Not Flossing – Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

Although many of us are much more diligent about brushing than flossing, they are equally important.

"Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do to take care of your teeth. It's the single most important factor in preventing periodontal disease, which affects more than 50% of adults," says Meinecke.

Flossing helps remove plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums, and gives you a brighter smile by polishing the tooth's surface; it even helps control bad breath.

Above article by: Kristin Koch, Health.com

Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Candy - Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won't directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can.

"Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities," says Halpern.

The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime, says Halpern.

If you can't brush after a snack attack, eat cheese or yogurt, or chew sugarless gum to boost saliva flow and neutralize acids.

Above article by: Kristin Koch, Health.com

Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Sports Drinks - Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren't great for your teeth.

"Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth's enamel," says David F. Halpern, DMD, FAGD, president of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as "food" for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.

Above article by: Kristin Koch, Health.com

Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients so be sure to call your dentist and provide as much detail as you can about your condition. If the accident occurs when your dental office is not open, visit your local emergency room.

Question: What do I do if I knock out my tooth? 
Answer: For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away.

Q: What if I crack my tooth? 
A: For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Q: If I bite my tongue or lip, how do I treat it? 
A: If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Q: How do I treat a toothache? 
A: For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

Q: What if I think my jaw is broken? 
A: If you think your jaw is broken apply cold compresses to control the swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Q: How do I remove an object that’s stuck in my mouth or teeth? 
A: For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Q: How can I avoid a dental emergency? 
A: There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

•   Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities. 

•   Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth. 

•   Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Above article from: www.MouthHealthy.org

Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, get their name by being the last teeth to come in during young adulthood. As part of a dental visit, your dentist will examine you to determine if your wisdom teeth are healthy and properly positioned.

Every patient is unique, but in general, wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth such as:

• pain
• infection
• cysts
• tumors
• damage to adjacent teeth
• gum disease
• tooth decay (if it is not possible or desirable to restore the tooth)

Your dentist or specialist may also recommend removal to prevent problems or for others reasons, such as when removal is part of an orthodontic, restorative or periodontal treatment plan.

In addition, the condition of your mouth changes over time. Wisdom teeth that are not removed should continue to be monitored, because the potential for developing problems later on still exists. As with many other health conditions, as people age, they are at greater risk for health problems and that includes potential problems with their wisdom teeth. Regular dental visits are important so your dentist can evaluate not just your wisdom teeth but your overall oral health to help you prevent and manage dental disease and achieve optimal oral health.

Above article from: www.MouthHealthy.org

Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Learn About Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive Teeth

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.

Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

Above article from: www.MouthHealthy.org

Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Laser Dentistry Mahwah NJ

Laser Dentistry – No Shots or Drills!
Imagine fillings placed painlessly without drills or needles. Now, in many cases, this is available with a revolutionary new laser technology known as the Waterlase™. Unlike lasers of the past, this laser is used for both gum and tooth procedures. Previous dental lasers were used only for the gums or whitening the teeth. This new water laser is a breakthrough in comfortable dentistry. Energy from the laser is absorbed by water instead of by the teeth. The microscopic water droplets are energized by the laser, and it is actually the energized water that removes the tooth decay – and usually with no pain and no need for needles. For many dental procedures the Waterlase replaces the dentist’s drill.

Laser Dentistry Mahwah NJ
Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Orthodontics Dentist Mahwah NJ

Prevention Now…or Braces Later
You trust Dr. Peters to take care of your child’s routine dental care. But did you know that he also has extensive orthodontics training? He sees children at the most crucial ages, between 6 and 11, when they have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, and his thorough knowledge of craniofacial growth and development allows him to identify and correct teeth and jaw disharmony early, saving you money.

Early correction by a trained dentist can save thousands of dollars from seeing a specialist and prevent unnecessary extractions of permanent teeth as a teen. Dr. Peters can address early crowding of front teeth, crossbites in the back teeth, and mismatch of upper and lower jaws, thus correcting these in less than 6 - 18 months before they get to their teenage stage.

Orthodontics – How long will it take?
Using the latest in modern techniques, Dr. Peters can now make braces more comfortable and attractive than ever. It used to be that a child or adult might spend 3 - 5 years in treatment. It’s not that way any more! The time needed for treatment will vary from person to person but usually can be completed in 6 - 24 months or less.

Orthodontics Without Braces?
Is This Possible?
It’s true! With Invisalign™ it is possible to have straight teeth in as little as 9 - 15 months! No braces, wires, or headgear! And the best part is that no one will know you’re straightening your teeth because – it’s invisible! The Invisalign system is easily removable and allows you to eat and drink what you want while in treatment, and brushing and flossing are no problem!

Orthodontics Dentistry Mahwah NJ
Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000

Children's Dentistry Mahwah NJ

Calming Dental Fears
One of our goals is to make sure that this and future generations of children grow up without a fear of the dental office. According to our many happy parents, we are doing just that! Our office is a relaxed and happy place that children love to visit. Whether you have an active six-year-old or a scared three-year-old, we are here to help you.

We Care About Kids!
We strive to make children of all ages feel at ease and enjoy themselves, so bring the whole family along! You can rest assured your child will receive the latest advancements in children’s dentistry, delivered with caring, thoughtfulness, and compassion. We encourage the proper dental care habits in children and enjoy teaching them how to keep their teeth healthy for a lifetime. We look forward to seeing them for their first dental visit when they’re one year old and watching them grow year after year.

Choosing Your Child’s Dentist is Like Choosing Their Pediatrician
To ensure healthy teeth, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first visit by one year old. Instilling good habits early, in an environment that’s comfortable and fun, is essential for a lifetime of good oral health.

Children’s teeth can be very susceptible to cavities at a young age due to many factors. Children are not able to brush well on their own. Because of this, it is important for parents to be involved in their child’s daily dental care. This ensures both thorough cleaning and the development of proper dental habits. Little kids tend to eat more often during the day (grazing). This results in a prolonged exposure to acid (every time you eat you make acid), which may cause more cavities.

A tooth that is not as clean as it should be will be exposed to acid when food and juice contact it. This acid often speeds up the development of cavities. The good news is that identifying poor dietary and hygiene habits, along with applying a fluoride varnish to the mineralizing teeth, can significantly reduce the chance of your child having a cavity.


Children's Dentistry Mahwah, NJ
Scott C. Peters, D.M.D., LLC
Dentistry for children, adolescents and
patients with special needs
156 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, NJ 07430
(201) 529-9000