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.
Summer is finally here! School is out and it’s time for fun in the sun, hot days at the pool, and beach vacations. While everyone looks forward to a break from the daily grind and more time to rest and relax, a shift in routines and increased exposure to hazards can pose risks to your teeth and mouth. Later bed and wake times can lead to skipped tooth brushing and flossing. Sports on the beach and games in the pool can lead to chipped or broken teeth, while indulging in too many sweet cold treats and convenient snacks can lead to a build-up of cavity causing plaque.
To ensure you and your family enjoy this season to its fullest, protect everyone’s oral health and avoid unexpected dental issues, especially on vacation. Here are four important tips to follow this summer:
Stick with a Healthy Dental Routine
When we get out of our regular daily routines, it is easy to forget to brush our teeth twice a day and floss as well. Going to bed late and sleeping in the next day may lead to skipping important steps of the dental routine. To help you and everyone in your house to remember, try hanging a chart next to the sink in the bathroom, for each family member to check off when they brush or floss each day. Also, be sure to pack extra toothbrushes, paste and floss when going away on vacation or day trips, to ensure your family’s smiles stay healthy even when your family is on the go!
Snack and Sip Smart
Laid back days hanging at the beach or playing by the pool often lead to changes in our eating habits during the summer months. The kids seem to snack all day long, and the temptation of a sweet cold treat or refreshing sugary beverage is around all the time. Indulging occasionally is fine, but consuming too many unhealthy foods and beverages can increase plaque build-up, which then leads to cavities. Help your family make good choices this summer by stocking your fridge, coolers and picnic baskets with tasty options that won’t harm your teeth. Fresh cut fruits and veggies, such as apples, carrots and celery are healthy snacks, as is cheese, yogurt, and nuts. Staying hydrated is so important on sweltering summer days, so always have plenty of cold water, unsweetened ice tea, and milk on hand for healthy sipping.
Protect Your Smile
While we don’t want to stop the kids from playing and having fun this summer, we do want to take steps towards protecting their smiles. Bumping into hard surfaces, falling on slippery pool decks, and injuries from contact beach sports can lead to chipped or even broken teeth. Setting and enforcing safety rules at the pool, such as no running or rough housing, can help. Having your child wear a protective mouth guard can also be a good safety measure, especially if your child has braces in their mouth. A mouth guard not only protects the teeth, but also protects the braces from being damaged or from harming the soft tissue around them. Lastly, while everyone remembers to put sun screen on the kiddos, their lips are often left unprotected and vulnerable to damage from the sun’s powerful UV rays. So be sure to apply a lip balm that contains SPF 15 or higher.
Come Visit Us at Roselle Park Dental & Implants!
Summer is the perfect time to schedule a dental checkup for your entire family. Scheduling your visit at the start of the season can help you to avoid possible dental issues from popping up while away on vacation. Also, if there is additional dental work needed after your checkup, finding time to have it done is easier in the summer months than during the school year.
Start your summer off right: call us today at 908-998-4698 – or visit us online at www.roselleparkdental.com – to schedule your family’s next appointment and keep everyone smiling all season long.
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.
Summertime is right around the corner! And that means fun in the sun, vacations, and backyard barbecues. While we are usually concerned with getting our physique ready for bathing suit season, we don’t often consider what effect our dietary choices have on our oral health.
To keep you smiling all summer long – and avoid any emergency dental visits – we have rounded up some of the worst (and sneakiest) summer favorite foods to avoid, and offer up some tasty alternatives that won’t harm your mouth, teeth or gums.
Skip the Chips
Although crunchy potato chips seem like the perfect summer snack or side dish for a hot dog or hamburger, think twice before you start munching! Since chips are high in starch, as you chew they are broken down into sugar which sticks to your teeth and breeds bacteria that can cause cavities. Eating them for a prolonged period of time – because who can stop after just one or two chips – causes the mouth to produce excess acid which can cause further tooth damage. Chomping on harder chips with sharp edges, can also increase your risk of gum damage. This summer, skip the chips! And instead opt for crunchy crudités dipped in hummus. Munching on fresh chopped veggies, such as carrot and celery sticks, can actually clean your teeth by scrubbing away built-up food particles.
Choose Your Fruit “Berry” Wisely
Choosing fruit over a sugary dessert seems like a healthy choice, but certain berries actually pose a threat to your teeth. The juice from blueberries, strawberries and Boysen berries can undo the effects of a recent whitening treatment, and even cause further staining. Additionally, berries with seeds – especially larger ones such as blackberry and raspberry seeds – can get stuck in between teeth or lodged in the gums, which can lead to decay or abscesses at the gum line. To avoid the many dental pitfalls of berries, choose a different summer fruit, such as seedless watermelon or a juicy peach, to enjoy instead!
Beware of … Corn on the Cob
No backyard BBQ is complete without corn on the cob! But sadly, it can wreak havoc on your dental health due to the skin on the corn kernels which easily gets trapped between teeth. Once this happens, it can cause several problems for your teeth and gums. Despite being a vegetable, corn is high in sugar, so the pieces stuck between teeth provide food for bacteria to grow and cavities to form. People often try to dislodge the pieces of corn stuck in their teeth using a toothpick which can pierce the gums and cause pain or lead to infection. Try cutting the corn off the cob before eating it to minimize the amount that gets stuck between teeth, and use floss or a dental pick instead of a hard wooden toothpick.
Hydrate Wisely
While we all know that soda and sports drinks are loaded with sugar – which will eat away at your teeth when sipped slowly over time – during the heat of the summer when we are often parched and thirsty, it can be hard to resist. To reduce temptation, try preparing and enjoying some delicious and nutritious infused water to sip and share instead. Simply fill a pitcher or glass with water and then cut up fruits, veggies and herbs of your choice. Some of our favorite combinations include watermelon and mint or strawberries and lemons. Refrigerate for an hour or two and then strain to serve over ice.
At Roselle Park Dental, we want you to have your BEST SUMMER! Get your smile summer ready – call us today at 908-998-4698 or visit us online: www.roselleparkdental.com to schedule your next cleaning appointment or whitening treatment!
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.
April is oral cancer awareness month. The number of people with oral cancers – which include all cancers in the mouth and throat – has recently been increasing, with men being more than half of those diagnosed. The good news is that the majority of cases are highly preventable by avoiding certain risky behaviors. Equally, early detection via an oral cancer screening and self-examination is key to decreasing the severity of the disease.
Avoiding use of all tobacco products – including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and cigars – dramatically reduces your risk of suffering from oral cancer. Other risk factors include:
Increased Risk
Drinking alcohol in excess
Being older than 55
Spending a lot of time in the sun
Having certain forms of human papillomavirus (HPV)
Prevention: Even if you are at a higher risk for oral cancer, there are certain steps that you can take to help decrease your chances of getting it:
Limit alcohol consumption
Incorporate a lot of fresh produce into your diet
Avoid being exposed to excessive sunlight during the middle of the day
Wear a minimum of SPF 30 or higher on your lips
Catching signs of oral cancel early is key to reducing the mortality rate. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your dentist right away:
Symptoms Not to Ignore
Bleeding in the mouth
Persistent mouth sores or earaches
Numbness, pain or swelling in the mouth, throat or jaw
Teeth loosening
Changes in your voice
A lump in the mouth or neck areas
Red or white patches on the lips, gums, or tongue
Regular Screenings
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.
As winter begins to thaw into spring, it is the perfect time to throw open the windows and doors and let in fresh air and sunshine! We often mark this shift of seasons by clearing away clutter, scouring and sanitizing our homes. This year, why not also spring clean your smile!
The well-being and attractiveness of your mouth, teeth and gums is important for your overall health as well as your quality of life. According to the Mayo Clinic, your oral health offers clues about your general health. Additionally, problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body and contribute to various diseases and conditions including:
Alzheimer’s disease
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Pregnancy and birth complications
Pneumonia
Cosmetic issues such as missing, overcrowded, or crooked teeth, as well as a misaligned jaw, can lead to both diminished self-esteem as well as tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Addressing these issues – even for adults – is an important step towards achieving a beautiful and healthy smile. Focusing on the following key areas can help you achieve this goal!
Brighten and Whiten
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. It can also cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance.
Luckily, there are several simple and easy ways to help improve the color and brightness of your smile:
Orthodontics are no longer just for kids! A 2019 report by the American Association of Orthodontics, found that one in four orthodontic patients are adults. Adults who suffer from misaligned teeth or jaws (over- or under-bites) have a higher chance of suffering from tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, gum disease, and difficulty chewing as they age. Thanks to modern medicine and treatment options, orthodontics for adults are less visible and more comfortable.
At Roselle Park Dental, our excellent team of doctors and specialists includes Dr. Ranu Sinha, a highly-trained orthodontist who excels at helping patients of all ages achieve exceptional results they can enjoy for years to come. Dr. Sinha offers both traditional braces, as well as a quality alternative – Invisalign® – for the many people who can’t get past the hurdle of wearing noticeable metal braces.
To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please visit: www.roselleparkdental.com/request-an-appointment.html.
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.
Most children will have mixed emotions at the prospect of getting braces – excitement about getting older and having their teeth “fixed”, as well as some concerns about how it will look and feel to have braces. As their parents, you will share these feelings, and also have plenty of questions of your own.
Why does my kid need braces? Crowded, crooked, or missing teeth – as well as a misaligned jaw size or position (overbite or underbite) – require orthodontics to correct them. The majority of cases are hereditary, but in some instances the need for braces is caused by behavior. These can include prolonged thumb sucking or an accident or other incident that left permanent damage to your child’s teeth or jaw.
At what age will they get them? There is no set time or age for children to get braces, but according to the Mayo Clinic the general range in the U.S. is 8-14 years old. During their regular dental checkups, your child’s dentist will thoroughly examine the adult teeth as they come in and take x-rays of their mouth to review development. If he or she decides that braces may be needed based on what they see during the checkup, you will be referred to an orthodontist – a dental specialist that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of mispositioned teeth and jaws as well as misaligned bite patterns. In addition to further examination and x-rays, the orthodontist will likely take an impression – or mold – of your child’s teeth, jaw and mouth. This mold will be used to fit them with custom braces.
What will the process be like? While the majority of children who need braces will get fixed braces, some will use clear, removable plastic trays – such as Invisalign. The first step to getting fixed braces is the placement of brackets on the child’s teeth. These brackets are usually metal but can also be made of white or clear ceramic. Once the braces are attached to the teeth, they are connected with wire and rubber bands. These connections will be gradually tightened over time, creating pressure that will move the permanent position of the teeth. Some children will need additional devices, such as headgear that will be worn at night.
How do we take care of their teeth with braces? After getting their braces, your child will visit the orthodontist frequently to ensure that everything is in good condition. Children with braces need to put in extra time and effort to keep their teeth and braces clean. Kids with braces should brush their teeth after every meal, since the attached brackets easily trap food. Certain foods – including sticky and hard candies, popcorn, and gum – should be avoided altogether since they can cause cavities and even harm your child’s braces. If their braces do get damaged, you should go see the orthodontist as soon as possible to have them fixed.
Can we afford orthodontics?
According to U.S. News & World Report, braces usually cost anywhere between $3,000 to over $6,000 per child. While this is a considerable amount of money, it is a worthwhile expenditure, since it will set your child up for a lifetime of better oral health. If you have dental insurance, check to see what orthodontics your plan covers, since many do pay for – or reimburse for – a portion of braces. Other ways to help shoulder the financial burden include:
Get a second opinion
Seek services from a dental school
Ask for a discount
Use tax-exempt savings accounts
Enroll in no-interest financing
At Roselle Park Dental & Implants, we look forward to giving you and your child a comfortable and fulfilling orthodontic journey through our dedicated approach. Our excellent team of doctors and team members includes Dr. Ranu Sinha, a highly-trained orthodontist who excels at helping patients of all ages achieve exceptional results they can enjoy for years to come. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, please visit: www.roselleparkdental.com/request-an-appointment.html.
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.
As a friendly reminder, if you have dental work you’ve put on hold, now is a good time to schedule an appointment to maximize your insurance benefits.
Even if you don’t need extensive treatment, you should schedule a regular check-up and cleaning appointment to help prevent costly procedures in the future.
You’re probably paying a monthly premium to keep your insurance, so be sure to use it before the year end!
It is also a great time to use any remaining flexible account dollars you may have saved up. Flexible accounts are created to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical and dental expenses, but if that money is not used before the end of the year, it is lost to you forever.
Our holiday season does book quickly, so call us today at (908) 998-4698 or visit roselleparkdental.com to schedule your appointment. If you have any questions about your insurance coverage or benefits, we would be happy to help you. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Can you believe that there is less than three months left until 2020 is over??? Have you been paying for dental insurance all year? Then now is the time to schedule an appointment to visit us and use your remaining benefits before you lose them! Here are some tips on how to get the most out of the money you have already paid towards your dental benefits:
Have You Maximized Your Dental Benefits? Most insurance providers cover two dental cleanings every year. Having your teeth professionally cleaned and inspected by a dentist regularly is very important for your oral health. Since you have already paid for it, make sure to come in for a checkup before 2021.
How to Find Out What is Left in Your FSA? If you have been contributing to a flexible spending account (FSA) all year, now is the time to call the number on your FSA card to find out what your balance is. Since FSA funds will most likely not roll over to 2021, you must use that money before December 31, 2020. Do not let your money go to waste! FSA funds can be used at our office for any medical dental procedure – from cleanings, to cavity fillings, or even getting started on more complicated dental work.
What Are The Top Dental Benefits to Know? You’re probably paying a monthly premium to keep your insurance, so be sure to use it before the year ends! We can help you maximize the dental care you are still eligible to receive based on your coverage. But don’t wait to schedule an appointment – we fill up fast at the end of the year.
Call now and beat the holiday rush: 908-998-4698! For information on all the services we provide, please visit our website: www.roselleparkdental.com.
