Halitosis in Children

Dr. Dipika Shah loves helping kids with all their oral health needs, including relief from bad breath. Generally, children suffer from halitosis for the same reason as adults: bacteria build-up. However, they may need some specific attention in order to deal with the problem.

Bacteria build up in creviced soft tissue, such as the tongue and top of the throat. The tongue is easy to clean, but fighting bacteria in the back of the throat may require a specialty mouthwash Dr. Shah can recommend. Bacteria in this region not only feed on trapped food particles, they also feed on nasal drip. Children tend to get more sinus infections than adults, increasing their risk for halitosis, and they are likelier to have undiagnosed allergies.

Dry mouth is another major contributor to bad breath. In children, the most common medications that cause it as a side-effect are those for ADHD and anxiety, but it could also be caused by mouth breathing. This may require attention from a specialist to correct, or it may be related to sleep apnea, which Dr. Shah can provide a snore guard for.

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.

 

Foods That Promote a Healthy Smile

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS is an advocate when it comes to helping patients improve their dental health and a healthy smile begins with a nutritious diet. Foods that contain sugars or acid of any kind can contribute to tooth decay, so it’s important to know what foods you should be eating and what foods should be consumed only once in a while. More than 40% of children will develop dental cavities by the time they reach kindergarten and approximately 5% of adults (ages 20-64) fall victim to tooth decay, but the good news is that it’s preventable.

If you exercise rigorously but consume unhealthy foods, you likely won’t notice any positive changes. The same goes for brushing your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing keep teeth healthy by eliminating sugars and food particles that link up with bacteria to form plaque. Plaque is the leading cause of tooth decay, so to help control the amount of sugar you eat, read food labels and make choices that are low in added sugars.  To promote a healthy smile, drink plenty of water, avoid soda, juice, sports drinks and eat a variety of foods from the five major food groups, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fat-free dairy foods.

If you have questions or concerns about the status of your oral health, please give us a call. 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 our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.

Orthodontics in Holmdel, NJ

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are misaligned and corrects any dental deformities. Dr. Dipika Shah offers a variety of orthodontic options to her patients but encourages assessing a child’s orthodontic needs as early as possible. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean and packs a lot more food. The benefits of receiving orthodontic treatment are endless but include a healthier mouth, and a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smile  and face.

At her Holmdel, NJ dental practice, Dipika Shah, DDS gives patients a choice when it comes to straightening their teeth – Invisalign and traditional braces. Both appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. Depending on the individual case, one option may be preferred over another. To decide which form of orthodontics is best for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation.

If you have questions or concerns about our orthodontic options, please give us a call. 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 our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.

Oral Piercings and Teeth

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS encourages all of her patients to express themselves to the fullest extent. In recent years, oral piercings have become a popular form of self-expression. If you’re thinking about getting a piercing in your tongue, lip, cheek, or anywhere else in the oral cavity, Dr. Shah wants you to be aware of the risks associated with oral piercings and help you decide if it’s worth it.

The mouth is full of bacteria. When you get your oral or perioral structures pierced, infection and swelling often occurs. In addition to pain and swelling, oral piercings can cause damage to the teeth and gums as it bumps into your teeth and gums. Contact Dr. Dipika Shah immediately if you have any signs of infection, such as pain or a red streaked appearance around the piercing site. Make sure that your mouth stays free of infection and the piercing is properly cleaned. If you have questions or concerns about the status of your oral health, please give us a call. 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 our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180.

Acid Reflux

 Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease and GERD, is a major contributor to caries and enamel loss, so we want Dr. Dipika Shah’s patients to be aware of and know how to stop it.

The hydrochloric acid in the stomach is highly acidic to your teeth. Usually, it is kept away from your mouth by a sphincter, but when that fails, the acid can painfully make its way into the mouth. Not only will it cause toothaches, it also discolors teeth as they lose so much enamel their dentin layer shows through. Acid reflux also contributes to gum inflammation.

Patients can reduce acid reflux by eliminating foods high in fat from their diets. They should also reduce their intake of acidic foods and drinks such as alcohol, tomatoes, garlic, citrus food and avoid large meals before bed. Chocolate and caffeine also contribute to acid reflux. Fluoride treatments can be used to strengthen enamel. Once it has been lost, enamel cannot grow back, but it can be replaced with fillings and bonding.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, practices 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.

Veneers for a Stunning Smile

As the staff of the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we see a lot of patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. There are many different cosmetic procedures available to correct certain imperfections like tooth alignment or color depending upon each case. Sometimes veneers are the best way to give your smile a total makeover and still look natural.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, chipped or cracked teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers. 

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that bond directly to the surface of your teeth, and give you the opportunity to completely change the appearance of your smile and still look natural.  Veneers can be applied in as little as two visits.  First, you and your dentist will discuss what shape and look is best for your new smile and an impression of your teeth will be taken.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be manufactured in order to custom-fit the final product.  Veneers can typically be fabricated within 14 days, and on your final visit the veneers are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth for you to wear home and wear forever!

To learn more about veneers and all the services we provide, 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. 

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

At the dental practice of Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, we love to hear from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Nancy G. for being an excellent patient, but we’d like to thank her for reviewing us. Additionally, we encourage the rest of our patients to write testimonials and thank each and every one of you for your feedback!   

“Dr. Dipika Shah and her staff are simply the BEST!  Dr. Shah sets the tone for the office with her practical advice as well as her up-to-the-minute skills and techniques. Her competence and knowledge inspire confidence and calm - wonderful gifts to have when dealing with patients like...me!  Her staff is equally professional and skilled in their respective fields and very supportive of the patients.  I always feel well-cared for and confident that my dental needs, from the practical to the specialized, have been attended to by one of the best.”

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning 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.