Great Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy with Family Dentistry Westfield Loves
October 9, 2015
Your general health is always important, but it’s especially crucial during pregnancy. Because pregnancy causes certain hormonal changes that can affect your oral health, it may be necessary for you to take a few things into consideration during your pregnancy — and number one is to visit your dentist for an oral checkup when you’re pregnant. Keep reading for more tips on how to maintain your oral health during pregnancy — for the health of you and your baby — from Dr. David M. Weinman, your family dentist in Westfield, NJ.
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Flossing is Essential!
July 14, 2015
A recent study from Bupa, an international health organization, revealed that 81% of Britons believe their smiles are unattractive in photos, and 28% refuse to smile for photos all together. Similar studies conducted in the United States reveal similar findings, and an even higher percentage of people who feel pressured by celebrity photos to perfect their smiles. While our vanity may influence us to want a perfect smile, what we may not realize is the importance of flossing to maintain our oral health and smile radiance, retain gum tissue and bone density, and remove tooth decay causing bacteria. If you need a superior preventive, family dentist, Westfield, NJ call Dr. David M. Weinman to schedule an appointment today. The expert dental hygienists at our practice can help you learn to love flossing, and keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life.
Benefits of Flossing
It’s been six months. Your dental hygiene appointment is in two days, and you haven’t flossed since the last checkup. You don’t want yet another lecture about flossing from your hygienist, so you decide to cram six months of flossing into the next two days. The result? Bleeding, irritated, swollen gums, and a profound distain for the entire subject of flossing. You go to your hygiene appointment, and hear the same refrain, “How often do you floss?” Only now, it’s coupled with, “Your gums seem irritated. That could be a sign of gum disease.” That’s it! You think. Flossing is useless.
Unlike tooth brushing which makes your mouth look, feel, and taste clean right away, flossing’s early effects can be mostly negative. If you don’t floss on a regular basis, your gums will likely become irritated as you remove bacteria that has built up. Many patients report flossing once or twice directly after dental checkups and in the days leading up to their appointment, but rarely flossing at any other time. This inconsistency probably does more harm than good because it leads patients to believe flossing can only be unpleasant.
However, the benefits of regular flossing far outweigh any initial discomfort and irritation. In fact, recent studies showed that flossing not only helped to improve oral health, but the positive effects on oral health improved overall health too. Some benefits of flossing include:
- Significantly reduced bacteria – less cavities and $$$ spent to treat tooth decay
- Reduced Risk for gingivitis and periodontitis – the most commonly sighted benefit is one of the most important since more than ½ of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease
- Improved breath – halitosis or bad breath is often caused by bacteria that could be removed or reduced by flossing keeping your breath fresher longer than brushing alone
- Better overall health – gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and other systematic disease in a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study
Flossing Tips from your Preventive Dentist, Westfield
Many of the issues associated with flossing stem from irregularity of practice, but there are some things you can do to make flossing more pleasant from the outset. Here are some things you should consider to improve your flossing routine:
- Habit – Just in case you missed it, the most important part of flossing may just be doing it every day even if you’re tired or busy or just don’t want to do it.
- Floss type – Choosing a floss that you like can help make the task more enjoyable. There are numerous types of floss, but we recommend polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) especially for patients new to flossing. PTFE flosses are also called shred free/resistant, and are made from one fiber rather than numerous combined, rope-like fibers in nylon floss.
- Floss right! – A number of patients who are dedicated enough to floss everyday never learn the proper technique. During your next hygiene appointment, ask our hygienists to show you the best way to floss your teeth. Until then, just remember that the whole point of flossing is to remove bacteria between teeth and between teeth and gums. So, if you’re not flossing all the way under the gum line, you’re not flossing. The easiest way to floss is using the “C” method. Gently glide the using a back and forth movement into the spaces on either side of each tooth in a “C” shape. Doing in this around the front and back of each tooth is extremely effective.
Contact Dr. Weinman for Great Westfield Dentistry
We know what you’re thinking right now. That’s it, I’m going to start flossing, and this time I mean it. You may even be in your car on the way to your local pharmacy to stock up on fun flossing equipment. We appreciate the enthusiasm, but encourage you to keep it simple and start slow. Choose a floss you think will be gentle and effective, then set a goal to floss at least 3 or 4 times a week for a month. After the first month, we know your teeth will look and feel better, and you’ll want to change your oral hygiene routine to include daily flossing. If you need a general checkup or want to find out more about flossing, call the office of Dr. Weinman to schedule an appointment today. Our Westfield, NJ office welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, and Mountainside.
Is Your Workout Hurting Your Smile? Athletes and Oral Health
January 20, 2015
A solid exercise regimen can do wonders for your overall health, but do you know how your workout routine may be affecting your teeth and gums? Recent research has uncovered a correlation between strenuous exercise and an increased risk for potentially serious oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman and his staff place an immense amount of emphasis on preventive dental care for patients of all ages, particularly athletes at risk for oral health complications.
Why Runners Have More Cavities
While we would certainly never advise that our patients quit their healthy workout routine, we do highly encourage athletes to be especially aware of their oral health in addition to their overall physical state. Running, for example, can be great for muscle tone, joint strength, and cardiovascular health, but it can also wreak havoc on your gums and teeth. This is because of a rather substantial change in saliva production and composition during and after a particularly demanding run.
Athletes and non-athletes alike were tested by researchers at a hospital’s dental lab in order to determine the cause of oral health issues in runners. Saliva was collected from both groups while the patients were sitting still and relaxed; the results showed no indication of heightened risk. When the athletes were sent off on an arduous run, however, something of interest was discovered. During and after exercise, saliva production actually lessened and the runners’ mouths became more alkaline.
Diminished saliva and an alkaline environment within the mouth have been linked to enamel erosion, dental caries, and an increased risk for periodontal disease. While previous studies had hinted at sugary sports drinks as a possible cause of poor oral health in runners, this new research has proven otherwise. Fortunately, there is an easy solution for this unique problem in athletes: regular visits to Dr. Weinman for preventive dentistry checkups and cleanings. We’ll help you identify your risk factors for cavities and gum disease, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that takes your athletic lifestyle into consideration when protecting your smile.
Healthy Smile, Healthy Body
If you’re an athlete, you already take great care of your body. If you haven’t visited the dentist in more than six months, now is the time to start taking better care of your smile. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Weinman and our experienced, knowledgeable staff. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for years to come. Conveniently located in Westfield, NJ, our office proudly serves families from nearby communities in Cranford, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Fanwood, and more.
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.
Have You Had A Dental Check-Up Lately?
January 10, 2013
We’re well into the New Year now, a time of new beginnings and resolutions to live better. Maybe you’re interested in taking up a new hobby, or you might just want to spend more quality time with your family. While you’re at it, why not add scheduling a dental cleaning and check-up with Dr. Weinman to the list? At our Westfield, NJ dental office, we’re committed to providing you with effective and comfortable service that will be sure to send you off smiling.
Treat Your Teeth, Save Your Smile
Whether you’re six or sixty, the American Dentistry Association recommends you see your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year. Of course, we understand that things happen – you lead a busy life, after all, and time can get away from you when you have several other responsibilities you’re thinking about. But check-ups and cleanings are still important for your overall health – after all, it’s the only way we can find and correct a variety of dental health problems when they first start.
During your cleaning, a skilled hygienist will check your mouth for any signs of gum disease. Gum disease can be a devastating condition to your teeth, with subtle symptoms that can’t always be noticed by an untrained eye. By undergoing a cleaning, you’re also protecting yourself from its ill effects.
Similarly, when undergoing a check-up, Dr. Weinman will carefully inspect each of your teeth for decay and injury, as well as how previous dental work is holding up. If left untreated, cavities, cracks, and the like can grow into much larger problems – by attending regular check-ups, we can monitor any issues and treat them quickly and effectively, saving you both time and money.
Are you ready to experience excellent, personalized dentistry? Dr. Weinman and his team here in Westfield, NJ want to give you the healthy, happy teeth you deserve. Don’t delay a check-up any longer – call our office today with any questions you may have, or if you’re ready to schedule an appointment. We also gladly serve patients from Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, Mountainside, and beyond.