remove the mercury-infused fillings in their mouths. There are potential dangers when removing fillings, including the risk of increased mercury vapor exposure if extracted poorly. Dr. Tomazin is a SMART-certified dentist who is experienced and skilled in safe mercury amalgam removal techniques. This knowledge and experience will reduce the potential adverse health effects of mercury vapor exposure during removal. 

Interested in Learning More About The Risks of Dental Amalgam?

Dr. Chad Tomazin has been proudly serving the Inland Empire community for years. For those interested in removing mercury-filled dental amalgam from their mouths, he brings compassionate care and expertise to each patient’s dental needs. 

If you are looking for more information on dental amalgam, mercury vapor exposure, or certified doctors in your area, please contact our office in Riverside, California, by calling (951) 686-3666 or by filling out our online form. 

3 Min Read: 

Dr. Chad Tomazin is the only SMART-certified dentist in the Inland Empire, having been certified by the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT).

You might be asking, “What does this mean, and why does it matter to my dental and overall health?” SMART is an abbreviation of the Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique, and this certification is provided by the IAOMT. As a member and practitioner in this community, Dr. Tomazin promotes mercury-free, mercury-safe, and biological/biocompatible dentistry through rigorous research, education, practice, and new techniques.

Southern California has always been a destination for forward-thinking lifestyles that encourage more natural approaches to their health and wellbeing. In step with this, it is important that SMART-certified doctors work to describe what being SMART certified means for the betterment of their communities.

What Is Safe Mercury Removal?

As the information on the harms of mercury becomes more prolific, many people are beginning to seek answers as to how to remove the harmful metal in their mouths. Still, some are nervous about where to begin, and having to go in for an additional dental treatment can seem taxing to their wallet and to their risk of developing further complications if not executed properly.

There are dangers present when removing fillings. However, patients who desire to eliminate any cause for concern should seek out a SMART-certified dentist. Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique is a scientifically supported method for removing existing mercury amalgam fillings while assisting in reducing the potential negative health outcomes of mercury exposure.

How Does a Dentist Become SMART Certified?

Along with becoming a member of IAOMT, a dentist who wishes to receive SMART certification training will have completed coursework related to mercury and the dangers of mercury vapor. Additionally, two units of scientific readings, online lecture videos, and assessment tests are required. The high-level educational programming includes learning about the application of rigorous safety measures, including the utilization of specific mercury removal equipment.

Information surrounding the nature of mercury and how it behaves as it is being removed are important to maintaining a safe environment for a dentist and their patient. Factors such as room ventilation, separators, open windows, protective gowns, and covers, are all vital to providing the utmost care to their patients.

Interested in Learning More About SMART Certified Dentists?

Dr. Chad Tomazin has been proudly serving the Inland Empire community for years, bringing compassionate care and expertise to each patient’s dental needs. SMART certification is designed to envision a better future for a patient’s health. Dr. Tomazin provides his patients with professional and expert techniques to safely remove the mercury from their mouths.

If you are looking for more information on SMART and certified doctors in your area, please contact our office in Riverside, California, by calling (951) 686-3666 or by filling out our online form.

2 Minute Read: 

Teeth grinding (bruxism) may not sound like an alarming concern initially. Nevertheless, failing to correct it can lead to significant issues with your oral health and a decrease in your quality of life. Thankfully, dental night guards can help stop bruxism from taking bites out of your sleep and damaging your teeth. 

What Are the Symptoms and Complications of Bruxism?

One of the best ways to stop bruxism is to be aware of its signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that they grind their teeth unless their sleep partner notices it or they experience dental problems. Excessive tooth grinding can cause severe damage, such as the chipping or cracking of your natural teeth, restorations, and crowns.

Additional symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Inability to sleep or fatigue after a long night’s sleep
• Headaches and jaw aches 
• Soreness in the neck, jaw, or face

If an intense amount of teeth grinding has occurred or your teeth grinding is left unchecked, your teeth may become fractured, chipped, or even loose. Adjunct disorders may also arise, such as temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which occurs when there has been an erosion of the joint. This condition can cause clicking or popping sounds and limited or stiff movements in the jaw. 

How Can I Prevent Teeth Grinding?

There are many ways you can reduce your teeth grinding (including relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine or alcohol); however, your first and most effective defense is having your dentist fit you for a night guard. Dental night guards are highly effective, as they place a barrier between your upper and lower teeth to prevent them from clenching or grinding during sleep. Naturally, avoiding damage to the teeth also prevents you from requiring additional restorative dental procedures and having to pay unnecessary expenses for the work that bruxism-related damage may cause. 

With a night guard, patients can enjoy more restful and quality sleep by easing pressure on the jaw joints and teeth, which can prevent headaches and soreness from arising during or after rest. 

Even though it is possible to find dental night guards at your nearest drugstore, these pre-fitted night guards are not as comfortable or safe as the ones that Dr. Tomazin provides as the store-bought ones are not molded to your particular bite.

Interested in Learning More About Teeth Grinding and Dental Nightguards?

Dr. Chad Tomazin has been proudly serving the Inland Empire community for years, bringing compassionate care and expertise to each patient’s dental needs. 

If you are looking for more information on how to prevent teeth grinding (bruxism) or are looking for a comfortable and safe dental night guard, please contact our office in Riverside, California, by calling (951) 686-3666 or by filling out our online form.

3 Minute Read:

It might seem obvious that your diet and oral health are connected; however, you may not realize how interwoven they are. By having a deeper understanding of how to apply nutritional knowledge, patients can see even more significant strides in their oral health. 

Nutrition guidance for dental patients is continuing to advance as oral hygienists and dentists find emerging connections between nutrition and oral health. By incorporating a stronger understanding of nutrition, patients can further prevent oral diseases, tooth erosion, infections, and cavities. 

Here are some essential elements that will help you have a modern understanding of the relationship between diet, nutrition, and their impact on your oral health. 

What Is the Difference Between Diet and Nutrition?

While it is important to understand that diet and nutrition can speed up or slow down the development of oral hygiene concerns, they can be easily mistaken as interchangeable factors when they are, in fact, different. 

Nutrition is defined as micronutrients and macronutrients related to an organism’s dietary needs. Nutrients can include vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Macronutrients are required in large amounts, while micronutrients are needed in small quantities. 

Your diet is defined as the actual foods consumed to obtain these nutrients. 

How Does Nutrition Affect Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay remains one of the most prevalent oral health concerns for both children and adults alike. The most common relationship between tooth decay and nutrition is the frequency and amount of sugary or acidic foods and drinks a patient intakes. 

One example of nutrition and its relationship to tooth decay is the intake of carbohydrates that can increase the acidity of the tooth. Excessive carbohydrate intake, such as white bread, can cause demineralization and eventual tooth decay. 

Meanwhile, nutrients like Vitamin D, calcium, fiber, and whole grains have been found to decrease the risk of tooth decay. 

So what are some food choices that might have these helpful nutrients to lower the risk of tooth decay? 

• Grain-based rice, bread, and pasta
• Vegetables and vegetable juice with no added sugar 
• Beans and legumes with no added sugar 

How Does Nutrition Affect Gum Disease?

Gum disease (or gingivitis) is characterized by bleeding, infected, or inflamed gum tissue. It can be related, although not necessarily caused, by dietary habits. Good nutritional habits can decrease the severity of gum disease, while bad nutritional habits can increase its severity. 

For example, diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can decrease the healing capacity of the gums and bone, exacerbating the issues seen in gum disease. 

Adequate stores of the right nutrients can have a protective effect on the gums. These proper nutrient stores can be found in:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (anti-inflammatory) 
• Magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc
• Vitamin A, B, C, D, E
• Pomegranate extract and green tea (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory)
• High fruit and vegetable intake diets (anti-inflammatory) 
• High fiber, low-fat diet (i.e., vegetarian) 

How Does Nutrition Affect Tooth Erosion? 

Tooth erosion occurs when a tooth is exposed to frequent or prolonged acid that demineralizes and erodes the tooth structure. 

Alkaline basic foods or pH neutral foods can help balance the acidity of the mouth to fight tooth erosion. While are there many, some of these include:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Oregano 
• Parsely 
• Limes (alkaline when in contact with the body

Want to Find Out More About Nutrition and Your Oral Health?

Dr. Chad Tomazin has been proudly serving the Inland Empire community for years, bringing passionate care and expertise to each of his patient’s dental needs. 

If you are looking for more information on how your diet can affect your oral hygiene or are looking for general dentistry in a comfortable and judgment-free setting, please contact our office in Riverside, California, at (951) 686-3666 or by filling out our online form. 

3 Minute Read: 

During pregnancy, your brain is already shooting in a million different directions. Do you have everything you need for the nursery? Is your home safe and baby-proof? How will your new bundle of joy fit into your work schedule? Are you and your partner emotionally prepared for the trials of parenthood?

With all of these concerns, it is understandable how some routine day-to-day activities can slip through the cracks. The one thing that you do not want to let slip, however, is your oral health.

How Does My Dental Health Affect My Baby?

Most expectant mothers are not aware that their oral health can affect the health and safety of their unborn babies. 

Studies have shown that women who have gum disease are more likely to go into premature labor, which puts the child at higher risk due to their smaller, less-developed size. Additional studies show that children of women with untreated cavities or gingivitis are also more likely to have cavities at a younger age.

What Is Pregnancy Gingivitis?

Pregnancy gingivitis is a common affliction experienced by expectant mothers because of hormonal changes that increase blood flow in the mouth. Gingivitis is characterized by the swelling of the gums, which may be more vulnerable to bleeding and irritation. 

This, too, can impact a child’s development.

What Can I Do to Protect My Smile and My Child?

While poor oral health can be detrimental, proper practices are as simple as performing good dental hygiene. 

What Should I Do?

• Brush your teeth: Sometimes, the oldest adages still hold the most weight. Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time (30 seconds per quadrant of the mouth) can significantly help maintain your oral health by eliminating the day-to-day bacteria and plaque build-up.
• Floss your teeth: Daily flossing allows you to clean between the deepest nooks and crannies of your mouth to ensure that no bacteria is left lurking around. Pregnant women—and non-pregnant individuals as well—should floss at least once a day.
• Eat a nutritious diet: Eating a nutritious diet that is low in excess sugars helps to ensure that no excess bacteria are present in your mouth. So while it may be a challenge to resist those late-night ice cream cravings, try to limit them for your health and the health of your baby.
• Chew xylitol gum: Xylitol chewing gum is a sugar-free gum that helps to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth. 
• Eat xylitol chips: If chewing gum isn’t your style, you can always try out xylitol chips, a sugar-free candy that is shown to reduce tooth decay and cavity-causing bacteria while strengthening teeth. 
• Stay hydrated: Staying hydrated is essential for your health, your skin, and your teeth. Unfortunately, pregnancy often leads to dry mouth, which can result in tooth decay and infections. Drinking water will help rinse bacteria out of your mouth so that the bacteria do not fester into something worse.
• Visit Dr. Tomazin: You wouldn’t miss a prenatal check-up with your doctor. So why should you skip out on a prenatal dental visit? Visiting Dr. Tomazin for a cleaning and check-up is one of the best ways to ensure that both your baby and you remain healthy.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are interested in learning more about the importance of your oral health during pregnancy or in setting up an appointment with Dr. Tomazin, contact our offices by calling (951) 686-3666 or by filling out our online contact form.