• Restorative Dental Care 101

    How much do you know about restorative dental care? Dental professionals use the term “restorative dentistry” to describe the process of replacing or repairing teeth. Today, there are many solutions to dental problems, including crowns, bridges, fillings, and implants. Not only can these products restore your natural smile, but they can also help prevent future problems with your dental health.

    How can replacing damaged teeth improve your oral health? First, when the empty spaces in your mouth are filled, your teeth will remain in proper alignment. When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to maintain good oral hygiene, preventing the build-up of plaque that can lead to additional problems. What’s more, dental restoration can improve your appearance, health, and self-esteem.

    • If your problem is cavities, you probably need fillings. Your dentist will remove the decay from the damaged tooth and fill the hole with one of several different materials. The materials used in fillings include gold, silver amalgam, tooth-colored plastic, composite resin, or porcelain.
    • Sometimes, cavities or broken teeth require crowns. A tooth-shaped cap placed over a tooth, a crown is used to protect and strengthen your tooth structure. Crowns are custom made, based on an impression your dentist makes of your damaged tooth, and cemented in place.
    • If you’ve got missing teeth, your dentist might choose a dental bridge to “bridge” the gap. Anchored on each end by a crown, a bridge uses artificial teeth to connect the crowns and fill the space. This can help prevent your remaining teeth from shifting, and a bridge works like your natural teeth.
    • A good permanent solution for missing teeth is dental implants. Implants involve two pieces: an anchor and a tooth. The metal anchor is inserted into the jawbone, then topped with a false tooth, designed to look and feel like a natural tooth.

    Once your smile has been restored, you can care for your dental appliances just as you would your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and consider an electric toothbrush to help remove plaque from both the restorative work and your teeth. It’s also important to floss around your teeth, dental implants, bridges, or crowns every day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight plaque bacteria. Eat a healthy diet, avoiding sugary, sticky foods, and trying not to chew on hard foods that can damage your dental work.

    If you need restorative dental care, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, teeth whitening, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

  • Tips for Having Healthy Teeth and Gums

    Are you doing everything you can to keep your teeth and gums healthy? Research indicates that the health of a person’s mouth has an impact on a person’s overall health. Without proper care, tooth and gum problems can lead to pain, tooth loss, and diminished self-confidence. Worse, these problems can result in malnutrition, speech problems, and other challenges. The bacteria from tooth decay can even travel to other parts of the body and cause issues like heart disease and other major health concerns. How can you maintain good oral health?

    • Brush at least twice a day, correctly. Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do, as long as you’re using the right technique. Using a soft-bristled brush, fluoride toothpaste, and small circular motions, spend two to three minutes brushing the front, back, and top of all of your teeth. Be careful not to brush too aggressively, and replace your toothbrush when the ends begin to fray, about every three months.
    • Floss daily. Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, in the places where your toothbrush is unable to reach. Flossing also removes debris and food trapped between the teeth, helping prevent bad breath. Gently push the floss all the way down to your gumline, then hug the side of the tooth with up-and-down motions. Don’t snap the floss up and down, which can cause pain and won’t effectively remove plaque.
    • Consider using a mouthwash. Antibacterial mouthwashes and rinses with certain essential oils can be effective in protecting oral health and preventing bad breath. Talk to your dentist about the right mouthwash for you.
    • Be smart about what goes into your mouth. Don’t smoke, because this can raise your risk of gum disease and impair your immune system. Eat a healthy diet, limiting sugar and starches, and eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.
    • Teach your children good oral hygiene early. Wipe your baby’s gums with a soft cloth, and teach your children to brush their teeth as soon as they have teeth, brushing the teeth for them until they’re old enough to take on that responsibility. Never share utensils or place a baby’s pacifier into your mouth. Limit sugary foods and beverages, and never let your child take a bottle or sippy cup or milk or juice to bed.
    • Make regular dental care a priority. Seeing a dentist every six months for cleaning and a checkup can help prevent dental problems from becoming major issues.

    To keep your teeth and gums healthy, trust your dental care to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an integral part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, providing excellent care in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

     

  • Are You Battling Bad Breath?

    How is your breath? If you struggle with bad breath, also called halitosis, it can be an embarrassing issue that is difficult to control. Sometimes, you can effectively fight bad breath with good oral hygiene, but sometimes the problem is the sign of a more serious health concern, either dental or medical. How can you prevent bad breath and keep your mouth healthy?

    • Most of the time, halitosis begins in the mouth. It could be remnants of foods in the mouth after a meal, causing bacteria growth, or it could be that you’ve eaten a pungent food like garlic, onion, or certain spices, which affect your breath while they’re being digested.
    • Tobacco can cause bad breath. Cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products can cause a foul odor in the mouth. What’s more, when you smoke or otherwise consume tobacco, your risk of oral and other cancers is increased.
    • Sometimes the problem is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t properly brush and floss, or you skip brushing your tongue, food particles remain in your mouth. As these bits of food break down, they produce bacterial growth that can cause bad breath and increase the risk of gum disease. Conquering your bad breath may be as simple as brushing twice a day, flossing at least once, and cleaning any dental appliances regularly.
    • A lack of saliva can cause halitosis. Saliva helps keep your mouth clean by clearing away food particles, and when your mouth is dry, food particles left behind can cause bad breath. Dry mouth can sometimes be a side effect of certain medications.
    • Some health problems cause bad breath. Sometimes, no matter how much attention you pay to your oral hygiene, your breath is still not good. This could be the result of a respiratory infection or inflammation of the sinuses, lungs, or throat. Diabetes, some liver diseases, and kidney disease can also cause halitosis.

     

    The best way to fight bad breath is to brush your teeth, floss, and clean your tongue. If you’re doing all that you can and still struggling with breath that’s not so fresh, talk to your dentist and find out if he or she can prescribe or recommend a special toothpaste and mouthwash. Seeing your dentist regularly is another vital part of preventing bad breath because when you have regular dental appointments, your dentist will be able to catch issues before they become significant problems. If your dentist has ruled out dental issues as the cause of your halitosis, consider seeing a doctor to determine if you have an underlying medical condition.

    If you need a dentist, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy mouth is an integral part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re seeking dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

  • Are You New to Dentures?

    If you’ve been told you need dentures, you’re not alone. Millions of people have restored their mouths using dentures, beginning a journey towards a new life and a more confident smile. Your dentist will create your dentures based on an impression of your mouth, customizing them based on your preferences and adjusting them as needed to fit comfortably. It may take a little while to get used to wearing your dentures, but the most important thing to know is how to take care of them.

    • At first, you’ll need to eat mostly soft foods. This is just until you grow accustomed to wearing your dentures, and after that, you can eat many different foods, as long as you cut them into small pieces to make them easier to chew. It may take a while to get used to your dentures, and that’s normal. Avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods, like meat, candies, and gum, and limit any firm fruits or vegetables, because these foods can be hard on your gum tissue. Make sure you chew evenly on each side of your mouth and drink water with your meals to help rinse away food particles.
    • You will need to clean your dentures daily. As soon as you get dentures, you should establish a daily routine for cleaning them in order to maintain good oral hygiene. You can soak them with a special denture-cleaning tablet to remove stains and kill odor-causing bacteria. You should also gently brush your dentures, using a soft-bristled brush, to be sure you’ve cleaned off any remaining debris.
    • Store your dentures properly when you’re not wearing them. Cleaning your dentures is an important part of taking care of them, but so is storing them properly. Any time that you’re not wearing your dentures, they should be placed in a glass of water or denture cleanser solution. This will help to keep them from drying out. It’s also important to keep your dentures out of the reach of children or pets so that they don’t meet with an unfortunate accident.

    If you need to restore your smile and you’re considering dentures, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, teeth whitening, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

  • Veneers versus Dental Crowns

    Veneers and dental crowns have many similarities. They’re both designed to restore the look and function of your teeth, and they both do that by bonding to the surface of the tooth. There are some key differences between veneers and crowns, though, both in form and function.

    The primary difference between the two is that while a crown covers the whole tooth, a veneer covers only the front of the tooth. To attach a crown, the dentist will remove any decay, but may also need to file down your natural tooth to make the crown fit. By contrast, only half a millimeter of enamel is removed to bond a veneer to a tooth. In order to be a candidate for veneers, a patient must have sufficient enamel so that a millimeter can be removed and enough will be left for the veneers to bond properly.

    Both dental crowns and porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth. They’re custom-made to fit your teeth, and tinted to blend in with the surrounding teeth. Porcelain veneers can repair many dental imperfections, from chips and gaps to misalignment to stains, discoloration, and other issues. However, that’s the extend of what they do: improve the aesthetics of your mouth.

    Crowns, on the other hand, provide strength and support to your teeth. They can protect teeth from further damage, often decreasing the likelihood of extraction. Veneers can sometimes be useful in increasing function and providing protection, but their primary purpose is cosmetic. When a tooth is in a serious state of disrepair, a crown is often necessary to salvage the tooth. Both crowns and veneers are made to last for decades and can be used with other dental procedures to provide you with the best possible smile.

    So which option is the right one for you? If the tooth you want to repair is severely cracked or worn, or has a large filling, a dental crown will be the best option. If you just want to improve the shape and color of your teeth, veneers may be for you.

    If you’re looking for a reliable dentist, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, implant dentistry, Invisalign, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

  • Flossing 101

    You hear it every time you go to the dentist: brush twice a day, and floss at least daily. Obviously, you understand that brushing your teeth is necessary to remove food, bacteria, and plaque, but why is flossing so important? We can give you several good reasons to floss your teeth.

    • When you floss, you remove plaque and food particles your toothbrush left behind. Your teeth will look brighter after you floss because, just like in the old carpet demonstrations, dirt is being removed that you didn’t even realize was there.
    • Flossing can help protect your overall health. An increasing body of evidence links periodontal disease to an increased heart disease risk. This may be because mouth infections increase inflammatory substances in the blood, or it could be because bacteria from your mouth can enter the bloodstream. Whatever the reason, flossing protects your heart by reducing your risk of gum disease.
    • When you floss, you get to take a close look at your mouth. There are conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions, that can create lesions in your mouth and cause your gums to redden and swell. Flossing gets you up close and personal with your mouth so that you can let your doctor know what’s going on.
    • Flossing helps protect your gums. When your gums are chronically unhealthy, you are at an increased risk of losing your teeth. Brushing twice a day is extremely important to your oral hygiene, it may not be enough to protect you from gum disease and the resultant tooth loss. Flossing provides an extra layer of protection.
    • When you floss, you improve the health of your gums. You may be reluctant to floss because you have sensitive or bleeding gums, but in fact, flossing can make your gums healthier and help prevent bleeding.
    • It’s never too late to start flossing. No matter when you start, you can improve your oral hygiene and the health of your gums. Flossing, combined with brushing and rinsing, can protect against gingivitis, remove plaque and food particles, and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
    • Brushing and flossing right after you eat may help you lose weight. When your mouth feels clean, you’ll be less likely to snack mindlessly between meals.

    Brushing, flossing, and seeing a dentist twice a year for a checkup and a cleaning can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you’re looking for a reliable dentist, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, implant dentistry, Invisalign, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

  • Which Teeth Whitening is Best for You?

    If you’re like most people, life has taken its toll on your pearly whites. Coffee, tea, and soda have made your teeth less than sparkling, and now you’re self-conscious every time you smile. Fortunately, if you want to whiten your smile, there’s no shortage of options available. There are so many, in fact, that we thought you might need help determining which one is right for you.

    • Charcoal teeth whitening is a hot trend right now. Activated charcoal is not the same kind of charcoal you’d use on your grill, though. It’s the kind used in emergency rooms to absorb toxins from alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose. The theory is that this highly porous substance will pull stains and bacteria from your teeth, leaving them healthier and whiter. Does it work? Not really. It doesn’t stay on the teeth long enough, and the whitening it accomplishes is probably due to its abrasive nature. There are concerns about its safety, too, because it seems that over time it can irritate your gums, get into your fillings, and even wear away enamel.
    • What about Crest WhiteStrips? Crest teeth whitening strips are available over the counter, and they’re as easy to use as they are affordable. Thin, flexible strips of polyethylene, WhiteStrips easily fit over the teeth. They contain an adhesive that holds them in place and a 9.5 hydrogen peroxide solution that soaks into the teeth and bleaches out stains. They’re only meant to be worn for about five minutes each day. They are fairly effective at bleaching stains because they stay on your teeth longer than whitening pens and toothpaste. Are they safe? Typically. For people with sensitive skin, though, they can irritate the gums or cause discomfort. Used incorrectly and excessively, Crest WhiteStrips can cause damage to the enamel, as well as tooth sensitivity.
    • Professional whitening is done by a cosmetic dentist. It’s a popular choice because it’s very effective for most patients, and the results last a long time. Because it’s closely monitored by a professional, it’s safe. It’s done using custom-made trays and a peroxide bleaching solution, which you take home to use, following in-depth instructions provided by your dentist. In the comfort of your home, you can pop in the trays and watch TV, read, or just relax while you wait for them to do their magic.

     

    If you’re looking for professional whitening, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, implant dentistry, Invisalign, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

  • Cavities in Children

    Did you know that the CDC classifies tooth decay as one of the most common childhood diseases? All children are at risk for cavities, and the level of risk is impacted by many different factors. Why do some kids keep getting cavities while others remain cavity-free?

    • First, it’s important to understand that heredity plays a part. Research by the National Institute of Health (NIH) suggests that a genetic component plays a role in tooth decay, all else being equal. In other words, just because someone you know never brushes his teeth and never has a cavity, that doesn’t mean someone else can get away with it. Understanding that part of the risk is genetic, though, should encourage you to promote healthy dental habits so that your children can rise above their genes.
    • Ultimately, cavities are caused by bacteria. That’s why good oral hygiene is so important. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid, which dissolves the minerals in a tooth’s enamel. As the tooth breaks down, cavities form.
    • Regular dental care is crucial in preventing cavities. One in four children develops at least one cavity by the age of four. Because some children get cavities much earlier, it’s important to schedule a child’s first dental visit by the first birthday. The dentist will evaluate your child’s mouth and teeth, discuss measures to prevent tooth decay, and present treatment options if there are any cavities. In the interest of a thorough examination, the dentist may recommend dental x-rays, which provide a view that isn’t visible in a visual examination. Cavities must be treated promptly because infection in the mouth can lead to more serious health issues, as well as pain.
    • You can be proactive about your child’s dental health. In addition to regular dental checkups, institute a brushing and flossing routine early in your child’s life. Brushing twice a day removes plaque, as does flossing. Start cleanings as soon as teeth erupt, with non-fluoride toothpaste before age two. As a parent, you should brush your children’s teeth until they turn six and can show you that they’re capable of doing it themselves. It’s especially important to brush teeth before bed and to use a fluoride toothpaste after age two.
    • Diet matters. Limit the starchy and sugary foods your children eat, choosing instead to fill their diet with fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods.

    If you’re looking for a dentist for your children, look to Glenwood Premier Dental, where we believe that a healthy, confident smile is an important part of a happy and healthy lifestyle. Our staff of caring professionals offers a wide range of dental services, working to exceed our patients’ expectations, and provide the best possible service. We offer dental exams and teeth cleanings, teeth whitening, and more, using state of the art technology in a comfortable and friendly environment. If you’re looking for dental care in Hazlet, contact us through our website or call 732.264.4477.

  • 6 Solutions for Sensitive Teeth

    Do you find yourself turning down hot chocolate or ice cream because you know they will make your teeth hurt? Even sweet or sour food and cold air can bother extra sensitive teeth. Once you understand the cause, you can begin treating those unpleasant tooth twinges.

    What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

    Your teeth might be bothering you if you have any of the following:

    • Worn enamel: If this hard outer layer wears away, nerve endings in the dentin become exposed, causing the pain associated with sensitive teeth.
    • Receding gums: Enamel doesn’t extend below the gum line. If your gums recede, the dentin here is left unprotected. This could cause pain when you eat or drink things like hot soup or ice-cold water.
    • Cracked tooth: If the crack extends down to the root, you will experience pain when your tooth gets cold.

    Preventing Sensitive Teeth

    If you hope to avoid painful, sensitive teeth, you must protect your enamel and gums. Here’s how:

    • Brush gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful not to brush too hard. Your goal might be to remove food particles and stains as effectively as possible, but hard brushing can damage your enamel and irritate your gums.
    • Avoid acidic food and drinks: A diet high in acid and sugar leads to sensitive teeth and cavities. Snack on fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to strengthen your enamel.
    • Avoid certain types of mouthwash: If your teeth hurt when you rinse with mouthwash, acids could be irritating your exposed dentin. Look into using a neutral fluoride mouthwash for the best results.

    Treatments for Sensitive Teeth

    If your enamel is damaged and your gums are receding, it might be too late to prevent tooth sensitivity. Luckily, there are ways to treat and reverse this condition. Here are six solutions for sensitive teeth:

    • Desensitizing toothpaste: Your dentist may recommend a particular brand, or you can try out a few on your own to narrow down what works best for you.
    • Fluoride gel: This product soothes gums, strengthens teeth, fights cavities, and helps reduce tooth sensitivity.
    • Sealants: Dental sealants placed over the exposed root surface can be an effective solution for sensitive teeth.
    • Fillings over exposed roots: By covering sensitive dentin located below the gum line, the area becomes desensitized and no longer hurts when exposed to hot and cold temperatures.
    • Surgical gum grafts: This is another option for protecting a sensitive tooth root. If there is no decay, a gum graft may be sufficient. Otherwise, both a filling and a gum graft may be required.
    • Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth when you sleep, a mouthguard may benefit you. This prevents tooth enamel from wearing away, making other treatments for sensitive teeth more effective.

    If you suffer from sensitive teeth, contact Glenwood Premier Dental at (732) 264-4477 to speak with our Hazlet dentist about your concerns. We can recommend treatments and deliver the restorative dentistry you need to eliminate tooth sensitivity.

  • Coping with Oral and Dental Health Changes As You Age

    Good oral care should begin when you’re young and continue for a lifetime. If you’re struggling to maintain a beautiful smile as you age, you’re not alone. Consider the oral and dental health challenges that older adults face, along with helpful tips for keeping your smile healthy.

    Age-Related Dental Problems

    Your body and health changes when you get older, which makes you more prone to the following conditions:

    • Cavities: Your cavity risk increases with age because dry mouth can cause cavities, and dry mouth is a common side effect of medications prescribed to treat age-related ailments. Before you start taking a new medication, ask your doctor if it causes dry mouth.
    • Receding gums: Failing to brush and floss every day may cause your gums to recede as you get older.
    • Aesthetic changes: Over the years, gravity causes overcrowding of the dental arches. Teeth shift and overlap, making them more difficult to clean. Pits, cracks, and chips caused by years of wear and tear also alter the appearance of your smile.
    • Oral cancer: Tobacco and alcohol use can increase the risk of cancer in the mouth and throat. Years of partaking in these unhealthy habits may catch up to you when you get older.

    How to Maintain a Healthy Smile as You Age

    Getting older doesn’t mean you have to lose your teeth. Avoid tooth and gum problems with these tips:

    • Brush and floss: Brush with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush twice a day, and floss once a day. If you have arthritis, an electric toothbrush could be a more comfortable option. Floss picks, interdental brushes, and water flossers are also good alternatives to traditional floss.
    • Clean your dentures: If you wear full or partial dentures, remove and clean them every night.
    • Eat well: Sugar causes cavities no matter your age. Avoid sweets and eat more fruits and vegetables to minimize tooth decay and oral cancer risk.
    • Check your mouth for anything unusual: If you see white splotches, lesions, or other concerns, have them checked out. It’s probably nothing, but if it’s oral cancer, catching it early is vital for treatment to be effective.
    • Monitor your overall health: The body and the mouth are intricately connected. Keep an eye on all aspects of your health to keep your mouth and body healthy.
    • Quit smoking and drinking: Strive to give up bad habits like drinking, smoking, and chewing tobacco to preserve healthy teeth and gums.
    • Visit the dentist: A routine cleaning two to four times a year can do wonders for your smile as you age. It’s also an opportunity to find and correct problems early to avoid losing your teeth.

    You’re never too old to have a beautiful, healthy smile! If you’re concerned about your teeth and gums as you get older, contact Glenwood Premier Dental at (732) 264-4477 to schedule an appointment. We offer the restorative treatments you need to get your smile back on track.