Dr. Jennifer Vitarelli

Difference Between 4 Types of Dental Bridges – Which is Better?

If you’ve lost a tooth to an unfortunate accident or due to degrading oral health, don’t worry, you’re not alone. On average, about every American adult aged between 20 and 64 have lost at least one or more teeth. 

The good news is that you’ve got plenty of options to have the missing teeth replaced. One of the most common ways to achieve that is to have a dentist install a dental bridge. But there are different kinds of dental bridges and some may not suit your particular needs and situation.

We have listed down the four most common types of dental bridges a dentist usually recommends. You can talk to a dentist to find out which suits you best or you can decide for yourself after reading how each functions.

Old School/Traditional Dental Bridges

Old school dental bridges or traditional bridges are the most common dental bridges. These bridges are made up of one or more fake teeth. They usually hold themselves in place by the dental crowns. 

Dentists usually like to call them abutments and they are basically cemented into the teeth that are next to the missing tooth. 

Traditional bridges are good to use when the missing tooth is surrounded by two healthy teeth. Bridges require strong adjacent teeth to replace the missing tooth hence you’ll need to have healthy adjacent teeth if you intend to go with this option.

The only drawback of these types of bridges is that the teeth next to the missing tooth require a lot of preparation by a dentist. Usually, this is achieved by removing the enamel of the crown to make room for the cemented top. 

Enamel can never grow back once removed. This means that if you go for traditional bridges, these teeth will always have to be protected with crowns.

Maryland Bridges 

Maryland bridges are a good alternative to traditional bridges. These bridges are made with pontic that is held by a metal framework. The framework is placed on the back of the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth. 

The good thing about these bridges is that they can be put on without removing the enamel since they don’t need to be held by crowns. 

The downside of Maryland bridges is that they tend to hold together by the strength of the resin that holds them in place. In simple words, if the area of the mouth where these bridges are exposed to a lot of chewing and biting, they may not hold on their own for long. 

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are another common option to have your missing tooth or teeth replaced. They work a lot like traditional bridges. The only difference is that the fake teeth are supported with an abutment on only one side of the tooth rather than on both sides in the case of traditional bridges.

This is a good option if you want to have a missing tooth replaced that is supported by only one healthy tooth on one side. 

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are best used when more than one tooth is missing. They are not supported with crowns, instead, a dentist plants an implant where the crown is then placed on the bridge. 

The best thing about implant-supported bridges is that they feel very much like real teeth. They are held strongly on the jaw and act just like natural teeth. But that also means that these fake teeth will require the same oral care you give to your natural teeth.

The only downside is that the implants require you to go through two different surgeries. The first surgery will have the dentist place the implant while the second surgery will have the dentist place the bridge.

The process is also very long. It typically takes around five months to have your bridge installed properly. 

If you’re missing a tooth, don’t worry. At Vitarelli Dental, we provide all types of bridges. Our Saddle River dentist office offers esthetic ceramic restorations that are a new choice for beauty and safety. 

Get in touch with us today and we’ll let you know what your best options are. 

4 Dos and Dont’s When You Have Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are a very common oral problem that can happen due to a number of different reasons. If swelling gums tend to stay for more than a few days, you should immediately contact a dentist.

While you are waiting for your appointment, there are a couple of things you can do to prevent the problem from getting worse. 

But before we jump into the dos and don’ts of when you have swollen gums, let’s look at the common root causes of gum swelling.

Common Causes of Swollen Gums

Change of Tooth Paste

  • If you have just recently switched your toothpaste, floss, or mouthwash, swollen gums could be because of an allergic reaction. 

Don’t change your toothpaste without consulting a dentist first, especially if you have sensitive teeth or chronic oral problems.

Medicines

  • Certain prescribed medicines can cause swollen gums as a side effect. If you think your teeth and gums started to feel painful or swollen, talk to your dentist or doctor and see if there are any alternative medicines available.

Nutritional Issues

  • One of the reasons that irritate your gums is poor nutrition. For example, Vitamin C deficiency is known to cause inflamed gums. 

If you have a Vitamin C deficiency, start adding fruits and vegetables rich in the vitamin to your diet.

Read

Gingivitis

  • Swollen and bleeding gums could also be happening due to gingivitis. If you have not been brushing your teeth or flossing them properly, you could have this problem. Brushing and flossing are very important for healthy teeth and gums. 

There are a number of other causes of swollen gums. If one of these doesn’t seem to be the root cause, talk to a dentist today. Schedule an online appointment with Vitarelli Dental and we’ll get to the bottom of the problem.

How to Get Relief from Swollen Gums

  • One of the first and most important things to do is to book an appointment with a dentist. While you wait for an appointment, here are some things you can do to reduce discomfort and swelling in the gums.

Do These When You Have Swollen Gums

  • Try and improve your nutrition. Add vegetables and fruits and avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee and carbonated beverages. You need to also cut down on alcohol and tobacco if the issue persists for more than two to three days.
  • Don’t miss brushing or flossing. If swollen gums are being caused due to gingivitis, then you need to take extra care of your oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove food particles after eating or at the end of the day. You also need to see if you are using the right toothpaste or mouthwash.
  • Inflammed gums can also be controlled by rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution. There are many home remedies on the internet that can help you make a salt-water solution at home.
  • See the dentist. If you haven’t already booked an appointment with a dentist, you need to immediately do so. Periodontal therapy can detect most oral health problems and provide effective solutions. 

Don’t Do These When You Have Swollen Gums

  • Immediately stop or cut down the use of tobacco and alcohol. Both substances are notorious when it comes to irritating your gums.
  • Don’t ignore the condition. You need to take immediate action if the problem persists for more than two to three days. If swollen gums are left untreated, it could be due to a serious underlying problem. Visit a dental professional at our Madison dental office for a quick and long-term solution.
  • Stop using toothpaste and mouthwash that irritate your gums. Most Mouthwashes have alcohol in them which may further irritate swollen gums. Change the brand of your toothpaste if you feel it is hurting your condition further.  

Get Professional Help Immediately

No matter how bad the condition of swollen gums is, it is crucial that you get your oral health looked at by a professional dentist. For swollen gums, you will have to go through periodontal therapy.

The procedure aims to restore diseased tissue back to their healthy state. Gum diseases can easily spread from the gums to the bones that support the teeth, and if left untreated, could lead to tooth loss. 

4 Common Things That Secretly Spoil Your Teeth

Healthy teeth are something you never think about until they are no longer healthy. Since our susceptibility to tooth decay is different from each other, you could be at risk of developing tooth decay or other oral diseases far easier than other people.

To keep your teeth healthy and safe from the many dangers your mouth is exposed to, you can follow certain steps such as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and visiting the dentist at least once in six months

But even if you take care of your teeth, certain pitfalls exist that can secretly damage your teeth. What’s worst is that most of these are common. 

Here are 4 common yet surprising things that can secretly work together to spoil your teeth. 

Going Too Far with Brushing and Flossing

  • It may surprise you but if you get too overzealous with brushing and flossing your teeth, it can be damaging to your teeth and gums. Toothbrushes are made with tough bristles that can do your teeth more harm than benefit if you vigorously brush in a repetitive back-and-forward motion. 

This is why it is very important to follow good brushing practices. Make sure you know how to brush your teeth properly using gentle and circular motion instead of going back-and-forward.

  • You could also invest in a soft-bristled brush that has a small lateral brushing pattern with a 45-degree angle to the gum line and tooth. 

Flossing can do that same damage to your gums if you are not careful. Make sure that you are cleaning the sides of your teeth and not pushing pressure on your gums. Even the gentlest pressure on the gums can result in bleeding. 

Chewing on Non-Edible Things

  • Your teeth are made to be strong, but they are not strong enough for tearing plastic packages or chewing on pins, nails, and other hard things. You may not know this, but your habit of biting nails when you’re stressed out can lead to gingivitis

The edge of your teeth is its weakest and thinnest part and it must be protected against chewing hard stuff. With a tiny bit of force, you could easily end up chipping or breakage of the teeth. 

  • Another harmful thing for the teeth is ice since it has a very hard surface and it is cold, it can easily harm the tip of your teeth and cause damage to the enamel. If you’re not careful, it can also result in a chipped tooth. 

Grinding Teeth

  • It is easy to get stressed out in this fast-moving society and some people have the tendency to constantly grinding their teeth when in a stressful situation. This is why it is no surprise that Vitarelli dental receives a lot of patients who experience oral problems due to clenching or grinding their teeth. 

Grinding teeth, especially at night, is a hard habit to give up. This is why you should invest in anti-stress objects or toys to relieve stress. 

  • Sometimes it is hard to tell if the grinding is responsible for teeth problems, but one telltale sign is the soreness of facial muscles and jaw when you wake up in the morning. 

Grinding teeth can result in serious enamel erosion which is worse than exposing your teeth to acidic foods, sugary foods, and dried fruit. If you are still unable to give up this habit, talk to one of our dentists and get a specially made mouthguard for yourself. 

Alcohol and Caffeine

  • It’s well known that soda is bad for your teeth due to high amounts of sugar, carbonation, and sweeteners. Similarly, caffeine can also endanger your oral health especially if you like adding sugar to every single cup you drink.

Caffeine is also known to dry out your mouth. When the mouth is dry, it becomes especially vulnerable to decay and gum disease because the lack of saliva means that your mouth’s natural way of rinsing harmful bacteria is lost. 

  • Alcohol, when consumed consistently can damage your oral health too. Alcohol also reduces the flow of saliva in your mouth, much like caffeinated drinks loaded with sugar. Heavy alcohol consumption is also linked to oral cancers.

You’ve Still Got Hope

If one of these common yet surprising things have caused damage to tooth enamel to the point that it has led to tooth decay or tooth loss, there is still hope. Vitarelli Dental deals with patients with such problems occasionally and we usually recommend full or partial dentures when the condition worsens to the point that tooth extraction becomes necessary. 

For more detailed information on how you can save your mouth from such dangers, schedule an appointment today or walk into one of our dental offices in Saddle River and Madison

How Oral Health Can Impact The Quality of Your Life

Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing your family flash bright smiles while all of you are having a good time. Cheerful smiles not only make you and your family good in front of others but can also boost self-esteem. 

Your oral health has a lot to do with your well-being. The American Heart Association published a statement in 2012 supporting the association of gum disease and heart disease. The report states that scientific data do not indicate that flossing or treatment of gum disease will decrease the risks leading to heart attacks and stroke. But there are many studies that show an association between gum disease and several other serious health conditions including heart disease. 

Thus, a clean and robust set of teeth is a must for every family member’s overall health.  

Nevertheless, every family member, be it children, or an adult has a different set of dental and oral needs. Our family-friendly dentists at Vitarelli Dental in Saddle River, New Jersey understand what these distinct needs are, ensuring that everyone gets treatments and check-ups appropriate for their particular problem.  

Routine Preventive Care for the Family 

It’s worth emphasizing that prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to your family’s oral health. In this regard, everyone needs to go to the dentist once every four months for routine preventive care.  

Regular dental check-ups such as these ensure that potential problems are detected as early as possible so that preventive measures can be taken. That way, you can keep your family’s smiles sparkling, strong, and healthy. During a routine check-up, your dentist will: 

  • Inspect your teeth for signs of decay and demineralization to prevent tooth loss 
  • Perform an intensive mouth cleaning procedure known as “prophylaxis” 
  • Assess your children’s teeth and jaw development for healthy teeth and gums  
  • Check your teeth for possible crookening in their alignment 
  • Perform treatments needed to defend your teeth from problems that have been spotted 
  • Educate and advice you on daily oral hygiene practices 
  • Answer your questions about oral health in a language you understand 
  • Evaluate your risk for oral cancer and other dangerous oral health problems 

Preventive visits are also more economical than going to the dentist after a problem has already occurred. You can avoid tooth extractions, tooth decay, bad breath, dry mouth, restoration surgeries, injections, and drugs – all of which are expensive, uncomfortable and a hassle.  

Your Children and Their Dentist 

Good oral health is especially necessary for newborn babies. It’s important to schedule their first visit to the dentist once they turn six months old. A baby’s teeth are more sensitive than that of an adult’s. Our Pediatric Dentistry services will help you understand preventive measures for the protection of your child’s delicate teeth and overall oral health.  

Other potential problems can be detected and addressed, such as those related to your child’s tongue and teeth growth, which may affect their speech in the future. Thus, no age is too early when it comes to oral health and hygiene. Get the higher ground on cavities and complications by starting earlier rather than later. 

There’s also a psychological reason why you should take your child to a dentist while they’re at an early age.  

Visiting a dentist while your child is at the socializing stage helps them grow comfortable with the environment of the clinic as well as its processes. Regular dental visits become part of their normal routine. In the process, they will familiarize themselves with their dentist. This, in turn, prevents tears and anxiety from arising during later years as your baby grows into a toddler.  

Health Conditions Linked to Oral Health

Oral health contributes to a variety of diseases and conditions, some of which may surprise you. Here are the diseases that are linked to oral health. 

  • Pneumonia. If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth, certain bacteria left behind in your mouth can be pulled into your lungs which can lead to respiratory diseases like pneumonia. So it is very important to keep your oral health in check especially if you already have a cavity or any other oral health problem.
  • Endocarditis. Did you know that the infection of the inner lining of your heart chambers or valves usually occurs when the bacteria from other parts of your body such as the inside of your mouth, spread through the bloodstream and attach to areas of the heart? 
  • Birth complications. Studies have shown that periodontitis is linked to premature birth. In certain scenarios, it can also lead to low birth weight in the newborn baby. 
  • Cardiovascular disease. The connection between heart health and oral health isn’t fully understood yet, but there is significant research that suggests the two are linked. For example, research suggests that the bacteria inside your mouth can lead to infections and inflammation that are directly linked to clogged arteries and stroke. 

Protect Your Oral Health, Protect Your Life

Good oral hygiene practices are just the start of protecting your teeth and gums, you’ll need to regularly visit the dentist to prevent the bigger problems. Schedule an appointment for your entire family with Vitarelli dental today and turn boring dental visits into family bonding time! 

Our dentists provide valuable information for keeping oral health in check for the whole family. Make oral hygiene part of family culture and values by visiting our Saddle River or Madison, New Jersey dental clinics for a regular check-up. You can also apply for an appointment online.

How to Eat Your Way to Great Dental Health

Nowadays, the composition of food is being tinkered with, making some selections compound-rich in one way or another. Therefore, chances are that standard dental measures won’t cut it anymore. While brushing your teeth two times a day may seem like a good way to maintain your oral health, there’s a lot more to it than brushing and flossing.

The secret to great teeth

One of the key components behind stellar dental health is actually taking note of what you eat and how it can affect your teeth, especially because your dietary choices can play a significant part in determining their health.

The choices that you make when it comes to food can cause problems for your teeth, such as periodontal disease, tooth decay, gingivitis, and other nasty oral health issues. That said, while there are wrong ways to eat for your teeth, you can also make certain dietary choices to keep them healthy. 

Which kinds of food should you be eating?

Clueless as to how you can eat your way to better oral health? Partner your flossing, brushing, and regular checkups with proper dietary habits. You should eat more of the following kinds of food:

1. Food packed with calcium and phosphorous

In order to remain intact for heavy daily use, your teeth rely on its enamel, which is a protective coating that makes sure your pearly whites don’t pick up any cavities or discoloration along the way. However, in order for the enamel on your teeth to be up to par in terms of strength and quality, you’ll have to include a substantial amount of calcium and phosphorous in your daily diet. When trying to eat for stronger enamel, pick certain types of foods rich in calcium and phosphorus such as yoghurt, hard cheese, almonds, tofu, milk, eggs, nuts, red meat, and seeds!

2. Foods that are naturally crunchy in texture

Including more crunchy foods such as carrots, apples, celery, and cucumbers in your diet can make a huge difference in the health of your teeth. Unbeknownst to most people, foods that are naturally crunchy can deep clean your teeth. With every chew, more bits of plaque on your teeth will be removed. Naturally crunchy foods can also inhibit your tongue’s production of saliva to clean your teeth. 

3. Food packed with vitamin C

Aside from keeping your immune system in check, Vitamin C also plays a vital role in ensuring constant collagen production, a protein that helps keep your gums healthy enough to fight off periodontal disease and gingivitis. Adding certain foods rich in Vitamin C (such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and kale) to your diet can improve and preserve the health of your gums. 

4. Drink 6 to 8 liters of water a day

Although most doctors and health magazines have already reminded you to drink as much water as possible everyday, we can’t stress the importance of doing so enough. Water helps your mouth produce enough saliva to protect your teeth. With increased saliva, your teeth will be given the necessary proteins and minerals to keep your chompers plaque-free. 

5. Get as much vitamin D as possible

Other than strengthening your bones and avoiding scurvy, taking in a daily dose of Vitamin D can give your teeth some much-needed reinforcement. Compared to all your other body parts, your teeth and mouth are used the most, which means that you’ll need to drink one glass of milk a day, and each vitamin D-rich foods such as egg yolks and fatty fish. 

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.

6 Tips for Improving Dental Health and Hygiene

Your mouth not only allows you to eat your favorite foods and provide nutrition for your body, but it also lets you communicate and express yourself, helping improve and maintain social interaction. A healthy mouth and an excellent set of teeth also make for high self-esteem. Furthermore, it also functions like a “window” to your health, as it gives signals that may indicate health problems. 

For instance, pale and/or bleeding gums may mean that you have a blood disorder. Meanwhile, lowered bone level in one’s lower jaw is symptomatic of osteoporosis. Evidence shows that poor oral health is significantly associated with various health conditions and issues, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, diabetes, stomach ulcers, and oral cancer. 

As for the mouth area, two main issues affect its health:

  • Dental caries – refers to the invasion of bacteria on the tooth, demineralizing the surface that results in the formation of holes
  • Gum disease – refers to the invasion of bacteria along the gum line, causing inflammation as a result of damage on the tissues and bones supporting the teeth

By improving oral hygiene, you can prevent these problems and even improve your overall health. Here are some tips for improving dental hygiene and preventing tooth and gum diseases.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.

It’s not necessary to brush your teeth after every meal, but you must see to it that you do so twice a day – once in the morning and at night. Brushing your teeth is very important in preventing plaque and bacteria buildup that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Furthermore, it’s also vital that you practice proper brushing technique. An excellent technique to follow is the Modifies Bass technique, wherein you hold the brush head at a 45-degree angle so that the brush is slightly touching the gums. Then, move the brush in tiny circular motions. You may also brush in small horizontal strokes at least 20 times per tooth. Take note not to brush too vigorously to prevent damaging the tooth surface and wounding the gums.

Floss every day.

Brushing is not enough, as you should also floss at least once a day. Flossing reaches the crevices that your toothbrush can’t. So, if you want a thoroughly clean mouth, flossing is the way to go.

Invest in an oral irrigator.

Oral irrigators are newer teeth cleaning aids that work by pumping water in either a steady or pulsating setting. They are designed to flush away tiny food particles and bacterial byproducts. They resemble the cleaning tool used by dentists.

Reduce sugar intake.

Sugar reacts with the bacteria in the saliva, forming an acid that erodes the tooth enamel, the protective layer on the surface of the teeth. As much as possible, reduce your intake of sugary and starchy food, which makes you healthier overall.

Use fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride helps protect and strengthen your tooth enamel so it won’t get easily damaged by tooth decay.

Don’t forget your tongue and cheeks.

When brushing, don’t forget to brush your tongue and underside of the cheeks. They can also harbor bacteria. You can use your soft-bristled toothbrush or a tongue scraper.

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.

What Makes a Good Dentist? Here’s What to Look Out For

Are you having a hard time convincing your young children to visit a dentist? It’s possible that they are terrified of the idea of going to a dental clinic and having to face those sharp dental tools as the dentist extracts a tooth. It appears that most dentists aren’t child-friendly. Even adults carefully choose the right dentist who will do their dental works. So the question is, what makes a good dentist? What are the top qualities of an effective dentist? Read on to find out more!

Knowledge

Experience and knowledge are what you should look for in a dentist. You don’t want to put your dental structures at risk. Even a simple tooth extraction may seem rather scary, particularly because of the associated pain. If you know that your dentist is an expert in the field of dentistry, you’ll feel more comfortable and relaxed. The knowledge of your dentist can certainly make a difference. By the mere touch, you’d know.

Skills

It’s best having to deal with a dentist who has various skills in dentistry. You would know by the types of services your dentist offers. Your dentist doesn’t only perform basic oral prophylaxis and tooth extraction. Your dentist has a wide array of dental services – from periodontic treatments to cosmetic dentistry. Knowing that your dentist has a broad scope of dental services can make a big difference.

Teaching

It’s best to have a dentist who educates the client. You are lucky if your regular dentist advises on how to brush or floss your teeth properly. Your dentist makes a suggestion on what dental works to perform in the future. Your dentist then recommends what toothpaste brands or products to purchase. During the actual procedure, your dentist explains the situation as honestly as possible and even encourages questions from you and thoroughly addresses them.

Kindness

You can never go wrong with kindness. Chances are dentists with a tender touch is what separates the good from the bad ones. In most cases, clients change their dentists because of their mere touch. Rough dental work can surely induce a phobia and keep you away from such a dental clinic. Those dentists who genuinely care are reflected in their touch. You will also feel cared for when given sound advice on how to take care of your teeth. Your dentist won’t merely make money out of you by recommending any sorts of dental procedures; instead, will clearly explain your dental situation and recommend what’s best for you.

Pleasant Atmosphere

Finally, a pleasant, inviting atmosphere can certainly make a huge difference. This is crucial, especially when you have kids who need to undergo dental works. This is why some families choose a family dentist who will do the dental works because of the utmost trust and confidence. As much as possible, you would want a dentist who makes the dental procedures a pleasant experience and the same goes for your children. In such a case, your children will enjoy going to the dental office and look forward to their next visit!

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.

7 Ways to Reduce and Get Rid of Tooth Sensitivity

Do you often experience sharp teeth and gum sensations when performing normal activities such as drinking, eating, and brushing? This means one thing: you have sensitive teeth. You’ve probably always wondered what you can do to treat your sensitive teeth to finally enjoy everything you eat and drink without suffering from pain.

Fortunately, there are various ways to reduce teeth sensitivity. Here are some:

Use a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth.

Using toothpaste for sensitive teeth regularly can help prevent and alleviate tooth sensitivity. These products usually have unique ingredients that temporarily fill the tiny holes on the tooth’s enamel and dentin. As a result, food and drinks can’t get to the tooth’s sensitive nerves.

Use a soft toothbrush.

Look at your toothbrush and touch its bristles. If they’re too stiff, then they’re too harsh for your teeth. If you keep on using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, you’ll make your sensitivity worse. Stiff bristles, especially when combined with abrasive toothpaste, can create microscopic holes on the enamel. As a result, these holes lead to further sensitivity. Stiff-bristled toothbrushes can also worsen gum recession, which leaves your dentin and nerves exposed.

The soft-bristled brush helps maintain gum health and preserve the surface of the teeth.

Use a mouthguard to prevent teeth grinding at night.

Bruxism, which refers to the act of grinding one’s teeth at night during sleep, can lead to daytime teeth sensitivity. If you’re known to have a bruxism problem, tell your dentist about it. Your dentist can make a custom mouthguard that you can wear while sleeping. The mouthguard will protect the teeth from the pressure caused by teeth grinding, preventing damage that leads to sensitivity.

Have your gums checked.

Unhealthy, receding, and diseased gums is one of the primary causes of tooth sensitivity. When the gum tissues break down and move away from the tooth’s surface, the part of the tooth that does not naturally have enamel becomes exposed. As a result, the nerves become unprotected as well. Your dentist can determine if your gums’ unsatisfactory condition causes your tooth sensitivity, and will recommend solutions to restore gum health.

Gurgle with saltwater mouthwash.

Saltwater mouthwash can help reduce tooth sensitivity rather quickly. This is because the saltwater can balance the pH level inside your mouth. It creates an alkaline environment, reducing bacterial growth. Saltwater mouthwash also helps reduce plaque buildup. Mix two teaspoons of salt with a cup of warm water. Gurgle your mouth in the morning and at night.

Try swishing with liquified coconut oil.

Oil pulling, which is the act of swishing coconut oil around your mouth, has been used in different cultures as an effective oral health aid. Coconut oil is known to prevent bacterial growth. It also breaks down plaque and removes toxins and germs from the gum’s surface. Coconut oil can also whiten your teeth over time! Take a tablespoon of liquified coconut oil, then swish it around your mouth for 20 seconds before spitting it out.

Ask your dentist about dental varnishes and coatings.

Fluoride varnishes are known to help reduce tooth sensitivity. There are also other types of coatings that can be applied to protect and strengthen the dentin and enamel. Ask your dentist about these options if they haven’t recommended it yet.

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.

All You Need to Know About Dental Fillings: Causes, Process, and Maintenance

A cavity isn’t a dental issue only experienced by those who seem to have never touched a toothbrush in their lives. In fact, plenty of people develop cavities in spite of brushing twice (or thrice) a day, not eating sweets, and flossing every other hour. If you consider yourself a relatively good brusher but have still been informed that you’ve got a cavity, there’s no need to panic! Treatment is easy and simple.

Now, before you run straight to the dentist and ask for the next appointment to get a dental filling treatment, understanding why and how cavities occur is essential to understanding why the dreaded black spots and spaces have been showing up and how you can prevent any more. Let’s jump right in!

Understanding how fillings work and where they work best

Before all else, why is it that getting a filling is the first response to dealing with cavities? First and foremost, we’ll have to understand how fillings work: 

A filling is a type of dental treatment that involves having a protective layer applied to any loose spots or cavities on your teeth to prevent further tooth decay. This reduces the discomfort you may feel from cold food or drink as well as lessens the likelihood of tooth discoloration. However, as time goes by and bad habits (such as improper brushing or not brushing at all) take place, food particles and plaque are left on the teeth for an extended duration of time to accumulate bacteria and toxins that dissolve the enamel on your teeth. After going through discolouration from white, to yellow, to brown, and then black, your teeth will eventually be filled with cavities if you leave them unaddressed. 

Alongside cavities, there’s another reason why getting a filling is absolutely important to keep your teeth healthy: tooth decay. If you have discolored areas in the valleys and grooves of your back teeth, dark or greyish to black areas on your front teeth, or food constantly lodged in the holes of your teeth, then it’s only a matter of time before your dentist declares that you’ve got tooth decay. This dental problem usually starts with a slight sensitivity to cold water and a certain level of sensitivity when eating sweets. Later, it grows to experience slight pain when biting or chewing until the pain eventually becomes unbearable. However, with the right treatment and filling process, you can stop the pain that you’ll experience with tooth decay.

The filling process

Depending on the state of your pearly whites, the fillings that your dentist will prescribe for your teeth will range from materials such as silver fillings to glass ionomer cements. In most cases, however, you’ll be treated with a composite material. During the application process, the composite material will start out as a soft, gum-like plastic that eventually chemically bonds with your teeth and hardens with the help of a UV light.

In terms of costs, the amount you’ll have to shell out for fillings will vary depending on the material used, the size of the filling, the amount of the remaining tooth structure, and your dentist’s skill and experience. These factors ultimately affect the quality of your filling as well.

Post-process care

After your filling, you can expect that your teeth will eventually look as good as new as long as you maintain them properly and follow a strict dental routine that is usually prescribed by your dentist. However, you may experience mild to moderate sensitivity while eating or chewing in the first 48 hours after the filling procedure. Depending on the mix of materials used, the quality of the procedure, and the skill of your dentist, your filling can last anything from three to seven years, assuming you take good care of it and avoid any accidents. 

In order to maintain your tooth fillings and keep them up to spec, you may have to visit your dentist monthly or quarterly to ensure that your fillings are being treated well and are being maintained for longevity.

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.

How to Protect Your Child From Tooth Decay – Our Guide

Tooth decay is one of the most widespread oral diseases in children. In fact, the Surgeon General has even called tooth decay the silent epidemic. It was found that the pain from a toothache caused by tooth decay is almost the same as a broken arm or leg.

If you think that your little ones with little teeth are safe from cavities, think again. Even a one-year-old child with one tooth can get a cavity. With the excessive and high frequency of sugar exposures, children are now more prone to tooth decay than ever before, especially with poor tooth brushing and lack of fluoride exposure.

Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to prevent tooth decay and save your precious children from that kind of pain. Here are some of them:

1. Establish a Tooth Brushing Routine

You may not realize this, but children respond well to routines. The earlier your child gets in the habit of tooth brushing, the more likely they are going to carry that over into adolescence. Children may resist at first, but they should start to ease into the routine with constant reinforcement.

2. Keep Them Under Supervision

If your kid is younger than eight, help them brush their teeth and supervise them until they turn eleven. While eight-year-olds are skilled enough to tie their own shoes, they usually lack the skills to brush their own teeth properly. Therefore, as a parent, you need to make sure that their teeth are cleaned thoroughly to prevent cavities. Even when your kid is able to brush their own teeth, you should still keep an eye on them to make sure that they are doing it well. 

3. Make Regular Visits to the Dentist

Just as regular dentist appointments are crucial for adults, they are also important for kids as well. By visiting the dentist regularly, your kid will come to the realization on their own that oral health is an essential part of their overall health. Moreover, any early signs of tooth decay can be detected, and the problem can be stopped from progressing further.

4. Brush Their Teeth With Fluoride Toothpaste

Make sure that you get a toothpaste with fluoride for kids older than two. Check the recommended amount on the packaging and follow accordingly. When your kid finished brushing their teeth, have them spit out the toothpaste without rinsing. This is so that the fluoride can remain on their teeth to provide extra protection.

5. Reduce Sugar Intake

An excessive amount of sugar intake is one of the main culprits of tooth decay in children. Therefore, you should pay more attention to what your children eat, and most importantly, limit their sugar intake. 

6. Display Good Behavior

One thing that you can easily do to help your child develop a good oral habit is to take good care of your own teeth. Children love to imitate adults, and they will follow your good behavior if you consistently show them. For example, by brushing every night before going to bed, your kid will start to develop the habit as well.

Takeaway

Tooth decay can be painful. If you want to protect your child from having to go through this unpleasantness, then strictly follow the tips above.

Vitarelli Dental is a dental office based in Madison NJ, get in touch today to see how we can help you maintain a great set of teeth.