Top Causes of Tooth Decay: What You Need to Know About Cavities
July 22, 2014
Dental caries (more commonly known as cavities) are caused by a variety of factors and can lead to serious oral health consequences if not treated in a timely manner. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, Dr. David Weinman provides patients of all ages with comprehensive preventive and restorative dentistry solutions, including treatments that help to inhibit tooth decay and repair damage caused by cavities.
What Causes Cavities?
What is the answer that immediately comes to mind when asked this question? Is it sugar? If so, you’re not far from the truth. The bacteria in your mouth feed and thrive on the sugars and carbohydrates you consume throughout the course of your day, producing acid as they do so. It is the acid produced by these bacteria that actually causes tooth decay. While the enamel that protects the inner layers of your teeth is the strongest substance found within the human body, it is nonetheless susceptible to acid erosion.
Brushing and flossing your teeth twice per day – as well as visiting Dr. Weinman every six months for a checkup and cleaning – can substantially help to reduce your chances of developing cavities, even if you do indulge in the occasional sweet treat. Rinse your mouth with water after each meal and limit beverages like sodas and sports drinks, both of which typically contain citric acid and can cause further demineralization of your enamel.
Other common cavity culprits include chronic dry mouth and teeth grinding. In cases of dry mouth, a lack of saliva puts teeth at a greater risk of damage caused by acid-laden plaque. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, weakens the enamel over time and can make it easier for detrimental bacteria to work their way into the deeper layers of your teeth. Fortunately, Dr. Weinman can treat both of these problems as well, improving your comfort and bolstering your chances of avoiding cavities altogether.
Protect Your Smile with Dr. Weinman
If you’d like to learn more about simple ways you can protect yourself and your family from tooth decay, contact our office in Westfield, NJ today. Dr. Weinman and his caring, experienced staff look forward to helping you defend your smile against damaging tooth decay with a full menu of general and preventive dentistry services designed to suit your lifestyle. Our patient-centric practice also happily welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Cranford, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Fanwood, and beyond.
Understanding TMJ Disorder and How It Is Treated with Dr. David M. Weinman
June 9, 2014
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 5 to 12% of the American population suffers from a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. It is a painful dysfunction of the muscles and joints that comprise the jaw; failure to treat TMJ disorder can lead to chronic discomfort and lasting damage to the delicate cranial and oral structures it affects. Fortunately, Dr. David M. Weinman offers proven TMJ disorder treatment to patients in Westfield, NJ and the surrounding areas, providing lasting relief from jaw and facial pain in a way that suits your lifestyle.
The Importance of Treating TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ disorders are the second most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions in the United States, falling only slightly behind chronic lower back pain. They are the leading cause of facial pain in adults between the ages of 35 and 74. Women are at least twice as likely to develop TMJ problems as men, and women who are taking oral contraceptives and/or prescription estrogen supplements are substantially more likely to experience the painful consequences of the disorder.
Though the precise cause of TMJ disorder varies from case to case, the symptoms are generally fairly typical across the board. Jaw pain, for example, is the primary symptom exhibited by men and women whose temporomandibular joint has become inflamed or otherwise injured. Other symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include the following:
- Unexplained earaches, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Aching muscles in the face, jaw, neck, and shoulders
- Limited jaw mobility, or pain when opening and closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or speaking normally
- A clicking or popping sound when opening the jaw wide or chewing
- A feeling that the upper jaw (maxilla) and lower jaw (mandible) do not fit together properly
Treating TMJ disorders not only helps to alleviate the persistent pain a patient suffers on a daily basis, but actually aids in the prevention of further damage to the jaw and related muscles. In order to determine the best TMJ solution for your unique case, Dr. Weinman will perform a thorough assessment of your mouth and jaw, as well as your dental and medical history. An oral appliance (also called a mouthguard or oral splint) can be specifically designed for you and customized to fit your dentition. This is one of the most common and effective methods of treating TMJ disorders and bruxism, or nighttime teeth grinding (often associated with TMJ dysfunction).
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you suspect that you or someone in your family may be suffering from TMJ disorder, contact our office today. We look forward to becoming your trusted partner in the pursuit of optimal oral health and overall wellness. From our conveniently located practice in Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman happily welcomes patients from throughout Cranford, Mountainside, Fanwood, Scotch Plains, and beyond.
Keep Your Kids’ Smiles Strong and Healthy with Family Dentistry Services from Dr. Weinman
March 4, 2014
Your child’s smiles are precious expressions of joy and love, a simple yet bright reminder that they are happy and healthy. Keeping your little one’s pearly whites strong and shining now helps set the foundation for a lifetime of excellent oral health. At his family-friendly dental practice in Westfield, NJ, Dr. David M. Weinman specializes in making his youngest patients feel welcome and comfortable as he provides fundamental general and family dentistry services to smiles of all ages.
Children’s Dentistry: A Great Start for a Healthy Future
When it comes to healthy teeth and gums, you know that brushing and flossing regularly help to keep painful, destructive cavities away. Did you know, though, that there’s more to maintaining your child’s smile than these essential at-home oral hygiene routines?
Beginning at around the age of two to three years old, your child should see us for his or her first dental visit. Our caring, compassionate staff will ensure that this is a pleasant experience for all involved, setting the tone for years of happy dental appointments in the future. Dr. Weinman will assess your child’s entire mouth, paying close attention to how the teeth and jaws are developing. We’ll check each and every tooth for the tiniest signs of decay and inspect gingival tissue for early indicators of gum disease. As we always say, prevention is the best cure, particularly in the case of gum disease and cavities.
To keep teeth strong and cavity-free, we may suggest fortifying fluoride treatments and protective dental sealants. If Dr. Weinman and his team do happen to come across any problems during your child’s exam, we’ll talk with you about a personalized treatment plan to address the issue. You’ll always be informed of everything we find as well as provided with information on the best ways to treat your child’s oral health concerns.
We Welcome You and Your Family!
At the office of Dr. Weinman in Westfield, NJ, we believe that every child deserves to enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. Contact our office today to speak with our highly skilled, caring team and find out what a difference our commitment to quality can make for your little ones. We also happily welcome families from surrounding neighborhoods in the nearby areas of Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Mountainside, and beyond.