Family Dentistry in Tinton Falls, NJ
Your family's total health is our primary focus, especially the wellness of your little ones. Good hygienic habits start early on and are the best way to ensure your children grow up with healthy smiles. We emphasize cavity prevention and early bite correction without braces, but we also have innovative orthodontic solutions for the whole family.
Early Bite Correction Without Braces
Occlusal, or bite, adjustment is a procedure performed to remove tiny interferences that keep teeth from coming together properly. These interferences can prevent the jaw from closing in its anatomically correct position. They can occur as teeth develop, following an injury, or they can accumulate over time with wear. Dental treatment such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and extractions can also cause interferences.
When interferences prevent the jaw from fully sliding into its anatomically correct position, the muscles of the jaw and neck are never able to fully relax. This may result in severe headaches, neck aches, and tooth pain. Many patients may develop bruxism, or teeth grinding, as their jaw seeks its natural position. Bruxism can cause loss of tooth structure and receding gums. Over time, patients may develop temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues if interferences go untreated.
Untreated bite interferences can cause:
- TMJ disorders
- Headaches
- Neck aches
- Tooth pain
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Loss of tooth structure
- Receding gums
Cavity Prevention
Preventive Dentistry is Key to Avoiding Stressful Dental Procedures
Preventive dentistry is the best way to avoid painful and expensive dental procedures. It stresses home care and regular dental visits that help prevent tooth decay or disease. Preventive dental care, as well as home care, are important to maintain because they help keep the teeth, gums, and body healthy throughout life.
Proper Brushing Techniques
Use a soft, nylon manual or electric toothbrush. Place the toothbrush at the gum line at a 45-degree angle to cover the tooth surface and the gum line. Move the brush back and forth and in circles, gently brushing away any plaque and food debris from the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line. Be sure to brush the insides and outsides of all teeth, including the hard to reach back teeth. Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice daily.
Proper Flossing Techniques
Use an 18-inch strip of floss wrapped around the middle fingers of both hands. Insert the remaining two inches of floss between each tooth, using your thumbs to direct the movements. Gently scrape the plaque out from between each tooth. Always floss below the gum line to remove any harmful plaque that is found under the gums and be sure to hug each tooth with the floss as you move it up and down along the sides.
Starting Early
Healthy smiles begin in infancy. Parents should begin brushing and flossing their children's teeth when the first tooth emerges. When the child is old enough, parents should teach their children to brush and floss. Setting a high standard of preventive dentistry and oral hygiene early on will help your child develop healthy oral hygiene habits for life.
Once the adult molars erupt around the age of six and then again at 12, sealants will likely be recommended to reduce the risk of tooth decay in the deep grooves of these teeth.
Regular Dental Visits
Visiting your dentist every six months will help prevent serious dental issues such as tooth decay or periodontal disease. Dental checkups and oral cancer screenings can catch things that you may have missed during your home care routine. Parents should make appointments for their children to see the dentist after their first tooth erupts as well as establish a good home care routine. Children should also see the dentist every six months.
Orthodontics for the Whole Family
Braces are the most common treatment for patients with misaligned or crooked teeth. Not only do they provide a straighter and more attractive smile, but they also prevent issues such as headaches and face pain that may result.
Many individuals need braces at some point in life, for either cosmetic or functional reasons. The most obvious use of braces is to straighten crooked teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. However, there are also several more important reasons.
Teeth that are crooked or misaligned are often harder to clean and therefore more likely to decay. Misaligned teeth can also wear down quicker and may also lead to pain in the head, neck, and face. Without braces, some patients may also experience jaw problems as a result of spacing or overcrowding.
We offer innovative orthodontic solutions that make the orthodontic process easier for children and adults alike.
