• Understanding Common Causes of Cavities

    One of the most common oral health problems that dentists encounter is cavities. Cavities occur in people of all ages, and although most are easy to treat with a filling, they can cause pain, bad breath and a persistent bad taste in your mouth, and the need for more extensive treatment, like a root canal, if they aren’t caught early. Here is a look at what causes cavities and how you can reduce your chances of getting them.

    Plaque Formation

    The first step of cavity formation is plaque formation. Plaque forms when the bacteria you have naturally in your mouth combines with the sugars in the food you eat. This creates a sticky substance called plaque that clings to the surfaces of your teeth. The mix of sugar and bacteria in plaque forms acids that will gnaw away at your enamel and make tiny openings all over the surfaces of your teeth. This allows the bacteria to get beneath the top layer of your teeth and begin to affect the inner layers.

    Decay

    Once this bacteria enters the inner layers of your teeth, it can begin to spread and grow, causing decay. This decay is a cavity. Once a cavity forms, it doesn’t stay static but rather continues to grow and spread throughout the affected tooth. Eventually, the decay may become so big that if your dentist removes it to give you a filling, it won’t leave enough of your tooth intact. In this case, you may need a root canal and a crown. The cavity can also move deep into the pulp of your teeth, which will also create the need for a root canal.

    Prevention

    The best ways to prevent cavities is to brush your teeth twice a day and see your dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning every six months, or more often if he or she recommends it. Limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks will also help.

    For teeth cleanings and other services, make an appointment at Glenwood Premier Dental. Call our dental office in Hazlet at (732) 264-4477 to find out more about all of our services.

  • What Causes Dry Mouth?

    Dry mouth is more than an annoyance. In addition to being a nagging, uncomfortable condition, dry mouth can increase your chances of gum disease, tooth decay, bad breath, mouth sores, and other problems. What causes this condition and how can your dentist help you reverse it? Here’s what you need to know.

    There are a few different things that can trigger dry mouth, or xerostomia. A common cause is medications. Many medications cause dry mouth, so talking to your doctor about changes or taking steps to alleviate your dry mouth can help. Autoimmune diseases frequently cause dry mouth, as do oral health issues, including swollen salivary glands.

    If you experience dry mouth, don’t ignore the symptoms. Instead, visit your dentist at Glenwood Premier Dental. We can determine the root cause of your dry mouth and help you find a solution that works. Schedule a consultation with a dentist in Hazlet by calling (732) 264-4477.

  • Explaining Tooth Enamel Erosion

    Your tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, but once it’s gone, it’s gone. Enamel disappears in response to erosion, and when it occurs, you may find yourself at the dentist complaining of sensitive teeth and dealing with an increase in tooth decay.

    Watch this video to learn more about tooth enamel erosion. Erosion occurs when your teeth are exposed to acidic substances, such as soda and sports drinks, that wear away the enamel. When the enamel is gone, your teeth will be more sensitive and more susceptible to bacteria.

    Your dentist at Glenwood Premier Dental can help you understand healthy habits to protect your teeth and gums. Make an appointment for a teeth cleaning in Hazlet by calling (732) 264-4477.

  • A Look at the Risk of Gum Disease in Young Adults

    Many young adults are making a crucial mistake about their oral health—they think that they are too young to get gum disease. In reality, gum disease can happen to anyone at any age, and causes in young adults are on the rise. Gum disease can have disastrous effects on not just your oral health but your systemic health as well. One of the many reasons that you should see your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning is so he or she can monitor your gum health, as catching gum disease early is critical for effective treatment. Here is what you need to know about the risk of gum disease in young adults.

    Gum disease often starts without symptoms.

    In its early stages, gum disease causes very few symptoms, if it causes any at all. This means that young adults who have gum disease may not know it, because they don’t experience any signs of a problem. Instead, the gum disease may be allowed to progress unchecked for an extended period of time, until more serious symptoms occur that send people to the dentist, like loose teeth.

    Young adults underestimate their risk because their teeth look healthy.

    Many young adults think that they can’t have gum disease because their smiles look healthy. In reality, there is no link between teeth that appear bright and healthy and the presence of gum disease. The only way to know if you have gum disease, as well as some other oral health issues, is to see your dentist regularly for a teeth cleaning.

    Gum disease can have unexpected consequences for young adults.

    Gum disease is a contributor to preterm deliveries and low birth weight babies, so many young adults who are starting families experience these things without knowing that their gum disease has put them at risk. Gum disease can also cause complications for young adults who have diabetes and increase the risk of heart disease.

    Find out your risk of gum disease and how you can prevent it with a visit to Glenwood Premier Dental. Our dentist in Hazlet offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry to help your teeth gums stay healthy. For more information or to make an appointment, call (732) 264-4477.