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3 Min Read

It’s staggering to think about how much our gums affect our general health. Red or bleeding gums are often the first clue that something is wrong with our dental health.

But gum disease has also been linked to more serious health concerns like heart disease, diabetes, and even rheumatoid arthritis.

Yet, preventing gum disease from occurring can be as simple as staying a few steps ahead.

What Is Gum Disease?

Image of a normal, healthy tooth compared to a tooth affected by periodontitis.

Humans have a funny relationship with bacteria. Some of these little prehistoric critters help our bodies digest food better or process certain enzymes.

But, for the most part, our bodies tend to fight off bacteria in different parts of our bodies. Typically, the first sign of this fight is inflammation that makes these areas swollen or even painful.

Gingivitis is infection and inflammation of the gums that occurs when bacteria accumulates from poor hygiene. Untreated gingivitis can deteriorate the supporting bone, causing the gums to recede and pull away. This is referred to as periodontitis. 

Gum disease can, over time, lead to tooth and bone loss as the underlying structures that support the teeth are lost.

How Does Gum Disease Occur?

Bacterial infection and the body’s own inflammatory responses are the hallmarks of gum disease, but a lifetime of bad habits is typically the root cause.

Habits like smoking or chewing tobacco, a diet high in sugar, and a lack of a regular dental hygiene routine can all cause harmful bacteria to stay on the surface of teeth longer.

This eventually starts the slow degradation of the gums themselves as constant irritation deepens the pocket between the tooth and gum, slowly weakening both.

How Does Prevention Help Avoid Gum Disease?

A patient undergoing dental treatment to improve oral health.

By keeping an eye on what causes gum disease, we can be better prepared to avoid it.

Dr. Tomazin offers several approaches that can be used to keep an eye on oral health. These services include:

• Gum and periodontal evaluation
• Periodontal deep cleanings
• Activated oxygen-ozone treatments
• Bacterial DNA testing
• Oral cancer screenings
• Remineralizing therapies

Get in the (Dental Health) Habit

Making dental health a priority starts with making dental hygiene an everyday habit.

Sounds simple—except studies show most of us don’t properly take care of our teeth, which can lead to gum disease and other oral health problems in the future.

Get in the habit of brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Also, be sure to use mouthwash and toothpaste specially formulated to fight plaque. Your teeth and gums will thank you later.

Everything in Moderation

Sweets like ice cream and cake may sound like a yummy treat, but all that extra sugar can be disastrous to future gum health.

Sugar can speed up tooth decay, gum irritation, and plaque formation by giving bacteria a source of food and energy.

It’s best to keep the sugary treats for special occasions. Also, try to avoid drinks high in sugar, like sodas or juices.

Treat Your Teeth

The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to floss and brush in the morning and before bed. Make sure you maintain your regular visits to your hygienist and dentist.

Services like activated oxygen-ozone treatments can be effective for gum diseases or other dental conditions. With its powerful oxidizing properties, harmful bacteria are neutralized on the spot to prevent further decay.

Using advanced testing such as oral bacterial DNA testing can be extremely helpful, as this determines what type and level of bacteria are present. With this information, we can create a customized plan to treat the infection.

Interested in Learning More?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomazin by calling our Riverside office at 951-686-3666 or by using our contact form online.

2 Min Read

There’s no denying the connection between our oral health and general wellbeing.

This connection is at the center of biological dentistry, an oral health approach that focuses on the most natural and safe ways to deliver efficient dental care.

Biological dentistry combines the best aspects of modern dentistry with an additional commitment to using non-toxic materials to achieve the best, brightest results.

What Is Biological Dentistry?

Biological dentistry is dental health care that focuses on solutions uniquely suited to each patient’s biological needs, using the least amount of toxic materials possible.

Biological dentistry focuses on treating dental concerns as effectively and safely as possible, minimizing the use of non-biological and toxic materials.

It’s an approach that has given us alternatives for potentially harmful materials and has helped to fulfill the goals of traditional dentistry in a more natural way.

We could all agree too much mercury is bad for the human body. It is well-documented and commonly known to be bad for your health.

Yet, mercury can be found in commonly used amalgam fillings.

Biological dentistry is about replacing approaches like this one with harmless alternatives.

What Does Biological Dentistry Treat?

Fillings and Amalgam Removal

Silver amalgam fillings can contain up to 50 percent mercury, which can quietly infect the body. Dr. Tomazin replaces these fillings with non-toxic alternatives.

As a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), Dr. Tomazin puts its mission of research-driven, mercury-free dentistry to practice.

He is also SMART-Certified—through a rigorous IAOMT educational program—for the safe removal of amalgam fillings.

Cavities

The use of activated oxygen-ozone treatments can be effective treatments for cavities, along with preventing further tooth decay from happening by killing harmful bacteria.

Biological dentistry combines the best of modern dentistry with a natural approach, always taking into consideration each patient’s unique biological needs.

Biological dentistry also provides alternatives to fluoride treatments that are just as effective at fighting tooth decay without any potential harm.

Gum Disease

Activated oxygen-ozone treatments can also be used as a treatment for gum disease. It removes biomolecules and prevents bacteria from forming again, helping to minimize irritation and plaque.

Dr. Tomazin also treats gum disease by reducing the acidity of the mouth and restoring pH balance as an alternative to using fluoride or other possibly harmful materials.

Preventative Care

Dr. Tomazin uses VELscope®, a non-invasive device that’s used for oral cancer screening by giving us a better view of the oral cavity tissues.

Routine visits can include a VELscope® screening as a part of early detection, which often plays an important role in oral cancer treatment.

The use of xylitol-based products to help slow or prevent tooth decay is also a big part of biological dentistry and can be used for preventative care.

Interested in Learning More?

Contact us online or call our Riverside office at 951-686-3666 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomazin soon.

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.

Concerns such as crooked or discolored teeth can be embarrassing enough to make you want to hide away your smile for good. There are several methods to improve your smile from within, but one way to improve its appearance from the outside is by using crowns and veneers.

These nifty little dental improvements are designed to cover your existing teeth with a tough new shell that immediately makes teeth look better while also strengthening your smile. But what option is the best one for you? Dr. Tomazin offers both individual crowns and full veneers to make a beautiful, healthy smile a reality.

Royal Treatment: How Crowns Can Improve Your Smile

Much like the royal tiara that they get their name from, porcelain dental crowns go over the surface of the tooth like a cap to cover it and restore its shape and size. Crowns are then cemented into place, fully encasing the visible portion of the tooth and improving the overall appearance.

Dr. Tomazin offers individual crowns made out of specialized porcelain, which are designed to blend in with the rest of the teeth and provide the most natural appearance.

What Can Crowns Do?

Crowns are useful in restoring individual teeth that show signs of damage such as cracks, severe wear and tear, or discoloration. Crowns can restore teeth that have been worn down due to grinding or other conditions. Crowns can also help strengthen teeth that are starting to grow weak or have sustained damage due to dental conditions.

Crowns Procedure & Recovery

Dr. Tomazin will first examine the tooth in need of a crown to better prepare for its placement, typically by getting X-rays done to clearly see the teeth and surrounding structures. The application process is fairly simple and involves some enamel being removed from the surface of the tooth receiving the crown.

Once the tooth is prepared, the crown is applied over it and adhered using a form of cement paste. An anesthetic may be used to numb the tooth right before the crown is placed to minimize any discomfort, but most crown placements are pain-free.

Porcelain crowns are closely matched to the color of the rest of your teeth, ensuring results look as natural as possible. The tooth will be sensitive for a few days following the crown placement, but this should dissipate within a few days. Crowns are designed to last up to 15 years with proper dental care.

Veneer of Excellence: How Veneers Enhance and Improve Teeth

If crowns are designed to improve on individual teeth, veneers take smile improvement one step further. By using wafer-thin shells designed to closely match shape and tone, veneers get rid of unattractive-looking teeth and replace them with ones that look and feel like the real thing, only better. They’re stain-resistant and very durable, designed to last up to 15 years or longer.

Dr. Tomazin offers porcelain veneers specially formulated to match and improve existing teeth. Veneers can even help improve a patient’s overall bite, helping to improve overall dental health in the long run.

How Do Veneers Work?

Veneers are essentially tiny shells made out of porcelain that are then adhered to the surface of the teeth, similar to crowns. What makes veneers a bit more versatile, however, is how their design can be expanded to improve large swatches of teeth all at once, drastically enhancing appearance right away.

Veneers Procedure & Recovery

Much as with crowns, Dr. Tomazin will first examine the teeth in question to see which teeth need veneers and where the veneers will be placed. On the day of the procedure, a thin layer of enamel will be removed to allow the veneer to better adhere to the surface. An anesthetic may be used to reduce tooth sensitivity after veneers are placed.

The procedure is usually painless, with Dr. Tomazin using a special cement to adhere the veneer in place before a light beam is used to “cure” the adhering agent and keep veneers in place. As with crowns, recovery for veneers is fairly simple, with some sensitivity in the treated areas for a few days after the procedure. Proper dental hygiene is recommended to ensure veneers stay in good shape.

Should I Get Crowns Or Veneers?

It really depends on just how much damage your teeth have sustained and what your appearance goals are. Patients who only need a few replacements here and there will probably benefit from crowns, which are best suited to repair individual teeth. Crowns are also better suited for teeth which are weakened, as they cover the tooth’s surface in a way that strengthens it greatly.

For more extensive signs of damage, veneers are the better choice, as they provide dramatic improvement almost right away. With veneers, patients can improve the appearance of several teeth at once. Veneers and crowns may also be used together for optimum results.

Interested in learning more about porcelain crowns and veneers? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomazin soon by filling out our contact form online or calling our Riverside office at 951-686-3666.

Most of us are taught the importance of keeping teeth clean and healthy. But hectic schedules can make it easy to miss regular dental checkups and slide into bad habits, like skipping out on regular flossing.

But when it comes to dental health, it really is better to be safe than sorry. Preventive care plays a major role in ensuring our teeth stay healthy and beautiful. Setting a good dental routine early on is crucial to good future dental health.

Get In The Habit: Setting a Regular Dental Routine

It sounds simple enough: brush often, floss as much as you can, and be sure to keep in touch with your dentist to make sure there aren’t any further issues.

But statistics show that 80 percent of people will have some form of periodontal disease—inflammation or infections of the structures around the teeth. Left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss or more severe health issues that affect other areas.

With numbers like these, it’s even more important to learn about preventive dentistry and its benefits in keeping dental disease at bay.

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry, or preventive care, involves all the ways to keep teeth and general oral health in good shape. It primarily revolves around setting good hygiene habits to prevent decay or disease from occurring in the first place.

Preventive dentistry can help patients avoid:

• Gum irritation and disease
• Tooth decay
• Tooth loss
• Oral cancers
• Other general health issues

Preventive care typically involves setting a dental hygiene routine that includes:

Teeth Brushing: There’s no underscoring just how crucial regular brushing is to maintain oral health. Brush teeth at least twice a day and always brush the tongue, which can also carry bacteria. Toothbrushes should be replaced three or four times per year for the best overall experience.

Flossing: After brushing, flossing is the best way to really get teeth sparkling clean. Most dentists, including Dr. Tomazin, recommend daily flossing as a part of your dental health routine.

Regular Dental Checkups: Make sure you schedule a visit with your dentist at least once a year to make sure there aren’t any more serious problems with your teeth or gums.

Any person can turn to preventive care, regardless of age or the condition of their teeth. Preventive care is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to ensure teeth stay healthy in the long-term.

Go The Extra Mile: Simple Preventive Dentistry

Along with setting a good hygiene routine, there are other preventive dentistry methods patients can seek. Dr. Tomazin offers his patients a few treatment options that can be used for preventive care and to ensure teeth and gums stay healthy.

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are small pieces of tooth-colored resin that can be placed into deep grooves inside the teeth. They dry into a hard, clear coating on the tooth and make the surface of the tooth tougher and harder to break, preventing cavities and decay from occurring.

To prepare, Dr. Tomazin first cleans the surface of the tooth before washing and drying the entire tooth. An acidic solution is applied along the crevices before the tooth is washed again and the sealant is applied.

Laser Cavity Detection

Dr. Tomazin offers his patients laser cavity detection, which uses laser technology to penetrate the surface of the teeth and gums and identify any defects. This method is typically safer and more effective than traditional methods.

Laser cavity detection can be extremely useful in identifying cavities, cracks, or other defects in teeth and gums that may not be visible through X-rays or an examination.

There are two laser cavity detection methods used by Dr. Tomazin:

DIAGNOdent™ laser: A non-invasive laser that scans each tooth to identify early signs of cavities or other forms of decay.

DEXIS™ CariVu™: This system uses infrared light, which makes healthy tooth enamel transparent and fractures dark—an easy way to visibly identify defects.

Ozone Therapy

This method involves the use of ozone gas applied in small doses along areas where decay is detected, killing bacterial growth. Ozone therapy is particularly useful at reaching tight crevices and other hard to reach places, preventing future disease.

Ozone therapy is very easy to apply and minimally invasive—it can even be used to help manage discomfort during other dental procedures, such as a root canal. Ozone therapy can also strengthen teeth and decrease enamel sensitivity.

Would you like to learn more about preventive dentistry? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomazin by calling our Riverside office at 951-686-3666.