Plaque is your mouth’s enemy. It is a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and produces acid as it mixes with sugar from foods and drinks you consume. Over time, these acids destroy your tooth enamel and lead to decay. Plaque can also form under your gums and affect both the gum tissue and the bones supporting your teeth.
So how can you avoid getting the plaque that causes these problems? Here are some helpful tips.
Brush
Use a fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush all of your tooth surfaces, as well as your tongue.
Floss
As much as many people don’t want to, flossing your teeth every day is important in getting rid of plaque between your teeth and at your gum line.
Eat healthy foods
Some foods help keep plaque off your teeth. Munch on apples, cucumbers, carrots, and other raw vegetables and fruits. Crunchy foods like these will help clean your teeth while filling you up and giving you helpful nutrients.
Avoid junk food
On the other hand, limit the amount of junk food that you eat. Sugary drinks and foods introduce sugar into your mouth that will stick to your teeth and lead to plaque formation.
See your dentist
Even if you practice good oral hygiene, some amount of plaque usually forms. It hardens to become tartar, which can only be properly removed by your dentist. Dental checkups every six months will help you keep plaque under control, and a healthy smile on your face.
Take the first step towards a confident smile. Contact our Sicklerville dental office to schedule your consultation!
If you’re dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile due to stained, imperfect, or damaged teeth, consider visiting a cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover. Research has shown that people with beautiful smiles are often perceived as more successful, trustworthy, and approachable. While these are obvious benefits, rejuvenating your smile through cosmetic dentistry offers other advantages as well:
- Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
- Helps Prevent Tooth Loss and Reduces Risk of Infection – Straight, smooth teeth without gaps are easier to clean, which lowers the risk of dental issues.
- Creates a Healthier, More Youthful Appearance
- Restores Strength and Functionality – Enhances the durability of teeth.
- Makes Brushing and Flossing Easier
- Increases Motivation for Good Oral Care
- Delivers Natural-Looking Results – That complement your facial features.
At our Sicklerville dental office, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments to enhance your smile and overall oral health. Your smile makeover will be personalized to suit your needs and may involve some or all of the following procedures:
- Teeth Whitening
- Cosmetic Bonding
- Porcelain Veneers
- Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Dental Implants and Bridges
- Braces or Invisalign
- Gum Contouring
A smile makeover typically combines two or more treatments to achieve the desired outcome. Many procedures are non-invasive and can be completed in just one office visit, though some may require multiple appointments.
Thanks to advanced dental technology, you no longer have to settle for a less-than-perfect smile. Schedule a consultation with a qualified dental professional today to learn how a smile makeover can help you enjoy the benefits of a brighter, more confident smile.
Contact our Sicklerville dental office today to explore our smile makeover options.
Losing teeth can happen for various reasons such as aging, decay, gum disease, or injury. However, just because you lose a tooth doesn’t mean you need to live with gaps in your smile. It’s important to seek prompt dental treatment to prevent issues such as shifting teeth, difficulty speaking, or sagging facial muscles. Dentures are one of the best solutions to restore your smile. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in selecting the right dentures for your needs.
Choosing a Qualified Dentist
The first step in the denture process is ensuring you have a skilled and experienced dentist. While most general dentists offer dentures as part of their services, you may also choose a prosthodontist, a specialist in restorative dentistry. Regardless of the professional you choose, it’s essential that you feel confident in their ability to provide dentures that will meet your specific needs and goals.
Types of Dentures
There are several types of dentures, each suited to different situations:
- Full Dentures – These replace all the teeth in one arch (upper or lower). Made of acrylic, full dentures mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth and offer comfort when properly fitted.
- Partial Dentures – These are used when only one or a few teeth are missing. Partial dentures consist of a dental arch and are made from acrylic, metal, or plastic. They are secured in place using clips that attach to remaining teeth.
- Permanent Dentures – These are fixed in place and do not require removal for cleaning. Though they are the most costly option, permanent dentures provide the greatest ease and convenience.
Choosing the Right Color
Dentures come in a variety of shades of white, so you can select a color that matches your natural teeth. Be cautious when choosing a shade that’s too bright, as it may look unnatural compared to the rest of your teeth. Your dentist will assist you in selecting a color that complements your smile and overall appearance.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Sicklerville dental office.
Are you or someone in your family missing a single tooth due to an accident, infection, or fracture? If you are missing a single tooth for any reason, a single tooth dental implant can replace both the natural tooth and its root. The best, long-term option for restoring a single missing tooth is a dental implant fitted with a crown.
To place the implant, a small titanium post is inserted into the jawbone. This anchor provides a “root” for the placement of the implant that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. These “anchors” are extremely compatible with bone and attach to the jawbone and gums to become a base for the crown. A temporary tooth can be placed while the dental implant integrates with your natural bone to form a foundation for a crown. Once the implant has fused to the bone, the final step in the treatment is the placement of the permanent crown onto the dental implant.
One of the advantages of a dental implant is that it allows you to replace a single tooth without sacrificing the health of neighboring teeth. Other treatments, such as bridges, require the adjacent teeth to be ground down to support the appliance. Grinding down the teeth damages tooth enamel and structure. Also, a single implant can be more aesthetically pleasing and easier to keep clean than a bridge.
It is of vital importance to replace even one missing tooth, as leaving it untreated can cause bone loss, compromised chewing ability, as well as an unattractive smile. If you have one missing tooth, or a tooth that needs to be removed due to damage or decay, the best and most natural option is a single tooth dental implant.
We offer single tooth dental implants in Sicklerville.
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge, typically between the ages of 17 and 25. Located at the very back of the mouth, these teeth often require special attention to determine if they are properly positioned and healthy. Here’s what you need to know about wisdom teeth and their removal:
When should wisdom teeth be removed?
Wisdom teeth may need to be removed if they cause:
- Pain or discomfort
- Infections or gum inflammation
- Cysts or damage to the jawbone
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay or harm to nearby teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist for an evaluation.
What are impacted wisdom teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there isn’t enough space for them to emerge properly. They may grow at odd angles, even horizontally, and can remain trapped within the jawbone. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, and infection. Impacted teeth can lead to severe oral health problems, so dentists often recommend removing wisdom teeth before they fully develop or become impacted.
Are there subtle reasons for wisdom teeth removal?
Even if wisdom teeth aren’t causing immediate issues, they may still pose risks in the future. Dentists frequently advise removing wisdom teeth in teens or young adults to prevent complications as they age. Additionally, wisdom teeth may be removed as part of broader orthodontic, periodontal, or restorative treatment plans.
What happens if I don’t remove them?
In some cases, dentists take a “wait and see” approach, monitoring wisdom teeth over time. If there is enough room for them to emerge properly and they remain healthy, removal might not be necessary. However, ongoing dental checkups are crucial to ensure they don’t cause problems later in life.
For expert advice and care, contact our dental office for a consultation on wisdom teeth removal. Protect your oral health by staying proactive!
Understanding and Treating Gum Disease
Gum disease is a serious problem, and you should treat it as soon as possible by following your dentist’s recommendations. Also known as periodontal disease, it has several treatments depending on the severity of the issue.
Initial Steps to Address Gum Disease
Your first course of action is to completely revamp your oral hygiene habits. Daily flossing and brushing after meals are essential habits to develop. You must have a clean mouth before you go to bed. If you smoke, it’s important to quit, as your oral health depends on it.
If you haven’t been keeping up with regular professional checkups and cleanings, now is the time to start again. Long-term gum health is greatly impacted by the plaque, tartar, food debris, and bacteria left on teeth. Hardened calculus, or calcified plaque, can be removed using a process called scaling, which may require local anesthesia.
Evaluating Progress
Your dentist will monitor your progress to see if your gum tissue is recovering. If you respond well to treatment, gum disease may be managed with these initial steps alone. However, for more severe cases, oral surgery may be necessary.
Advanced Treatment Options
Surgical procedures can regenerate and repair soft gum tissue as well as hard tissues such as bone or teeth. Your oral surgeon will aim to reduce or eliminate gum pockets—open areas beneath the gum line—improving gum-to-tooth attachment. The goal is to restore normal oral functions and aesthetic appearance.
Sedation Options
For patients undergoing oral surgery to treat gum disease, various sedation dentistry options are available, including local anesthesia, IV sedation, or conscious oral sedation. Discuss your options with your oral surgeon to determine the best choice for your specific needs.
Act Now
Don’t delay in treating gum disease. Take the necessary steps to ensure a lifetime of better oral hygiene and gum health.
Do not wait any longer. Book your appointment now and achieve the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Drain is accepting new patients from Sicklerville and the surrounding area.
