All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth!

Did you know that the famous song, "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" was actually written by a music school teacher who noticed his students had at least one front tooth missing? When he asked his students what they wanted for Christmas, Donald Yetter Gardner recalled they answered with a lisp. He wrote the song in 1944 in 30 minutes, and it became an instant hit!

From all of us at Roselle Park Dental, we want to wish you a safe happy and toothfilled holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving! It's Good for Your Teeth!

I bet you didn't know that some of our favorite Thanksgiving foods help to prevent tooth decay. Compounds within cranberries help prevent plaque from building on your teeth. Also, drinking red wine has shown to have benefits for your teeth. Waste from the red-wine-making process — such as fermented seeds and skins — contains compounds that fight bacteria that aid in tooth decay.

But Thanksgiving foods are not all created equally. Remember to go easy on the sweets or brush your teeth after consuming those goodies to help prevent cavities.

As always, have a happy and safe Turkey Day from Roselle Park Dental, where we provide healthy smiles for a lifetime. Visit our Website for more information about Roselle Park Dental.

Invisalign Day

I just wanted to update everyone in the North Jersey area that we will be conducting an Invisalign Day in January. We will have Invisalign specials for those who come into the office and sign up for treatment. More details will follow. To learn more about our Invisalign results here at Roselle Park Dental, please visit our Website.

Your 2010 Dental Benefits May Be Expiring!

Your 2010 dental insurance benefits may be expiring at the end of the year. Be sure to schedule an appointment to maximize your insurance benefits and use any remaining flexible account dollars.

Unlike medical insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts and most dental benefits do not roll over to the following year. Your unused benefit dollars for 2010will be lost.

We know how busy you and your family are today, but coming in for a regular dental cleaning and exam may help you avoid future dental problems and future expenses. At Roselle Park Dental, we are committed to the prevention of dental disease - and regular exams and cleanings are essential in that effort.

Call us today at (908) 245-1745 to schedule your appointment. If you are uncertain about the status of your dental benefits, we will be happy to contact your carrier on your behalf. Visit our Website to learn more about our dental services. Our dentist welcomes emergencies and offers same day dental care.

Invisalign Preferred Providers Right Here in Union County

As you may know, Dr. Rodriguez has been a preferred provider for Invisalign for more than three years. He has helped many Roselle Park Dental patients achieve a straight, beautiful smile using Invisalign's clear trays - a great alternative to traditional braces. And now, I am also certified in Invisalign so that both Dr. Rodriquez and I can give even more patients the beautiful smile they deserve.

Invisalign uses a series of ultra-thin, clear aligners that are changed out approximately every two weeks. Each clear, removable aligner is custom fitted to your teeth and gradually shifts them into a straighter smile. To learn more about Invisalign, please visit our Website. You may be a candidate for Invisalign if you have crowding, widely spaced teeth, or if you have an overbite, underbite or crossbite.

Don't forget that we can offer Invisalign to all areas of North Jersey. If you want a more straight smile and live in Colonia, Union, Roselle Park, Elizabeth, Linden, Kenilworth, Garwood, Edison or Westfield or any other location, please call Roselle Park Dental and meet with myself or fellow dentist, Dr. Rodriguez, to see if Invisalign is a good option for you.

Fellowship in Dental Implants from California Implant Institute

As you know, our team is dedicated to continuously learning the latest, cutting-edge technologies to provide you with the highest level of professional care. I am very happy to announce that I received my fellowship in implant dentistry from the California Implant Institute this month. More than 250 hours of hands-on training has allowed me to provide my patients with even better dental care. Now, I am able to help many patients with dental implants all over Northern New Jersey, including Cranford, Linden, Kenilworth, Union, Elizabeth, Colonia, Roselle, Edison, Garwood and Westfield.

Dental Veneers Available at Roselle Park Dental!

You may see celebrities on TV with perfect, white teeth and wonder how they have such a lovely, natural smile...well, many of those celebrities have veneers! Veneers are custom-made by dental laboratories that cover the surface of the tooth, hiding imperfections such as chips, cracks, spaces or worn enamel. Because they are man-made, veneers really make one's smile shine! If you want a beautiful, attractive smile, dental veneers may be the right option for you. Visit our Roselle Park Dental Website for more information on dental veneers or call us at (908) 245-1745 to see if you can benefit from porcelain veneers.

Cheese!

Did you know that by eating cheese, specifically ages cheddar, swiss, or monterey jack, you can help protect your smile? Now you do! Pass it on!

I Love Dr. Oz!

Dr. Oz always has really great advice on how to stay healthy, young and active. I happened to catch a segment today about stopping bad habits to add years to your life. One woman in the audience said she has really stopped being diligent when it came to brushing and flossing her teeth. Dr. Oz told her that if she began to brush and floss two times a day, she could add up to 5 years to her life! That is simply amazing.

Back to School!

It's almost that time again...back to school time! Bring your children in for their back to school cleaning and check up and enter them and their school to win a backpack full of school supplies! The winner and his/her teacher will both win a backpack full of school supplies on Friday, September 3, 2010. Call and schedule your appointment with Roselle Park Dental today!

Are Your Teeth Sensitive?

When you eat ice cream or drink hot cocoa, do your teeth hurt? Are they sensitive when you brush and floss? If so, you are not alone. One in five adults suffers from tooth sensitivity. You may have sensitive teeth due to erosion of the gum line or tooth enamel. In healthy teeth, gums and enamel protect a porous tissue called dentin, which is connected to the tooth's nerve. However, when dentin is exposed, it can cause you a great deal of pain and discomfort. Some leading causes of tooth sensitivity are brushing too hard, advanced age or eating acidic foods. All of these causes are associated with enamel loss and gum recession. Sometimes brushing with a toothpaste with desensitizing lotion can help ease the discomfort. If pain or discomfort persists, please contact Roselle Park Dental.

Grand Opening of Little Smiles of Roselle Park

I mentioned the grand opening a few blogs ago, but I wanted to share with everyone that we are giving away a brand new digital camera for those folks who schedule and keep their appointment with Dr. Geoffrey Gonzales at Little Smiles of Roselle Park! Also, don't forget that you have until August 15, 2010, to start your 6 Month Smile program at Roselle Park Dental, and get $500 off and FREE take home whitening when your case is complete. Click here for more information on these great giveaways. Visit Little Smiles of Roselle Park's Website for more information on the new pediatric dental and orthodontic practice.

How Safe Are Dental X-rays?

We are all concerned about the risk of cancer. Knowing that exposure to radiation may cause cancer, the natural question is are dental x-rays safe? The answer is yes. Fortunately, the amount of radiation in dental x-rays is minimal. With advances in dental technology, improvements have been make to greatly reduce radiation and focus it more accurately on a small area. In addition, the use of lead vests help to protect the body from any unwanted radiation. In short, dental x-rays will not harm you and you should not worry about getting your dental check up x-rays at your visits.

New Six Month Smiles Promotion at Roselle Park Dental!

Starting this month, Roselle Park Dental is providing 6 Month Smiles at a reduced rate! If you sign up for our Six Month Smiles program before August 1, you get $500 off as well as free take home whitening when you finish the program (a $350 value). The Six Month Smiles program is a great,affordable way for adults to straighten their smile in as little as 6 months. Six Month Smiles are clear braces that are barely visible. Roselle Park Dental is one of the few offices in Union County, New Jersey to offer this great service. Visit our Website for more details or to set up a free consultation.

Lifetime Insurance

These current economic times have forced many hardworking people to lose their jobs, and subsequently, lose their dental insurance coverage. At Roselle Park Dental, we understand that finances may prevent patients from getting the treatment they need. That's why we offer our own in-office insurance called Lifetime Insurance. With a one-time $100 fee plus your monthly coverage amount, you receive all your check up x-rays, two exams, two cleanings per year as well as one full mouth x-ray per 5 years. We don't want finances to come in the way of the treatment you need. If you have no insurance, no problem! We still will be more that happy to treat you and offer you our Lifetime Insurance plan. Please visit our Lifetime Insurance plan information on our Website as well as the other flexible payment options we offer at Roselle Park Dental.

New Pediatric Dental Office in Roselle Park!

My experience as the owner of Roselle Park Dental has given me great happiness. I am so pleased and blessed to be able to help patients enhance their smile and increase their confidence every day. I realized how much joy helping others brings me that I wanted to extend my dental expertise and help others even more.

Starting in July, I will open a new pediatric dental office called Little Smiles of Roselle Park at 141 Chestnut St. in Roselle Park, NJ. Even though I will own the new practice, I will not be treating anyone. Instead, I have found a great pedodontist who has the same passion and determination for helping people as I do.

Little Smiles of Roselle Park will treat children from infancy to young adulthood. Our staff is friendly, caring and empathetic. We are specifically trained to work with children. We completely understand the anxiety that some people experience when they come to the dentist, especially children. That's why we strive each and every day to make coming to the dentist a fun and exciting experience.

I will have more information about Little Smiles of Roselle Park in the weeks to follow. Look out for our new office number and Website coming soon!

Follow us on Twitter and Become a Fan on Facebook!

Don't forget to get all the latest information on Roselle Park Dental by following us on Twitter at @RPdental! Also become a Roselle Park Dental fan on Facebook!

Memorial Day: Honoring our Veterans

I just wanted to give a quick but heart-felt thank you to our veterans this Memorial Day. As a veteran of the United States Air Force, I understand the courage and commitment our troops have to their country. Without you, our freedom would not be possible. Thank you again.

Not Just a Cleaning

I often hear people say, "I need to make an appointment for just a cleaning." However, that appointment is way more than just a cleaning. It is more like a preventative maintenance visit because you receive these services in addition to a cleaning:

Check the health of mouth for bone loss
Examine tooth surface for grinding or tooth clenching
Oral cancer screening
Complete cavity checkup
Brush and floss demonstration and instructions
Take proactive diagnostic images
Show intra-oral visual aides of the mouth
Plaque control
Head and neck examination
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) evaluation
Occlusion (bite) analysis
Blood pressure measurement for designated patients
Review of medications that can affect oral health
Fluoride rinse
Cosmetic evaluation
Smile analysis
Determine shades of your teeth
Orthodontic evaluation
Periodontal probing (gum disease examination)
Complete exam by the dentist

So, please remember to come in for your preventative maintenance visit as it is an integral part of maintaining optimum oral health. Visit roselleparkdental.com for more information about our preventative maintenance visits and other services.

Benefits of Dental Implants

Say good-bye to denture glue forever. You can benefit from implant dentistry! Are you sick and tired of constantly gluing and cleaning your denture or partial? Do you want your smile to look as natural as possible? If so, dental implants may be the right choice for you.

As I said in my last post, I am currently pursuing my fellowship in dental implants. I have experience in providing dental implants to many patients who have told me that they have improved their quality of life.

Here are some of the benefits of dental implants:

• No messy glue
• No constant removal and cleaning of denture or partial
• No unsightly partial dental clasps
• Stop progressive bone loss
• Restore normal chewing ability
• Achieve a more natural look
• Regain your confidence

Call Roselle Park Dental today to schedule an appointment and see how dental implants can help you. You can also visit us at www.roselleparkdental.com.

Fellowship in Implant Dentistry

Right now, I am in California at the California Implant Institute receiving my fellowship in implant dentistry. This comprehensive, hands-on training has allowed me to hone my skills in implant dentistry. We are learning the latest, cutting-edge technologies in implant dentistry to really bring smiles back to life. Look forward to the next post for how implant dentistry can really change your life.

Chlorhexidine Oral Rinse: Warrior Against Gum Disease

For many years now, I've considered gum disease to be a silent killer. The majority of people ignore warning signs of gum disease: red, swollen, bleeding gums. Most people think that if it doesn't hurt, everything is OK. Nothing can be farther from the truth when it comes to gum disease. In fact, gum disease has been linked to other serious diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. That's why it is so important to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

One way to keep your gums healthy is to supplement your daily hygiene routine with a chlorhexidine oral rinse. The rinse destroys bacteria that live on and between your teeth -- the same bacteria that causes gum disease and periodontal disease.

At Roselle Park Dental, our soft tissue management program is a unique, specialized gum disease treatment that includes the benefits of chlorhexidine. If you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, you may have gum disease, and I'd encourage you to seek dental care immediately. Visit roselleparkdental.com for information about gum disease and our soft tissue management program.

In-Office Whitening Promotion

Get your teeth whitened just in time for summer! At Roselle Park Dental, we are offering a very special teeth whitening promotion for the month of May. If you get your teeth whitened in the office, you can get free touch ups for life! We are also offering the teeth whitening starting at $499. The Dash whitening starts at $499 while the Kor whitening starts at $799. The Kor whitening is for those with more stubborn stains.

Here is how it works. You come in to the office to get your teeth whitened. Then, at each of your 6 month check ups, you will receive the whitening gels and trays to take home with you to keep your teeth bright. Because we believe in prevention, you must keep your 6 month check up appointment. If you cancel the appointment, you have to cancel at least 24 hours in advance and the appointment must be made up within 30 days.

We will have more promotions in the following months.

Call Roselle Park Dental at (908) 245-1745 to schedule an appointment or visit roselleparkdental.com.

All About Dental Sealants

Patients are often confused about the difference between sealants and fillings. Fillings are needed when the tooth has decay, while sealants are used to prevent decay.

Sealants coat or seal teeth surfaces to prevent decay from lodging in the grooves. They do not require any drilling, and many hygienists are trained and experienced in placing sealants. Sealants are also tooth-colored so they are not visible when one laughs, speaks, or smiles.

In addition, sealants are ideal for children and teens. We want to be sure we seal the permanent molars as soon as they arise before they have a chance to decay. Sealants fit perfectly in a preventative dental regimen, which includes proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits.
Be sure to ask your dentist (or me!) if dental sealants are right for you or your family.

Dr. Oz's Top Procedures To Get Done in 2010

I was happening to watch the Dr. Oz show today and heard something very familiar to me. For those who don't know, Dr. Oz has a show on TV that is all about healthy living and eating. One of the topics presented on today's show was the top procedures one should have done this year that could potentially save your life. One of the procedures was an oral cancer screening! I blogged about the importance of getting an oral cancer screening in one of my other blogs. This just goes to show that the medical community is united on how important it is to have an oral cancer screening because early detection is a great weapon in defeating the cancer! At Roselle Park Dental, we use vizilite, which is a technology that helps us see abnormal tissue in the mouth. Be sure to schedule a check up today by calling 908-245-1745 or visiting RoselleParkDental.com.

Brushing and Flossing: The Right Way

Brushing and flossing your teeth properly can help you maintain clean, healthy teeth and gums. However, many people aren't exactly sure how to brush and floss properly. In fact, many people do not spend the required minimum time of two minutes, two times a day on their oral hygiene. That's right- all you need is at least two minutes, two times a day. That's not asking much!

The proper way to brush your teeth is to move your brush in a gentle, circular motion. Place the bristles along your gum line at a 45-degree angle so that the brush can access under the gum line to remove plaque.

Brushing too hard can cause tooth abrasion, in which the surface of the tooth is worn away, as well as gum erosion, which exposes the tooth's roots. Exposure of one's roots can lead to sensitivity. This is why it is so important to apply gentle pressure rather than harsh pressure.

Be sure to brush the outer surface of your teeth, the inner surface (or lingual surface) and the biting surface. When you are finished brushing your teeth, gently brush your inner cheeks, roof of your mouth and tongue to remove bacteria.

When it comes to flossing, cut a piece of floss about one foot long. Wrap one end of the floss around your middle finder and use your thumb to hold it in place. Do the same thing on the other hand. Guide the floss between your teeth in a motion that looks like the letter "C." In other words, when the floss reaches the gum line, curve it against your tooth, slide it under the gums and then away from your gum line.

Proper brushing and flossing along with regular dental visits will help you achieve optimum oral health.

Why Use an Electric Toothbrush?

I have often been asked if using an electric toothbrush is any better than using a standard toothbrush. My answer to patients is yes! Electric toothbrushes are great for achieving optimum oral health because they are easier to use, they are better at removing plaque than standard toothbrushes, and have unique features that allow people to choose the best brush for them.

As I mentioned, electric toothbrushes make brushing easier to clean your teeth and gums. They essentially provide the brushing action for you. You only have to guide the toothbrush along your teeth and gums. This makes cleaning easier and usually more effective. Electric toothbrushes also are better at removing plaque from teeth and cleaning gums than standard toothbrushes due to its oscillation motion.

Lastly, electronic toothbrushes have several features that can appeal to your individual needs. Some toothbrushes have timers that indicate when to move the brush along the teeth. Others have pressure sensors to indicate when you're brushing too hard. Many electronic toothbrushes have different heads with multiple colors so the entire family can use it.

Oral Sedation Dentistry Now Offered at Roselle Park Dental

Are you afraid of the dentist? Are you scared to feel any pain or discomfort while in the dentist chair? If so, you are not alone. Millions of Americans are scared of the dentist. I've read a study that claims nearly 30 percent of Americans are afraid of the dentist. But now, there is no need to be afraid or anxious! You can go to the dentist and have an anxiety-free appointment right here in Roselle Park, New Jersey, as well as all of Union County and Northern New Jersey.

Stop putting off necessary treatment or that cosmetic procedure you deserve because of your fears. With oral sedation dentistry, you will be able to get the work you need with peace of mind and virtually no anxiety. This safe and effective new offering will make you feel relaxed and comfortable while in the dental chair.

Oral sedation dentistry, which is also commonly referred to as sleep dentistry, comfort dentistry or relaxation dentistry, involves providing the patient with a mild sedative that "takes the edge off." Patients are conscious and are not sleeping in order to maintain a level of safety and provide means of communication. Our staff closely monitors you to make sure you are safe and comfortable. To learn more about oral sedation dentistry, you can visit the Consumer Guide to Dentistry Website.

Our highly trained doctors and staff will treat you with kindness and empathy. You will never be judged at Roselle Park Dental. There is no need to be embarrassed about your dental fears or using oral sedation dentistry. If you have any questions about oral sedation dentistry, please call us at (908) 245-1745. Schedule an appointment today and get the smile you've always wanted -- without the anxiety!

Silver or White Fillings- Which is Best For You?

If you're like many of us, you may have silver fillings in your mouth. These silver, or amalgam, fillings have been around for more than 100 years. The amalgam filling material is made from silver, mercury, tin, copper and other metallic substances. This combination makes the material very durable and relatively inexpensive. Although there has been some concern over the use of mercury for these types of fillings, several health organizations such as the World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control have stated that the combination of other metals with the mercury make the filling safer for use in teeth. Some disadvantages to silver fillings are that they may be visible when you laugh or speak, and that dentists may have to drill more of the tooth away in order to pack in the amalgam.

Composite, or white, fillings are tooth-colored and more aesthetically appealing. It's almost like you never had a filling at all! White fillings are a mixture of glass or quartz. They too are durable and resistant to cracks or breaks. Because white fillings can also be bonded, less drilling of the tooth is required. Although white fillings are more expensive, they are more cosmetically appealing and may allow dentists to drill a smaller filling than amalgam fillings.

I personally recommend that my patients receive the composite fillings. If you already have silver fillings, you can have them replaced with the tooth-colored fillings. For more information about these types of fillings, please visit our Website.

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Oral Cancer

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, more than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. It will cause more than 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 34,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only half will be alive in 5 years. Mouth cancer will be newly diagnosed in about 100 new individuals each day in the US alone, and a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. This is clearly something we need to pay attention to.

People can develop oral cancer from using tobacco or abusing alcohol. Exposure to the HPV-16 (human papilloma virus 16) can cause oral cancer. To prevent oral cancer, be sure to abstain from smoking or excessive drinking.

In addition to prevention, early detection is key to treating oral cancer. During your routine cleanings and exams, Roselle Park dentists and hygienists offer an oral cancer screening with ViziLite - technology that helps us see abnormal tissue in the mouth. I'd recommend that patients have a complete soft tissue exam with ViziLite at least once a year. The oral cancer foundation claims that oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages. Schedule a check up today by calling 908-245-1745 or visit Roselle Park Dental.com for more information to ensure you stay healthy and cancer-free.

New Year, New You

The turning of the calendar year always brings a time of personal reflection. As we all take a few moments to think about our experiences last year, we make resolutions to change or improve upon certain aspects of our lives in the new year. Unfortunately, these resolutions are often fleeting. How many times have we vowed to eat better or exercise more regularly, stick to our guns the first few weeks, and then fall off the proverbial horse in February.

So this year, instead of making a resolution, I am going to make an evolution. Small, slow changes that I am more likely to sustain over the long-term. My New Year's evolution is to be even more healthy in 2010. I am truly dedicated to improving my well-being so that I can ward off disease and illness more effectively and quickly, slow the signs of aging, and have more energy.

For Christmas, I received a juicer as a gift. Several days a week, I place apples, organges, pears, kale, bell peppers, beets, carrots, and any other produce I have in the refrigerator into the juicer and out comes a healthy, all-natural mood and energy booster. I plan on making juicing an important part of my life. It is one single, managable step I can make in 2010 to improve my health.

I encourage you to make your own New Year's evolutions - not resolutions! If your evolutions include enhancing your smile or keeping your gums healthy as part of a new and improved you, please contact me to discuss your options. You can also visit my Website to learn more at Roselle Park Dental.com. Good luck!