Brushing with Braces

If you have braces, you should be working overtime on practicing proper oral hygiene. This is because braces have tiny spaces where food particles and plaque get trapped, and inadequate cleaning while wearing these wires can cause enamel staining and tooth decay around brackets or bands. Our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. can’t stand behind you to monitor how you often you brush, but we can provide you with the following routine that will help make brushing with traditional braces both simple and effective.

• Prepare to brush – take off elastics, and any other removable parts of your orthodontic appliance.


• Clean your braces – use your brush at a 45-degree angle to clean around the wires and pins of your braces. Brush the top of each wire and then from the bottom. Take time to ensure that all plaque and debris are removed.


• Brush your teeth – clean each tooth individually. First, place your brush at a 45-degree angle to the junction between the tooth and the gum, and then apply gentle pressure as you move in a circular motion. Use the same brushing action on all outer and inner tooth surfaces, tilting the brush as needed to better reach the insides of smaller front teeth.

If you have questions about your orthodontic oral care, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide 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. 

Cosmetic White Fillings

If you have tooth decay that has caused a cavity (hole) in your tooth, then you are likely to benefit from a cosmetic filling. However, decay is not the only reason you may need a filling. Other reasons include: cracked or broken teeth, teeth that are worn from habits such as nail-biting, as well as tooth grinding. When you schedule a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., he or she will check for these problems, and decide whether a filling is right for you.

The type of fillings we provide at the office is called composite resin, or tooth-colored (white) filling. This type of filling provides good durability and resistance to fracture in small-to-mid-size fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on both the front or back teeth and supply the patient with a more natural looking appearance.

If you think you may benefit from white fillings, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide 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. 

Dental Emergency Details

Our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. understand that accidents happen. Knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you experience a dental emergency, contact us immediately. To learn about the services we provide at the 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. 

Rotary Endodontics

Advances in dental technology have allowed us to become more accurate and efficient. In addition, many updates also allow us to improve the process of different procedures. While root canals used to have a reputation of being painful or scary, rotary endodontics have allowed us to perform gentle and quiet root canals. Here at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, we believe that updating our technology allows us to give the best care to our patients.

In the past, performing a root canal included using a manual file. Rotary endodontics is a new and improved system for performing root canals. It uses an electric drill and a more flexible file made of titanium alloy. The added flexibility allows the dentist to go further into the tooth’s root without stretching or damaging the canal. This decreases discomfort during and after the procedure. Rotary endodontics is also much quieter than the manual files of the past, so those who get anxious about hearing the drilling can feel more relaxed. Rotary endodontics also quickens the process of a root canal, which is great for both the patient and the doctor.

Our patients’ health and comfort are on top of our priority list. This is why we have implemented rotary endodontics into our office. To learn more about the technology we use here at Bridges Smiles Dental Group P. A. in Somerville, NJ, call our office at (908) 782-4418 or visit our website, www.bridgesmilesdental.com. 

Snap-On Smile

When looking to improve their smile, many patients mistakenly think that major dental work will be necessary. Here at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, we offer our patients Snap-On Smile for an affordable and convenient new smile!

Snap-On Smile is a brand-new, removable set of teeth that you simple snap into place over your existing teeth. They are fantastic for improving the look of discoloration, missing teeth, gaps, and cracks. Snap-On Smile can be created for both upper and lower teeth. To get started, you and your dentist will pick the shade and style for your smile. Impressions are then taken of your teeth so that a dental laboratory can create a Snap-On Smile set that will fit you perfectly. A few weeks later, you will return to us and we will teach you how to snap on your brand-new smile.

You are able to eat and drink while you wear Snap-On Smile; however, you can choose to take out your smile while playing sports or sleeping. This means you now have a perfect smile that you can protect. You can also take them out to clean your natural teeth, so oral hygiene is still completely accessible.

If you would like to learn more about Snap-On Smile, contact Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. To schedule an appointment in our Somerville, NJ dental office, call us at (908) 782-4418 or visit our website, www.bridgesmilesdental.com. 

Stages of Gum Disease

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you need to listen when a parent or one of our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. tells you to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. If you don’t practice a proper oral hygiene routine on a daily basis, you’re already on the path toward gum disease. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of.

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

If you suspect that you are in the early stages of gum disease, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at the 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. 

Tips for a Nice Smile

At Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. our staff wants your smile to be camera-ready at all times. With all of the food and lifestyle habits such as smoking that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance can leave them looking a little dull. To improve the appearance of your smile, we offer teeth whitening services to restore the natural color of your teeth or even make them whiter if you would like. However, if you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, our staff thought we would share some tips for you to show off the smile you already have!

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you wish to improve the appearance of your smile, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the 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.