Morristown - Dr. Ed Romano and Dr. Matthew Vaccaro Preventative Dentistry Practice

• Preventative Dentistry
• Gum Disease
• Mouth Rinses
• Patient Information

Preventative Dentistry

At Aesthetic Smiles of New Jersey, we are committed to stopping dental decay and disease before it starts. That is why we provide our patients with a rigorous preventative dentistry program, of which treatments, x-rays, and cleanings are an integral part. Through preventative dentistry, we form a partnership with our patients to avoid cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Because of our efforts, many patients avoid having to undergo extensive dental work and enjoy healthy smiles throughout their lifetimes.

Gum Disease

For Americans in their 30s and beyond, the threat of gum disease (periodontal disease) is a very real and potentially dangerous condition. By the age of 40, over 70 percent of the nation's population has some stage of the disease. Although genetics may play a small role in its development, doctors agree that gum disease is directly related to how well one cares for his or her teeth and gums. Gum disease is particularly dangerous because the progression of the disease is often painless and undetected until it creates serious problems.

The Stages of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease is a gradual infection of the gums and, eventually, the underlying bones of the mouth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque on and around the teeth that eventually calcifies into tartar. This tartar releases bacteria, which contains toxins and a sulfur compound that slowly decay the teeth and gums. In the first stage of gum disease (known as gingivitis), the bacteria begin to weaken the fibers that hold the gums to the teeth. Gingivitis is characterized by a swelling, inflammation, and bleeding of the gums. In the advanced stage of gum disease (referred to as periodontitis), the gum tissues have decayed significantly and have pulled away from teeth. The bones below the teeth have usually become infected and begun to dissolve.

The Surgery

Treatments to alleviate the effects of gum disease depend on the severity of the tooth and gum erosion. The periodontist begins by removing the diseased tissue and scraping the tartar and plaque from the tooth's surface and from below the gumline. The root of the tooth may need to be planed and smoothed in order to allow gum tissue to properly heal. If periodontal pockets (deep spaces between the teeth and gums) have formed, the doctor places antibiotic fibers to fill in these spaces. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to stem the growth of the toxin-producing bacteria while the gums heal. Once the periodontal pocket(s) is adequately rebuilt, the surgeon sutures the gums. In the case of bone decay, the surgeon may need to rebuild and shape the bone below the teeth.

Prevention

The ravages of gum disease are best prevented by early detection and proper dental hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day helps to remove the thin layer of bacteria that release the dangerous toxins into your mouth. Flossing or other interdental cleansing is also important to keep your mouth free from residual food and bacteria. Finally, maintaining a balanced diet and taking regular trips to the dentist helps stem the advance of gum disease and keeps you healthy and smiling. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in learning more about the prevention of gum disease.

Mouth Rinses

For millions of Americans, fresh breath is an important indicator of a person's health and vivacity. Many people turn to mouth rinses as an easy and effective way to maintain a clean and fresh feeling mouth. Mouth rinses are especially well suited for persons who, for whatever reason, are unable to brush or floss their teeth as often as they should. Mouth rinses, which are monitored by the FDA, are catalogued as either cosmetic or therapeutic.

Cosmetic Mouth Rinses

Cosmetic mouth rinses help to break down bacteria, cleanse the surface of teeth, and provide a pleasant taste in the mouth. Cosmetic rinses are a quick fix to help hide bad breath for up to three hours. Beyond that, cosmetic mouth rinses serve little purpose.

Therapeutic Mouth Rinses

Therapeutic rinses go one step beyond their cosmetic counterparts by preventing certain oral diseases. Therapeutic rinses are broken down into two categories: antiplaque and fluoride rinse. Antiplaque rinses are designed to break-down the plaque that collects on and in between teeth. Tests have shown that these rinses have roughly a 15 to 20 percent rate of effectiveness. Fluoride rinses, on the other hand, are fairly effective in killing the bacteria that lead to cavities. For patients who suffer more persistent problems such as dry mouth, caries, or periodontal disease, a dentist can prescribe specific rinses to combat these conditions.

Mouth Rinsing

Swish the rinse throughout the entire mouth, making sure to cleanse in-between teeth. Rinsing for one to two minutes is usually sufficient to cleanse germs and freshen breath.

Health Concerns

Mouth rinses can be counterproductive if they hide the odors that indicate a more severe oral problem or disease. If bad breath persists despite proper oral hygiene and the use of mouth rinses, contact your dentist to explore possible solutions. Mouth rinses contain varying levels of alcohol (15 to 25 percent), and should therefore not be ingested. This is especially important for children, who often swallow rinses and may become intoxicated or sick. Children generally have less use for therapeutic mouth rinses due to the lower amount of decay in their mouths. Finally, mouth rinses, if used extensively, can stain teeth. Although mouth rinses do wash away debris and bacteria, they should never be used as permanent substitute for proper dental care. Contact Doctor Ed A. Romano, Matthew M. Vaccaro and Aesthetic Smiles of NJ if you are interested in learning more about the different types of mouth rinses used in preventative dentistry.

Patient Information

If you want more information on periodontal treatment and preventative dentistry, read more about these and other dental health issues.