Oral Surgery for Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops and has the potential to be serious. There are several surgical procedures that aid in correcting this problem, such as Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), which we at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. are proud to offer our patients. Stanford Health Care describes UPPP as a surgery that “consists of tissue rearrangement at the uvula, palate and throat walls in order to increase the airway size and decrease tissue collapse.”

 

UPPP is the most common surgical procedure for treating sleep apnea, though it is not always successful. A tracheostomy procedure may be performed next, where a breathing tube is placed lower in the windpipe. This tube is closed during the day to allow the patient to breathe and speak normally, but is opened during sleep to allow another passageway to breath should any blockages occur. 

 

Common symptoms of sleep apnea include:

 

- Loud snoring

- Moments during sleep when you stop breathing (usually reported by your partner)

- Gasping for air during sleep

- Waking with a dry mouth

- Morning headaches

- Insomnia

- Hypersomnia

- Difficulty concentrating

- Irritability

 

Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. has two locations for your convenience. Our first office is located on 820 US Hwy 202 North in Neshanic Station, NJ 08853. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-782-4418. Our second office is located on 15 North Bridge St. in Somerville, NJ 08876. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-725-0400. For more information, feel free to also visit our website at bridgesmilesdental.com.

 

Denture Stomatitis

Good oral hygiene is important for everybody, but people who wear dentures face some particular issues. We provide general dental care to a lot of people with prosthetic teeth at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group, and we want each of them to understand that cleaning their dentures is just as important as cleaning natural teeth. Today we’re talking about denture stomatitis, why it’s a problem, and what you can do about it.

Denture stomatitis is the name for a yeast infection related to oral appliances. Candida fungus is always present in the mouth, but normally it is kept under control by saliva and ordinary brushing and flossing. Saliva contains enzymes that break down fungus and helps to wash away yeast’s food source. But when a patient wears dentures that adhere to the roof of their mouth, the roof will not be exposed to as much saliva, and yeast will be able to colonize there. People who wear dentures that are misshapen or the wrong size are also at risk for chapping at the corners of their mouths, creating a home for pathogens.

An infection can be identified by the red bumps it creates, but the patient may not feel anything. They will have to do visual inspections on themselves. Dentures should be kept wet whenever they are not in use and need to be brushed daily. Wearers should also brush the inside of their mouths each morning before putting their dentures in.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Senior Dental Health

At Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., patients of all ages are welcome! This includes our older clients. Dental health grows increasingly important as one grows older. Senior citizens are at a higher risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, and requiring extraction. Consistent dental care is a must. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Samuel Meghadri today! Contact our offices in Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ.

 

Many physical tasks become harder with age. You might find yourself struggling with even brushing your teeth! If this is the case, there are a few tips that can help. First, your Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ dentist recommends an electric toothbrush. These provide the same amount of care, if not better, than a manual toothbrush. Plus, electric toothbrushes require less physical exertion. It is a great investment for your dental toolkit.

 

Everyone struggles with brushing their back molars, especially our elderly patients. There is a simple trick that helps. Try elongating the toothbrush handle. It’s really simple! Look around your home for materials like foam, rubber, or even tongue depressors. Wrap the handle in these products, making it longer.

 

If you live or take care of an older individual, your involvement is important too. Remind them to brush twice a day and floss daily. Help them with any physical tasks that they struggle with. If they can’t drive, take them to their dental appointments or find someone who can. Many senior patients need more frequent dental appointments. This can get expensive, which is why many communities provide discounted programs. Reach out to your local social services or public health office.

 

At Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., we believe a healthy mouth equals a healthy life! Talk to our staff in our Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ offices to schedule an appointment. Dr. Samuel Meghadri is available for scheduling over the phone or through our website. For the Neshanic Station, NJ office, call 908-782-4418. To reach the Somerville, NJ office, dial 908-725-0400.

Dry Mouth

At Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., Dr. Samuel Meghadri provides quality dental care for all patients. He’s familiar with all oral and dental conditions, including Xerostomia. This is commonly referred to as Dry Mouth. This disorder makes all everyday tasks difficult. From simple things like talking, chewing, and swallowing, your entire quality of life is lowered. We recommend you contact our offices in Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ, right away.

 

It may seem weird to think about, but your saliva plays an important role in your everyday life! It is necessary for your dental health. Saliva cleans your mouth while also removing any leftover food debris. Without a normal amount of spit, your teeth aren’t properly sanitized. You are at risk for tooth decay and plaque. Scheduling an appointment right away with your Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ, dentist is the best course of action.

 

The first important step is determining what is causing your dry mouth. Dr. Meghadri will ask you a few precursory questions. Be forthcoming with any relevant medical history and current medications. At the moment, there are over 500 different medications that cause dry mouth. Do your research before taking any medication. Even if it seems harmless, there’s always a chance of a negative reaction. You might want to talk to your prescribing physician about going on an alternative medication. Autoimmune disorders also put you at risk. Certain conditions, like Sjögren's syndrome, are characterized by salivary dysfunction. Medical treatments are also a possible cause. Chemotherapy is known to create dry mouth.

 

Your treatment depends entirely on what is causing the condition to manifest. Regardless, we have a few general tips for reducing your dry mouth symptoms. Start by reducing your sugar intake. Try cutting out things like soda, tea, alcohol, and coffee. Replace these with simple H2O. Water keeps your saliva flowing and your mouth fresh. You can also invest in certain over-the-counter treatments. Look at your local grocery store or supermarket for these products. They provide dry mouth relief in toothpaste, mouthwash, and gel form.

 

Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. is located in Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Samuel Meghadri, visit our website or call. For the Neshanic Station office, call 908-782-4418. To reach the Somerville office, dial 908-725-0400.

Advancements in Dentistry

At Bridge Smile Dental Group, we pride ourselves on staying current with the advancements of dentistry. The more knowledge we have or the more technology we can offer our patients, the better we can treat their issues. Below are a few exciting advancements in dentistry in recent years.

- AXESS Sedation Mask: Cantel Medical unveiled a new nitrous oxide/oxygen nasal sedation mask in an effort to optimize comfort, decrease anxiety in children, reduce chances of displacement, and allow easy access to the mouth for dental procedures. 

- Better bonding and filling materials: Bonding materials today are made from resin, which is shinier and lasts longer than the substance used in the past. Wider ranges of shades are also available for better blending to the tooth’s natural color. 

- 3D printing: Dentists are now able to print denture bases and surgical guides all within their own practice, cutting down on the time it would take a third party to do this. 

- Digital impressions: Say goodbye to putty teeth impressions! Images can now be taken with scanners that absorb large amounts of data within seconds. These renderings are of higher quality than those created by traditional means.

- Gum disease treatments: Lasers, membranes, bone grafts, or proteins that simulate growth can be used to regenerate bone and tissue in an effort to treat gum disease.

- Laser dentistry: A diode laser is now an option for detecting and removing cavities.

- Thinner veneers: New materials now make it possible to create thinner veneers that are just as strong as its predecessor. This also means that less of the tooth surface is reduced, keeping more of the natural tooth intact.

 

 Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. has two locations for your convenience. Our first office is located on 820 US Hwy 202 North in Neshanic Station, NJ 08853. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-782-4418. Our second office is located on 15 North Bridge St. in Somerville, NJ 08876. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-725-0400. For more information, feel free to also visit our website at bridgesmilesdental.com.

 

 

Importance of Mouth Guards for Athletes

While preventing head trauma is always the main concern during contact sports, some people rarely consider protecting their teeth another vital area to shield. We at Bridge Smiles Dental Group recommend athletes of any age to wear a mouth guard while participating in high impact sports, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball/softball, and soccer. You are given only one smile unique to you, it’s up to you to protect it!

In addition to mouth guards protecting the structural integrity of your teeth, they also protect against jaw damage and lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Mouth guards have also been proven to decrease the risk of concussions. What’s better than even more ways to protect yourself from serious head trauma? While mouth guards are available in most sporting goods stores, these don’t always offer the best protection since they can be ill-fitting.

A custom made mouth guard is the best option if you want to have the highest level of comfort and protection. It is created with thin, hardened plastic specifically to fit your mouth and your mouth only. The thinness of a custom mouth guard also allows for easy breathing and communication between your teammates. To ensure optimal protection on the field, court, or rink, contact Bridge Smiles Dental Group about custom made mouth guards.

Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. has two locations for your convenience. Our first office is located on 820 US Hwy 202 North in Neshanic Station, NJ 08853. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-782-4418. Our second office is located on 15 North Bridge St. in Somerville, NJ 08876. To make an appointment at this location, please call 908-725-0400. For more information, feel free to also visit our website at bridgesmilesdental.com.

 

Benefits of Panoramic X-Rays

In order to get the best care, you need to visit a clinic with the best tools. We at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group often provide patients with dental restorations and orthodontic services. To plan our patients’ treatments and monitor their progress, we use three-dimensional panoramic imaging, a type of x-ray more commonly known as a Panorex.

Use of the Panorex does not require any special effort on the patient’s part. After removing metallic objects from their person, they will bite down on a hard piece of plastic that is used to position their jaws. They will then stand still for about twenty seconds while the Panorex’s panels rotate around their head. The machine’s height may be adjusted as needed.

The Panorex will produce a digital image that can be used with software that helps us to predict future tooth migration. The patient is not required to hold film in their mouth, as is needed for older x-ray machines, and there is less risk of radiation exposure. The 3-D image is crucial for determining whether the patient is a good candidate for implants, planning wisdom tooth extractions, and detecting abnormalities in jaw bone tissue. It also allows us to monitor dental wear and instability associated with temporomandibular joint disorder.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Causes of Bad Breath

Do you often have bad breath? It may not be something you ate. We’re dedicated to helping our patients maintain their oral health at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group, and we want our patients to be aware of the signs of infection and other problems. Halitosis, or bad breath, is one of the most significant indicators that your oral hygiene needs more attention.

Bacteria colonize the papillae of the tongue and the spaces between tooth roots and the surrounding gum tissue. Their secretions turn into plaque, and eventually, tartar. Oral bacteria excretions are foul-smelling, and the more food debris oral bacteria have to feed on, the more secretions they’ll produce. They may also consume other biological material, such as nasal discharge that lands in the back of the throat.

Scent related to infections will be worse when the patient lacks saliva to neutralize bacterial acid. Other conditions that can contribute to halitosis are those such as diabetes which create an elevated risk of gingivitis. People may also suffer from bad breath if they have frequent bouts of acid reflux, which may be related to a diet high in citrus juice, alcohol, or red meat. Regular brushing and flossing is crucial to mitigating all of these, as is use of a tongue scraper and mouthwash.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Getting Veneers

If you have chipped, cracked, or slightly gapped teeth, you may not need to have the entire crown replaced. The Bridge Smiles Dental Group in northern New Jersey offers dental veneers to restore your smile. Within two weeks, we can provide you with prosthetic tooth surfaces that will remake your appearance for years.

A veneer is a piece or porcelain that adheres to the front of a tooth. Before we can place it, we must shave a bit of enamel off the patient’s natural tooth to make room for it. (This is done while that patient is numbed.) We will then make an impression of the patient’s reshaped teeth, which we will send to a dental laboratory. While the patient is wearing temporary prosthetic teeth, the dental laboratory is milling their custom-fitted and colored veneers. This will take about two weeks. Once they’re finished, the patient will return to us, and we’ll apply an etching acid to their teeth in order to increase the teeth’s surface area. The veneers can then be cemented on, and the patient will soon be eating and speaking normally.

Veneers can last for ten years when cared for properly. The patient will have to brush and floss as normal and should be careful to wear a mouthguard during physical activity. If the veneer is being used to correct minor crookedness in a tooth, the patient may find that their oral hygiene will become easier to maintain.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Cleaning a Night Guard

Night Guards are crucial oral appliance for people who suffer from bruxism, or night time teeth grinding. Not only to they prevent the teeth from grinding each other down and reduce incidences of obstructive sleep apnea, they also prevent the patient from developing pain in their temporomandibular joints and necks. Different models of night guards will have different rules about cleanliness, but we at Bridge Smiles Dental Group wanted to remind our patients of their importance. Proper hygiene will extend the night guard’s life.

Most night guards should be kept dry when not in use, but there are a few that should be kept wet, according to their manufacturer. These manufacturers will often sell cleaning solution to submerge them in. Regardless of model, a night guard needs to be cleaned on a daily basis and so does the case that contains it. As with all oral appliances, they should be brushed with soft-bristled toothbrushes and with antibacterial soap or gentle toothpaste. Minerals such as fluoride may scratch their plastic, allowing bacteria to colonize them and create a foul odor. Night guards are also vulnerable to warping if they are subjected to extreme heat. Patients should only have them repaired by professionals and should have them updated if their teeth are changing position. They should also always brush and floss their teeth before inserting an oral appliance.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gum disease is common, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to it. While this is expected, it is still a potential threat to a woman’s oral health. We at Bridge Smiles Dental Group care for whole families and want our patients to be as comfortable as possible during pregnancy, so we thought we’d explain a bit more about what causes gingivitis.

Plaque contains acid produced by bacteria in the gum pockets. It is sticky and hardens into tartar. When gum tissue is irritated by acid and tartar, it triggers the body’s inflammatory response. Swelling makes it harder for infectious materials to flow to the rest of the body and easier for antibodies to move through membranes, but the gum tissue also becomes painful and red. When a woman is pregnant, her body will produce large amounts of the hormone progesterone, which triggers the growth of new blood vessels. Progesterone will make the gums particularly responsive to irritants.

Pregnancy gingivitis usually ends with the pregnancy, but it may develop into a more serious infection. As always, brushing and flossing are a patient’s best defense, although she may also want to try non-alcoholic mouthwash. If a woman is snacking more, she’ll also need to clean her teeth more frequently, or at least chew on sugar-free gum after meals. We can provide patients with deep cleanings to remove tartar from their gum pockets and give them refreshers on oral hygiene.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Treating Intrinsic Stains

Cosmetic dentistry and root canals are both among our specialties at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group. Did you know that there are some circumstances that require both kinds of treatments? Intrinsic stains are much rarer than extrinsic ones, but when they occur, you want our experienced dentists on your side.

An extrinsic stain is one that develops on the outside of the enamel as a result of something the patient regularly consumes. Intrinsic stains affect the pulp. Sometimes they form due to the circumstances of the tooth’s development, such as when the patient was exposed to high levels of fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics. These would cause a tooth to be brown or black. But when intrinsic stains develop later in life, they indicate an injury. Infected dental pulp will appear black or some shade of red. They also sometimes give off a bad taste and smell and may be especially sensitive.

We’ll do a root canal procedure to remove infected dental pulp and prevent it from posing a further threat to the patient. Although we frequently use implants to replace teeth, it is to a patient’s benefit to save the natural tooth whenever possible. After the root canal, we’ll fill the empty pulp chamber with whitening solution and seal it. A week later, we can remove the solution and fill the tooth in normally, leaving it with a white crown. A veneer may be added, if necessary.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Dental Avulsion

We hope that you’ll never need to know what to do if you get a tooth knocked out. But if it does happen, there are things you can do to improve your chances of recovery. Although we frequently place dental implants at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we don’t underestimate the benefits of keeping natural teeth healthy and we encourage patients to remember the following advice.

“Dental Avulsion” is what we call it when an entire tooth is knocked out of its socket. Ideally, there will be a first aid kit nearby that contains a tooth saving kit approved by the American Dental Association. But if not, the tooth should be picked up by its crown, washed in a saline solution, and then placed back in the socket. If the patient is unable to tell which way the tooth should be facing or is unable to reinsert it, the tooth may be held in the cheek or in a jar of milk while the patient makes an emergency trip to the dentist. (There is a limited amount of time during which teeth can be saved, but gashes to the face should take higher priority.)

Reinserting the tooth will only work if it is a permanent one and relatively undamaged. Dentists do not reinsert baby teeth because doing so may cause them to fuse with the jaw bone instead of being pushed out naturally later. But a juvenile patient may be referred to an orthodontist to keep the gap open until a permanent tooth emerges. A tooth that is cracked at the root cannot be saved, either, but it may be replaced with a partial denture or implant.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Periodontal Splinting

Losing a tooth was exciting when you were six, but not so much anymore. A visit from the Tooth Fairy is now a visit to the dentist. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., Drs. Meghadri and Grewal offer a technique called Periodontal Splinting. This lets you keep your natural teeth while keeping them strong. Your loose teeth are attached together, creating widespread stability. It’s used to treat looseness caused by periodontal disease, injury, or even misalignment. Contact our offices in Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ, to learn more.

 

Periodontal splinting is an economical and ingenious dental technique. Splinting saves you the cost and pain of extraction and replacement. Teeth are meant to come in a complete set, and splinting keeps yours together. Temporary and permanent splints are available. Temporary is best for short-term looseness, possibly due to an injury. They come in two types: intra-coronal and extra-coronal. These differ in the way they attach to your teeth. The extra-coronal splint attaches to the enamel. Creating a channel on the back of the teeth sets the stage for intra-coronal splints. Permanent splinting takes longer due to its advanced nature. It’s a long-term solution. Each loose tooth receives a dental crown. Between them is a splint. This fuses the crowns together, creating a connected section.

 

Contact your NJ dentists as soon as you notice a loose tooth. The earlier you seek treatment the better the chances of success. Otherwise, your loose teeth will cause damage to the surrounding areas or lead to infection. It’s always a sign that a dental examination is necessary. Personal injury is the leading cause of looseness. This can happen in a variety of ways. You could experience a hit to the face, a sports injury, or even by falling. Set up an emergency dental appointment immediately. Advanced periodontal disease is another factor. Once the disease progresses to a certain stage it results in tooth loss. A daily dental routine and regular dental appointments can prevent this. Lastly, bruxism or teeth grinding leads to misalignment. The pressure pushes your teeth out of their natural places. A night-guard protects your top set of teeth from the bottom.

 

Don’t wait to contact Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. when you notice a loose tooth. It requires immediate treatment. Schedule your appointment with Drs. Meghadri and Grewal by visiting their website or calling. For the Neshanic Station, NJ, office, call 908-782-4418. For Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.

Adding Mouthwash To Your Dental Routine

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal recommend adding mouthwash to your daily dental routine. It’s the best and most effective way to fully clean your mouth. The results are twofold: it prevents smelly breath and dental problems like tooth decay. Just make sure that you aren’t using mouthwash as a replacement for brushing and flossing. Learn more by contacting Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ.

 

Therapeutic and cosmetic are the two available mouthwash types. Depending on your needs, you will want one over the other. Cosmetic focuses on clearing up bad breath. Therapeutic is used to prevent dental problems like cavities or plaque buildup. Keep this in mind when buying a new mouthwash.

 

When using mouthwash, follow these general instructions:

-Follow the recommended dosage and pour the amount into the cap or a separate cup.

-Swish it around your mouth thoroughly for at least 30 seconds. Try to reach every area of your mouth.

-Once you're done, spit the solution into the sink. Never swallow it! Mouthwash contains chemicals that can be harmful when ingested.

-Don’t eat or drink for 30-minutes following. This gives the effects of the mouthwash enough time to kick in.

 

Trying out mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine? No need to be worried! Your N.J. dentists have a few tips for you. Depending on your dental needs, you’ll want specific types of mouthwash. So if you’re looking for cavity prevention, buy a mouthwash that specializes in that! Same goes for things like gingivitis, plaque and tartar buildup, etc. Pay attention to the ingredients if you’re sensitive to certain dental products. Invest in a sensitive or more organic mouthwash brand. Don’t forget that certain brands contain alcohol in them too.

 

Your teeth and gums are a lifelong investment! Take care of them by partaking in good dental hygiene practices and biannual dental examinations. Only through a professional cleaning can your teeth get the total care they need. In need of a six-month checkup? Contact Bridges Smile Dental Group P.A. We are located in two locations: Neshanic Station and Somerville, NJ. Call the Neshanic Station office at 908-782-4418. For the Somerville location, call 908-725-0400. Schedule your appointment with Drs. Meghadri and Grewal by calling or visiting their website.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

You might not think so, but baby teeth need just as much if not more care than adult teeth. By nature, baby teeth aren’t as strong as their counterparts. It’s easier for dental decay to sit in. This includes younger children like infants or toddlers. Baby Bottle Tooth Decay is the phenomenon involving cavities in this age group. That’s why it’s important for you to schedule your child’s dental appointment with Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. Drs. Meghadri and Grewal offer pediatric examinations to avoid and detect Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. Learn more at our offices in NJ.

 

Large amounts of bacteria in the mouth cause cavities. They’re attracted to sugary substances left by food and drinks on the teeth. This is true regardless of age. But in infants, these sugary byproducts are caused by the drinks placed in their bottles. Hence the name Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. The American Dental Association states that bottles should only be filled with breast milk, formula, or regular milk. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, like juice, soft drinks, and sugar-water. Water is the recommended choice for older children. It contains fluoride which naturally helps fight off cavities.

 

There are other steps you can take to minimize your babies exposure to bacteria. Resist giving your child access to a bottle during the night. Moisture in the mouth is a breeding ground for harmful pathogens. Be meticulous when cleaning their pacifiers. Never dip the pacifiers in substances like honey.

 

Mouth-to-mouth contact from the mother is the other biggest source of infiltration. The mother's saliva can kickstart baby bottle tooth decay. Avoid unnecessary mouth contact. Don’t share food or use your mouth to clean off pacifiers.

 

Schedule your child's dental examination with Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Meghadri or Grewal, call the office or visit our website. We have two conveniently located offices in the NJ area. For our Neshanic Station office, call 908-782-4418. To contact our Somerville office, call 908-725-0400.

Gum Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you suffer from gum disease, you may be at risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). That’s the conclusion drawn by several recent studies into the long-established connection between the two diseases. At the Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we work hard to eliminate gum infections, but we need our patients to understand why it’s so important for them to keep regular appointments and practice oral hygiene.

Gum disease is caused by bacterial infection, but the causes of RA have remained unclear. The latter is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s own synovium, which is the soft tissue that lines joints. As a result, synovium becomes thick and stiff. Scientists used to think that people with RA had high rates of gum disease because they struggled to brush and floss, but it’s often the gum disease symptoms that develop first. Recently, scientists discovered that synovium and gum tissue share similar cellular structures.

New studies have found that the acid secreted by oral bacteria triggers hypercitrullination, which is a process by which proteins are deformed at a higher rate than is necessary to regulate them. The immune system responds by overproducing anti-protein antibodies, which then damage synovium. Researchers are currently investigating whether treating gum disease can reduce inflammation in people already suffering from RA, but in the meantime, patients suffering from gingivitis should schedule appointments with us to prevent joint pain as well as periodontitis.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Asthma and Oral Health

People with asthma face particular oral health challenges. They have heightened levels of dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, and are more vulnerable to tooth decay as a result. The staff at Bridge Smiles Dental Group in Somerset County works hard to take each patient’s oral health needs into account when providing treatment, and we want patients with asthma to understand how they may be affected.

Inflammation in the nose leads many people to breathe through their mouths. This is a problem for oral health because saliva plays a crucial part in neutralizing acid that would otherwise erode enamel and trigger gum recession. Saliva also helps to dislodge bacterial build-up. Asthma patients may additionally suffer from acid reflux due to taking muscle relaxants for their throats that also open the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach. Another risk is from sugars in inhalant medication that can coat the mouth, so patients may want to use it prior to brushing their teeth at night.

We don’t advise asthma patients to change their medications without consulting with their doctors, but if they’ve developed gingivitis, they may want to inquire about alternatives. If a patient is suffering from dry mouth, they may try a throat moisturizer or stimulating new saliva production by chewing sugar free gum.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Do you experience shooting pain in your teeth when you bite into something cold? If so, that’s not normal, and you shouldn’t have to endure it. Tooth sensitivity can have several causes, but at the Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we’ll work to identify and rectify it.

Each tooth contains a nerve in its dental pulp. Surrounding the pulp is a material called dentin, which is made up of tiny tubes that easily transmit heat in or out of the pulp. Enamel, which makes up the outside of the crown, is the hardest substance in the human body, but it can still become cracked or eroded. When it is thin, the yellow-grey colored dentin may be visible through it.

Teeth grinding can wear enamel down or break it outright, but most erosion is due to exposure to acid. Sources of acid include sugar-eating bacteria that secrete acid as they metabolize, acid that is regurgitated from the stomach into the oral cavity, and drinks such as soda and citrus juice have high acid content. Tooth roots have less enamel and are dependent on gum tissue to protect them, so when gum tissue recedes, they’re especially sensitive. Patients can use extra-fluoridated toothpaste to remineralize enamel, but once it’s gone, it will have to be replaced with bonding or a similar prosthetic.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.

 

Impacted Teeth and Pericoronitis

When a tooth is unable to fully erupt, it could become a problem for a patient’s oral health. The Bridge Smiles Dental Group of Somerset County frequently treats patients for gum infections, but further steps may need to be taken when an impacted tooth is causing pericoronitis.

A tooth is said to be impacted when its crown does not push fully through the gum line. This can happen to any tooth, but most often befalls the lower wisdom teeth. The word “pericoronitis” describes inflammation surrounding a crown and is specifically used to describe the infections that tend to develop around difficult-to-clean partly erupted teeth. An impacted tooth will be especially prone to infection if it is partly covered by a flap of gum tissue, called an operculum, which food debris and pus can get trapped under.

A patient can take extra precautions to keep an impacted tooth clean, such as swishing warm salt water in their mouths after each brushing. But infections may require the use of oral antibiotics to treat, and if they recur, we may need to consider oral surgery. An operculum can be cut away or removed with a laser. Removing the impacted tooth may also be necessary for orthodontic reasons.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit Bridge Smiles Dental.