What You Need to Know About Dental Nutrition: Tips from Drs. Resnick & Rosenfeld
September 22, 2014
While it is common knowledge that excessive consumption of sugary foods can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, there’s more to dental nutrition than avoiding exorbitant amounts of sweet treats. Did you know that everything that you put into your mouth has some effect on your oral health? At Resnick & Rosenfeld, DDS in Edison, NJ, Dr. Steven J. Resnick and Dr. David S. Rosenfeld help patients of all ages keep their smiles healthy and looking their best through a variety of general dentistry services. One of the most important of these services is patient education regarding dental nutrition.
Dental Nutrition: Aim for the Good, Avoid the Bad
When it comes to preserving the health of your teeth, there is one key fact to remember: Bacteria-laden plaque is your worst enemy. Preventing the formation of plaque is the best possible thing you can do for your teeth, and the foods you eat directly affect the accumulation of this colorless, sticky film. One way to reduce the accumulation of plaque is to fortify your diet with fiber-rich fruits and veggies like celery, apples, and carrots. These help stimulate the flow of saliva, which protects teeth against plaque buildup.
You can also help strengthen your teeth by consuming fewer sodas, energy drinks, and sports beverages. The citric acid and sugars in these popular drinks softens the enamel, making it susceptible to erosion and decay. If you do enjoy one of these beverages, just be sure to rinse with water after, and wait between 30 minutes and an hour to brush your teeth to prevent damaging the enamel.
Additional dental nutrition tips include:
- Avoid foods and drinks with added sugar
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating foods high in acid
- Enjoy some green or black tea, both of which can help kill bacteria in the mouth
- Avoid syrupy, starchy foods that remain in the mouth for extended periods of time
- If you must snack, stick with healthy, nutrient-rich foods like almonds, cheese, yogurt, or a few apple slices
Healthier Mouth, Healthier You
Research has proven time and again that the health of your teeth and gums directly affects your physical health in general. Keeping dental nutrition in the forefront of your mind can help to ensure that you remain healthy, happy, and strong for years to come. If you’d like to learn more about how the foods we eat directly impact the state of our oral health, we’d be happy to talk with you. Contact our office in Edison, NJ today to schedule your consultation with Drs. Resnick and Rosenfeld today. Our team looks forward to welcoming your entire family to our cutting-edge office. We are privileged to serve communities in Edison, Colonia, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Plainfield, Clark, and beyond.
Bruxism & TMJ Disorder Treatment at Resnick & Rosenfeld, DDS in Edison, NJ
September 10, 2014
It is estimated that 20 percent of adults in America suffer from bruxism, a condition characterized by involuntary teeth grinding that typically occurs while the patient is asleep. Because patients suffering from bruxism don’t always realize that there’s a problem, the incessant grinding has the potential to cause serious damage to teeth and dental work. At Resnick & Rosenfeld, DDS, Dr. Steven J. Resnick and Dr. David S. Rosenfeld provide patients from Edison, NJ and the surrounding areas with comprehensive general dentistry services, including treatment for bruxism.
Why is Bruxism Treatment Important?
In addition to causing damage to your teeth over time, untreated bruxism can lead to the development of a secondary condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ disorder. This is a condition that affects the delicate joints that attach your jaw to your cranium. When the muscles of the jaw and neck become tense with the stress needed to clamp down and grind, inflammation of the TMJ may occur. This can lead to severe pain, chronic migraine headaches, difficulty chewing, and a clicking sound when opening and closing the mouth.
Fortunately, there is a solution to the pain and annoyance associated with bruxism and TMJ disorder. Drs. Resnick and Rosenfeld can fit you with a custom oral appliance that you wear only when you sleep. Comfortable and easy to wear, this nightguard (also called a mouthguard or oral splint) protects your teeth and the muscles of your jaw throughout the night, thereby drastically diminishing your symptoms. Finally enjoy a full night of rest without dealing with the pain of bruxism and TMJ disorder the next day.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you suspect that you may be suffering from bruxism or TMJ disorder, we invite you to contact our office today to schedule your appointment with our doctors and our caring team. We’ll take the time to sit down with you, get to know you, and develop a treatment plan that addresses all of your unique needs. From our conveniently located dental practice in Edison, NJ, we proudly serve patients from surrounding neighborhoods in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Clark, Colonia, and more.