This year an estimated 54,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. If it is not caught and treated early, oral or oropharyngeal cancer can lead to long-term problems, including difficulties with eating and speaking, facial disfigurement and even death.
Luckily, when these cancers are detected and treated early enough, related health problems and mortality rates can be dramatically reduced. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer is key to early detection!
Any sore or ulceration that does not heal within 14 days.
A red, white, or black discoloration of the soft tissues of the mouth.
Any abnormality that bleeds easily when touched (friable).
A lump or hard spot in the tissue, usually border of the tongue (induration).
Tissue raised above that which surrounds it; a growth (exophytic).
A sore under a denture, which even after adjustment of the denture, does not heal.
A lump or thickening that develops in the mouth.
A painless, firm, fixated lump felt on the outside of the neck, which has been there for at least two weeks.
All the above symptoms have the commonality of being persistent and not resolving.
Symptoms of HPV-Caused Oropharyngeal Cancer*:
Hoarseness or sore throat that does not resolve within a few weeks.
A swollen tonsil on just one side. This is usually painless.
A painless, firm, fixated lump felt on the outside of the neck, which has been there for at least two weeks.
A persistent cough that does not resolve after many days.
Difficulty swallowing; a sensation that food is getting caught in your throat.
An earache on one side (unilateral) which persists for more than a few days.
All the above symptoms have the commonality of being persistent and not resolving.
*Symptoms may include one or more of the following which may persist longer than two-three weeks. Always call your dentist right away if there are any immediate concerns.
At Roselle Park Dental, we perform oral cancer screenings as part of every routine dental checkup as a courtesy to all our patients. Our dentists and hygienists will thoroughly check your mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. Also, making sure to check your mouth in the mirror once a month for any of the symptoms listed above is vital! If oral cancer is caught early, there is a greater chance that it can be cured.
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
Spring has arrived and new beginnings are in the air! Why not head into this new season looking and feeling your best by brightening, lightening and whitening your smile?
A slight yellowing of the teeth is often a normal part of aging or a result of consuming certain foods that stain the surface of the teeth. But it can also be an indicator of poor brushing and flossing techniques, plaque buildup, or tooth decay. And it can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance.
There are many amazing benefits to having a brighter and more beautiful smile, including:
Improved Outlook on Life: People who are embarrassed about the appearance of their teeth, are prone to suffering from low self-esteem. As a result, they may avoid social interactions. Beautifying your smile can be a huge confidence booster and greatly improve your feelings of self-worth and quality of life.
Better Overall Health: Studies show that smiling more frequently has a multitude of benefits for your overall well-being, including: living longer, relieving stress, improving your mood, boosting the immune system, lowered blood pressure, being more successful, reducing pain, and staying positive.
Long-Lasting Impact: The effects of a whitening treatment can last for months, as long as you are committed to practicing good oral health habits, such as twice daily brushing, proper flossing and routine visits to our office for professional dental cleanings and checkups. Research suggests that people who smile more frequently, appear more confident and are more likely to be approached, which can lead to promotions and advancements in both your professional and personal lives.
In-office Whitening Treatment: We offer this quick and simple procedure that can help you achieve a whiter smile during a single appointment using a combination of high-grade whitening gel and a state-of-the-art laser resolves tough stains and dark discoloration and improves the glow of your teeth by several shades. In about one hour, your teeth will be as much as eight shades brighter.
At-Home Whitening: Professional quality results can also be achieved from the comfort of home. Our trained team members will provide you with a custom take-home whitening kit. With diligent use, you’ll notice significantly beautiful improvements and your teeth should get several shades whiter in about two weeks.
Be sure to talk with one of our highly trained dentists before you get start whitening your teeth, to understand which treatment plan in best for you.
About Roselle Park Dental & Implants Our modern dental practice provides comprehensive services for patients of all ages. Our team of dental professionals combines their experience and qualifications with the latest technologies and techniques to create healthy, beautiful smiles. If you or a loved one is interested in cosmetic dentistry, we can help. Contact our office today to learn more about teeth whitening.
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
Did you know that over 75% of dental decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of our back teeth and molars? Due to the rough, grooved surfaces of these teeth, they become the perfect hiding spot for food remnants and cavity-causing bacteria. While proper brushing and flossing is the most efficient way to protect these teeth, the back teeth and molars are especially difficult to keep clean, especially for younger patients who are still learning how to brush and floss correctly.
The good news is that applying sealants – especially when young kids’ molars are first emerging – is a proven way to help protect these vulnerable areas from decay and eventual damage.
Without sealants, food particles leftover in your mouth produce acid that eat away at your tooth’s surface creating holes where cavities form. Sealants, once adhered to the back molars, create a safety barrier against harmful bacteria. They can even be used on teeth that already have early signs of decay to stop further damage from occurring. And since they are clear, the area of concern can still be monitored under the sealant.
Kids first set of temporary – or baby – molars come in around the age of 6 and then their permanent – or adult – molars replace them about 5-7 years later. Applying sealants to these teeth as soon as possible once they have emerged, protects them from decay that can lead to additional dental issues as they age, including pain, infection and breakages.
What to Expect if you “Seal the Deal”
Roselle Park Dental & Implants can provide an extra layer of protection for you or your children’s teeth in the form of dental sealants! The application process can be done quickly during your regular dental checkup and without discomfort. The first step is to dry the surface of your tooth before applying an acidic gel that will create a rough surface which will allow for a tight bond to form between your tooth and the sealant. After rinsing off the gel and drying the teeth again, the sealant is added and illuminated by a blue light for a few moments as it hardens. Each application should last for several years and will be checked by the dentist during routine visits to ensure they are in good condition and to determine when they should be redone.
At Roselle Park Dental & Implants We Help Little Smiles Shine! Helping younger patients enjoy bright, healthy smiles is very important to us. That’s why our team of doctors includes Dr. Reham Hassan, a pediatric dentist who cares for every child with enthusiasm, compassion, and patience with the goal to relinquish any fear of visiting the dentist and replace it with smiles! Dr. Hassan cares for every child – encouraging bright smiles and happy, healthy living.
Call us today at (908) 998-4698 – or visit us online – to schedule appointments for the whole family!
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
January marks the start of a New Year! For many people, it feels like a fresh new start and a great chance to focus on habits and behaviors that we may want to change for the better.
This year, be sure to add improving your oral health to the top of your list of resolutions. Caring for your gums, teeth, and mouth properly is simple. Making the following changes will go a long way to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for the rest of this year … and many, many more to come!
Brush Better … and Floss Too!
Protecting our oral health starts with healthy daily habits. Most people brush their teeth twice a day, but very few actually do it for the recommended two minutes. To ensure you are brushing for long enough, try using a timer or sing a thirty second song in your head four times while you brush – one for each quadrant of your mouth. Or better yet, take your brushing experience to the next level by buying an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer! According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show that brushing with an electric toothbrush is more effective at removing plaque. Flossing once a day is another important habit for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, since it removes food particles and plaque from in between your teeth before they can cause decay or infection. To help you remember to floss each day, try doing so at the same time that you do something else every day, such as when you change into pajamas before bedtime.
Sip Smarter
Making smart decisions about what beverages you drink can make a big impact on the health and appearance of your smile. Drinks that are highly acidic or contain a lot of sugar can cause damage to your teeth when consumed on a regular basis. Sports drinks, soda, and some fruit juices are both sugary and acidic and therefore especially bad for your oral health. Try to limit your consumption or avoid them all together. Similarly, drinking certain beverages – including coffee, tea, and red wine – too frequently can stain your teeth over time. Drink water the majority of the time to protect your smile. Drinking lots of water will also ensure you stay hydrated. This has the added benefit of upping your body’s production of saliva, which rinses away excess bacteria from building up in the mouth.
Be Choosy About What You Chew
Making a resolution to clean up your diet can be an effective way to lose weight as well as protect your smile. Cutting back on snacking will reduce your overall calorie intake, and it will also decrease the amount of food available for the bacteria in your mouth to turn into cavity-causing acid and plaque. If you do feel hungry between meals, stick to tooth-friendly foods, such as calcium rich cheese or yogurt and crunchy fresh fruits and veggies, like carrots and apples. Calcium helps to keep your bones – including our teeth – strong, and munching on fresh produce helps to scrub your teeth clean. If you can’t brush your teeth after each meal or snack you eat, be sure to take a few sips of water and swish them around your mouth to rinse away residual food particles.
Schedule Your Next Dental Visit
According to the ADA, “regular dental visits are important because they can help spot dental health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. They also help prevent many problems from developing in the first place.” Even if you aren’t due for a dental cleaning and checkup yet, calling to schedule your annual appointments now will ensure they get on your calendar. Studies show that the act of putting something on the calendar drastically increases the chances that an event or action will actually happen.
At Roselle Park Dental & Implants, we want to help you improve your oral health in 2022! Schedule your next appointment now – call (908) 998-4698 or visit us online: www.roselleparkdental.com.
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
When thinking about February, Valentine’s Day is probably the first thing that comes to mind. However, you have more than one reason to be thinking about hearts. It will be Heart Health Month, after all. There is no better time to learn more about how the health of your smile and heart is related. To keep up excellent cardiovascular health, you need to worry about your oral health as well. Continue reading to learn more about their connection from your dentist in Roselle Park.
Do you avoid social gatherings because missing teeth make it hard for you to eat or talk? Do you hide your smile out of embarrassment over stained teeth? Are crooked or broken teeth causing you pain or making it difficult to brush or floss your teeth?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then make this your season to shine again! Improving the look, functionality, and health of your teeth and mouth can improve your overall quality of life and restore your self-confidence.
Schedule Your Next Cleaning
Visiting us at Roselle Park Dental & Implants for a professional cleaning and examination is the first step towards a more attractive and healthier smile. During your cleaning, a dental hygienist will use special tools to efficiently remove plaque buildup and bacteria that will help to lessen any tooth discoloration. One of our highly trained dentists will then thoroughly examine your mouth, teeth, and gums, and identify any other dental issues, such as additional staining and any damaged or missing teeth. Our friendly staff members will then help you understand your treatment options.
Brighten & Whiten
Tooth discoloration can be caused by something that is coming in contact with your teeth or by factors occurring within your body. It can also be age-related as people get older. The result is that your teeth may be a darker shade, change colors, or develop spots.
Misaligned teeth are very common in both kids and adults. Adult teeth often grow in crooked, or they can come out of alignment over time due to prolonged habits or behaviors, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Genetics, poor nutrition, insufficient dental care, and facial injury can also be causes of misaligned teeth.
If your teeth are not perfectly straight, but it does not interfere with your life, cause health issues, or bother you in any way, then it is not a condition that needs to be addressed. However, for many people crooked teeth can cause issues such as feelings of embarrassment about their appearance, as well as difficulty eating or speaking. Teeth that overlap severely can also make it challenging to brush or floss effectively.
If you want to improve your quality of life and straighten your teeth, there are multiple options available at Roselle Park Dental, for kids and adults alike. We offer the two most common types of orthodontics: traditional braces and custom aligners, such as Invisalign. Both options work in the same way – by applying gradual pressure that slowly shifts your teeth into a better position over time. Our skilled orthodontist can discuss your needs to help you decide which option will be the best fit for you.
Transformative Tooth Replacement
Losing one or more natural teeth can have serious negative repercussions for your health, your sense of self-confidence, and your overall quality of life.
Optimal Oral Health: Implants do not require that other healthy neighboring teeth are altered for support. Additionally, implants allow for adequate space between teeth which allows for effective cleaning.
Restore Appearance and Self-Esteem: Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth. Getting a bright brilliant smile that you can be proud of will help to boost your self-esteem.
Comfortable Eating and Improved Speech: Since dental implants become a part of your mouth, they mimic the functionality of real teeth – vs. dentures that can slide around – allowing you to speak and eat normally without discomfort.
If you are ready to give yourself the gift of the beautiful and healthy smile you deserve this holiday season – we can help! Call us today (908) 998-4698 or visit: www.roselleparkdental.com.
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
Every month, you put aside money for your oral healthcare. With the help of your dental insurance plan, you’re able to receive more affordable dental treatment. However, are you sure that you are truly maximizing your monthly investment? Maximizing your benefits can seem challenging at first, as it works a bit differently than the medical insurance that you are used to. Here are some easy steps to help you get the most out of your coverage.
Did you know that there is a direct link between your oral health and your mental well-being?
This October, in honor of national dental hygiene month, the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) is acknowledging the strength and dedication that our dental professionals have shown since the start of 2021, while facing huge professional and personal challenges during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The ADHA is focusing this month’s campaign on the power of positivity and the resilience displayed by our dentists and hygienists who show up each day to help protect their patients smiles. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), resiliency is having an optimistic life view, and expressing gratitude and appreciation. Our goal at Roselle Park Dental, is to foster feelings of resilience for our staff and our patients, so everyone can feel validated and encouraged.
Incorporating healthy habits to protect our teeth and gums into our daily routine, is a form of self-care that helps us to prioritize our overall wellness: both physical and mental. Poor oral health can have a negative impact on our mental health in several ways. If the appearance of our smiles or our ability to eat or drink is affected by dental issues, we may feel embarrassed and avoid social situations. Isolation can cause increased feelings of loneliness and sadness which can lead to depression.
Ideally, it is best to help children learn healthy oral health habits from a young age, with parents assisting them in caring for their teeth and gums until they are old enough to do so independently. But it is never too late! Regardless of your age or the condition of your teeth, make this October the month you start to practice good habits to achieve better oral health!
Here are the most important daily habits to keep your mouth, teeth, gums, and mind healthy:
Brush: Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day – or even better after each meal. The ADHA recommends using a soft bristle brush for at least two minutes each time.
Clean Between Teeth: Floss or another interdental device, such as floss picks or dental flossers, should be used once a day – preferably right before bed – to remove any residual food particles from between your teeth.
Use Mouthwash: Using mouthwash one to two times – along with brushing and flossing – ensures that all trapped food is thoroughly rinsed away before it can cause damage.
Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks: Avoiding high sugar foods and drinks – such as soda and candy – most of the time, is an important step towards protecting your smile. Instead focus on eating healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and drinking lots of water.
Visit Your Dentist Twice a Year: Come visit us! Getting a professional cleaning and checkup twice a year is the best way to protect your oral health. Our hygienists will use special tools to remove all build up from your teeth and having one of our talented dentists inspect your teeth, mouth and gums will ensure that any issues are caught early and can be remedied as soon as possible
Call us today at (908) 998-4698 or visit us online at: www.roselleparkdental.com to schedule your next checkup today!
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
Autumn has arrived! Time for cooler temperatures, falling leaves, shorter days, and pumpkin everything. It is also the perfect time of year to fall in love with your smile again. Our smiles are so important for so many reasons. They help us to express ourselves, as well as allowing us to communicate and eat. Our smiles also impact our overall physical health, as well as our sense of confidence and emotional well-being.
While it’s common to think that only school age kids get braces, patients of all ages – from 7 to 107 – can benefit from the significant improvements to both the aesthetics and function of their smile after using orthodontics.
Orthodontics can fix many dental issues that may be negatively affecting your teeth and smile, including:
Crooked teeth
Gaps
Misalignments
The two most common types of orthodontics are traditional braces and custom aligners, such as Invisalign. Both options work in the same way – by applying gradual pressure that slowly shifts your teeth into a better position over time.
Deciding which type of orthodontics is right for you is an important choice, so here are some pros and cons of both:
Cost & Duration. Budget can be a huge deciding factor when choosing orthodontics. The cost of Invisalign will vary from case to case, depending on the number of aligners needed, but on average you can expect to pay $3,500 to $8,000. Traditional braces usually cost between $2,500 and $8,000, making it the most cost-effective choice.
Look & Feel. Traditional braces consist of brackets and arch wires that are attached to the teeth. The brackets can be made of a variety of materials, including metal and ceramic. Most people experience some discomfort for the first few weeks when they get braces, since the metal edges can be sharp.
Invisalign consists of clear plastic trays that are custom made for each individual’s mouth. They are much less visible than braces. People will experience some discomfort from the pressure of the trays on their teeth, but Invisalign exerts slightly less pressure than braces.
Ease of Use. Once metal braces are attached to your teeth, they can only be removed by a dentist. You will visit your dentist regularly to have the braces tightened at each visit. You need to pay close attention to your diet while wearing braces, since hard and sticky foods can cause them damage.
Invisalign trays must be worn most of the time – but can be removed by the patient when they eat or drink, so there are no dietary limitations. A down side to being able to remove the pricey trays is that they can be misplaced or damaged when not being worn, so this may not be the best option for young kids or forgetful adults.
Maintenance. Taking good care of your teeth while wearing orthodontics is very important! Brushing after every meal and flossing once a day is a must. If you have traditional braces, the brackets and wires can trap food against your teeth, so it is important to be extra thorough while brushing.
You will brush and floss like normal while using Invisalign, but will be required to take the extra step of carefully cleaning the trays each time you remove them as well.
At Roselle Park Dental & Implants, our in-house orthodontist, Dr. Ranu Sinha, offers quality braces and Invisalign for younger and older patients alike, helping everyone achieve the health and aesthetic improvements they want and deserve. Contact us today 908-998-4698 – or visit us online at www.roselleparkdental.com – to schedule your first consultation.
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
Inhale … and exhale …. with confidence that your breath is fresh!
Practicing good oral hygiene habits and having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year is the best way to reduce odor causing plaque from building up in your mouth and on your teeth.
In honor of National Fresh Breath Day on August 6th, fight bad breath by keeping your mouth healthy with these simple strategies:
Brush, Floss, Rinse … Repeat!
Removing leftover food particles is the most important weapon against fighting bad breath. Why? Because those remnants of your meals and snacks become sticky plaque on your teeth, which collect bacteria that creates bad smells in your mouth. The best way to prevent plaque from building up is to brush your teeth after every meal, floss once a day and use a mouth rinse that kills odor causing germs. When you brush, be sure to be thorough – brush all your teeth from all angles for two minutes. And don’t forget to give your tongue a good scrubbing too! Replacing your toothbrush every few months is important, since worn down bristles become less effective at scrubbing teeth. Flossing before bed ensures that anything stuck between your teeth or at the gum line gets removed, and rinsing with mouthwash rinses it all away leaving you with a clean mouth at the end of each day.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water throughout the day helps prevent bad breath in two ways. First, it continually rinses away food particles between brushings. In fact, if you can’t brush your teeth after a meal or snack, swirling water around your mouth is the next best thing. The second way sipping helps is by encouraging your mouth to create more saliva. Too little saliva, or dry mouth, can cause tooth decay and bad breath. So keeping a moist environment in your mouth is key for fresh breath.
Chew Wisely
Another way to help moisten your mouth and create more saliva is by chewing gum. But not all gum is created equal. Chewing gum that has sugar can do more harm than good since it can cause cavities. Chomping on a piece of sugar-free gum is a great way to increase the saliva in your mouth which will reduce odor causing bacteria. While preventing bad breath from happening in the first place is optimal, it can’t always be avoided. Eating and drinking certain foods can cause a bad odor in your mouths after you consume them. When that happens, the minty flavor from sugar free gum will cover up the bad scent with a more pleasant one.
Call us today at 908-998-4698 – or visit us online at www.roselleparkdental.com – to schedule your next dental cleaning, and ensure your smile stays fresh and clean this August!
Author: Sara Magnola Taner is an online marketing and communications specialist – with a website development and editorial background – who has 15 years of experience creating and editing clear, compelling content on diverse topics across a wide range of mediums.
