While the temperatures outside continue to fall, you may be enjoying the cozy warmth of your living room fireplace or grumbling and wondering, “Why isn’t it spring yet?” Until you begin to see the first blooms of the season, you’ll need to do everything you can to not only protect your hands and feet from the cold but also keep your smile secure against winter mouth issues. Here are three simple ways you can safeguard your pearly whites in the meantime.
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Don’t forget the Floss: How can flossing save your life!
October 4, 2021

October is National Hygiene month, so it is fitting we talk about flossing!
Brushing and flossing are equally important to ensure your oral health and to protect your general health. Most people are pretty good about daily brushing…but flossing…well, that’s another story. First get the facts. Then, get your floss !
Failing to floss can lead to a dental domino effect: plaque build-up, gingivitis, periodontitis, teeth falling out, premature aging and, eventually, seriously compromised health and longevity !
Flossing is absolutely essential to remove plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the teeth, accumulates and hardens over time
Flossing helps clean teeth in the areas that are impossible to reach by brushing alone—between the teeth and under your gum line.
Mask Mouth is Real
September 15, 2021
The rules about wearing a mask vary throughout different establishments. In all health related facilities it is mandatory. All our children now have to wear masks in school. That’s a total of 6 hours of mask wear!
We are seeing more of our patients with periodontal disease (bone loss around the teeth) and cavities. This is due to the effects of continual mask-wearing which is keeping germs and bacteria in the mouth.
What Are The Symptoms Of Mask Mouth?
(more…)IS THERE A CONNECTION BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND SCHOOL PERFORMANCE?
September 1, 2021
By Dr. Mariliza LaCap
The answer is a resounding YES!
August is the perfect time to prepare your children for back to school. As a parent, you want the best for your children, and that includes doing their best in school. You can support them by taking an interest in their activities, being enthusiastic about attendance, and helping them with homework. There may also be one more way you can help your children succeed at school. Surprisingly, research suggests that children with better oral health are likely to do better in school.
What the Research Says
In volume 161, issue 6 in the Journal of Pediatrics, the study concluded that dental
problems were significantly associated with reductions in school performance and psychosocial well-being. Children with undiagnosed dental problems and infections were more likely to have problems at school, miss school and were less likely to do all required homework. This was prevalent with children 14 years and younger since this age group seldom complains to their parents about dental pain.
Dental malocclusion (crooked teeth) was also associated with shyness, unhappiness, feeling of worthlessness, and reduced friendliness. The effects of dental malocclusion (crooked teeth) were largest for adolescents between 15 and 17 years. The study concluded that preventing and treating dental problems and improving dental health may benefit child academic achievement and cognitive and psychosocial development.
What our office is doing to help at Smile More Dentistry and Smile More Kidz
In light of the apparent benefits of good oral health for school performance, we have taken a proactive approach in helping parents give their children a head start. We have made it convenient for the whole family to get all their dental needs met under one roof. We have all the specialties needed for adult dentistry. Our smile team also includes a Pediatric dentist (dentist for children) and Orthodontist (a dentist who specializes in straightening children’s teeth),
- Free early screening of dental decay as early as 1 years old.
- “Toddler Thursdays” where we teach parents and toddlers good oral hygiene through an interactive puppet show.
- Early screening for Orthodontic care
- Dental sealants, or plastic coatings, on back teeth to guard against decay
- Oral hygeine and nutritional counseling
- FUN and friendly smile team so visits are stress free and comfortable.
What you can do to help
You can help your child improve oral health and do better in school by encouraging good oral hygiene. This includes brushing at least twice a day with fluoride-containing toothpaste and reminding your child to drink water after eating. Also, regular trips to our office (the American Dental Association recommends every six months) can help prevent serious tooth problems and dental pain.
We look forward to meeting you and your family. Visit us in 2 convenient locations: 19 Legion Drive, Bergenfield, NJ 07621. Contact us at WashingtonDental Associates.com or call 201-817-5093.
140 Oak Tree Rd., Tappan, NY 10983. Please call us 845-295-5023. Have a question? We are here to help!
4 Tips to Ensure a Cavity-Free Smile While Eating Ice Cream This Summer
July 11, 2021
Who doesn’t love a nice bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day? No matter the flavor, it always hits the spot. But is it the best option when it comes to safeguarding your smile? Is ice cream bad for your teeth? Unfortunately, this sweet treat isn’t ideal if you want to protect your pearly whites against tooth decay and cavities; however, there are four things you can do to minimize your risk while enjoying your favorite dessert.
(more…)Will It Hurt to Receive Dental Implants?
May 17, 2021
Dental implants are considered to be the gold standard for tooth replacement. Eager to experience their many great benefits, you are looking forward to the opportunity for a full, complete smile once again. But are you also worried that having them put into place will cause much pain and discomfort? In this article, a dentist shares what you can expect when preparing for oral surgery and why you have nothing to fear.
(more…)3 Must-Know Tips for Finding the Right Invisalign Provider
April 21, 2021
In the late 1990s, Invisalign changed the field of orthodontics forever when they introduced their clear, incredibly discreet aligners. Since then, they have helped millions of patients around the globe leave overlapped and spaced-out teeth in the past. Today, more and more people are considering this practically invisible orthodontic treatment, but they are unsure where to start. With this in mind, keep reading for three tips on how to find an Invisalign provider that is right for you!
(more…)Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for My Child?
April 7, 2021
Did you know that about 20% of children experience dental-related anxiety? So, if your little one struggles with anything from mild nerves to extreme stress surrounding visiting the dentist, they’re certainly not alone. Fortunately, options like nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) can help keep their anxiety at bay during their much-needed dental care. But is sedation dentistry safe for children? Keep reading to find out!
(more…)4 Easter Candies That Can Damage Your Smile This Spring
March 28, 2021
Who doesn’t love a visit from the Easter Bunny? Hopping around delivering baskets full of chocolate treats, stuffed bunnies, and colorful eggs is a wonderful way to welcome spring; however, these good intentions can have disastrous effects on your teeth if you’re not practicing good oral hygiene. Eating too much of any sweets can lead to cavities and gum disease, but which Easter candies are the worst? Read on to find out which tasty treats can wreak the most havoc on your smile.
(more…)Can Yogurt Help Prevent Bad Breath?
March 19, 2021
There’s nothing worse than starting to engage in a conversation only to have the other person furrow their brow and step further away. Although you might want to blame a foul odor coming from another part of the room, the truth is that your bad breath may be the culprit. If halitosis is keeping you from being able to socialize with others, it’s time to find out the cause of your problem and what you can do to remedy it. Fortunately, a local dentist is here to explain why you have bad breath and how yogurt may just be the solution you need.
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