Choosing the Right Toothbrush

When it comes to choosing a toothbrush, there are a lot of options. At Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we encourage our patients to ask us what toothbrush works best for your teeth.

Toothbrushes that have a small head will help you to clean the hard-to-reach places of your mouth. If you have a larger mouth than a full-sized head is better suited for you. We advise our patients to use a toothbrush that has soft bristles as they are gentler on your teeth and gums.

The need for an electric toothbrush depends on how well you brush your teeth. Electric toothbrushes rotate the bristles faster and produce more vibrations to remove plaque lot more efficiently. Although they are more expensive,  if chosen a right electric brush like Rotadent, can help you not to scratch your enamel away, not to make your teeth sensitive or to let your gum receed. It can also help if you have a dexterity problem or  have trouble brushing in general. Traditional brushes work fine for cleaning your teeth as long asyou are using soft bristeles and know how to brush in the gums. Rotadent also comes with a flosiing brush so you can really keep your mouth healthy. 

Don’t forget to change your toothbrush every 3 months for the most effective clean. Practicing good oral hygiene is the most important thing for healthy teeth. We want you to always have your best smile!

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

How to Clean a Snore Guard

Dr. Dipika Shah of Holmdel is specially trained to provide patients with customized snore guards to prevent obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism. These oral appliances make it easier for patients to sleep through the night without exerting damaging force on their teeth and jaws, allowing their mouths to remain strong and healthy. ONLY YOUR DENTIST CAN GIVE YOU SNORE APPLIANCE THAT IS MADE PROPERLYKEEPING IN MIND HEALTH OF YOUR BITE AND YOUR JAW JOINT.  Oral appliances need to be cleaned every day or else they will become a home for disease and halitosis-causing bacteria.

Snore guard or night guard manufacturers often have information about cleaning products on their websites. They may recommend dissolvable tablets or cleaning solution, which can get good results. One can use q-tip dipped in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean it and avoid using brush and  toothpaste. Plastic is not as resilient as enamel and doesn’t need fluoridation, but it can be scratched by minerals.

Unlike dentures, which should always be kept wet, snore guards will vary on whether they should be kept wet or dry. Regardless, the case containing them should be cleaned with antibacterial soap each day. The case should also be kept at room temperature or cooler so the oral appliance won’t melt. Snore guards may need to be refitted from time to time, but this should only be done by a professional.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Water Pik with Orthodontics

Flossing is crucial when it comes to maintaining good oral health. Cleaning between the teeth is an important step to remove food particles that have been left behind after brushing. Flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease and cavity-causing causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay, but sometimes the act of flossing is difficult for a patient with orthodontics. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS may suggest using a water Pik for those hard to reach places!

A safe, easy, and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces is to use a water Pik. A water fPik is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Not only is this beneficial to patients with traditional braces, water piks are also an option for people who have trouble controlling traditional floss by hand. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reap the maximum benefits of a healthy mouth!

To learn more about orthodontics and the treatments provided at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Causes of Bad Breath

If you suffer from bad breath, there may be a deeper issue than lingering food particles. We love teaching patients at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental office about how to take better care of their oral health, and combatting halitosis is one of the ways by which patients know they’re doing something right.

Typically halitosis isn’t just caused by food debris, but by bacterial build-up. Bacteria infect the corners of teeth near the gum line where many people forget to brush and the surface of the tongue, where nasal discharge can drip to. We recommend that patients brush their tongues and use a tongue scraper on a daily basis. Patients also must be vigilant about cleaning removable oral appliances such as dentures, night guards, and mouth guards and the cases they are kept in.

Certain foods such as onions and garlic can contribute to bad breath in unexpected ways. Chemicals from them can enter the bloodstream and into the patient’s lungs or trigger an acid reflux response, which could allow stomach acid into the mouth. In addition to cutting back on these foods, patients might want to avoid anything that could contribute to dry mouth. Without saliva, it is more difficult for the mouth to maintain a pH level that resists bacteria and yeast. Drinking lots of water while cutting sugary drinks is the best way to improve saliva production.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS we encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

If you have gum inflammation, diabetes may be to blame. We strive to meet all our patients’ unique oral health needs at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice. Since uncontrolled blood sugar correlates with gum infections, we want our patients to have a better understanding of how this process works and how we can help them to avoid gum recession.

Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of acid-producing bacteria in the gum pockets. Infections trigger the body’s inflammatory response, which helps to keep pathogens from spreading. Unfortunately, inflammation also is painful and weakens the walls of cells. This is particularly problematic for people with diabetes, who have higher rates of inflammation and whose arteries have hardened in response to excessive blood sugar. People with diabetes are more severely impacted by infections in general, and they have higher rates of gum disease and its advanced form, periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease causes gum and bone recession to the point where teeth are in danger of falling out. But if people see us in time, we can help them to avoid this by providing deep cleanings of the gum pockets. Gum infections make it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, producing a feedback loop. But treating gum disease leads to an improvement in diabetic symptoms, so we hope anybody with diabetes and bleeding gums will not delay seeking treatment.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Avoiding Tooth Decay During the Holidays

There are lots of sugary drinks and snacks available in the fall. With Thanksgiving fast approaching and the winter holidays right around the corner, we at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice want our patients to enjoy the festivities without the risk of tooth decay. We thought it would be a good idea to point out some common sources of sugar and how to maintain good hygiene while indulging in them.

The longer sugar is in contact with teeth, the longer bacteria will be feeding on it and producing acid. Sticky, sugary foods such as cranberry sauce can fuel tooth decay, as can caramels and hard candy, which remains in contact with the teeth for an extended period and tends to dry out the mouth. Other major sources of sugary residue are sweet or creamy beverages such as apple cider, lattes, hot chocolate, and wine. People should also keep a watch on debris from starchy snacks such as crackers, since starch is also food for bacteria.

Substituting sugary hard candies with xylitol-flavored ones will remove a source of tooth decay and stimulate saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum between meals will also dislodge food debris if a person isn’t able to brush and floss right away. You can mitigate the residue from sugary drinks by interspersing sips of water while consuming them. If you won’t have access to fluoridated tap water, you can carry fluoridated water in bottles. And while crackers may leave a lot of debris, cheese contains vital minerals for strengthening enamel.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Preventive Oral Care

There are many forms of preventive dentistry, such as daily brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. Preventive oral care is just as important for adults as it is for children and proper oral hygiene begins at home. For complete care, it’s important to visit Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS every six months for a regular checkup and professional cleaning. In the meantime, we will refresh your memory as to how to take care of your oral health.

Dental diseases include tooth decay, gum disease, and any type of oral infection. All of these things can be prevented with a proper oral hygiene routine. Preventive maintenance and dental care for adults are as important now as they were when you were a child. To bring your mouth to its healthiest state, you should be flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association. . Everyone benefits from preventive dentistry, so if you haven’t brushed today, get to it!

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

The Importance of Regular Cleanings

It is recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry to have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months.  Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS encourages all her patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  However much you brush and floss, we are all human and may miss one or two areas, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, we clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, we flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist.

To learn more about teeth cleanings and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Children's Dental Health Month

Dr. Dipika Shah of Holmdel is proud to run a family dental office that provides compassionate, well-informed care to children. Every February, the American Dental Association celebratesChildren’s Dental Health Month along with many volunteer dentists, their staff, and dental suppliers. This year’s theme is the use of fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoridation provides teeth with more robust defense against the acid produced by oral bacteria. People who drink fluoridated water have better dental health than those who drink well water, and the topical fluoride treatments we provide reduce children’s chances of developing caries. However, it is still important for them to brush regularly. Decay in baby teeth is painful and has an adverse impact on children’s sleeping, eating,  speech development and affects permanent tooth that develops underneath the baby tooth. Additionally, brushing their teeth is often the first thing children learn to do to care for their own health and helps to get them into a lifetime of good habits.

Brushing should be done for two minutes per session with a soft-bristled toothbrush and should be done on every tooth surface, as well as the tongue.  Additional fluoride supplements should not be given to children, as it may cause their teeth may develop white patches. Dentists give topical fluoride and make sure that child does not swallow it thereby getting the best benefit. Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

Tooth Sensitivity

Below our enamel is a part of the tooth called dentin. Dentin contains microscopic canals that contain nerves and roots. When these roots become exposed, it can cause a tremendous amount of pain. If biting into an apple or drinking a hot cup of coffee makes your teeth wince in pain, then you may be a victim of tooth sensitivity. Fortunately, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, can help you take the proper measures to reduce the sensitivity and help you improve your oral hygiene technique.

If your oral hygiene routine is adequate but you still suffer from sensitive teeth, perhaps you are brushing too hard. If you use too much force while brushing your teeth, discomfort and sensitivity will occur. Sensitive teeth can also be caused by an underlying condition called bruxism, in which a patient grinds his or her teeth. Treatment for tooth sensitivity will depend on the cause, which Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS can evaluate during your next dental appointment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Diabetes and Orthodontics

Did you know that November is American Diabetes Month? At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental office, we’ve worked for years to help our patients understand how diabetes complicates oral health. This month, we want to focus on how orthodontics, in particular, is affected by diabetes.

People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to gingivitis and periodontal disease. When periodontal disease goes untreated, it damages the jaw bone that supports your teeth and gums, allowing teeth to migrate. This kind of damage can influence poor results with orthodontics, braces make oral hygiene more difficult. For a diabetic person with uncontrolled periodontal disease, this becomes poor choice of treatment. On the other hand, Invisalign does not create additional challenges to oral hygiene. The aligners may be removed and the patient can brush and floss normally. Invisalign also puts gentler pressure on the teeth, which is preferable for diabetic patients. Everyone may not be a candidate for Invisalign but if the patient’s blood sugar is kept under control and they adhere to oral hygiene practices, they can still receive treatment with braces or Invisalign. Once treatment starts, your follow up visits, will give us an opportunity to ensure the patient’s teeth and gums are still healthy.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

If your gums are bleeding, you need the help of Dr. Dipika Shah. Although a great many people see blood when they floss or spit out their toothpaste, this is only because gum disease is so widespread. Our office can help you get inflammation under control, but for treatment to last, you need to know what causes it.

Tartar and plaque often accumulate near the gum line. The gum pockets are a great place for bacteria to grow and many people struggle to floss as deep as they should. As plaque builds up, toxins produced by bacterias and food irritates the surrounding tissue. This is most often what causes bleeding.

Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush with a proper technique or use of a good electric brush, good daily flossing can help control infection of gum but you still need professional help from dental office to take out hardened tartar and plaque. Gum infections are likelier to occur in pregnant women, due to hormonal changes, and in people suffering from dry mouth, and people on blood thinner medications are also likelier to have bleeding gums.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit DentistNJ.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Steps to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Preventive Care and Oral Hygiene

If you don’t take care of your teeth and properly maintain your oral health, you may find yourself spending thousands of dollars in restorative dental care down the line. Although we love to see you here at the dental practice of         Dipika Shah, DDS, we want to save you money and help you keep your teeth for life. When the dental team and the patient work together, this can help to prevent the need for treatment.

Preventive dentistry emphasizes the importance of ongoing hygiene procedures and daily practices to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases and conditions. Effective preventive dentistry combines at-home oral care by patients with chairside treatments and counseling by dental professionals. The American Dental Association recommends a minimum of two dental checkups each year for professional cleaning and management of any developing conditions. Obeying this recommendation can help our dentists stop a dental disease in the earliest stages, protecting your smile and your wallet.

Considering that oral health is linked to overall health, preventive dentistry is important for the sake of your overall wellbeing. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

The Psychological Research Behind Keeping New Habits

How are those New Year resolutions going? It’s February and studies show that by this time, many of us start to fall back into old habits. Starting oral health-related habits can be difficult, but good hygiene is vital to your oral and overall health. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS of Holmdel, NJ wants to let her patients in on the secrets that help them start and keep healthy habits.

According to recent research, about fifty percent of the population make New Year resolutions. However, most people end up right where they started or further behind by the next New Year. This is mainly because people set unrealistic goals and expect unrealistic outcomes. Then, when they become discouraged, they slip back into their old ways.

Psychology researchers instead suggest making more specific goals with realistic expectations and smaller steps. For instance, if you want to make it a goal to have better oral health, create a more specific goal you can focus on like starting to floss every day. This is a small goal you can focus on daily that will, in turn, lead to cleaner teeth and healthier gums.

In addition, brain scientists Antonio Damasio and Joseph LeDoux and psychotherapist Stephen Hayes have discovered that habitual behavioral changes are made through creating new neural pathways and memories. These can be established with new thinking patterns. These new neural pathways will become your default thinking when you come face to face with a decision.

That being said, the next time you want to skip part of your oral hygiene routine, think of the short-term and long-term positive effects of doing it. Day by day, change your thought process!

Remember to brush twice per day and floss once per day. To schedule a cleaning and examination with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, call our Holmdel, NJ office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Electric Toothbrush Basics

Maintaining good oral hygiene should be an important part of everyone’s daily routine. Without proper cleaning at least twice daily and without a thorough annual cleaning by Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, your teeth and mouth can suffer from a number of issues. To begin a proper oral hygiene routine, you will need an effective toothbrush. Because they provide the brushing action for you, many people find that using power toothbrushes are easier than using regular manual ones.

Generally rich in technology and features, some power toothbrushes can even enable you to improve your brushing habits. While regular toothbrushes work well, electric toothbrushes offer a number of additional benefits such as faster brushing, easier brushing, deep cleaning, stain removal, and fresher breath. Hi-tech features may include numerous brushing modes for sensitive teeth, whitening benefits, or gum-massaging action. Depending on the brand, additional features may include pressure sensors to signal when you’re brushing too hard and timers to help you keep track of how long you’re brushing on each quadrant of your mouth.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice visit, www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in Holmdel, NJ, give us a call at 732-264-8180.

Cleaning Your Tongue

When brushing your teeth, it is not just your teeth you should be paying attention to. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS of Holmdel, NJ wants to remind her patients that cleaning their tongue is an important step of great oral hygiene.

Cleaning the tongue should be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. A good way to remember this is to clean your tongue after every time you brush your teeth. After you finish brushing your teeth, take yourtngue cleaner and scrape it from the back of your tongue all the way to the front of it two strokes, twice a day. You can leave toothpaste on your toothbrush, if you would like. Rinse the tongue cleaner after each stroke and scrape your tongue . Press down firmly, but do not scrape too abrasively. If your tongue is sore afterwards, you will know you are pressing too hard.

There are  tongue scrapers you can purchase instead of using your toothbrush. They are usually made out of plastic or metal. We usually keep it in our office for your convinience to purchase. 

Remember your whole mouth can benefit from a good cleaning, not just your teeth! To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS in our Holmdel, NJ dental practice, give our office a call at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com.