Wisdom Teeth: When & Why Removal May be the Best Option

If your wisdom teeth are giving you trouble, you should look into having them removed.

"Wisdom teeth" is the common term for the very rearmost molars in the back of your mouth. For a variety of reasons, these teeth often struggle to properly emerge into your mouth, unlike the rest of your adult teeth. They can emerge much later than the other teeth, and in many cases, they become impacted and unable to properly settle into place.

This can cause substantial pain, as well as crowding the rest of the teeth in your mouth, creating orthodontic problems.

So, the most common solution is to simply have your wisdom teeth removed. This is a simple and well-understood surgical procedure with near-perfect success rates. However, like any surgery, you should know what you're getting into.

What to Expect from Wisdom Teeth Removal

The procedure itself will be performed under anesthetics. This might be local - where you're awake - or you may be fully put under with an anesthetic IV. Your oral surgeon will decide which is best for your situation.

Be aware that if you'll be put under, you will be asked to refrain from any food or drink for at least 12 hours before the surgery. Your stomach must be completely empty for the IV anesthetic to work right.

The procedure itself is relatively simple. After you are numbed, your oral surgeon will cut away the gum surrounding the wisdom tooth. They'll remove some of the nearby bone to make removal easier, then extract the tooth. Finally, they'll stitch up the wound.

Typically, this should only take an hour or so. If you're put under, you'll take a few hours to wake up, and you must have someone available to drive you home. You won't be OK to drive until the next day.

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Surgery

Full recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks, although you'll be able to function fairly normally within a week.

You'll be given gauze to keep on the wound, to reduce bleeding, and given a list of do's and don'ts to make recovery easier. You may be limited in what you can eat or drink, until the wound closes.

There will likely be some pain, but it won't be bad, and can almost always be managed with basic over-the-counter painkillers. The immediate pain should fade in a few days, although the site will still be sore for a few weeks.

To learn more, you should talk to an expert. Contact Plainsboro Dental Care 609-799-4422 for a consultation!

5 Tips for a Healthy Summertime Smile

Summer is the time for getting outdoors, having fun and adventures - but it's important to protect your oral health at the same time! There are a few unique threats to your teeth which are common in summer. It's important to keep them in mind, whether it's for your own sake or to help protect your children's teeth as they grow.

Five Ways to Keep A Healthy Summer Smile

1 - Stay hydrated

Dehydration in the summer can be a health threat in many ways, and that includes your teeth. You need a good amount of saliva in your mouth to protect your teeth and prevent bits of food or sugars from drying out while stuck to your teeth. These can encourage cavities and other oral diseases. So be sure to drink plenty of water!

2 - Avoid sugary drinks

When you're thirsty, it's tempting to reach for a bottle of sugar-water, but that's terrible for your teeth. Dark sodas are even worse due to their high acid content, which can actively eat away at your teeth.

Water is the best thing you can drink, both for your health and for your teeth. If not, at least try to stick to sugar-free drinks with low acid content.

3 - Drink through straws

If you can't entirely get away from sugary or acidic drinks, at least drink them through a straw. This allows the liquid to mostly bypass your teeth, and will reduce the amount of damage done.

4 - Always wear a mouthguard for contact sports

This is more important for children, but adults should think about it too. Any kind of contact sport, or anything involving large flying objects like balls, is a risk to your teeth. A single impact to the face can do significant damage!

Mouthguards may be a bit uncomfortable, but they do their job of protecting your teeth in case of impact. Otherwise, that fun neighborhood football game might end in a trip to the dentist.

5 - Rinse your mouth after swimming

If your summer plans include swimming pools, especially public pools, be aware that the water contains a lot of chemicals. These are generally good, since they stop the pool from turning into a swamp, but they can be a problem for your teeth - especially the muriatic acid used to kill microbes. Always rinse your mouth, or brush, after a trip to the pool.

Plus, don't forget your yearly dental checkups! If it's been too long since your last cleaning, call Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422 to schedule a check up now.

Good Genes may assist you, But Good Habits are the Basis of a Healthy Smile

We've recently seen more articles talking about the link between a person's genetics and their oral health, which seem to be creating some confusion. Now, it is true that a person's heritage can have some impact on their oral health. However, the reality is that the impact is far smaller than your own choices in how to protect your mouth and teeth.

And, in particular, genetics seem to have more to do with problems than solutions. That is, if your family has a history of "bad teeth," mis-aligned jawbones, or other major issues, you will have a higher chance of those things happening. But if your family has a history of good teeth, it probably has more to do with their brushing and flossing habits.

So please do not believe that just because your parents or grandparents had good teeth, that means you can neglect your own oral health. That's a path which will lead to disappointment.

Nothing Beats Basic Good Oral Hygiene Habits

There truly is no better way to protect your teeth than to develop good habits for oral health.

1 - Brush after every meal

Brushing regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste is still by far the best way to keep your teeth clean, shiny, and free of cavities. Remember, use a brush with medium bristles and use a circular scrubbing motion, not back-and-forth. This gets the bristles of the brush into the most crevices within your teeth.

2 - Floss regularly 

Flossing is almost as important as brushing, because it gets most of the places where brushing misses. A toothbrush can't get between teeth, so flossing is needed to clear out any missed particles of food. Otherwise, you could quickly get plaque buildup, or see cavities begin to form at the sides.

3 - Don't forget mouthwash

Mouthwash is less important than brushing or flossing, but it's still a very good idea. Mouthwash will kill off any harmful germs lurking around your mouth, and reduce your chances of oral infection. Remember, for best effect, it needs to be swished around your mouth for at least thirty seconds.

4 - Visit your dentist at least once a year

Finally, remember that no home cleaning is as thorough as a professional dental cleaning. You should visit a dentist for a checkup and cleaning at least once per year. Not only will your teeth be healthier, but your dentist will be able to spot minor issues early on, before they become big problems.

If it's been more than a year, contact Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422 for a checkup!

Why Oral Health is Important for the Elderly

As a person ages, it's inevitable that they will experience more issues with their teeth as well. However, this doesn't mean an older person should ignore their dental health! If anything, it's more important than ever to protect your teeth, gums, and mouth as a safeguard for your overall body health.

Why? There are plenty of reasons.

1 - Preventing infections

An older person typically has a weaker immune system than a young person, and infections become more dangerous. This is a big problem when it comes to oral infections, since they can easily migrate to other places in the body - into the sinus cavity, down into the throat or lungs, or into the brain. Oral infections have even been linked to heart disease.

Preventing oral infections is a must for older people.

2 - The link between diabetes and oral health

Diabetes is extremely common among the elderly, with roughly 40% of diabetes cases appearing in people above retirement age. The issue is that oral disease and diabetes can reinforce each other. For example, if a person has too much sugar in their bloodstream, that causes their saliva to also have elevated sugar levels, which encourages tooth decay. There are also studies which have shown poor oral health making diabetes worse, although the exact link has not been found yet.

Either way, if you have diabetes, it's doubly important to maintain your oral health to help manage the disease.

3 - Dry mouth problems

Dry mouth is another common problem among older people, particularly those who take multiple medications as part of their routine. However, dry mouth is also bad for your teeth, as you need saliva in your mouth to help keep your teeth free of buildup. 

If you have dry mouth issues, it's important to keep your mouth hydrated. Also, you should brush more frequently, to balance out the lack of saliva.

4 - Maintaining proper nutrition

If an older person's teeth become too bad, eating itself may become painful. Besides taking away one of life's great pleasures, this can make it even more difficult for an elderly adult to maintain proper nutrition. The worse their teeth, the harder it becomes to eat everything they need to stay healthy. 

So, as you get older, it's extremely important to keep visiting the dentist regularly and taking care of small issues before they become big problems. If it's been more than a year since your last checkup, contact Plainsboro Dental Care - 609-799-4422for an appointment!

Dental Myths... 5 Common Myths when it comes to Oral Health

Besides taking care of your teeth, one of the most important jobs of a dentist is to promote dental health education. This is particularly necessary because there are a lot of incorrect myths and rumors about dental care out there, which can easily lead people to damage their teeth. So, we wanted to take a moment to address some of the most common myths we hear.

1 - Sugar-free soda is NOT totally safe for your teeth

While sugar does contribute to cavities if allowed to sit on your teeth, that's not the only problem with sodas. The other problem is their acidity. All sodas are acidic, and the acid is actually worse for your teeth than the sugar. Whether drinking sugary or sugar-free soda, always brush your teeth immediately afterward to protect them.

2 - You can NOT ignore a cavity if the pain stops

It's understandable that people think everything is fine when their teeth aren't hurting, but this isn't the case. If a cavity causes pain for a few days, then suddenly goes away, that actually means that the infection has killed the tooth's root. The tooth will continue to decay, and will eventually need a root canal, or even a full replacement. Always see the dentist about cavities when the pain starts. You'll be more likely to save your tooth that way.

3 - Babies' oral health can NOT be ignored

This is one of the sadder myths we hear. Some parents think that since baby teeth are temporary, tooth problems don't matter. That's simply not the case. Oral health problems in young children will turn into bigger oral problems after their adult teeth come in. Proper oral care for babies and toddlers can potentially even prevent the need for braces later on.

4 - Home tooth-whitening systems are NOT safe

DIY kits for whitening your own teeth work on a very simple, and very harmful idea: bleach. The bleach eats away at the outer enamel of teeth, which does restore its whiteness, but only by weakening your teeth. The only non-harmful whitening systems are those provided by licensed dentists using specialized materials.

5 - Brushing harder does NOT clean better

Brushing too hard or vigorously can actually damage your teeth or your gums. It isn't necessary to use a lot of force; toothpaste already contains scrubbing elements that do the work for you. Brush gently, in a circular movement, for best results.

If you have any other questions about dental 'facts' you've read on the internet, please contact Dr. Joe Delmonico, Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422.

3 Items to Consider Regarding Dental Health for your Young Athletes

Children love sports and outdoor play, and most children will play at least one sport while growing up. Sports are excellent for their development in numerous ways, but there are risks as well - particularly to their oral health. Any sort of contact sport brings increased risk of damage to their mouth or teeth, so it's important to protect their teeth as best you can.

A Mouth Guard Is A Must

If your child is going to play any kind of contact sport, or any sport involving balls or other fast-moving objects, they need extra protection for their teeth. A single impact could do serious damage! Fortunately, sports mouth guards are cheap and easily available, either from your local dentist or from many sports equipment shops.

Be sure your child uses their mouth guard whenever playing.  Also, it should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after every use, to prevent bacteria from growing on the piece.

Stay Hydrated Without Sugar

Strenuous exercise can actually promote cavities, due to changes in the mouth's moisture levels and acidity. Proper hydration is necessary to keep their body and their mouths healthy, but stay away from sugary sports drinks. Plain water is truly good enough nearly all the time.

If they must have flavored water, either use sugar-free sports drinks, or else try unsweetened coconut water. It tastes good, and has minerals and electrolytes equivalent to a sports drink.

Know What To Do If They Lose A Tooth

Even with protections, accidents can happen. The good news is that if a tooth is knocked out and the tooth remains intact, it's likely (although not guaranteed) that it can be put back in place.

If this happens:

• Retrieve the tooth, and hold it by the crown - NOT the roots. Do not touch the roots.

• DO NOT wash the tooth in water. This can potentially harm the roots. Instead, dunk it in cold milk to clean it.

• Attempt to put the tooth back into place. It probably won't stick, but if your child can hold it in place during the trip to the dentist, they have a better chance of keeping it.

• If the tooth can't be reinserted, store it in a small container of milk.

• Get to an emergency dentist ASAP, within an hour or two if possible. Time is truly critical here. The longer the tooth is out of their mouth, the less likely it is to be reattached. 

If you have any other questions about protecting your child's teeth, please contact your Plainsboro Dental Care - 609-799-4422, for any dental need!

Ease Children's Dental Phobia with Early Visits to the Dentist

Good dental care begins in early childhood! 

This is particularly important when it comes to helping them get over any fear of dentists that they may have. Roughly one-third of American adults report being afraid of dentists, and that gets in the way of their oral care. If your kids never develop a dental phobia, their oral health outlook is a lot better.

Here's how to help ensure your child isn't afraid of the dentist.

1 - Start taking them to the dentist when they're young

Your child's first dental visit should be around the time they're 12 months old, or around six months after their first baby tooth. Dentists can already tell a lot about their future teeth at this time, and possibly even prevent future problems.

Also, if your child starts visiting the dentist before they can even remember, they'll be much less likely to get scared on later visits.

2 - Don't suggest that the dentist is scary

Kids pick up a lot of cues from adults, sometimes ones we don't think about. If a parent tells a child "Don't be afraid of the dentist!" this can actually suggest that they should be scared, even if they weren't scared before. If they don't show any apparent fear, don't put the idea in their head. Just treat the visit like any other random outing.

3 - Emphasize the fun or positive aspects

A good pediatric dentist will have a clinic with toys, video games, and more things for kids to play with. Also, it's going to be full of cool machinery which may appeal to tech-focused children. So, if they're worried about what will happen at the clinic, focus on the parts of the visit you think they'll enjoy.

4 - Role-play 

If your child is afraid of the examination process, role-play it with them beforehand. Have them open their mouth, say ahhh, and then you can tap on their teeth with a pen. Pretend to listen to their heartbeat, or check inside their ears. This will make them feel more comfortable with the exam, when it happens for real.

5 - Let them bring toys or distractions

Pediatric dentists will try to accommodate distractions for kids, as long as it doesn't interfere with the dental work. So, let them bring a favorite comforting toy, or a smartphone with music or movies to watch. 

You can prevent dental phobia in your children - it just takes a little thought and care!  Plainsboro Dental Care is a family friendly office.  Give us a call at 609-799-4422 to schedule an appointment.

Lessoning Dental Anxiety - Healthy, Peaceful Practices for Your Smile

If you feel uneasy or even afraid of visiting the dentist, you're hardly alone. Studies have shown that over 1/3 of Americans have a fear of dentists, and around 12% call it an "extreme" fear. For some people, this fear goes so far that it prevents them from even visiting a dentist - and that's bad news, because your oral health is so important to your overall body health.

We know that few people truly enjoy visiting the dentist, but you shouldn't let fears ruin your smile. Here are a few tips to help get over your fear, and get the dental treatments you need to live a good life!

Four Tricks For Overcoming A Fear Of The Dentist

1 - Communicate and ask questions

Dentists are good communicators, and are happy to answer any questions you have, or calm your fears. Often, just talking over procedures with your dentist can do a lot to improve your state of mind. Don't let your imagination run away with you; you'll feel better when you get facts from the experts.

2 - Avoid (too much) caffeine or sugar before you visit

Stimulants like sugar and caffeine have a side effect of making fear and anxiety worse. We know some of you need your morning coffee, but don't overdo it. It's much easier to remain calm at the dentist if your body isn't full of chemicals that make you jittery.

3 - Bring music or other distractions

Most dentists are happy to accommodate anything you bring in to distract yourself during procedures, as long as it doesn't get in the way of your mouth. If you want to bring music to listen to, with headphones, or movies to watch on your smartphone, that's almost always fine. Some dentists even offer devices like VR goggles so you can watch movies while completely blocking off the sight of the clinic.

4 - Ask about sedation options

If you truly don't think you can sit through a full session, the dentist may be willing to provide sedatives - like a dose of nitrous oxide - to make things easier. This will depend entirely on the dentist, though, as well as the procedure being conducted. Still, it's worth asking if you can't find anything else that works.

Plus, more than anything, familiarity can help you get over your fear of dentists. Making that first appointment is often the hardest part, and it gets easier from there.

If it's been too long since your last dental checkup, call your Plainsboro Dental Care, your friendly local dentist for an appointment at 609-799-4422.

Wisdom Teeth...Why Removal is Often the Wisest Choice for your Oral Health

Due to the evolution of the human body and changes to our diet and structure of our mouths, most people will have their wisdom teeth removed for oral health reasons.

The human mouth is now smaller and often can no longer accommodate the 3rd or final set of molars.  The molars generally appear in your late teens or early twenties. Many times, these teeth may be misaligned causing dental health issues.  Overcrowding by wisdom teeth, may lead to bite issues, shifting teeth, jaw pain, earaches and headaches, bad breath and bacterial infections of the gum line.  Many dentists will recommend extracting the teeth during the teen years to avoid more serious dental problems later.

The cost or extracting wisdom teeth becomes a concern, because you are usually dealing with 4 extractions, not a single tooth. Consulting your dentist to evaluate your needs, consulting your dental insurance if that is an option, and schedule a best time for your treatment and budget.

Here is a national average cost breakdown for Wisdom Tooth Extractions:

Simple Extraction- Extraction done in the dental office, local anesthesia, minimally invasive. Cost $75-$200 per tooth or $300-$1000 for 4 extractions.

Impacted Extraction-More extension since the tooth is not totally erupted may require general anesthesia. Cost $225-$600 per tooth or $1000-$3000 per 4 extractions. Often performed by an oral surgeon.

Additional Costs- Panoramic X-rays, Sedation & Exam fees may or may not be included with the extraction fees. Cost $50-$900.

If you have dental insurance it is important to consult with your insurance and dentist to confirm what is covered.

Why Removal is the Best Course for You

Since removal of wisdom teeth is quite an investment, if it is recommended by your dentist it is a very wise investment.  Ignoring signs of overcrowding teeth or minor gum inflammation may lead to more significant dental issues as you age.  Extraction of 4 teeth is a little scary, however risks are minimal and patients typically experience minor discomfort the first 24 hrs and fully recover in 3-4 days. 

Wisdom Teeth removal benefits far outweigh the cost, because caring for your teeth and gums leads to improved oral health which benefits your overall health!

If you are experiencing any dental issues, give us a call at 609-799-4422. We at Plainsboro Dental Care are happy to schedule a consultation appoint to evaluate your dental needs.

Five Reasons We Love to See You Smile

Having good teeth isn't just about oral health - it's about loving your smile!

A great smile is a good thing for you and everyone around you. There are actual beneficial effects that come from having a great smile, and happily showing it off to everyone you see. Take it from Dr. Joe at Plainsboro Dental Care - the benefits of good teeth are surprisingly widespread.

Five Reasons We Love to See You Smile

1 - Smiling lowers your stress.

People with dental problems tend to not smile, but that's actually bad for their mental health. Every time we smile, our brains release dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin - which are all feel-good hormones that help reduce stress. Just smiling can help you feel better about yourself and the world.

And if you aren't feeling particularly happy? Try smiling anyway! Even a forced smile can help improve your mood - really!

2 - Smiling also lowers other people's stress.

Humans are social animals, so when one of us smiles, everyone wants to smile! Showing off your pearly whites encourages others to join in, so they get to enjoy the same stress relief that you do. You might even find that your life is a bit happier overall, if enough people join you.

3 - Smiling makes you more trustworthy.

Numerous psychological studies have shown that people trust other people with a sincere smile. Smiling in your everyday interactions makes you more approachable, and people will be more likely to believe what you say. It's a great way to increase your popularity, your range, and help everyone in your circle feel better too.

4 - Smiling increases your confidence and self-image.

When people tend to trust you, that reflects back to help you feel better about yourself in turn. Someone with a great smile will find themselves holding people's attention, and feeling more confident about their own ability to contribute. There's a real back-and-forth here that keeps working both ways, so smiling truly helps everyone feel better.

5 - Smiling improves your workplace success.

So, what happens when someone is charismatic, well-liked, and self-confident? They tend to do well at work! Whether you work for tips, wages, or salary, you'll be more likely to see better pay and opportunities come your way, when you've got a great smile.

Cherish and protect your teeth - they're more important than you might realize. If it's been more than a year since your last dental checkup, be sure to contact Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422, for an appointment.

5 Tech Innovations that May Innovate Dental Care

Thanks to new technology, this is one of the most exciting eras of innovation in dentistry we've seen in a long time. The digital revolution is having its impact on the field, like everything else, and we're constantly amazed over the new ideas being introduced.

So, let's talk about some of our favorite new tech trends and how they'll improve dentistry in the future.

AI Diagnoses

Artificial Intelligence systems are being adopted across all medical fields. AI isn't actually intelligent, but it is very good at correlating dozens or hundreds of data points at a time - more than a human can. This is allowing AI systems to help out with diagnoses, and spot minor-but-critical symptoms that a human dentist might accidentally overlook.

Smart Devices

Why would someone want an online-connected "smart" toothbrush? Because it could link into an app tracking their dental health, and encourage them to brush better or more frequently. The first of these sorts of systems are already on the market, and we expect that over time, they'll evolve to be like having your own personal dental lifestyle coach.

Virtual Reality 

VR is becoming huge in dentistry, with several major applications:

• In dental school, VR can allow dentists-in-training to do highly realistic simulated procedures that go beyond working with dummies, without risking any real person's mouth.

• In practice, VR can allow for remote operations, or for a procedure to be streamed to other dentists to observe.

• For a patient, VR is the best option yet for keeping occupied during long procedures they need to be awake for. They can watch movies or other entertainment with the dental clinic completely blocked from view.

3D Printing

One of the biggest costs for procedures like crowns, bridges, and false teeth, is the difficulty and expense of creating the pieces. 3D printing is beginning to be used for these purposes, allowing them to be produced on-site within just a few minutes. This lowers costs and allows complicated procedures to be done with fewer appointments.

Telemedicine / Teledentistry

Telemedicine means using videoconferencing technology - like Skype or Zoom - to consult with a doctor or dentist remotely. This is great for patients in remote areas without dentists nearby, or for those with mobility issues or other difficulties attending in-person appointments. Telemedicine has its limits, but it's a great new tool in these cases.

Of course, nothing can replace an old-fashioned in-person checkup. If it's been more than a year since your last examination, contact your friendly local dentist for an appointment!

Toothcare Goes Tech: Can Apps Improve your Dental Care?

If you're having trouble keeping up with aspects of your dental care, there's probably an app for that!

Like everything else in the world, the field of dentistry is being revolutionized by universal online connectivity and the ease of using smartphone apps. Patients can now be encouraged to engage in better dental care, even when they're away from their dentist. That's great for dentists and their patients!

So, here are some of our own favorite apps to help you keep your smile looking great.

Five Great Dental Apps For Patients

1 - Brush DJ

The best tooth-brushing practice is to brush for at least two minutes, but who's counting? Now your smartphone can - in song form! Brush DJ picks a random song from your library and plays two minutes from it, so you know exactly how long to keep brushing. You also get some other nice features, like tracking how long you've been using your current brush and giving a warning when it's time to buy a new one.

2 - BrushUp

BrushUp is another toothbrushing timer and reminder app, but designed specifically for kids. Good dental habits begin at a young age, and BrushUp is excellent for inspiring kids to keep up with their brushing and other oral care. Start them early, and they'll have great dental habits for the rest of their lives.

3 - Trayminder

This is for people using clear plastic retainers, like Invisalign. Since these appliances are removable, it allows you to track how long your tray has been in your mouth, encouraging you to keep it in as much as possible. This is combined with timers and countdowns leading up to the day your treatment is complete.

4 - BoneBox Dental Lite

The full version of BoneBox is a tool used for training dentists and dental techs, but the 'lite' version is free for anyone to use. It features high resolution 3D rendered models of the mouth and all the teeth, and it's great for understanding what's happening inside your own mouth.

5 - Text2Floss

This one is as simple as they come, but sometimes that's all you need. Just like the name suggests, Text2Floss is a service which automatically texts you to remind you to floss. Since flossing is often skipped, this reminder can really help protect your teeth.

Of course, no app can replace a real dentist. Remember, if it's been more than a year since your last dental checkup, contact your Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422 for an appointment today.

Grinding Your Teeth at Night Could Lead to Issues with Your Teeth

One of the most common - but also overlooked - dental problems is bruxism: that is, grinding your teeth at night. Since it happens while we're asleep, many people don't even realize they're grinding their teeth. Unfortunately, it can cause a range of dental issues, as well as other medical problems.

The Dangers of Bruxism

Technically, bruxism can occur when a person is awake or asleep, although it's more common at night. Essentially, the muscles around the jaw clench up, causing the teeth to grind against each other continuously for hours.

Obviously, this can cause serious damage to the teeth, wearing away enamel and leaving you more susceptible to cavities, chipped teeth, and other physical problems.

However, it can also:

• Lead to jaw pain, or temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

• Cause face, shoulder, or back pain

• Create headaches or earaches

• Contribute to insomnia

The Causes of Bruxism

Unfortunately, the exact causes are not known, and are likely to stem from a range of factors. Stress and anxiety are almost universally considered to be contributing factors, since they cause people to clench up in general. Additionally, stimulants such as caffeine (or harder drugs such as cocaine) can also lead to bruxism, especially when taken before bed.

Bruxism has also been linked to certain medicines, such as SSRI antidepressants.

Plus, other sleep problems such as snoring and sleep apnea are typically seen in conjunction with bruxism. Although, in that case, it's difficult to tell which triggers the other. They seem to reinforce each other.

Dealing with Bruxism

The best and most natural way to prevent or reduce teeth-grinding is to de-stress. Before any other intervention is recommended, most dentists will suggest lifestyle changes. For example, don't drink any products with caffeine within a few hours of going to bed. Breathing exercises, meditation, and similar stress-reducing activities are also a good idea.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Aleve can also help by loosening up the jaw muscles.

If these methods don't work, dentists have other alternatives. One common option is the use of mouth guards, similar to those used in contact sports, which prevent the teeth from coming into contact with each other. In very rare cases, surgery may be considered, especially if the patient suffers from related issues like severe sleep apnea.

In short, if you often wake up in the morning with your jaw or teeth hurting, or your teeth feel gritty, there's a good chance you suffer from bruxism. Contact your friendly local dentist, Plainsboro Dental Care – 609-799-4422, to look into it before the problem gets worse!

Helpful Oral Care Solutions if you have Sensitive Teeth

Do you have sensitive teeth? If so, you're not alone.  An estimated 1 in 8 Americans have sensitive teeth - or more properly, "dentin sensitivity." In some cases, this is actually caused by undiagnosed cavities or other dental issues which can be corrected, but sometimes, people just have sensitive teeth and it's something they have to live with.

Here are a few tips for dealing with sensitive teeth, and to help reduce damage to them over the years.

Living with Sensitive Teeth

1 - Ask for specialized toothpaste

While they aren't typically available in stores, aside from some drug stores, kinds of toothpaste exist which are specially formulated for sensitive teeth. They can actually help reduce pain by filling in the little gaps in your tooth dentin that contribute to the sensitivity.

If you can't find some, just ask your dentist.

2 - Avoid acidic foods

Foods with a lot of acidity - including colas, coffee, and anything with citrus - can eat away at the enamel on the teeth. This is bad for anyone, but can be particularly painful for people with sensitive teeth, as well as potentially making the problem worse.

If you don't want to give up on acidic drinks, try drinking through a straw so that the liquid goes straight to the back of your throat. It might feel "wrong" drinking coffee or tea this way, but your teeth will appreciate it!

3 - Never use "whitening" toothpastes

Honestly, off-the-shelf whitening toothpaste is just bad for your teeth. These toothpastes have strong bleaches and extra grit, and basically remove the upper layer of enamel on the teeth. This can be harmful for anyone but, again, it's particularly bad for people with sensitive teeth.

If you need your teeth whitened, go to the dentist for a professional session. It's quick, safe, and easy, and one of the most affordable cosmetic dental treatments available.

4 - Do you also grind your teeth? See a dentist!

Tooth-grinding, called bruxism, can make sensitive teeth much more painful. If you wake up in the morning feeling like your teeth are sore, or with a clenched jaw, your dentist may be able to help. Solutions are available, such as mouth guards, which prevent your teeth from grinding against each other at night.

In short, living with sensitive teeth requires some lifestyle adjustments, but it doesn't have to mean a life of pain. Contact Plainsboro Dental Care at 609-799-4422 for more tips and advice!

Dental Veneers to Improve your Smile: Procedure, Cost and Results

Are veneers right for you?

Veneers are thin pieces of material, typically either resin or porcelain, which are applied directly to the outer surface of a tooth. This can be used to cover up a variety of cosmetic problems, such as cracks or discoloration, or to reshape the appearance of a tooth. Veneers are also extremely popular among actors and other onscreen celebrities who want the best possible smile.

However, veneers are not cheap - expect to pay several hundred dollars at a minimum for the most basic veneer, and top-grade work can be thousands of dollars per tooth. So, it's important to carefully consider whether veneers will be worth the investment.

The Benefits Of Dental Veneers

If you have moderately bad teeth with a lot of little cosmetic defects - but no serious issues such as missing teeth - veneers can be like getting brand new teeth. They're indistinguishable from real teeth, and can potentially be custom-shaped to give you the exact smile you want.

For example, ever wonder how Tom Cruise got his famously toothy grin? He wasn't born with it - he uses veneers.

Veneers are also reasonably long-lasting, although they are not a forever solution. A good set of veneers will last up to a decade, but will then need to be re-applied. This is one critical factor when choosing: once you get veneers, you can't go back to 'natural' teeth. The application process involves grinding down the outer layer of the tooth, so that the veneer can adhere.

The Types of Dental Veneers

As mentioned above, dental veneers are typically either made of porcelain or resin.

Porcelain veneers are:

• More expensive

• Longer-lasting (~10 years)

• Less likely to stain

• Less prone to damage, but hard to repair

Also, porcelain veneers typically require multiple trips to the dentist for the full application process, which can take around two weeks.

On the other hand, resin veneers are:

• Less expensive

• Less long-lasting (5-7 years)

• More likely to stain

• More prone to damage, but easier to repair

Resin veneers are also easier to apply, and can usually be done in a single session.

In either case, if you get dental veneers, you will want to be a bit careful with them. Avoid chewing on hard objects like fingernails, or using your teeth as a cutting tool. Wearing a mouth guard will also be absolutely critical if you play any kind of sports, as they are easily damaged by impacts.

Are veneers the right choice to improve your smile? Plainsboro Dental Care is available to evaluate your case and discuss your options. Schedule an appointment to learn more!

6 Tips to Keep Treats from Playing Tricks on Your Children’s Teeth

Halloween is frightfully fun for everyone, but all that candy can play some tricks on your little one’s teeth. 

Here are a 6 Tips to balance good oral hygiene and holiday fun.

1.    Moderation is the Key-Suggest 2 small pieces of Halloween treasure as a dessert after dinner the week after Halloween.

 2.    Try to discourage snacking on candy and sweets all day to avoid the constant sugar which creates an unhealthy PH environment for the mouth and teeth.

3.    Encourage drinking water to help restore the PH balance of the mouth.

4.    Be selective with the candies.  Some candies are worst than others, sticky gummies, caramels and sour candies expose the teeth to sugar for a longer period of time.

5.    Choose candies that are eaten more quickly.

6.    Always brush twice a day especially before bedtime with fluoride toothpaste, floss nightly and visit your family dentist for regular check-ups.

We all love sweets during the Holidays, and life is about enjoying celebrations with friends and family. To maintain a beautiful healthy smile, remember that good dental health and care starts with good daily habits. Schedule your regular check-ups today at Plainsboro Dental Care, 609-799-4422. 

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy from the Inside Out is Worth the Effort

There's so much more to dental health than just keeping your teeth clean!

Of course, maintaining your teeth so that you have a great smile, and can easily chew food, is important.  However, many people don't realize just how much their oral health can affect the rest of their body.  A healthy mouth really does help lead to a healthy body!

These are just a few of the ways that dental problems can impact your overall health.

Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

1 - Oral infections can spread

If an infection sets up shop in your mouth, it basically has access to the rest of your body.  It can easily make its way into your sinus cavities, or get into your bloodstream and spread throughout your body. 

In worst case scenarios, untreated oral infections can even make their way to their brain.  People have died from this!  Oral infections can also turn into pneumonia, if they reach your lungs - which isn't hard, when your mouth directly connects to them.

2 - Oral infections can suppress your immune system

Another problem with having untreated oral infections is that they require your immune system to constantly deal with them.  In turn, this takes resources away from the rest of your body - making it easier for other diseases to take hold.

3 - Oral infections can complicate pregnancies

If you're pregnant, it's important to visit the dentist along with your other prenatal doctors' appointments.  Multiple studies have linked periodontitis (gum disease) with premature birth and low birth weights.  You want to clear up any infections you might have, to make sure they don't affect the baby.

4 - Gum disease and diabetes are linked

While researchers are still looking into the how and whys, there is a definite link between the two.  People with diabetes are more prone to periodontitis, and in turn, gum disease seems to make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar.  On the plus side, curing oral diseases can have a positive effect for diabetics.

5 - Many other diseases can be made worse by gum disease

Aside from those mentioned, oral infections have also been shown as detrimental to people with AIDS, endocarditis and other heart diseases, and even Alzheimers.

In short, protecting your oral health is also helping to protect your whole-body health!  If it's been more than six months since your last checkup/cleaning, or you know you have untreated oral disease, contact your Plainsboro Dental Care, www.plainsbordentalcare.com, for all your dental needs.  

Chronic Tooth Decay in Children May Impact their Success in the Classroom

If you have children, it's so important to ensure they have good dental care!

Of course, the most obvious reason to take your kids to the dentist is so that they'll grow up with strong, healthy teeth.  However, there's more to it than that.  There's plenty of evidence that children with poor dental health struggle in school, and can end up disadvantaged as a result.

Pediatric dentistry isn't just about looks - it's about creating a foundation for your child's future.

The Impact Of Dental Health On School Performance

Numerous studies over the years have looked into how dental care and school success are related.  For example, this study from 2011, and a similar one from 2012.  The results in these studies, and others, were basically unanimous: students with bad teeth miss more days of school due to dental pain and\or infections, and can easily end up behind their class as a result.

Of course, some students come to school despite tooth pain, but that doesn't mean they're paying attention.  Severe cavities or infections can be extremely painful, to the point that anyone would be unable to function well.  Kids will suffer from this more than most.

The aesthetics of poor oral health can't be ignored either.  Children become aware of the stigma against bad teeth at a young age, making those with dental problems likely targets of bullying.  This also leads to poor school performance, as well as difficulty making friends or joining peer groups.

Students with poor dental health will face numerous problems which can hold them back, and they shouldn't have to deal with those problems in the first place.

Protect Your Child's Oral Health!

Parents often wonder when they should start taking their child to the dentist.  The answer is, when their baby teeth start to appear.

Even though baby teeth will be lost, they can still develop cavities, or become infected, and cause pain.  Also, oral problems at a young age can affect their adult teeth as well.  Plus, dentists can now predict a lot about a child's future oral health, even from such a young age.  For example, in some cases, teenage braces or other orthodontics can potentially be avoided with early intervention!

Plus, if you make a point of emphasizing good oral health so early in a child's life, you'll create positive habits that will benefit them from a lifetime.

If you have children, don't skip out on their dental care.  Contact Plainsboro Dental Care for an appointment at 609-799-4422.  You'll be getting them off to a great start this year and for a lifetime.

Tooth Enamel and It's Importance for you Oral Health

What's the strongest part of your body?  It's actually your teeth enamel!

Our teeth are surprisingly complicated structures, with multiple layers, evolved over the course of millions of years to stand up to a lifetime of biting and chewing.  A big part of this is the development of the super-strong enamel that covers the outside of our teeth.  Without that enamel, your teeth could never last through your life - and if it gets damaged, your teeth will start having a lot of problems!

The Importance Of Your Tooth Enamel

The tooth is made up of several different parts.

At the very center of a tooth is the pulp, a soft fleshy mass which contains nerves and blood vessels.  This is extremely vulnerable, and painful if it ever gets exposed - that's why cavities hurt so much.

So, the pulp is surrounded by a substance called dentin, which is the main part of the tooth.  Dentin is hard, but it's not that hard.  It needs extra help standing up to all the abuse the tooth undergoes.

That's where the enamel comes in.  This is the very outer layer of your tooth, designed specifically to protect everything inside the tooth.  Beyond being extremely strong and resistant to damage, it also provides shielding against hot and cold, allowing us to eat a wider variety of foods without pain.

Should any damage occur to the enamel, such as being cracked or having exposed cavities, it becomes easy for food, sugars, and microorganisms to make their way into the vulnerable inner areas.  That's how tooth disease and decay set in.

Protecting Your Teeth Enamel

You can help protect the enamel on your teeth, and reduce the damage done by everyday use.  In particular:

• Regular brushing. Brushing regularly removes sugars and microorganisms which otherwise stick to your teeth and eat their way through the enamel.

• Regular flossing. Flossing gets in between teeth, where a standard toothbrush can't reach. Otherwise, decay can set in from the sides.

• Avoiding acidic foods/drinks. Citrus juices, coffee, vinegar, and tomatoes - for example - are delicious on occasion, but the acid in them can wear down enamel, and also stain your teeth!

• Avoiding sugary snacks. Sugar will break down your enamel faster than anything else. Always brush after a sugary snack to reduce the damage done.

Plus, of course, regular visits to the dentist!  If it's been more than a year since your last checkup, schedule an appointment with Plainsboro Dental Care, 609-799-4422.

Tooth Enamel Erosion- 7 Foods that Impact the Health of your Teeth

Love to snack on gummy bears or jelly beans??  Those sugary, sticky treats seem harmless, but too many can lead to erosion of the enamel on your teeth, cause decay and in the extreme a broken tooth. In addition to candies, take a look at the list below to learn how foods break down the protective enamel covering of your teeth.

Here are 7 Foods to Avoid:

1. Hard candies including mints, lollipops or even lozenges. Candies will coat your teeth in sugar and allow sugar loving microbes/bacteria to convert the sugars to acids which in turn break down the enamel leading to tooth decay. Sugars also contribute to periodontitis that affects your gums and bones that support your teeth. 

2. Citrus intake: Everything in moderation! Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes have terrific health benefits but too much citric acid impacts your tooth enamel and will lead to the erosion of the protective hard shield of your teeth. Remember water will always act as a neutralizer when eating acidic food. 

3. Coffee & Tea: Both also delicious drinks to enjoy, but over time and a large intake of these beverages will cause staining and acid wear. In addition to the acid the addition of sugar also will increase the pH balance of your mouth. Rinsing your mouth with water is a good way to limit the negatives. 

4. Sicky Foods: We already addressed candy, but another source of sugars occurs in sticky foods such as dried fruits. Trail mixes are loaded with great protein and carbs to give you energy to climb that mountain, but best to rinse with water after consuming and always floss and brush 2x daily. 

5. Starchy Foods: Avoid the crunch…so many of our crunchy snack foods are starchy carbohydrates which our saliva converts to sugars. Water, flossing and brushing are the trifecta habits to lessen the damage and protect your teeth. 

6. Sugary Drinks: Carbonated drinks, sports drinks, and juices all follow the same chemical reaction created by sugar, which produces acids which will put you at risk of damaging that protective enamel layer of your teeth. If you can, sip some water alongside your afternoon cola pick-up. 

7. Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption dries out the mouth and overtime lead to less saliva production which contributes to oral health problems. With less saliva produced to protect your teeth, you are at risk of tooth decay, gum disease and oral infections.

Healthy habits such as drinking still water, brushing and flossing as well as visiting your family dentist regularly will counteract the effects of foods that may over time erode the enamel of your teeth.  Time to schedule your dental check-up…Plainsboro Dental Care is accepting new patients, call 609-799-2244 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-mouth