Acid Reflux Tips for the Holidays

Is your anticipation of Thanksgiving mixed with dread of heartburn? We hope not, but you should know that if you suffer from acid reflux frequently, your teeth may be in danger, too. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we don’t want that for our patients, so we’re teaching people to better understand what acid reflux does to the teeth and how they can prevent it.

The sensation of heartburn is caused by stomach acid escaping into the esophagus. This can happen if the sphincter that connects to the stomach opens when a person swallows and is unable to shut. Repeated acid exposure puts people at heightened risk for esophageal cancer and it can get into their lungs, but the acid more commonly ends up in their mouths. There, it erodes the enamel on the inward-facing sides of the teeth, making them more sensitive. It also causes bad breath and its interference with the mouth’s pH level puts people at greater risk for an oral infection.

People can reduce their chance of getting acid reflux by eating in an upright posture and avoiding large meals less than three hours before bed. They would also do well to avoid caffeine, alcohol, garlic, tomatoes, and citrus juice. Saliva flow can be increased by sucking on sugar-free candy, lots of water consumption, and throat moisturizers.

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.

 

Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking cigarettes exacerbates any respiratory condition, and is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see the doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!  Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

If you have questions or concerns regarding sleep disorders, please give us a call. To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments we offer, 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.

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.

 

Drinking Water for Oral Health

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  The doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group see plenty of adult patients that are guilty of not drinking enough water, so we know it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  We want to encourage you and the kids in your family to stay hydrated and healthy!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided 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.

Thank You for Your Positive Testimonials!

Here at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A., we appreciate feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Michelle T. for being a dedicated patient, but we’d like to thank her for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our patients to do the same. 

“Seriously...I’m terrified of going to the dentist and I finally had to go for an emergency. This Dr. was amazing...no pain and he really helped calm my major anxiety issues. The first dental appointment I left without crying like a baby!! And his assistant...also amazing! Friendly and helpful and super sweet! I don't have to procrastinate anymore for dental work...they were wonderful! Thank you!” – Michelle T.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more 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., contact our Neshanic Station, NJ location at 908-782-4418 or our Somerville, NJ location at 908-725-0400. 

Dental Bonding

With all of the environmental factors that stain our teeth on a daily basis, tea, coffee, cigarettes, etc., it’s easy for them to appear a little lackluster. Fortunately, with dental bonding, our doctors at Bridge Smiles Dental Group P.A. can revitalize the shade of your tooth (or teeth) and bring your smile back to life. Dental bonding is among one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures that allow you to correct imperfections in your smile.

Direct composite bonding is popular because it provides a successful attachment from the filling material to the patient’s original enamel and dentin. The procedure itself usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. However, if you’re having more than one tooth done, this may require several visits. To prevent or minimize stains, our doctors will recommend that you stay away from habits that are likely to stain the bonding material.

If you have questions or concerns about dental bonding or cosmetic services, 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.

Periodontal Maintenance

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession, and even tooth loss.  Bridge Smiles Dental Group wants to make sure it never gets to that point for you and your family!  When plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and form a pocket around the buildup, which only leads to more gum recession.  A scaling and root planing procedure is used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help reverse the progress of gum disease.  The procedure beings with scaling, which is the process of the dentist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth, all the way down to the gums. Root planing is the term for any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  When plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away will have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to as they heal.

To learn more about deep periodontal cleaning and all the other treatments provided 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.