Why Water is Your Teeth’s Best Friend

If you’re one of those people who don’t drink enough water, then you should know that the clear, tasteless liquid is actually essential for achieving good health. This is because your body is between 60 to 65 percent water, and the liquid is used for a variety of bodily functions. Your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste and lubricate your joints, and staying hydrated helps it function better as a whole. In addition to these benefits, water is also an important player in your oral health. Many dentists even consider water to be teeth’s best friend.

One of the many benefits that drinking water can provide our mouths is that it can help prevent bad breath. In fact, one of the most common causes of bad breath is dehydration. When there is not enough saliva in your mouth, bacteria is provided a suitable environment in which to thrive, and this can cause bad odors. By drinking water, you can cut down on these smelly bacteria. 

However, bacteria in the mouth do more than smell. The bacteria that cause bad breath are also the cause of cavities and gum disease, so drinking water can help keep your mouth healthy in addition to less smelly. Water provides a great way to keep your teeth clean between brushings since it is able to wash away foods and liquids that can damage your teeth. While it is not a replacement for brushing and flossing altogether, drinking water with your meal or afterward can help wash away the acid and particles that erode your enamel and attract bacteria.

Seeing a dentist is also a vital part of a good oral hygiene routine, and in Holmdel, NJ, Dr. Dipika Shah has the skill and experience to provide the care you need for optimal oral health. Call 732-264-8180 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit www.dentistnj.com. 

Metal-free Fillings in Holmdel, NJ

At our practice in Holmdel, NJ, Dr. Dipika Shah offers metal-free fillings to restore teeth to normal function without taking away the beauty of the patient’s smile. Unlike amalgam fillings, metal-free fillings match the color of the patient’s teeth and contain no mercury, making them a safe and attractive way to achieve optimum oral health.

The majority of patients and dentists prefer these fillings to mercury amalgam fillings, for both their look and function. Not only are metal fillings dark and noticeable, they crack at the margins or tooth cracks as it can not flex under pressures that will let bacteria into the tooth and eventually require further dental work down the line. Tooth-colored, composite fillings, on the other hand, both look natural and feel natural. You won’t even be able to tell that you have a filling!

Metal-free fillings are made of a strong resin composite material that the dentist bonds directly to the surface of the tooth, allowing Dr. Shah to increase its durability and stability. At our practice, we strive to keep as much of the natural tooth structure as possible to prevent fracture, and metal-free, composite fillings help us do that.

To achieve the healthy and natural smile you desire, contact our office by calling 732-264-8180. For more information about the practice, please visit www.dentistnj.com. 

Pediatric Dentistry from Dr. Dipika Shah

If you want your child to form lifelong habits that will help them maintain good oral health and beautiful smiles, you must begin developing good habits in their infanc. It is important for their first dental experiences to be positive ones. At our office in Holmdel, NJ, children can receive the care they need to ensure a lifetime of healthy teeth, healthy gums and a beautiful smile.

The first step to setting your child on the right path toward lifelong oral health is a fearless introduction to the dentist. Our dentist Dr. Dipika Shah strives to establish a personal bond with every family and child to create a pleasant experience for all parties. You can help him provide an anxiety-free appointment to your child by only using positive language about the dentist and avoiding negative language. Phrases like “the dentist isn’t going to hurt you” or “you won’t feel pain” end up being counterproductive since it probably never occurred to the child to be scared of the dentist in the first place.

You should also establish a dental routine that will keep your child’s teeth healthy and white between dental appointments. Before your child turns two, you can clean their teeth and gums by wiping them with a clean, soft washcloth. When they are older and have grown most of their baby teeth, you can begin brushing with a toothbrush. As your child becomes used to regular brushing, you can let them do the brushing, but it is important for you to check that their teeth are getting cleaned. Supervise their brushing until they are five years old, and make sure they do not swallow their toothpaste.

To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180. For more information, visit www.dentistnj.com.