The Effects of Poor Oral Care

When you skip brushing your teeth, you’re in for more than just bad breath. Poor oral hygiene can lead to disastrous oral health. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ wants to remind our patients of the consequences of taking poor care of your mouth.

The point of brushing and flossing teeth is to remove plaque and other bacteria that build up from food, saliva, and other debris. After brushing, plaque builds up just hours later. This is why brushing should be done two or three times per day. Plaque that is not brushed away turns into tartar. Tartar is a hardened mineral deposit that only a dentist can remove.

When plaque and tartar sit on the teeth, they begin to irritate the gums, causing the gums to recede. Receded gums form deep pockets where bacteria can collect. These pockets allow bacteria to get deep into the gums where the tooth root is located. This can weaken the tooth and make it more difficult for the gum disease to be cleared.

Gum disease can cause bleeding gums, irritated gums, sensitivity, and as mentioned before, recession of the gums. Recessed gums can cause teeth to loosen and fall out, if not corrected. Surgery can sometimes be required to bring gums back up to a healthy level.

When there is poor oral hygiene, there is poor oral health. The gums and teeth are at risk of becoming diseased and dysfunctional. To keep a healthy mouth, follow a regular oral hygiene routine and schedule regular cleanings with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ. To schedule, call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD, Winner of the 2015 Patients' Choice Award!

Finding the right dentist is important, especially when you have a family. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ is a family dentist and recent winner of the Open Care Patients’ Choice Award in Holmdel, NJ for 2015. When it comes to awards, what better award to receive than one that comes straight from our patients?

The Open Care Patients’ Choice Award is determined by the ratings and reviews of our patients. The reviews are compiled from third party sources to receive a completely objective view of our practice. To learn about our practice, it is best to go straight to the source! If you would like to read some of the reviews our wonderful patients have left for us, make sure to visit our website for the links!

Whether you are in need of preventative care, restoration, or general dentistry, Dr. Dipika Shah can help. Dr. Shah also specializes in orthodontics, TMJ treatment, and sleep apnea treatment. Dr. Shah treats patients of all ages, which is great for families. We know that it can be difficult to get everyone into a dentist appointment, but with our full family care, only one dentist is needed.

Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD, winner of the Open Care Patients’ Choice Award in Holmdel, NJ for 2015, is an experienced dentist who looks after the health of her patients of all ages. To make an appointment at our Holmdel, NJ dental practice, call us at (732) 264-8180, or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

The Importance of Tooth Replacement

When a tooth is lost or is extracted, it may seem okay to leave the space open for a while, but it is actually very important to fill that space quickly. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ wants her patients to know why tooth replacement is so important and why it should be done sooner rather than later.

When a tooth is lost, the bone in the jaw begins to deteriorate. With the loss of a single tooth, this can cause the other teeth to shift towards that open space. This creates differences in biting and chewing. This can also introduce gaps between teeth which can catch debris and better collect bacteria. Also, if there is a tooth in the same spot on the opposite set of teeth, sometimes it can irritate and harm the gums in the open space since there is nothing to protect it.

In the case that multiple teeth are missing, the jaw can actually change shape, which will change facial structure. When most or all teeth are missing, facial muscles can begin to sag which makes a person appear older than they are.

Dr. Shah has several options here for replacement. Bridges are long-lasting and popular options. Implants and mini implants are able to last for a lifetime and are similar to having a real tooth with a root.

For a tooth replacement consultation, contact Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD here at our Holmdel, NJ office. Call (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Gum Grafting for Exposed Tooth Root

For those that are suffering with sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots or for those who just do not like the appearance of their elongated teeth, gum grafting is needed. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD has been performing gum grafts here at her Holmdel, NJ dental practice to save her patients teeth and relieve pain.

A gum graft consists of taking tissue from another area in the mouth and transferring to the area of the gums that has receded. Receded gums are often a result of gum disease. As the disease progresses, deep pockets form with pull the gums away from the teeth. The gum line recedes and sensitive tooth root is exposed. This can cause major pain and sensitivity. Not to mention, it is not always pleasing to the eye. If not corrected, receded gums may even lead to loss of teeth.

Dr. Shah will begin with cutting tissue from the roof of the mouth or an area of the gums where there is excess tissue. This tissue is then stitched down where it is needed. The tissue grows with the gums and forms a natural and healthy gum line.

If you are experiencing sensitivity at the roots of your teeth, a gum graft may be necessary. To find out more about gum grafts or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD here in Holmdel, NJ, call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

How to Find the Right Toothbrush For You

With so many different options out there, picking the right toothbrush can actually be a confusing process. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD wants to make sure that her patients here in the Holmdel, NJ area are taking proper care of their mouth with the right toothbrush.

The first difference many notice about toothbrushes is that some of them are electric. Patients want to know which is better, electric or manual. The truth is that studies are showing that manual toothbrushes do the same job cleaning the mouth as the electric ones if used properly. The only differenceis electric can produce lot more vibration than your hands to remove sticky plaque, meaning more efficient. Also for those who cannot use their hands as well, like patients with arthritis. it can be very helpful. . However with either electric or manual, proper technique is very important.

A small head is recommended for reaching those hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. You want to make sure you can reach your back molars and a small head makes it easier to navigate to them. As far as bristles go, softer bristles are best for removing plaque. Bristles that are too stiff can irritate gums and hurt enamel. 

When brushing your teeth you want to make sure that you are doing good for your mouth, not causing more harm. To find out more ways to keep healthy teeth and gums, call Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com. 

Ceramic Braces for Less Noticeable Teeth Straightening

Are you looking to straighten your teeth but do not like a metal smile? We have good news for you. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD is offering ceramic braces right here in her Holmdel, NJ dental practice. Ceramic braces blend right in with your teeth for a less noticeable teeth straightening process.

Ceramic braces are translucent, so they blend right in with the color of your teeth. Advancements in technology have also allowed these brackets to become stain-resistant. So with a good oral care routine, the brackets will stay nice-looking and translucent throughout the whole duration of the process. Ceramic braces are available for both teens and adults. They are a great option for those who are worried about the appearance of traditional metal braces.

Ceramic braces work the same as traditional braces. The brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and a wire is used to connect the brackets and slowly move the teeth into the direction Dr. Shah sets. Every few weeks, the wires are changed and tightened to gradually shift the teeth. Process duration will depend on each individual case.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth with less noticeable braces, come in to find out if ceramic braces could work for you. To schedule with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD in our Holmdel, NJ practice, call us at (732) 264-8180 or www.dentistnj.com. 

Proper Teeth Brushing

A proper brushing technique is like having a dentist take care of your teeth every day. Dr. Dipika Shah wants to remind her patients about the correct way to brush teeth and how much time you should spend on them every day.

Brushing your teeth should be done for two minutes, twice per day.Brush after first and last meal of the day. Night time brushing is the most important one as we do not move our lips, cheeks as much at night and food stays in one place feeding bacteria also  the mouth dries out overnight, bacteria left in the mouth can multiply much faster and sit in your mouth all night! So make sure to brush at least afetr dinner. .

Brushing should be done with circular motion or with short up-and-down strokes. Make sure to hit the front, inside, and chewing surfaces of every tooth. For the back molars, make sure to get the backs of those teeth.

As for using an electric or a manual toothbrush, most studies are showing that both can do the same job. However, for those who have trouble using their hands, an electric toothbrush may clean teeth better, as they do a majority of the job. A small toothbrush head will be best to reach every surface in the mouth. Make sure to brush lightly, there is no need to bear down hard on teeth. This could irritate gums and wear away enamel.

To schedule a dental cleaning with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, MAGD of Holmdel, NJ call our office at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com.