The History of the Toothbrush

Today, there are countless toothbrush options to choose from – soft or hard bristles, different shapes of handles – all are available in a rainbow of colors! But the modern day toothbrush comes from humble beginnings long ago, and the practice of daily tooth brushing didn’t become mainstream in the United States until the early 1950’s.

Tooth and Chew Sticks
The very first iteration of the toothbrush dates back to 3500 BC in Egypt and Babylon, and was formed by chewing on a twig to fray the ends, which could then be used to rub the teeth clean. Similarly, in China in 1600 BC, people began chewing on sticks from aromatic trees that had natural healing and antiseptic properties.

Bristles
In the 15th century, the Chinese invented the first version of a toothbrush with bristles – which would eventually morph into what we use today. They plucked coarse hairs from northern boars and then affixed them to handles whittled from bones or bamboo.

Bristled toothbrushes were brought to Europe in the Middle Ages and quickly became the preferred method of tooth cleaning. The Europeans however preferred softer fibers such as feathers or horse hair.

In the late 18th century, Englishman William Addis began mass producing a version of the Chinese bristled brush, with the new addition of drilling holes in the handles in which the bristles could be inserted.

Plastic
After the start of World War II, resources became scarce in America, which prompted the use of moldable plastic for the handles. In 1938, Dupont de Nemours introduced nylon bristles, which boasted improved performance and were cheaper to produce. A few years later, soldiers returning after the war brought with them higher standards of dental hygiene, thus popularizing the habit of brushing twice daily.

The toothbrush as we know it today has come a long way!

To learn more, visit our Website or call us at (908) 998-4698 to schedule an appointment!

Raising Kids with Healthy Teeth

Since baby teeth are temporary, there is a common misconception that they are less important than permanent teeth. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth! 

Even as infants, it is vital to start routinely cleaning gums and brushing teeth. Visiting a dentist early in a child’s life is also important, since it establishes a “dental home” and provides education to both parents and children.

Other normal infant and toddler behaviors – such as thumb sucking, pacifier use, and breast or bottle feeding – also have a significant impact on long-term tooth, mouth, and speech development.

Start at the Beginning
Even before a baby gets his or her first tooth, it is a good idea to start rubbing the gums with a soft wet washcloth, to acclimate them to the sensation. Once the first teeth start to emerge, mom and dad should begin brushing them twice a day with a soft “starter” tooth brush and toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling baby’s first visit to the dentist by their first birthday.

When Sucking Becomes a Problem
The urge and need to suck is not only natural for babies – it is also necessary, since that is how they get the sustenance they need for the first year of life via breast or bottle feeding. This is the same reason infants will suck on a pacifier or their fingers – it is a natural way to calm and comfort themselves. Long-term however, this habit can cause orthodontic problems, since it can interfere with normal jaw and mouth development, leading to crooked teeth or bite issues. The AAPD recommends discouraging these behaviors after baby turns one, and ending them no later than their third birthday.

Get Kids Onboard
By the age of two or three, a child can brush their own teeth, but an adult should always supervise and assist to ensure it is being done correctly. The easiest way to ensure your children will allow you to brush their teeth – and then continue to do so correctly once they are old enough – is to make it a fun, family activity. In the morning when everyone gets up and again right before bedtime, everyone can have a brushing and flossing dance party in the bathroom. Allowing your child to choose the toothbrush they want to use, and offering incentives, such as stickers or an extra bedtime story, are also effective.

Establishing good habits early on will set you children up for a lifetime of better oral health.

To learn more, visit our Website or call us at (908) 245-1745 to schedule an appointment!

Happy Fourth of July!

It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy – long, hot lazy days … dips in the pool … backyard BBQs … staying up late to chase fireflies … Even during this laid-back season, it is important to remember the importance of maintaining good dental health.

Vacation Mode
School is out for summer, which means it is vacation time! Whether you and the family are taking day trips to amusements parks and the beach, or packing up for a few weeks at the lake, the regular daily routine goes by the wayside. And while a break from the norm is an added perk during the summer, be sure to still remember to brush and floss every day, as well as visit the dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups.

Fun in the Sun
Summer means being outside and PLAYING: running around the yard planning catch, games of volley ball on the beach, and boogie boarding the waves. All this physical activity is wonderful for kids and grown-ups alike, but it can also pose a risk to your teeth. According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), mouth guards prevent over 200,000 injuries every year

Icy Cold Treats
To beat the heat and stay hydrated, some frosty summer favorites include lemonade, ice cream cones and Italian ice. While tasty and refreshing, these classic treats are also loaded with sugar, which is the leading cause of tooth decay. To protect your teeth from cavities, try sticking with cold ice water and fresh fruits and veggies instead.

Enjoy summer and remember to take good care of your smile while you are at it!

To learn more, call Roselle Park Dental today at 908-245-1745 or visit us at www.roselleparkdental.com.

Here Is Your “Bill!”

With Independence Day right around the corner, you may remember from U.S. History class that the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution are called “The Bill Of Rights”.

Even though Roselle Park Dental was founded in 2009 (not 1776!) – we believe our patients have a “Bill Of Rights” as well. It’s how everyone deserves to be treated in our practice, and we really mean it!

Roselle Park Dental Patient’s Bill Of Rights

1.    You have the right to be personally greeted and treated with the highest level of respect and care by our team of dental professionals.

2.    You have the right to have your dental treatment fully explained to you in plain English, and to have any questions answered to your satisfaction.

3.    You have the right to have your dental treatment performed with first-rate materials, techniques, and technology.

4.    You have the right to be as comfortable as possible before, during, and after any dental treatment.

5.    You have the right to understand the cost of treatment before it takes place, including an estimate of insurance coverage if applicable.

6.    You have the right to a clean, safe environment, including hospital grade sterilization of all dental instruments.

7.    You have the right to be seen as soon as possible should a dental emergency arise.

8.    You have a right to be educated in the proper methods to keep your teeth and gums healthy, including: brushing, flossing, and anything else specific to your situation.

9.    You have the right to be treated by a team of dedicated professionals who are current in their licensure and strive to learn the latest and most important findings in the fields of dentistry and health care.

10.    You have the right to remain silent when we have our gloved fingers and three suction tubes in your mouth. (Okay – that one was a joke!)

It’s all our way of saying that at Roselle Park Dental we care about you!

If you have any questions or are in need of an appointment, please call us at (908) 245-1745 or visit our website.

After all – healthy teeth and gums, fresh breath, and a beautiful smile are your right!

We’re Moving This Fall!

We are moving! This Fall, Roselle Park Dental and Little Smiles of Roselle Park will have a new home – just minutes from our current location. We will continue to offer the same friendly, top-quality service with the same convenient hours. Our brand new, state-of-the art office will allow us to offer an even more efficient and enjoyable dental experience.

We’ll be right beside Manuela’s Bridal Boutique and will have plenty of free parking reserved just for our patients. Our new office will be located at 205 Westfield AvenueWest in Roselle Park.

We have already broken ground and are making progress every day. When the new office is ready, we’ll let you know!

If you have any questions, please call us at (908) 245-1745 – our phone number will stay the same – or e-mail us at roselleparkdental@gmail.com.

Like us on Facebook to see updates on the new office!

PRP and PRF: the Next Big Thing in Dentistry!

While not new in the medical world, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet rich fibrin (PRF) are now becoming more common place in dental procedures including: tooth extractions, implant surgery, bone and gum grafting procedures, and periodontal plastic surgery.

Used for decades in other surgical areas, including head and neck surgeries, cardiovascular surgeries, and maxillofacial surgeries, the application of PRP is a proven way to reduce bleeding, promote effective bone regenerations, and speed up soft tissue  healing.

PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood, which is drawn at the time of a procedure. Using centrifugation, the blood is then separated into three components: red blood cells, plasma, and white blood cells. The resulting product contains growth factors that influence wound healing, and is applied during and after procedures to promote the repairing of affected tissue.

Studies are now showing that the use of PRP and PRF leads to faster healing after dental procedures, meaning the chance of post-op complications, such as dry socket, failed implants, failed grafts or infection, is reduced. This is even more beneficial for patients considered to be at a higher risk for complications, including older patients, smokers, and people with diabetes.

To learn more about this cutting-edge technology, call Roselle Park Dental at 855-804-7088 or visit our Website.

Dental Implants on the Rise

Dental implants are rapidly gaining in popularity – and not just with elderly patients.  The highest percentage of our dental implants patients at Roselle Park Dental are in their 50s and 60s and the next highest group are in their 30s and 40s. 

With baby boomers living longer and the quality of life being higher for people enter their “golden years”, more and more patients are opting for dental implants instead of more traditional options such as dentures, crowns, or bridges.

Better Outcomes.

Dental implants offer more ease of use, last longer and in many instances are easier to place than traditional alternatives.  According to WebMD, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. Often, no adjustment is needed after placement and it will normally serve its owner for a lifetime.

Shining Smile.

In the US, cosmetic surgeries have become widely accepted, and dental procedures are no exception.   Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink. This shrinkage can make your face appear older than it is. Implants offer the best way for patients to maintain a natural, healthy, and youthful appearance. 

Cents and Sensibility.

As the prevalence of dental implants increases, many insurance plans are beginning to cover some of these procedures.  The fee for dental implants depends on several factors, including the number of teeth being replaced and the number of dental implants required to support your replacement teeth. Our office offers assistance in understanding the costs associated with implants, as well as flexible payment options.

If you have been considering dental implants – visit our Website to learn more or call Roselle Park Dental at 855-804-7088 to schedule a dental implant evaluation today!

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