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.