Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

When you consume hot and cold beverages do you try to avoid touching your teeth? Have you stopped eating apples because you just can’t take the pain of biting into one? If you’ve answered yes to one or both of these questions, your teeth are sensitive for a reason. Most commonly, teeth become sensitive due to a lack of proper oral hygiene. But in other cases, you may be brushing just a little too hard. Fortunately, our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. have several solutions for reducing tooth sensitivity.

Proper oral hygiene is ideal for preventing sensitive teeth. However, if you already brush twice a day for at least two minutes and floss at least once a day, possible causes of sensitive teeth may include tooth decay (cavities), fractured teeth, gum disease, or an exposed tooth root. The type of treatment that is recommended will depend on the cause of the tooth sensitivity. Some methods include desensitizing toothpaste, fluoride gel, and/or a dental crown.

If you have questions or concerns about dental technology, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Scaling and Root Planing

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and is fortunately easy to treat.  However, when left untreated it progresses into periodontitis, which causes permanent damage.  Bridge Smiles Dental Group offers scaling and root planing, two parts of a deep-cleaning procedure meant to stop gum disease in its tracks.

Scaling and root planing is a simple and non-invasive procedure done in the office.  It begins with scaling, the term for the dentist removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the tooth all the way down to the gums. Depending on the case, a dentist may recommend completing this process over two appointments, and a patient may request local anesthetic.  This is followed by root planing, which means minor contouring to the surface of the tooth near the root.  When gums have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to, new growth of tissue is encouraged and gums heal giving the patient a clean slate against gum disease.

 

To learn more about scaling root planing, and all the services available at our practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Caring for Invisalign

Bridge Smiles Dental Group recommends Invisalign for patients with mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Invisalign’s clear aligner system straightens teeth without the metallic look of braces. Another perk of Invisalign clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners!

You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning your clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use a mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

If you have any more questions about Invisalign at our practice, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.