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.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
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.
Monday, April 12, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 29, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 22, 2010
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
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.
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.
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