Dumont, Bergenfield, Haworth and Bergen County, New Jersey
May 15th, 2012
If you have lost one or more teeth, you may be considering dental implants. There are many good reasons for choosing dental implants, and an improved appearance is one of them.
A dental implant is obviously going to improve the appearance of your smile. A missing tooth is the most unattractive feature of a smile. And only dental implants allow you to replace your tooth with something like a natural tooth, something anchored in your jawbone with an aesthetic crown for the visible surface. There are no wires or other connections to your other teeth to betray that it is anything but a natural tooth.
Your dental implant also protects your smile long-term. Once you have lost a tooth, your other teeth can begin to shift, growing crooked and uneven. Imbalanced forces can increase the risk of chips and fractures in your other teeth.
But the impact of missing teeth on your smile can be visible even if you don’t smile. If you have lost teeth, your face can literally begin to collapse. Your body takes the lack of pressure where the tooth is missing as a sign that the jawbone is not needed there, and absorbs the bone. The effect of lost bone and gum collapse can be seen even if you aren’t smiling. Since only dental implants stimulate your jawbone the way your natural teeth do, they are the best option for preserving your jawbone and gums.
To learn more about the benefits of dental implants and find out if you are a candidate, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental in Bergen Country for an appointment.
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April 18th, 2012
Most of us have been told by our dentist that we ought to clean our teeth after eating. When we eat, we also give tooth bacteria a chance to eat, and when they eat, they excrete acid that damages our tooth enamel, the shiny white outer layer of our teeth. So it’s best to brush and get rid of extra food and bacteria as soon as possible after eating, right?
Almost. It’s true that bacteria populations spike after meals and that we want to get rid of them to prevent excessive damage to teeth. But right after eating–especially if your meal contained citric acid (common in fruit) or phosphoric acid (used in carbonated soft drinks), your enamel may be softened and vulnerable. When you brush right after eating, you could be brushing away enamel. Here’s how to clean your teeth and remove bacteria safely after every meal.
After you have finished eating, rinse your mouth with water. This will remove some food particles, but most importantly it will remove excess acid residue on your teeth. Now wait about half an hour. This will give your saliva time to re-establish the proper pH in your mouth and harden your dental enamel. Then brush to remove the rest of the food particles and bacteria colonies.
If you follow this extra step in taking care of your teeth, you will be happy with the results next time you visit the dentist–less need for tooth-colored fillings or dental crowns.
To learn more about the best oral hygiene routine, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental for an appointment today. Helping patients in Bergenfield and surrounding areas.
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April 5th, 2012
Tooth whitening is generally safe, but as with all medical and dental procedures, it does carry some risk. These risks are multiplied if you attempt to whiten without the supervision of a dentist, using over-the-counter products that may seem harmless but can actually cause significant damage to teeth and gums.
Excessive use of at-home whitening can result in tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. In extreme cases, it can even result in damage to the enamel. As your enamel becomes damaged, it may actually make your teeth look discolored, as it allows the yellowish dentin inside the tooth to show through.
Minor tooth sensitivity is a normal side effect of tooth whitening. It is caused by whitening products that remove blockage of the dental tubules that allow air and other substances to penetrate to the tooth pulp. However, overuse of even the more dilute concentrations of over-the-counter whitening will erode the dental enamel, which can significantly increase the exposure of your teeth to changes in temperature, and even the normal pressure of biting and chewing. Over-the-counter whiteners also have little in the way of protection for your gums. This can cause damage to the gums–they may pull back from the teeth and expose the tooth root, which can lead to pain, tooth damage, and even tooth loss.
The best way to reduce the risks of teeth whitening is to work with an experienced cosmetic dentist. A cosmetic dentist can make sure your gums are protected from exposure to the whitening compound. A cosmetic dentist can also adjust the whitening formula you use to counteract negative effects such as tooth sensitivity. Finally, a cosmetic dentist can monitor your teeth for any negative effects so you can stop or modify treatment before serious damage occurs.
To learn more about teeth whitening in Bergen County, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental today for an appointment.
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March 29th, 2012
Piercings in your lips and tongue have the potential to create cosmetic dental problems, as well as problems associated with the function and health of your mouth. As a result of oral piercings, you may be at greater risk of:
- Injury to the gums, leading to gum recession.
- Tooth loss from gum recession.
- Teeth damage, including cracks and chips.
- Interference with chewing and speech.
- Oral infections.
If you plan to get an oral piercing, you can reduce the risk of these complications by choosing a safe, reputable piercing studio. Ask the employees about their sterilization techniques and other steps they take to prevent infection. Sterile equipment and jewelry can help you avoid infections that would otherwise occur during the piercing procedure.
You should visit the dentist regularly if you have an oral piercing. Your jewelry may do a great deal of harm to your gums, causing inflammation and recession. Periodontics care may be necessary to treat any infection of the gums. Your dentist can spot signs of serious recession or infection early, and let you know whether you need to remove your jewelry to prevent further damage.
To learn more about oral healthcare in New Jersey, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule a consultation with Bergen County dentist Dr. Howard Perlmutter.
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March 27th, 2012
Most of us experience bad breath at some point. A trip to the dentist can inform you of ways to combat bad breath, and determine if your bad breath is an indicator of something more serious, like gum disease.
Whether you have chronic bad breath or suffer from the odor temporarily, you may have wondered about the effectiveness of mouthwash. These products are touted as eliminators of mouth odor.
Most mouthwashes claim to get rid of bad breath by reducing the mouth bacteria that cause odor.
Alcohol-containing mouthwashes may dry your mouth out, which can actually cause bad breath. When your mouth produces saliva, the flow washes away the smelly compounds produced by the bacteria in your mouth. Alcohol is known to dry out the tissues in your mouth, which could inhibit salivary flow and cause bad breath; however, there is some evidence that alcohol-containing mouthwashes do not dry out your mouth. There are also many alcohol-free mouthwashes on the market.
Ultimately, mouthwash freshens your breath by masking odor. Antiseptic mouthwash may reduce some of the bacteria that lead to bad breath. The best way to prevent bad breath is to practice good dental hygiene:
- Brush your teeth and tongue after every meal.
- Floss once a day.
- Visit the dentist for a cleaning every six months.
Good oral hygiene is the key to preventing plaque and decay that lead to bad breath.
To learn more about fighting bad breath and mouth plaque, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule a consultation with Haworth-area dentist Dr. Howard Perlmutter.
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March 24th, 2012
Invisalign® now offers clear, plastic aligners meeting the unique needs of teens. These special features include:
- Blue Dot Wear Indicator tracks frequency of wear.
- Up to six free replacements in case an aligner is lost.
- Power ridges achieve complex tooth movements.
- Eruption tabs accommodate the growth of molars.
Orthodontic treatment is an important part of family dentistry, and your teen may have asked you about Invisalign®. Oftentimes, parents considering Invisalign® for their teen are concerned about compliance. The aligners are easily removed, and wearing the aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours each day is critical to the effectiveness of Invisalign®. The Blue Dot Wear Indicator fades as wear progresses, indicating the aligner is being worn properly. The Blue Dot Indicator helps your teen take responsibility for frequency of wear.
Other issues somewhat unique to teen mouths are eruption of new teeth and the need for complex tooth root movement. Invisalign Teen® has created features to address these needs, providing the tooth movement necessary for proper alignment and a straight, beautiful smile.
If you live in New Jersey and would like to find out if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign®, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule a consultation with experienced Bergen County cosmetic dentist Dr. Howard Perlmutter.
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March 22nd, 2012
Invisalign® lets many orthodontic patients straighten their teeth without metal braces. Using a series of customized plastic aligners, Invisalign® gently moves your teeth into proper alignment.
The benefits of Invisalign® include:
- Clear, plastic aligners let you straighten your teeth without unsightly metal.
- Aligners are removable, so you can eat, brush and floss with ease.
- Provides effective alignment for a wide range of orthodontic cases.
At Dumont Cosmetic Dental, Dr. Howard Perlmutter examines your teeth, mouth and bite to determine if you are a candidate for the system, and he will answer all of your questions about Invisalign®. If you are a candidate, 3D images of your mouth will be sent to an Invisalign® lab to create a series of plastic trays customized to your teeth. The number of trays in the series depends on the tooth movement required.
You wear each Invisalign® aligner for about two weeks before moving to the next tray in the series. Although the aligners are removable, you must wear them for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss.
Like traditional braces, the length of Invisalign® treatment varies. Some patients wear the aligners for nine months, while other patients use Invisalign® for more than a year. Invisalign® can treat a variety of tooth and bite issues, including many cases of crooked teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites.
To learn more about Invisalign® for people living in New Jersey, please contact Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule a consultation with experienced Bergenfield dentist Dr. Howard Perlmutter.
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December 12th, 2011
General dentistry is critical to your oral health. The three main components of general dentistry are prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common dental problems. Some of the most common services associated with general dentistry include:
- Regular teeth cleanings
- Regular exams
- Dental fillings
- Children’s dentistry
We also offer endodontic services to treat problems arising inside your teeth, as well as periodontics to maintain the health of your gums, jawbone and other tooth-supporting structures.
Visiting the dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning prevents the buildup of plaque, a sticky substance that forms on your teeth when bacteria begin to colonize on the enamel. Plaque can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and it has also been linked to heart disease.
During a dental exam, Dr. Howard Perlmutter can spot early signs of decay, inflammation, and other dental problems. Dental problems are often much easier to treat in the early stages. Progressed decay and infection may require more extensive procedures.
If you are searching for a general dentist in Dumont, New Jersey, please contact experienced general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Howard Perlmutter at Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule a consultation.
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December 5th, 2011
Sedation dentistry lets people with dental phobia relax and receive the dental care that is so important to a healthy, beautiful smile. With sedation dentistry, you remain conscious but in a deeply relaxed state. You will have little or no memory of the appointment later.
At Dumont Cosmetic Dental, Dr. Howard Perlmutter offers two sedation dentistry options to patients:
- Oral sedation
- Nitrous oxide
Oral sedation involves taking a pill prior to your dental procedure or treatment. The pill will place you in a semi-conscious state, but you will be able to hear and respond to Dr. Perlmutter and his team. You must arrange for someone to drive you home after this type of sedation dentistry.
Nitrous oxide is a gas administered through a mask prior to and during your procedure. You may know this form of sedation as “laughing gas.” The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, and you do not necessarily need to arrange for someone to drive you home after this type of sedation.
An experienced sedation dentist, Dr. Perlmutter is licensed by the state of New Jersey to provide Enteral Conscious Sedation (which means orally administered sedation), and he is a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.
To find out if sedation dentistry in Dumont, New Jersey, is right for you, please contact the experienced sedation dentist Dr. Howard Perlmutter at Dumont Cosmetic Dental to schedule an appointment.
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November 28th, 2011
If you’ve considered orthodontic treatment with traditional braces, you may have noticed that one of the inconveniences or braces is that you can’t eat many of your favorite foods. Some orthodontists recommend that you avoid all of the following:
- Apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables
- Bagels, pretzels and hard rolls
- Pizza
- Corn chips or other crunchy snacks
- Nuts
- Meat on the bone, such as chicken wings or ribs
- Corn on the cob
- Hard candy
- Hard cookies
Now, I don’t know about you, but if you take away my ginger snaps, hot wings, and pizza, you’ve taken most of the joy out of eating. And when you add to that list apples, carrots, and celery, you’ve also removed most of the healthy snacks I enjoy. This makes braces a major sacrifice for a year or more.
Invisalign®, on the other hand, allows you to get orthodontic treatment without giving up the foods you love. You simply remove your aligners before you eat and enjoy anything you want. Of course, you should still avoid nonfoods such as ice, pens, and pencils, but otherwise you are free to enjoy your standard diet.
The tradeoff is that you have to brush your teeth before putting your aligners back on. Every time you eat, you must brush. This is not only good for your oral hygiene, but gives you great incentive to cut down on snacking between meals, which can improve your waistline as well.
To learn more about this and other benefits of Invisalign® orthodontic treatment, please contact Dr. Howard Perlmutter, cosmetic dentist, serving patients throughout Bergen County, NJ.
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