It can be tempting to skip your next dental visit, especially if you are not experiencing any oral pain or symptoms. But our dentists encourage you to keep up with your regularly scheduled appointments. Here’s why:

Cavity Detection

Nearly everyone develops a cavity at some point, and in general, the earlier a cavity is detected, the better. Unfortunately, early cavities often do not cause noticeable discomfort or visual changes to the teeth. During routine dental exams, your dentist will use special instruments to evaluate your tooth surfaces and identify early-stage cavities. If any decay is found, the dentist should be able to intervene before it becomes a serious issue.

Gum Disease Detection

Teeth are not the only thing dentists look at during biannual visits. Your dentist will give your gums a thorough check for any signs of disease. The effects of undetected or untreated gum disease can be devastating; as it advances, it can damage the structures holding your teeth in place. Gum disease has also been linked to systemic health problems like heart disease and diabetes.

Professional Cleaning

By seeing your dentist twice a year, you can prevent dental problems before they start. Dental hygienists use meticulous techniques to clean and polish all of your tooth surfaces, including those not easily accessible with your toothbrush and floss. Getting rid of bacteria, plaque and tartar can minimize your risk of cavities, gum disease and other destructive oral issues. Your hygienist can offer helpful tips to practice at home to take care of your teeth and gums.

Check Existing Restorations

Dental restorations like fillings and crowns are durable, but they do not last forever. Restorations can wear down or develop chips or cracks that threaten their integrity. During your dental visit, your dentist will examine any existing restorations to ensure they are strong and intact. If your dentist discovers a defective or decayed restoration, you can discuss options to repair it.

Northfield Dental Group Is Here to Help

The team at Northfield Dental Group has years of experience seeing all types of patients and making them feel comfortable and well cared-for. If you are nervous about seeing a dentist or if it has been awhile since your last visit, we will quickly put you at ease. To request an appointment with our team, please call or email us today.

The post Why It Is Essential to See Your Dentist Every Six Months appeared first on Northfield Dental Group.

The One Area Most People Don’t Brush

Most people brush only the tooth surfaces that show when they smile. This means that they miss the sides of the teeth that face the tongue as well as the sides that face the palate. If you don’t brush all areas of the teeth, the unfortunate result is a buildup of acid, plaque and tartar. Next time you brush your teeth, be sure to reach all areas of the tooth surface. To reach the inside of the tooth surfaces that face the tongue, angle your toothbrush 45 degrees at the gum line when brushing.

Additional Tips

We’re often in a hurry when we brush our teeth and don’t give ourselves enough time to ensure a deep and thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums. Generally, you should brush your teeth for a total of two minutes, allotting 30 seconds for brushing the outside of the teeth and another 30 seconds for brushing the inside of the teeth.

Also, make sure you’re not brushing too hard, as unnecessary pressure can damage the gum tissue. Too little pressure can also result in inadequate removal of bacteria and plaque. As a rule of thumb, use short strokes with gentle yet firm pressure, without bending the bristles of the toothbrush. Be gentle and repetitive — don’t scrub!

Don’t Forget Flossing

Taking the time to floss after you brush your teeth takes serious commitment. However, the time investment now will save you money in future cavity and/or gum disease treatments later on. Plus, flossing after brushing allows you to remove plaque and food debris between the teeth and other areas where the toothbrush can’t reach.

Contact Northfield Dental Group

The health of your mouth is important to us. At Northfield Dental Group, our West Orange dentists are here to help you learn more about how you can protect your teeth and gums, and we can build a custom treatment plan based on your dental needs and goals. To schedule an appointment and speak with one of our team members about your needs, please contact the Northfield Dental Group staff by calling (973) 736-0111.

The post The Area of Your Teeth You’re Probably Forgetting to Brush appeared first on Northfield Dental Group.

The trusted team at Northfield Dental Group advises patients to care for implants just as you would care for your natural teeth. In this post, our West Orange and Short Hills dentists discuss how to make your dental implants last as long as possible.

Start with Good Dental Hygiene

Dental implants need to be cared for just like natural teeth. Brushing twice a day using proper technique, flossing, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year will all make it more likely that your dental implants will last for a long time.

Patients who care for their dental implants may have them for a lifetime or at least several decades, so make sure you are practicing good dental habits to get the most out of your dental implants.

Dental Implants vs. Crowns

The dental implant is a synthetic tooth root that is implanted into your jaw to replace your natural tooth root. A porcelain crown is then placed on top of the dental implant. Dentures or a dental bridge can also be placed on top of the implant.

The implant generally has a longer lifespan than your crown. However, porcelain crowns also require proper care, so you can maximize how long both your crowns and dental implants last by implementing good dental habits.

Factors That Affect How Long Your Dental Implants Will Last

Some dental implants last longer than others, even if they are properly taken care of. The following factors can affect how long your dental implants last:

• How experienced your dentist is using dental implants
• Whether you have gum disease or other issues that will damage both your natural teeth and your dental implants
• How you care for your dental implants
• Other factors that can impact your dental health, such as your diet and overall health

Because many different factors contribute to the longevity of your dental implants, how long they last will vary from patient to patient. However, choosing the right dentist and taking care of your teeth and overall health can go a long way to keeping your dental implants as long as you possibly can.

Learn More about Dental Implants

Good candidates for dental implants have missing teeth or loose dentures that cause either functional or cosmetic issues. The experienced dental team at Northfield Dental Group can answer all of your questions about properly caring for your dental implants. Schedule your appointment today by calling (973) 736-0111.

About Our Northfield Dental Group Dentists

Our dentists are respected authorities in the field of dentistry, each bringing a unique perspective and skillset to our practice. Dr. Stein is a recognized innovator in neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry. In the field of cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Stein was the first dentist in Essex County to introduce immediate dental implant prosthetics. For the past decade, Dr. Widmayer has been perfecting the art of cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry. Dr. Widmayer has been honored for his work by several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Mendia completed a post-doctoral residency in dental anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, one of only six highly specialized dental anesthesiology programs. Dr. Mendia’s specialized training includes all levels of anesthesia services. Dr. Shapiro is committed to helping patients maintain their healthy smiles by using the most advanced dental technology and techniques available.

The post How to Make Your Dental Implants Last Long appeared first on Northfield Dental Group.

More about The CDC’s Study

The author of the study is Dr. Duong Nguyen, an Intelligence Officer at the CDC. He advocates that flossing be part of a patient’s overall health program and that it be discussed with their primary care physician. “I think it’s one of those things people don’t know enough about,” said Dr. Nguyen. When asked why so many people do not floss, Dr. Nguyen suggested it might be related to basic education. “We don’t tell them why (to floss.) That could be one of the barriers,” he said.

The findings from the study note that some demographic and ethnic groups lag behind others, with the following highlights:

• Males (39 percent) who never floss outnumber females (27 percent)
• People over 75 years old who never floss (45 percent) outnumber 30-34 year-olds (31 percent)
• Non-Hispanic African Americans (40 percent) and Hispanics (38 percent) who never floss outnumber Non-Hispanic whites (30 percent)
• Lower income groups (49 percent) who never floss significantly outnumber higher income groups (28 percent)

Flossing Essentials

Daily flossing, ideally twice per day, is essential to dental health. Flossing removes food particles between the teeth that can cause plaque. Plaque can turn to a sticky substance called tartar that cannot be removed at home with a toothbrush or floss. Plaque formed in the mouth has also been linked to other health complications, including heart-related problems.

Flossing is also essential for preventing the two basic types of inflammatory gum diseases: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis produces red, painful and tender gums, while periodontitis produces pockets of pus that some studies have connected with heart disease.

Dr. Nguyen concludes by saying that patients “need to improve (their) health practices.” Our West Orange dentists can help you to offset the effects of neglecting to floss. Please call the Northfield Dental Group team at (973) 736-0111, and let us help guide you to adopt a flossing and dental health routine that is right for you.

The post Study: One-Third of Americans Never Floss appeared first on Northfield Dental Group.

Expect an adjustment period at first. Until you become accustomed to your dentures, they may feel loose or awkward. Your mouth may feel mildly irritated or sore, and you may have more saliva than normal. These problems should resolve as you adjust to your new dentures.

Rinse and brush your dentures daily. Just as you would with natural teeth, you must brush your dentures daily to remove food particles and plaque and prevent staining. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a gentle cleanser. As you handle them, be careful not to bend or damage the plastic. Also, fill the sink with water or put a towel down, in case you accidentally drop the dentures while handling them.

Clean your mouth, too. After you brush your dentures, use the toothbrush to brush your gums, insides of the cheeks, roof of the mouth and tongue. This removes any plaque and keeps bad breath at bay.

Store dentures overnight in a safe place. To prevent your dentures from warping, store them in water or a mild denture-soaking liquid. Keep them in an area where children and pets cannot get to them. Before putting them back in your mouth, rinse them off.

Use adhesive products as directed. If your dentist advises you to try an adhesive product (e.g., a cream, powder, strip or liquid), use as directed.

Avoid whitening or bleaching products. Refrain from using toothpastes that advertise their bleaching power. Do not use whitening strips or gels to bleach your dentures.

See your dentist regularly. Schedule regular appointments with your dentist for a check-up. Your dentist will examine your dentures, check their fit and address any issues or problems. If you notice your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, see your dentist promptly.

With the proper care and maintenance, dentures can last for five to seven years — or longer — before needing replacement. To learn more about dentures and how they can restore your smile and chewing function, contact Northfield Dental Group today at (973) 736-0111.

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