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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Electric vs Traditional Toothbrushes

There are a lot of options to choose from when deciding what toothbrush to clean your teeth with. At Bridges Smile Dental, we encourage our patients to change toothbrushes every 3-4 months or after their bristles are worn down. If your bristles begin to get splayed and distorted, it means you are no longer effectively brushing your teeth.

We advise wanting our patients to ask our doctors what kind of toothbrush works best for their teeth, electric or a traditional toothbrush. If your teeth are in good shape and you brush your teeth and gums thoroughly for a full two minutes, a traditional toothbrush works perfectly fine. We recommend electric toothbrushes for our patients who need to clean better and are at risk of gum disease and cavities. Electric toothbrushes have bristles that rotate and help you to clean more areas on your teeth effectively by removing plaque

The most important thing to us is that you are brushing and flossing consistently. We advise our patients to visit us twice a year for cleaning to make sure your teeth are healthy.

If you have any questions or concerns about what toothbrush works best for you, please give us a call. To learn more about all of 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.

National Diabetes Awareness Month

Diabetes poses particular challenges to people with gum disease. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we want our patients to do their best to maintain their oral hygiene, but we understand that there are complicating factors. Since November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, we thought it would be a good time to educate people about the oral health-blood sugar connection.

Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gum tissue. Inflammation is a natural immune system response that isolates diseased material from the rest of the body, but chronic swelling can damage tissues, too, and ultimately inhibit the immune response. One of the results of uncontrolled blood sugar is increased inflammation. People with diabetes have significantly higher odds of having gum disease than the general population. There is also some evidence that people who develop gum disease may be at higher risk of developing uncontrolled blood sugar.

It is especially important for people with diabetes to maintain regular dental check-ups and to avoid behaviors linked with gingivitis, such as excessive alcohol use. At our examinations, we can clean calculus out of the gum pockets. The good news is that treating gum disease can help to control blood sugar. We’re also happy to teach our patients better oral hygiene techniques.

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.

 

Electric and Manual Toothbrushes

The most important part of oral preventive care is regular teeth brushing. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group in Somerset County, we try to help all our patients understand their oral health needs. Whether a patient needs an electric toothbrush will depend on a few factors.

When using a manual toothbrush, it is recommended that people brush for two minutes per session, twice a day. This should allow them to make hundreds of brush strokes and, along with flossing and tongue scrapers, be sufficient oral hygiene. Electric toothbrushes can make tens of thousands of brush strokes per minute, but studies have not found them to be more effective than properly used manual toothbrushes at preventing decay.

The key question is whether a patient is able to use a manual toothbrush properly. There are grips that can be put on manual toothbrushes to help people with dexterity issues, but electric toothbrushes now often come with Bluetooth technology and apps that can help remind a patient to improve their technique. Apps for kids even include mobile games that reward them for making progress. Electric toothbrushes are a big investment, but they may be worthwhile to someone who has a history of decay using manual toothbrushes and needs instant feedback, reminders, or something that doesn’t require them to use their hands as much.

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.

 

How to Clean Retainers

When the first phase of your orthodontic work is done, you’ll find oral hygiene much easier. But you’ll also have to learn how to take care of your retainer. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we understand that our patients have questions about this, which is why we’ve provided this guide.

Always make sure your mouth is as clean of food debris as possible before putting your retainer in. Rinse it off before reinserting it, and rinse it when you take it out, as well. But be careful to only use water that is cool or room-temperature; hot water can permanently warp a retainer’s shape, requiring it to be replaced. Once a day, you should thoroughly, but gently brush your retainer with a soft-bristled toothbrush (not the same one you use for your teeth). Be careful when deciding which toothpaste you use, as fluoridated toothpaste contains minerals which can scratch the retainer, allowing bacteria to colonize the crevices. It is better to use soft toothpaste, such as the kinds made for dentures.

Also be sure to regularly clean the retainer’s protective case. People need to use retainers for a long time, but if one becomes damaged, don’t hesitate to get it replaced.

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 BridgeSmilesDental.com.

 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a sadly common occurrence, and they don’t have to be. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we provide periodontal therapies to help get patients’ gums healthy again, but we want people to know how to avoid this problem in the first place.

Periodontal disease follows from severe gum inflammation. This happens when a large amount of plaque had built up on teeth next to the gum line. The gums are irritated by acids caught by the plaque, which causes them to swell, bleed, and recede. The teeth and jawbone tissue also lose mass. Although plaque should be removed by professional hygienists, it may be possible to prevent further build-up by brushing for longer and with fluoridated toothpaste.

Patients should be cautious that brushing too hard can also bruise the gums. Pregnant women’s gums are likelier to become inflamed due to hormonal changes, and people who suffer from dry mouth are likelier to have bleeding gums because saliva plays an important role in preventing the spread of decay-causing bacteria. Certain medications can also increase the likelihood of gum disease if they are blood thinners.

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 BridgeSmilesDental.com.

 

Children's Biannual Check-Ups

Big Smiles Dental Group is committed to maintaining the preventive care of all our patients, including our youngest ones. It is recommended that everybody visit the dentist twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. This is especially important for children, who have high rates of tooth decay.

Caries, the small dental surface infections which create cavities, can be very painful and seriously impact a child’s development. Tooth aches disrupt sleep, causing children to be irritable and have difficulty focusing. They also discourage children from chewing and speaking. This may prevent them from getting enough nutrition, and in young children, may delay their mastery of speech. Untreated tooth decay is a common problem, which in the mid-2000s, affected about one in five children. Tooth aches can also result from bruxism, which is the scientific name for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This often results from stress.

Tooth decay is difficult to reverse on its own once bacteria are able to hide in cavities but is a routine matter for our dentists. It is important, however, for decay to be stopped before it becomes larger and before it disrupts a child’s schoolwork and development.

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 BridgeSmilesDental.com.

 

Why Would a Child's Breath Smell Bad?

Halitosis, or bad breath, is something we help our patients avoid at Bridge Smiles Dental Group. In most cases, the culprit is a bacterial infection or build-up and can be reversed through oral hygiene. However, in children, there are some other factors to consider.

The mouth’s natural defense against bacterial build-up is saliva. So in people with dry mouth (xerostomia), bacteria increase. Children can easily become dehydrated while playing and need to regularly drink water. Those who breathe through their mouths are especially at-risk and need to learn to breathe through their noses for their sleep quality, as well as their breath. Medications for ADHD and anxiety can also cause dry mouth, and if they cannot be switched, children may try chewing sugar-free gum to produce more saliva.

Even without dry mouth, bacteria often build up in the tongue and need to be regularly brushed out. The tonsils are another common place for bacteria to grow. Nasal drip also provides bacteria with a food source, and while it is usually caused by a sinus infection, parents of very young children should be aware that it can also be caused by something stuck in the child’s nose.

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 BridgeSmilesDental.com.

You’re Brushing, But Are You Brushing Correctly?

Teeth help us to chew and digest food. They also assist us when it comes to talking, and to pronounce different sounds clearly. Finally, teeth help to give our face its shape. Therefore you should want to keep your permanent ones forever. Although most people brush regularly, many don’t realize that there is actually a proper technique to the task. You should schedule a professional cleaning at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. at least once every six months and in addition, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. The next time you step in front of a mirror, utilize these tips.

• Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.


• Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.


• Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.


• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide, 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.

Dental Health Basics

Bacteria can live in your mouth in the form of plaque, causing cavities and gingivitis, which can lead to periodontal (gum) disease. In order to keep your mouth clean, our staff at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. encourage you to practice good oral hygiene every day. In between your six-month dental checkup your smile depends on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. But are you using the right techniques? Follow these steps to protect your oral health.

• Spend at least two minutes brushing your teeth two times a day. Use a timer if you have to ensure that you’re spending enough time on your oral care routine.


• Use floss at least once a day every day to clean between your teeth.


• Buy American Dental Association (ADA) approved dental cleaning tools and toothpaste.

If you already notice red, inflamed, swollen gums, the good news is that being diligent about your home dental care routing and getting regular dental checkups can prevent plaque from forming and even reverse early signs of gum disease.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide 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.