Breastfeeding Dental Care Guide

June 14, 2018

Mother brushing baby's teethNew moms have a lot on their plates, and today, it seems like more and more new mothers are struggling to live up to standards set by the social media “supermoms.” Breastfeeding is one of the hot button topics we see, and there’s a lot of conflicting information out there on the subject. In this post, we’ll talk about some of the things moms should know about how breastfeeding affects oral health. We think all of our moms are super moms, so don’t worry – this is a judgment-free post!
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June is Men’s Health Month in Caldwell

June 13, 2018

Man in dental chair smiling at dentistEvery June, medical professionals celebrate men’s health month in the US. This month-long celebration gives our team the opportunity to offer educational resources to help men improve the oral and whole body health. At D&G Dental of Caldwell and West Orange, we invite our male patients to call to schedule a dental checkup this month if it’s been more than six months since your last appointment. Studies indicate that men are significantly less likely to maintain their regular preventive dental care appointments, so what better way to celebrate men’s health month than with a visit to our Caldwell dentistry office.
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D&G Dental of West Orange, NJ tells you about dry mouth

May 19, 2016

West Orange, NJ dry mouth is a bothersome oral disorder which can lead to dental decay and other issues. Learn its causes and treatments from D & G Dental.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, has a variety of causes–from simple stress to chemotherapy for cancer. Unfortunately, dry mouth often causes oral health issues such as dental decay. Learn the reasos and treatments for dry mouth from the skilled dentists at D&G Dental in West Orange, NJ. (more…)

Your cosmetic dentist in West Orange, NJ knows the best foods for whiter teeth

July 13, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-78806054Medhat Dawoud DDS, expert cosmetic dentist in West Orange, NJ, tells his patients how to get and keep a bright smile and healthy gums. A sensible diet, including fruits, vegetables, calcium-rich foods and whole grains serves to keep dental intervention to a minimum for patients of all ages.

Over time, teeth become dull and stained because of darkly colored foods and beverages such as coffee, black tea, curry, red wine and soy sauce.  Aging, smoking, chewing tobacco and some prescription medications can adversely affect tooth color, too.

Some foods help keep teeth whiter longer

Dr. Medhat Dawoud and his associate dentists, Doctors Gencarelli and Ghobadi, recommend limiting staining dietary choices and also rinsing and brushing after consuming them. In addition, there are several foods which actually help tooth enamel stay bright and white. And yes, they are good-tasting and nutritious, too.

Water Physicians and dieticians say drink at least 64 ounces of water daily–in other words, eight 8-ounces glasses. This fluid hydrates and ensures good gastrointestinal function. Regarding teeth and gums, water rinses food particles and plaque off tooth surfaces and from the gum line. It hydrates the soft tissues of the mouth and keeps the production of saliva, nature’s weapon in the fight against tooth decay, high.

Cheese This dairy favorite is light in color and contains bone- and enamel-building calcium.  Buy real cheese, and avoid highly processed, orange-colored cheese products.

Apples, celery and other harder fruits and vegetables increase saliva, exercise the gums and jaw bone and also scrub tooth enamel. Apples and pears contain what botanists call schlereid cells, grainy little cells that give texture to these fruits. Nutritionists say that strawberries, even though red in color, are nature’s tooth detergent. Pineapple contains a chemical called biomelain, a natural anti-inflammatory and whitening agent.

Nuts and seeds are abrasive but not too tough on tooth enamel, keeping it clean. Their texture provides excellent exercise, too.  Great choices are sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans and walnuts.

Professional whitening can further enhance your smile

Even with the best of oral hygiene, some smiles need a little aesthetic help. That’s why your dentists in West Orange, NJ deliver a full menu of cosmetic dental services, including professionalgrade teeth whitening. Doctors Dawoud, Gencarelli and Ghobadi offer both in-office and at home Zoom! teeth whitening.

Using a professional grade peroxide gel and special accelerating light, in-office Zoom! whitening is painless, safe and very effective–brightening healthy teeth by as much as 8 shades in just about an hour. Patients who prefer whitening in the privacy of their own homes take advantage of custom-made whitening trays and bleaching solutions that change tooth color by lifting out stains more gradually but effectively. The Whitening for LIfe program at DG Dental provides member patients with free refills of whitening gel at their 6-month cleaning appointments.

Learn more about your lifestyle and white teeth

At DG Dental, the professional team takes your dental health, and aesthetics, too, very seriously. The doctors, assistants and hyginests will partner with you in choosing the best avenues to a bright and long-lasting smile. Why not contact the office today for a consultation?

Your West Orange, NJ dentist at D&G Dental instructs patients on best brushing techniques

June 15, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-78768809Brushing your teeth helps prevent cavities, bad breath and gum disease. Experienced general and family dentist, Dr. Medhat Dawoud, at D&G Dental in West Orange, NJ teaches patients that excellent at-home hygiene, include basic brushing techniques, help preserve smiles for a life time.

D&G Dental in West Orange, NJ recommends toothbrushing as the best foundation for healthy smile

While the amazing array of dental services available today are a real blessing to oral and systemic health–and to self-image and confidence, too–the simplest of home hygiene techniques really remains unchanged. It’s toothbrushing. Combined with daily flossing, brushing your teeth correctly promotes disease-free teeth and gums, a sparkling appearance and fresh breath, too.

The staff at D&G Dental enjoy opportunities to teach patients about toothbrushing. Doctors Medhat Dawoud, Paula Gencarelli and Ghobadi recommend these simple techniques to maximize your brushing experience:

Use a soft-bristled brush along with a quality, fluoride paste. Soft bristles are gentle on enamel and gums. Some patients prefer electric toothbrushes, but they are not necessary.  Fluoride is an excellent cavity-fighter. Whitening and anti-tartar toothpastes work well for the short-term but can be too rough on enamel.

Brush a minimum of twice daily for 2 minutes per session. The American Dental Association recommends this schedule as the minimum for good oral health. Floss in between teeth to remove plaque and food residues. Small interdental brushes help individuals with dental implants, fixed bridgework and wire and bracket braces.

Use short brush strokes. Place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface, and move it in a short, back and forth motion. Go slowly and carefully around the teeth, concentrating on the harder to reach back molars. For the back sides of the front teeth, place the brush vertically, and scrub with an up and down motion. Some people divide the mouth into 4 parts and and brush each section for 30 seconds.

Gently clean soft oral tissues, too, including the tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, and of course, gums. People often neglect the tongue but should take extra care as its textured surface harbors bacteria and food particles.

Rinse well with water. Mouthwashes are fine but not necessary unless your dentist in West Orange, NJ specifically recommends one.

Change your toothbrush regularly. Dr. Dawoud suggests every 3 months or so in keeping with American Dental Association and American Dental Hygienists’  Association guidelines. Some brushes have color indicators which disappear when the brush is worn out. Also, get a new brush after having a cold or flu as toothbrushes can retain germs.

Keep routine visits with D&G Dental

Home hygiene, coupled with semi-annual exams and cleanings with Dr. M. Davoud and his associate dentists, is the gold standard of preventive dentistry. Why not schedule your checkup today, and ask your West Orange, NJ dentist and hygienist about your personal brushing technique?

For a Trustworthy Dentist, West Orange, NJ comes to D & G Dental of West Orange

April 15, 2015

78294804When you search for a new dentist, you look for a practitioner with experience and knowledge, as well as someone to whom you can entrust your and your family’s dental health. In addition, you want a dentist who can take care of all of your dental needs, from prevention and restoration to cosmetic dentistry and periodontal therapy. D & G Dental of West Orange is the dentist Montclair, NJ, turns to for professional, caring and trustworthy dentistry.

Preventive and Restorative Dentistry

The number one priority of dentistry is prevention. If your dentist can prevent dental problems for even starting, then you’ll always have a healthier and happier smile. To achieve this goal, the dentists at D & G Dental of West Orange would like to see you and each member of your family at least twice every year for dental checkups. With this regularity, we can carefully monitor your oral health and take note of any changes sooner rather than later, thereby helping you avoid bigger problems and higher costs. And of course, these checkups are for cleaning your teeth, removing plaque, checking for decay and evaluating the health of your gums, too.

If we do happen to find something concerning, then we have a number of restorative treatments that can repair your tooth and help you retain your healthy smile. The restorative dentistry services offered at D&G Dental of West Orange include:

  • Tooth-colored fillings
  • Porcelain Crowns
  • Fixed Bridges
  • Dentures and Partials
  • Oral Surgery
  • Dental Implants
  • Full-Mouth Reconstruction

Cosmetic Dentistry

Beyond prevention and restoration, we also provide a number of cosmetic dentistry services to keep you smiling beautifully. Have a dazzlingly bright smile with teeth whitening; cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers can conceal smile imperfections even as they create a new and attractive smile; and Invisalign® clear plastic braces straighten teeth imperceptibly.

Schedule an Appointment Today

For the dentist, Montclair, NJ, trusts, make the short drive to D & G Dental of West Orange. We conveniently serve patients from West Orange, NJ, Livingston, Verona, and Bloomfield and beyond.

For the Beauty of Cosmetic Dentistry, West Orange Residents come to D & G Dental of West Orange

March 15, 2015

92589293Although the number one priority of a dental practice is the health of patients’ smiles, at D & G Dental of West Orange in West Orange, NJ, we understand that you also want your smile to be as attractive as possible. That’s why we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures. For trustworthy cosmetic dentistry, West Orange, NJ, makes the short trip to D & G Dental of West Orange.

Teeth Whitening

Probably the most popular of our cosmetic dentistry treatments is teeth whitening. We offer Zoom! in-office teeth whitening for the fastest results possible, as well as an at-home system if you prefer to whiten your teeth on your own schedule in the privacy of your own home. We also have what we call the Whitening for Life Program, which allows you to maintain your beautifully white smile with complementary teeth whitening gel that you’ll be given after each checkup.

Cosmetic Bonding and Porcelain Veneers

For patients with chipped or slightly cracked teeth, misaligned or misshaped teeth, or teeth that have unsightly gaps, D & G Dental of West Orange offers cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers. With cosmetic bonding, one of our dentists uses the same strong composite resin material used for white fillings to rebuild and sculpt damaged teeth. We’ll select the shade that most closely matches the color of your natural teeth, although you may want to consider teeth whitening before this procedure.

Porcelain veneers are thin layers of dental porcelain that are adhesively bonded to the facial side of teeth in your smile zone, thereby creating an entirely new smile. These veneers not only conceal the imperfections in your smile, they also help shield your teeth from further damage.

Invisalign

If your teeth are crooked, but you don’t want the hassle or the appearance of traditional metal braces, don’t despair. Invisalign clear plastic aligners straighten teeth almost invisibly, as the name suggests. You’ll wear each set in a series of aligners for about two weeks each, removing them only to eat and drink, or brush and floss. After about a year of treatment, you’ll see the straight smile you’ve always wanted.

Call Our Office Today

To learn more about the cosmetic dentistry, West Orange, NJ, trusts, call the office of D & G Dental in West Orange, NJ. We conveniently serve patients from Livingston, Verona, and Bloomfield and beyond.

For the Best in General Dentistry, West Orange, NJ comes to D & G Dental of West Orange

February 15, 2015

465162307The first and foremost job of a dentist is prevention. If your dentist can prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place, then you are on your way to a smile that is healthy and beautiful for the long run. As general dentists, D & G Dental of West Orange, in West Orange, NJ, offers a long list of services to help you and your family avoid oral health concerns. People in Montclair, NJ, rely on D & G Dental for general dentistry for all of their family’s dental needs.

At the top of the list of services at D & G Dental is regular checkups. Our dentists would like to see you and your family members at least two times each year. With this degree of regularity, we can keep tabs on your dental health and notice any marked changes that might warrant further attention. At these checkups, we’ll:

  • Clean your teeth and remove any plaque buildup;
  • Assess the health of your gums to find warning signs of periodontal disease;
  • Take digital x-rays when necessary to uncover any hidden spots of decay; and
  • Conduct an oral cancer screening.

Of course, if we find any developing problems such as tooth decay or gingivitis—the early stage of periodontal disease—then because you’ve regularly scheduled checkups, we can treat any condition early before it gets out of hand.

Other General Dentistry Services for Montclair

D & G Dental wants everyone in your family to enjoy optimal oral health, so we provide special treatment for the youngest citizens in Montclair and beyond. Our children’s dentistry is geared toward providing developing smiles with the added attention they need, including fluoride treatments and dental sealants.

For the athlete in your family, we can design a custom mouthguard to protect their teeth, tongue and gums while they compete. And if there’s someone who snores nightly—a possible sign of a chronic health condition called sleep apnea—then talk to one of our dentists about a custom nightguard.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If it’s time for you and your family to see the dentist, then call D & G Dental in West Orange, NJ. Our general dentistry practice also serves patients from Montclair as well as Livingston, Verona, Bloomfield and beyond.

Solve the Problems Associated with Missing Teeth with Dental Implants in West Orange, NJ

January 15, 2015

184898853 (1)If you have one or more missing teeth then you know that the consequences can be serious. Most obvious is the effect even one missing tooth can have on your smile. Hard not to notice, isn’t it? Beyond that you may have trouble eating healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and there may even be times when speaking is difficult. If this is you, then you should consider dental implants. These modern dental wonders are the tooth restoration that most closely mimic natural teeth. With dental implants, the dentists at D & G Dental in West Orange, NJ, have restored smiles to patients from throughout Northern New Jersey.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is really made up of two parts: the part you see and the part you don’t. The part you don’t see is a titanium post that is implanted into the jawbone beneath the open socket of your missing tooth. This post fuses with the bone tissue, thereby providing stability and better health. Without a tooth root, the surrounding bone tissue begins to deteriorate, which can cause facial sagging. Dental implants not only provide a permanent tooth replacement, they also prevent this deterioration.

The part of a dental implant that you do see is the crown. After a few months when you’ve healed from the implant surgery, which is performed by our oral surgeon, you’ll return to D & G Dental to have your custom crown cemented into place. The result is a tooth restoration that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. And with regular brushing and flossing, your dental implant can last a lifetime.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are ready to restore your smile with dental implants, then call D & G Dental in West Orange, NJ, today. We also serve patients from the surrounding communities of Livingston, Montclair, Verona and Bloomfield and beyond.

Get Pain Relief with TMJ Therapy in West Orange, NJ

December 15, 2014

167121308Oh, your aching head, neck, shoulders, jaw and back! Really? Then you need to see the dentist. That may sound strange, but all of those aches and pains could be due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ. At D & G Dental in West Orange, NJ, our dentists treat these discomforts with TMJ therapy.

You may never have heard of the temporomandibular joints—even though they are positioned on either side of your head just in front of your ears. These joints allow you to open and close your mouth, whether to speak, chew or yawn. Sometimes, however, the function of these joints becomes compromised, thus causing pain and other symptoms including:

  • A clicking or popping sound when you open your mouth
  • Earache or congestion in the absence of infection
  • Bite misalignment
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Swelling on the side of your face

Although TMJ may be caused by traumatic injury to the face or head, the most common circumstance that brings on TMJ dysfunction is an improper bite. A misaligned bite may force the jaw to compensate in order for the upper and lower teeth to fit together. Another cause is nighttime teeth grinding and clenching. This may lead to uneven surfaces on the teeth, which like a misaligned bite, force the jaw out of place.

TMJ Therapy to the Rescue

If nighttime teeth grinding and clenching are part of the problem, then a custom-designed nightguard may go a long way toward eliminating painful symptoms. Worn at night, this oral appliance can reduce stress on the jaw, as well as prevent the excessive wear and tear on teeth that grinding and clenching cause. Additional treatment recommendations may include stress relievers such as exercise, meditation, talk therapy and stretching.

Call Our Office Today

If you suspect that you or a loved one might be dealing with the pain of TMJ dysfunction, then schedule an appointment with D & G Dental in West Orange, NJ. We also conveniently serve patients from Livingston, Montclair, Verona and Bloomfield and surrounding communities.

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