Visiting the Dentist is More Important Than Most Men Realize

As a dentist in Green Brook Township, we know that women are more likely to visit us for preventative care than men. This is in line with the common perception that men are less likely to visit the doctor in general. The Academy of General Dentistry conducted a poll to find out why a lot of men skip out on their appointments. Results for the survey come from dental professionals and patients.

Reasons Men Skip Dental Appointments

Only 5 percent of men do not receive teeth cleanings since they do not have a dentist. Another reason that men may not seek dental care is due to a lack of insurance.
Around 18 percent of men did not see a dentist because they felt like they did not have time to go in. This is a contradiction in perception and reality because not going to the dentist, exposes a person to having a future dental emergency that will typically require a more intensive and time-consuming procedure to correct. On the other hand, regular teeth cleanings only take around an hour, so this is a wiser course of action.
Another 30 percent of men had a dental phobia preventing them from visiting the dentist. We understand that millions of adults suffer from some form of dental anxiety due to a previous bad experience, very often a fear starting in one's childhood. Common or not, dentistry has improved significantly to the point that we can help our patients to relax prior to their procedure and ensure complete comfort during it. With that in mind, there is no need to fear a visit to the dentist.
The largest group, at 45 percent, said that they did not come in because they did not feel like it was necessary. As a dental professional, that is a fairly alarming statistic and shows how important it is to educate people as to why oral health matters. If you fall into this category, this is what you should know. –

Preventative Dental Care Is Important To Men's Health

Your digestion starts in the mouth so if you have an infection or a lot of plaque, you will eventually be swallowing it and sending it throughout your body. This may be what is causing the connection between heart health and gum health. Researchers find that the plaque on your teeth is the same substance that forms in your arteries, making it clear that it is important to prevent a lot of plaque from building up in your mouth. Simultaneously, they have found that 70 percent of those treated for heart disease also have gum disease, so the connection is a critical one.
We suggest that people also receive teeth cleanings at least twice a year due to how uncomfortable and inconvenient a toothache can be. By simply going to regularly scheduled dentist appointments, both men and women can remain in better oral health.

Tips from A Kids Dentist in Green Brook Township for Staying Healthy this Easter

As Easter approaches, so does the Easter Bunny, egg hunts and plenty of chocolate and jelly beans. Tis the season for lots of candy. It is also a risky holiday for your children’s teeth. Naturally, candy is not good for them and while most parents understand this, keeping children away from it can be incredibly difficult. You cannot walk through the grocery store without seeing plenty of holiday candy and everyone from Grandma to the school will be giving them treats. This is why you need an anti-candy action plan. It may not be easy, but reducing their sugar intake will certainly help your children to stay healthier now and as they grow older. Here are our ideas for helping you to do so.

#1. Boil eggs instead of using plastic ones

Historically, people would boil eggs and then paint or decorate them. This can be a fun activity to do with the kids as they get to select their favorite colors, add glitter, stickers, and become incredibly creative with it. Truly, this can be a fun weekend activity for you to do with them. It is important to note that the FDA finds that no one should eat a hardboiled egg that remains outside for more than two hours.

#2. Hide your boiled eggs

Instead of hiding candy-filled eggs, hide the ones that you decorated with your kids. They will have just as much fun finding them and their baskets will be sugar-free.

#3. Designate a special egg

Since you will not be hiding candy, make one or two of your eggs special. If your child finds them, give a prize that is not related to sweets. Perhaps you can give them a new book or a small toy that they have been wanting. As a kids dentist, we know that prizes are something kids of all ages get excited about.

#4. Buy sugar-free candy

If you do not want your child to go completely without candy, buy the sugar-free variety. They can taste great and help to make your child feel included without actually harming their teeth or the rest of their body.

#5. Trade candy for prizes

If you take your child to an egg hunt in town or at church, you can always incentivize them to give up their candy. If they have been wanting something, trade them for the candy. If they want to have a sleepover or get to stay up late, trade them for the candy. It is actually fairly easy to find something that your children like more than candy. It only seems that they love it the most because of how exciting it is to find the candy in the first place.
As a kids dentist in Green Brook Township, we encourage you to try some of these tips so that you can help your child to avoid eating too much sugar. This is important for the health of their teeth since candy can lead to cavities. It is also important for their health overall. Eating too much sugar can weaken their immune system and increase their risk of developing diabetes. Learning healthy habits now can set your children up for a lifetime of good health overall.

Dental Sealants Are Always a Good Preventative Measure

Dental sealants are always a good preventative choice for you or your children to act as protection against decay for teeth. If your teeth are susceptible to decay or your children are still learning proper oral hygiene practices, we encourage you to explore dental sealants as an extra preventative measure. Continue reading to learn more as our Green Brook Township dental office answers questions concerning dental sealants.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are plastic-like coatings that we place on the chewing surface of the molars the patient uses the most. Dental sealants form a hardened shield over teeth and act as extra protection against cavities.

Is the process of applying dental sealants complicated?

No, the process is actually very simple. First, we clean and dry the teeth and then apply cotton around them so they stay dry. We will then apply a chemical solution that will gently roughen the surface of the teeth for an easier and more secure dental sealant application. Once the solution has done its job, we will apply the dental sealant in a liquid form that allows it to seep into every crevice of the patient's teeth. We will then allow the sealant to harden before the patient leaves. After this quick process, the dental sealant will be securely in place for up to 10 years. When it wears off, we can easily reapply a dental sealant.

Who needs dental sealants?

It is best for children to get dental sealants when their first permanent molars come in. This normally occurs between ages five and seven. You can receive more dental sealants as more molars come in around 11 or 12 years of age. Adults and teens can also opt for dental sealants as a preventative measure if their teeth are prone to getting cavities.

Can dental sealants also be applied to baby teeth?

In some cases, it is a good idea to apply dental sealants to baby teeth. Baby teeth often have deeper crevices that are more prone to decay. Baby teeth hold space for future permanent teeth, so it is important to protect these teeth as well.

Can I use anything else in addition to dental sealants as extra protection for teeth?

Patients should brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Most water has fluoride in it, which is important to drink. If water is not fluoridated, we can provide you and your children with a fluoride treatment to help protect their teeth. Fluoride will still work even if dental sealants are present. Fluoride is a great preventative measure because it helps your teeth rebuild and remineralize more quickly. It can also repair small cavities before they turn into bigger cavities that need fillings.
If you are interested in receiving dental sealants for you or your child’s teeth, or you would just be interested in learning about the process and how it can help you, call our Green Brook Township office at (732) 424-8483. We will provide you with a variety of necessary preventative dental services to help you maintain healthier teeth and gums for life.

Comprehensive Dentistry in Green Brook Township Can Help You After an Accident

We provide comprehensive dentistry in Green Brook Township and can restore your teeth to good health after an accident.  Many of our patients never consider that their teeth could become cracked or chipped.  Most people do not plan for the eventuality of needing to address a dental problem and if you receive regular teeth cleanings and preventative care, you may never have to.  As a result, most people do not know who they will call in the event of an accident.  We encourage you to consider the possibility and add us to your emergency contact list.  

There are approximately 5.4 million car wrecks every year that result in millions of people being injured, some of which have mouth or face injuries. 

Playing sports is more dangerous than you think considering that over 5 million children are injured every year while playing.  The numbers go up exponentially when considering adults.  If you play basketball after work without a mouth guard, you could very easily damage your teeth and need a restoration. 

Seniors are at the highest risk of being injured in a slip and fall accident, with one out of every three falling annually.  There are over 9 million emergency room visits each year due to slip and fall accidents, many of which happen at the workplace, impacting people of all ages.  As a provider of comprehensive dentistry in Green Brook Township, we regularly treat people that have damaged a tooth during a fall. 

When you evaluate the statistics, it becomes highly likely that you or someone in your family will eventually be in an accident and damage a tooth. When it happens, we encourage you to visit our office instead of the emergency room.  General physicians are highly trained and will do an excellent job of treating any physical injuries that you have.  If, however, you have damaged a tooth, you must visit a dentist because we are the only ones trained in how to diagnose and treat your teeth.  When you come in for your appointment, we will examine your teeth and take x-rays to ascertain the full extent of your injuries and then make a treatment recommendation. 

As a provider of comprehensive dentistry in Green Brook Township, we can provide you with a wide variety of restorative solutions.  If you have lost a tooth in an accident, we can replace it using a dental bridge or a dental implant.  A bridge is a non-surgical solution that relies on your surrounding teeth to hold the bridge in place using dental crowns.  An implant is a surgical solution that is permanent.  In this procedure, we place a metal post under your gums and secure it to your jawbone so that a new root system can be created and a new tooth attached to it.  If, however, your tooth was only cracked or chipped, we can restore it using a dental veneer or a dental crown.  Regardless of what solutions you need, we can help.

Dental Cleaning and Examinations: What We Look For

Our Green Brook Township dental office can provide your child with a dental cleaning and examinations twice a year as a way to help them maintain good oral health. This is highly recommended no matter how old they are, their gender, or the condition their teeth are in. Some high-risk patients like diabetics and those with weak enamel may want to visit our office more often, but generally speaking, twice a year is enough to remain in good oral health. Our team is friendly and gentle, so we are certain they will have a positive experience when they come in. 

The first part of their appointment will be for the dental cleaning. We will use an abrasive paste and dental tools to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up on their teeth since their last cleaning. This will improve the appearance of their teeth and remove many of the surface stains. Health-wise, this is an important step because it allows us to reduce the risk of them developing tooth decay, infections, and gum disease. All these problems can be caused by built-up plaque, so a teeth cleaning is necessary no matter how often they brush and floss their teeth, especially considering that there is bound to be some places in their mouth too difficult to clean with brushing and flossing alone. 

The examination portion of their appointment is equally important. In dental care, it is best to identify any issues early so treatment can begin before the problem gets worse and causes discomfort. During their exam, we will look for any signs of tooth decay. If they have a small cavity forming, we can often remove the decay before it causes them any discomfort. Afterward, we can restore the tooth using a tooth-colored dental filling, crown, etc. The earlier we do this, the less likely they will be uncomfortable as they eat and go about their daily activities. A regular dental cleaning and examinations make this possible. 

Infections are also important to catch early. We typically take x-rays during an exam, and this allows us to see the inside of their teeth. If they have infected dental pulp, they could need a root canal and the faster one is performed, the better it will be for their comfort and health. 

We will also look for signs of gum disease. This is a condition that often leads to tooth loss, so it is critical that gum disease is not left untreated. If their gums appear to be red, swollen, or receding, we may suggest scheduling a deep cleaning appointment so the plaque can be removed and their gums restored to good health. This is a far more intensive treatment than a standard dental cleaning and examinations, so it will require a follow-up visit. 

The final thing our Green Brook Township dentist office will look for is signs of damage. It is important that they have their teeth restored if they are cracked or chipped. We can do so using a variety of procedures that include dental bonding, dental veneers, or dental crowns.

What to Expect From Wisdom Teeth Removal in Green Brook Township

If you are considering a wisdom teeth removal in Green Brook Township, call our office and schedule a consultation. Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. If there is room in your mouth for this third set of molars and they grow in properly, you could continue to live with them without experiencing any irritation. However, most people do not have enough room, and they grow in impacted as a result. This can lead to discomfort while also creating space for food to become trapped.

Signs you need to have your wisdom teeth removed:

Soreness or pain.

If your wisdom teeth hurt or the area is sore, you may need to have them extracted.

Gaps.

If you have a gap in between your wisdom tooth and your back molar, this can become a space where food becomes trapped and plaque builds up. If you are constantly reaching for a toothpick to remove food from this area, you should consider an extraction.

Your teeth are moving.

If your teeth appear to be shifting out of place, it could be because your wisdom teeth are pushing them forward. If you have already had braces to straighten and align your teeth, this is a risk you may not want to take. When you visit us for a wisdom teeth removal in Green Brook Township, we can examine your teeth and determine if they are moving due to your wisdom teeth or another issue like a tongue thrust or even oral cancer.

The process of removing wisdom teeth:

When we complete a wisdom teeth removal, we have several ways of doing so. If the tooth has already started to grow in and is coming in straight, we can typically pull it out of the socket after giving you anesthesia. This is the fastest way to do so since it does not require oral surgery. If, however, your tooth is impacted or still under the surface, we will need to create a flap in the gum tissue that will be lifted up so we can access the tooth below. If there is any gum tissue or bone on top of the tooth, it will need to be cut away so we can reach the tooth and try to lift it out of the socket. There are times where this will not be enough to loosen it, and in this scenario, we will need to break the tooth into several pieces and remove them one at a time. Next, we will clean the area to ensure no debris remains and the area does not become infected. Afterward, we will lay the flap back down and suture it in place. This entire process is done using anesthesia so you do not experience any discomfort.

Afterward, we will place gauze on the area to stop the bleeding. We also recommend you use an ice pack for 15 minutes at a time and take ibuprofen to reduce the swelling. You may experience discomfort for a few days, so be careful to continue icing and stick with foods that are soft and easy to eat.

Dental Implants  >  Cosmetic Dentist

How Dental Implants Can Change Your Life

If you have lost some of your teeth, you may not realize what a big difference dental implants can make. For many people, dental implants are life changing. This compilation of three ways dental implants can change your life is just the beginning of the many benefits they can provide.

Dental Implants Help You Stay Young Looking

Dental implants not only improve the necessary function of your teeth, but they can also drastically improve your appearance, making you look years younger. Implants make your smile fuller, filling in drooping areas of your cheeks, jawline, and lips. Once you receive dental implants, you will immediately notice that your facial skin is firmer, and your wrinkles are less noticeable. No matter what your age is, when you lose teeth it tends to make you look a decade older or more because you do not have a strong structure to keep your skin taut, and you develop a sunken appearance in your face. If you go without teeth too long, you may even lose bone structure since there are not teeth in place to keep your jawbone and other teeth from shifting.

Dental Implants Improve Your Chances of Succeeding in Your Career

Your smile is the first thing the majority of people will notice about you and one of the most vivid memories they will hold of your face. If you have less than impressive teeth, it may give off a false impression of your hygiene and happiness. Make a great first impression by receiving quality dental implants that look and feel real while also greatly improving your smile.

People who smile more often give off the impression of being more confident and content in life. When you are trying to succeed in life, it is important to look and feel confident so you can surpass your expectations and other's expectations of you. Allow us to give you more confidence and success by providing you with dental implants that perfectly fill in your already beautiful smile.

Dental Implants Make it Easier to Eat a Healthy Diet

When you are missing teeth, it is often easier to opt for foods that are not challenging to chew, but these foods also tend to have less nutritional value. Not getting proper nutrients can lead to the loss of more teeth, bone loss, weight loss, blood sugar problems, and long-term health risks. When you are ready to enjoy a proper meal again, complete with all the vitamins and minerals necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, dental implants can provide you with this power. Dental implants can also help you eat foods that you miss that you may not have been able to eat in years. Eating the foods you love makes life more enjoyable and provides you with a long life.

The procedure to receive dental implants typically only takes two to three visits, and within a few months, you will have strong, working teeth again. The artificial tooth roots that hold your replacement teeth in place are made of a titanium metal that fuses with your jawbone to create the strongest possible substitute for missing teeth. Dental implants can act on their own as replacement teeth, or they can be used to support dentures or dental bridges as needed.  The options and benefits of dental implants are numerous and can change your life for the better in a few simple visits to our Green Brook Township office.

Dental Implants  >  Cosmetic Dentist