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What to Expect at your Appointment with your Family Dentist

What to Expect at your Appointment with your Family Dentist

Experts recommend that each member of your family see a dentist every six months for ideal oral health. One of the most convenient ways to accomplish this is to establish a relationship with a qualified family dentist. This type of dentist sees patients of all ages and oral conditions, so that you can all get the dental care you need in one place.

Dental checkups are usually considered to be rather routine. During the visit, you generally will have your entire mouth examined, X-rays taken if recommended, and professional teeth cleaning performed. Evaluations will be made for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or any other issues that might be of concern. You can expect all of these typical treatments from your family dentist.

Another important part of your dental visit is to discuss your oral condition as well as your overall health with the dentist. If you are the parent of a young child, you will need to voice any issues with the dentist that your child may have. Some of the topics to discuss with your dentist include changes you’ve noticed in your oral condition, pain or other problems you are experiencing, medications that you are taking, and any other health problems that are present. Your oral health and your general health can be linked in many ways, so it’s important to be open and thorough in your discussions with your family dentist.

Family dentists are experienced in handling all kinds of patients and their concerns. Dental anxiety or phobia is one example, since it’s not uncommon for patients to be nervous about the dentist. Young children are especially susceptible to this concern, but family dentists are well-versed in treating them. Senior patients bring their own unique set of issues, and family dentists are able to successfully treat this age group as well. Family dentists are also able to make recommendations for other types of specialists as needed, such as orthodontists, endodontists, or oral surgeons. The goal is good oral health care for every member of your family, and that is what family dentists are trained and experienced in providing.

If you need a dentist in Sicklerville contact us today

Why Choose Family Dentistry?

Why Choose Family Dentistry?

One of the most important decision for the health of you and your family is a family dentist. Similar to a general dentist, family dentists offer a few significant exceptions. Both types of dentists treat oral health and manage dental hygiene, but family dentists offer care to patients of all ages. This makes family dentistry a convenient choice especially if you have family members of various ages in your home.

Traditional dental services that you’d expect from any dentist are available at a family dental office. Preventative services like professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and thorough examinations are offered. Regular checkups allow for diagnostic tests to catch problems in their early stages, before they have a chance to advance and become very painful or complicated to repair. Procedures like dental fillings, bonding, root canal therapy, teeth whitening and more are often available through your family dentist. If specialized care is required that is not performed in the office, the dentist will provide a referral to an appropriate specialist for treatment.

Finding the right family dental practice for your whole family is vital. This will increase the comfort level of your family members and promote checkups every six months as advised by dentists. To choose your family dentist, ask friends, family, coworkers and neighbors for recommendations. Schedule a consultation to meet the dentist and staff, see the office, and make sure the practice meets your requirements. It is especially important to ensure children are comfortable with the family dentist to help avoid fears or anxiety. Also look for an office convenient to your home so that everyone will be more likely to keep their appointments.

From baby teeth in kids to permanent teeth in adults to missing teeth in seniors, family dentists are trained and equipped to handle everyone’s needs.

If you need a dentist in Sicklerville contact us today

What Can a Cosmetic Dentist Do For You?

What Can a Cosmetic Dentist Do For You?

Most people are not born with a perfect appearance. Some people turn to cosmetic surgery to correct or enhance the things they find unappealing about their looks. However, if cosmetic surgery is not on your agenda, cosmetic dentistry offers many procedures and treatments to quickly and successfully improve your appearance. Because your smile is usually the first impression you make on the world, fixing stains, cracks, gaps, and other imperfections can make a dramatic impact.

While many cosmetic dental procedures can be performed by your general dentist, a cosmetic dentist has a distinct advantage when you are seeking to improve your smile.

A cosmetic dentist makes it their business to have extensive knowledge and training in the treatments specific to improving the appearance of your teeth. Just a few of the procedures and treatments provided by a qualified cosmetic dentist include:

  • Dental implants
  • Dental crowns
  • Dental bridges
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Teeth straightening
  • Composite bonding
  • Teeth whitening
  • Dentures

In cooperation with a qualified cosmetic dentist, you can elect to have one or a combination of cosmetic dental treatments to perfect your smile. You may just need whitening to brighten and beautify your discolored teeth, or you may need whitening as well as bonding for gapped or chipped teeth. You may even need clear braces or veneers to straighten a crooked smile. A cosmetic dentist will have the knowledge to coordinate treatments to achieve the desired result with the least amount of time, discomfort, and complications. With the help of an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist, you can improve not only your smile but the overall appearance you present to the world.

If you need a dentist in Sicklerville contact us today

Smile Brighter: How Dairy Products Can Improve Your Dental Health

Smile Brighter: How Dairy Products Can Improve Your Dental Health

Dairy products have long been known for their nutritional value and importance in maintaining a healthy diet.

From childhood, we have been taught to drink milk and eat cheese as they are high in calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. However, dairy products can also play a crucial role in maintaining good dental health.

Dairy Products and their Importance in our Diet:

Dairy products include milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter. They are rich sources of nutrients such as protein, calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, and potassium.

These nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Calcium is particularly important for building strong bones and teeth.

Dental Health and its Relation to Overall Health:

Maintaining good dental health is not just about having a bright smile; it is also crucial for overall health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

If left untreated, these conditions can cause infections that could spread throughout the body. Recent studies have also linked poor oral health to other serious medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

Therefore it’s important to understand the benefits of dairy products on oral hygiene so that you can make informed decisions about your diet. The next section will discuss how dairy products can help with dental health by providing essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D that help strengthen teeth against tooth decay while neutralizing harmful acids within the mouth at the same time!

The Benefits of Dairy Products for Dental Health

Dairy products are an important source of nutrients that help support healthy teeth and gums. Here are some of the key nutrients found in dairy and how they contribute to dental health:

Calcium and Phosphorus: The building blocks of strong teeth

Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals for maintaining strong bones, including your teeth. Calcium helps to build and maintain the structure of your teeth, while phosphorus works together with calcium to strengthen tooth enamel.

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich sources of both calcium and phosphorus. Consuming these foods regularly helps ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to keep your teeth strong.

Vitamin D: Essential for proper absorption of calcium

Vitamin D is essential for proper absorption of calcium in the body. Without enough vitamin D, your body may not be able to absorb all the calcium you consume through food or supplements.

Fortunately, many dairy products are fortified with vitamin D. This means that they have been enriched with additional vitamin D to help ensure adequate absorption of calcium. Vitamin D can also be obtained from sunlight exposure or supplements.

Casein: A protein that helps protect tooth enamel from erosion

Casein is a protein found in milk and other dairy products that has been shown to help protect tooth enamel from erosion caused by acidic foods and drinks. This is because casein forms a protective layer on the surface of teeth which can help prevent acid from attacking tooth enamel.

In addition to protecting tooth enamel, casein may also have antibacterial properties that help prevent cavities. By consuming dairy products regularly, you can reap the benefits of this important protein for dental health.

The Role of Dairy Products in Preventing Tooth Decay

How Dairy Products Can Neutralize Harmful Acids in the Mouth

One of the most significant benefits of dairy products for dental health is their ability to neutralize harmful acids in the mouth. The bacteria in our mouths feed on sugars and carbohydrates, producing acid as a byproduct that can erode tooth enamel and lead to decay.

However, consuming dairy products can help neutralize this acid, preventing damage to teeth. This is because dairy products contain calcium and phosphorus, which help remineralize enamel and make it more resistant to decay.

The Importance of Saliva Production in Preventing Tooth Decay

Another way that dairy products can help prevent tooth decay is by promoting saliva production. Saliva is essential for dental health because it helps wash away food particles and bacteria from the mouth, reducing the risk of decay. Additionally, saliva contains minerals such as calcium and phosphorus that can help remineralize enamel and repair minor damage to teeth.

Consuming dairy products can stimulate saliva production by triggering a reflex that increases the flow of saliva in the mouth. This means that eating cheese or drinking milk after a meal could be an effective way to promote good oral hygiene and prevent tooth decay.

Overall, incorporating more dairy into your diet can have significant benefits for your dental health. Not only do dairy products contain essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D that are crucial for maintaining strong teeth and bones, but they also have unique properties that can help prevent tooth decay by neutralizing harmful acids in the mouth and promoting saliva production.

Dairy Alternatives for Those with Lactose Intolerance or Vegan Diets

For those who are lactose intolerant or on a vegan diet, obtaining the necessary nutrients found in dairy products can be challenging. However, there are still many non-dairy sources of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D that can be incorporated into your diet to promote dental health.

Non-Dairy Sources of Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium and phosphorus are essential minerals for maintaining strong teeth and bones. Fortunately, there are many non-dairy sources of these minerals that can be easily incorporated into your diet.

Some examples include:

  • Leafy greens such as kale and spinach
  • Fatty fish like salmon or sardines (canned with bones)
  • Nuts and seeds like almonds, chia seeds, and sesame seeds
  • Tofu made with calcium sulfate
  • Fortified plant milks such as soy milk or almond milk (check the label to ensure it is fortified with calcium)

Plant-based Milk Alternatives

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk, there are many plant-based options available. However, it’s important to note that not all plant milks offer the same nutritional benefits as cow’s milk. When choosing a plant-based milk alternative, look for options that are fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D.

Some popular plant-based milk alternatives include:

  • Soy Milk: High in protein and often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
  • Almond Milk: Low in calories but not as high in protein or other nutrients compared to soy milk.
  • Oat Milk: A good source of fiber, but typically lower in protein and calcium unless fortified.
  • Rice Milk: Typically low in protein and needs to be fortified with vitamins and minerals to offer similar benefits to cow’s milk.

Ultimately, finding the right dairy alternative for you will depend on your individual preferences and nutritional needs. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have any concerns or questions about incorporating non-dairy sources of nutrients into your diet.

How to Incorporate More Dairy into Your Diet for Dental Health

Now that we understand the benefits of dairy products for our dental health, let’s explore how we can incorporate more of them into our daily diet. Here are a few simple suggestions:

Suggestions for Incorporating More Dairy into Your Meals

  • Add yogurt to your breakfast routine: yogurt can be a great addition to your morning meal. You can add it to your cereal, smoothie or oatmeal.
  • Snack on cheese and crackers: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium and can be combined with high-fiber crackers as a tasty snack.
  • Drink milk with meals: Milk is often seen as a drink for children, but it is beneficial for adults too. Try adding low-fat milk to your coffee or tea instead of creamer or sugar.
  • Blend up a milkshake: For those with a sweet tooth, try blending low-fat or nonfat milk with fresh fruit for a delicious, nutritious and refreshing treat.

Tips for Choosing Low-Sugar Dairy Products

Dairy products like yogurt and flavored milk sometimes contain added sugars which can negate the benefits of consuming dairy. Here are some tips to help you choose low-sugar dairy options:

  • Choose plain yogurts instead of flavored ones: Plain yogurts generally contain less sugar than flavored varieties. You add fresh fruit if you want some extra sweetness.
  • Pick low-fat or skimmed options over full fat ones: Low fat dairy products usually have less calories and less added sugar than full fat varieties
  • Avoid sugary cereals that are marketed as being high in calcium: Some cereals that claim to be high in calcium often contain large amounts of added sugar.
  • Read labels: Be sure to read the nutritional information panels to check for added sugars, especially in flavored milks and yogurts.

By following these simple suggestions and tips, you can easily incorporate more dairy products into your diet and enjoy the dental health benefits that come with it.

Maintaining Good Dental Hygiene Through Diet

While dairy products are an important component of a dental-healthy diet, they should be consumed in moderation as they can also be high in sugar and fat. When choosing dairy products, opt for low-sugar options such as plain yogurt or milk without added sugar.

It’s also important to practice good dental hygiene habits such as brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. Incorporating more dairy into your diet doesn’t have to be difficult – try adding cheese to your omelets or using Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream in recipes.

For those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet, there are plenty of non-dairy sources of calcium and vitamin D available such as fortified plant-based milks and dark leafy greens. By making small changes to your diet and practicing good dental hygiene habits, you can improve your overall health and maintain strong, healthy teeth for years to come.

Do not let another day go by without taking care of your dental needs. Request an appointment now at our Sicklerville dental office!

Considerations for a Smile Makeover

Considerations for a Smile Makeover

The process of improving your appearance through oral changes is called a smile makeover. A wide variety of cosmetic procedures can be performed so that you’ll be happier and more confident about your smile. There are many factors that a cosmetic dentist considers when helping you decide upon your ideal smile. Since it is a completely customized process, your dentist will ask your goals and provide recommendations based on your personal characteristics.

Alignment and spacing

Gapped, crooked, or overcrowded teeth can be aligned and straightened, often through dental veneers or orthodontics. Options for braces have expanded to include less visible approaches such as Invisalign.

Tooth color

Discolored teeth can be the sign of age or habits like consuming dark foods or smoking. Bright, white teeth suggest a more youthful look that can improve your whole appearance. This can be achieved in a smile makeover through professional teeth whitening or dental veneers. Your cosmetic dentist will help you choose the shade that best complements the color and tone of your face and hair, helping you achieve the right balance. You might also choose to have silver fillings replaced with tooth-colored composite so that they are no longer noticeable in your smile.

Tooth length

Aging can cause your teeth to wear down and become shorter, giving you a gummy smile that tends to make you look older than you are. A smile makeover can offer lengthening and reshaping of your teeth through bonding or veneers. Another option is having your gum line modified with laser dentistry so that your teeth appear longer. Altering the length of your teeth to accent your face more appropriately can be a big improvement to your features.

Missing teeth

Gaps in your smile due to missing teeth affects the appearance and function of your mouth, also creating greater risk for tooth decay and tooth shifting. Some smile makeover choices for restoring missing teeth are dental implants, partial dentures, or bridges.

Facial features

The entire shape and look of your face can be improved with certain smile makeover techniques. Examples are oral maxillofacial surgery or orthodontics. Your cosmetic dentist can make suggestions and sometimes even create computer images to show you possible outcomes.

Our dental office is located in Sicklerville

Clever Uses for Your Old Toothbrush

Clever Uses for Your Old Toothbrush

Most dentists recommend that patients replace their toothbrushes every three to four months. About this time, the bristles start to wear out or become frayed, which makes the tool less effective. You should also replace your toothbrush right away if you have been sick so that you don’t re-infect yourself.

Once you are done with the toothbrush, you don’t have to immediately toss it in the trash. These creative opportunities will allow you to put that old toothbrush to good use.

Dust the keyboard
The precision of the bristles makes it a cinch to get between the keys.

Eliminate stains
If you get spots on your carpet or upholstery, an old toothbrush will enable you to really scrub the soiled area and remove the stain.

Touch up your roots
For those who dye their own hair, an old toothbrush is the perfect tool for applying color to specific areas.

Dislodge dirt from under your nails
Gardening will help your plants grow, but will also make your manicure look less than appealing. With an old toothbrush, you can say good-bye to grimy nails.

Polish jewelry
To make your favorite pieces sparkle, use an old toothbrush and a tab of toothpaste to restore their beauty.

Clean bike chains
If you don’t want to look like a mechanic after taking grease off the chains, you can grab an old toothbrush and easily finish the job.

Remove silk strings off ears of corn
Before boiling corn, wipe the ears with an old toothbrush to eliminate the corn silk and keep it out of your teeth.

We look forward to seeing you in our Sicklerville dental office

Lakeside Dental
601 Liberty Place
Sicklerville, NJ 08081
856-432-7788

   LocationAppointment

Lakeside Dental
601 Liberty Place
Sicklerville, NJ 08081
856-432-7788

   LocationAppointment

Sicklerville Dentist. Dorothy Drain DMD provides Dental Implants, Snap On Smiles, Lumineers, Childrens Dentist, Dental Hygiene, Same Day Dental Emergency, Dental Insurance to the following locations: Williamston, NJ, Berlin, NJ, Glouster, NJ, Berlin, NJ.