Toggle navigation
Ruvo Dental Practice
171 Ridgedale Ave. Annex, Suite L Florham Park, NJ 07932(973) 301-2223
  • Facebook

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

My Blog

Posts for: September, 2019

Don't Stress Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit Unless it Persists

By Ruvo Dental Practice
September 25, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: teeth grinding   tooth wear  
DontStressOverYourChildsTeethGrindingHabitUnlessitPersists

Along with thumb sucking, childhood teeth grinding is one of the top concerns anxious parents bring to their dentists. It’s so prevalent, though, many providers consider it normal behavior—the sleep-disturbing sound it can generate is often the worst consequence for the habit.

But that doesn’t mean you should brush aside all concern, especially if the habit continues into late childhood. Long-term teeth grinding could eventually damage the teeth and gums.

Teeth grinding (or clenching) is the involuntary movement of the jaws when not engaged in normal functions like chewing, speaking or swallowing. The action often produces higher than normal chewing forces, which over time can accelerate tooth wear, cause fractures, or contribute to loose teeth, all of which could increase the risk of dental disease. While it can occur at any time it’s most common among children during nighttime sleep.

While stress is the usual trigger for teeth grinding in adults, with young children the causes for the habit are more complex and less understood. Most doctors hold to the theory that most pediatric teeth grinding arises during shifts from lighter to heavier, rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep. The child’s immature neuromuscular chewing control may engage involuntarily during this shift. Teeth grinding is also prevalent among children who snore or mouth-breathe, or who take anti-depressant medication.

But as mentioned before, there’s usually no cause for concern unless the habit persists beyond about age 11. If the habit isn’t fading, you should speak to your dentist about ways to reduce it or its effects. One way is with a custom-made night guard worn during sleep. The smooth, plastic surface of the appliance prevents teeth from making solid contact with each other during a grinding episode.

You might also seek treatment from an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if your child is having issues with airway obstruction, which could also relieve teeth grinding. And children experiencing stressful situations or events may find relief both emotionally and physically from psychological therapy.

At younger ages, you can safely regard your child’s grinding habit as normal. But if it persists, it’s worth looking for ways to reduce it.

If you would like more information on your child’s teeth grinding habit, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “When Children Grind Their Teeth: Is the Habit of ‘Bruxism’ Harmful?”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage

By Ruvo Dental Practice
September 15, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: celebrity smiles   dental injury  
J-LosUnluckyBreakChippingaToothonStage

Whether she’s singing, dancing or acting, Jennifer Lopez is a performer who is known for giving it all she’s got. But during one show, Lopez recently admitted, she gave a bit more then she had planned.

“I chipped my tooth on stage,” she told interviewers from Entertainment Tonight, “and had to finish the show….I went back thinking ‘Can I finish the show like this?’”

With that unlucky break, J-Lo joins a growing list of superstar singers—including Taylor Swift and Michael Buble—who have something in common: All have chipped their teeth on microphones while giving a performance.

But it’s not just celebs who have accidental dental trouble. Chips are among the most common dental injuries—and the front teeth, due to their position, are particularly susceptible. Unfortunately, they are also the most visible. But there are also a number of good ways to repair chipped, cracked or broken teeth short of replacing them.

For minor to moderate chips, cosmetic bonding might be recommended. In this method, special high-tech resins, in shades that match your natural teeth, are applied to the tooth’s surface. Layers of resin, cured with a special light, will often restore the tooth to good appearance. Best of all, the whole process can often be done in just one visit to the dental office, and the results can last for several years.

For a more permanent repair—or if the damage is more extensive—dental veneers may be another option. Veneers are wafer-thin shells that cover the entire front surface of one or more teeth. Strong, durable and natural-looking, they can be used to repair moderate chips, cracks or irregularities. They can also help you get a “red-carpet” smile: brilliant white teeth with perfectly even spacing. That’s why veneers are so popular among Hollywood celebs—even those who haven’t chipped their teeth!

Fortunately, even if the tooth is extensively damaged, it’s usually possible to restore it with a crown (cap), a bridge—or a dental implant, today’s gold standard for whole-tooth replacement. But in many cases, a less complex type of restoration will do the trick.

Which tooth restoration method did J-Lo choose? She didn’t say—but luckily for her adoring fans, after the microphone mishap she went right back up on stage and finished the show.

If you have a chipped tooth but you need to make the show go on, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Artistic Repair of Chipped Teeth With Composite Resin” and “Porcelain Veneers.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink

Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Dentures

By Ruvo Dental Practice
September 05, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dentures  
QuizTestYourKnowledgeonDentures

Since as many as 26 percent of older U.S. adults have lost all their teeth, there are a large number Americans who wear full removable dentures, also known as false teeth. You may be one of them.

How much do you know about dentures? See if you can answer the following questions connected with lost teeth and dentures.

  1. Which word refers to the loss of all permanent teeth?
    1. Atrophy
    2. Prosthetic
    3. Edentulism
    4. Periodontal
  2. What is the name given to the bone that surrounds, supports, and connects to your teeth?
    1. Periodontal
    2. Metacarpal
    3. Tibia
    4. Alveolar
  3. What tissue attaches the teeth to the bone that supports your teeth?
    1. Periodontal Ligament
    2. Periodontal Muscle
    3. Parietal Ligament
    4. Achilles Tendon
  4. When a person loses teeth, the stimulus that keeps the underlying bone healthy is also lost, and the bone resorbs or melts away. Pressure transmitted by dentures through the gums to the bone can accentuate this process, which is called
    1. Dystrophy
    2. Atrophy
    3. Hypertrophy
    4. None of the above
  5. A device that replaces a missing body part such as an arm or leg, eye, tooth or teeth is referred to as
    1. Robotic
    2. Imaginary
    3. Exotic
    4. Prosthetic
  6. When teeth have to be extracted, bone loss can be minimized by bone grafting. Bone grafting materials are usually a sterile powdered form of
    1. Allograft (human tissue)
    2. Xenograft (animal tissue)
    3. Both
    4. Neither
  7. Wearers of full dentures must re-learn to manipulate the jaw joints, ligaments, nerves, and muscles to work differently in order to speak, bite, and chew. The name for this system of interconnected body mechanisms, originating with the root words for “mouth” and “jaw,” is
    1. Boca biting
    2. Stomatognathic
    3. Periodontal
    4. None of the above
  8. A type of plastic that is artistically formed and colored to make prosthetic teeth and gums look natural is called
    1. methyl methacrylate
    2. beta barbital
    3. rayon
    4. polystyrene
  9. Success in denture wearing depends on
    1. The skill of the dentist
    2. The talent of the laboratory technician
    3. The willing collaboration of the patient
    4. All of the above

Answers: 1c, 2d, 3a, 4b, 5d, 6c, 7b, 8a, 9d. How well did you do? If you have additional questions about full removable dentures, don’t hesitate to ask us.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or to discuss your questions about dentures. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor article, “Removable Full Dentures.”


0 Comment(s) Permalink


October (3) August (3)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2021
      • January (3)
        • That Energy Drink You Take for a Boost Might Be Hurting Your Dental Health
        • You Don't Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth
        • 4 Areas Deserving Attention as You Protect Your Teeth for a Lifetime
  • 2020
      • December (2)
        • Don't Let Bad Breath Ruin Your Date Under the Mistletoe
        • 3 Reasons Why Dental Implants Are a Sound 'Smile' Investment
      • November (3)
        • Mike Tyson: The Prizefighter Prizes His Unique Smile
        • Implants Can Make It Easier to Restore Missing Teeth in Stages
        • New Recommendations Make Water Fluoridation Safer Than Ever
      • October (3)
        • Could a Metal Allergy Stop You From Getting Dental Implants?
        • What You Can Do About Bad Breath (Unless You're a Famous Actress Pranking Your Co-Star)
        • Transform 'Smile Zone' Teeth With Composite Resins
      • September (3)
        • Your 'Toothache' Might Signal a Problem Other Than in Your Mouth
        • Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
        • You Can Have a Straighter Smile - Just Like the Queen of England
      • August (3)
        • Life-like Dental Porcelain Helps Restore Smiles Marred by Unattractive Teeth
        • Removing Hardened Plaque Reduces Your Risk of Disease
        • This Oral Appliance Could Help Solve Your Sleep Apnea Problem
      • July (4)
        • Miley Cyrus's Little Secret: Straightening Her Smile With Lingual Braces
        • Implants Make Dentures More Secure, Comfortable and Bone-Friendly
        • Implant-Supported Dentures Could Contribute to Better Bone Health
        • 4 Things You Should Do - or Not Do - to Maintain Your Oral Appliance
      • June (3)
        • Zac Efron's Smile Transformation Could Happen to You
        • Without Prompt Intervention, Gum Disease Could Damage Tooth Roots
        • Proper Brushing and Flossing Removes Disease-Causing Plaque
      • May (3)
        • Diet and Lifestyle Changes Could Lower Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • Hugh Jackman Is All Smiles for His New Broadway-Inspired Show
        • 4 Things You Can Do to Avoid Damage From Gum Recession
      • April (3)
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
        • Veneers May Not Be the Best Option for Your Teenager's Teeth
        • Wisdom Teeth Can Still be a Problem for the World's Youngest Billionaire
      • March (3)
        • Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
        • Don't Neglect Office Cleanings with Dental Implants
        • Manage These Risk Factors to Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay
      • February (3)
        • Even Celebrities Have Accidents: See What They Do to Restore Their Chipped Teeth
        • World Cup Soccer Coach-Dentist Saves the Day!
        • If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
      • January (3)
        • Celebrating Paul Revere, Patriot and Dental Craftsman
        • Bruins' Zdeno Chara Breaks His Jaw During 2019 Stanley Cup
        • 4 Ways You Can Improve Your Smile in the New Year
  • 2019
      • December (3)
        • You May Need Something Other Than Ointment to Clear up This Facial Rash
        • Share These Timely Dental Care Tips With Your College-Bound Son or Daughter
        • Crazy Little Thing Called... Hyperdontia?
      • November (3)
        • 4 Affordable Ways to Transform Your Smile for a Once-In-A-Lifetime Moment
        • Implant Failure Is Rare, but Possible. Here Are a Few Ways to Avoid It
        • 3 Things You Need to Know Before Getting a Crown Restoration
      • October (3)
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
        • Celebrate World Smile Day With More Attractive Teeth
        • Tooth Sensitivity Could Be a Sign of Deeper Problems
      • September (3)
        • Don't Stress Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding Habit Unless it Persists
        • J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
        • Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Dentures
      • August (3)
        • Your Reoccurring Sinus Infections May Actually Be Caused by Tooth Decay
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Getting an Implant - if it's Under Control
        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
      • July (3)
        • See Your Dentist if You Have one of these Top 3 Oral Problems
        • If You're Older, be on the Lookout for Root Cavities
        • Getting a New 'Tooth in a Day' Will Depend on Your Bone Health
      • June (3)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • 3 Things to do to Prepare for Dental Emergencies While Traveling Abroad
        • Do This for Your Dental Health Before, During and After Cancer Treatment
      • May (3)
        • Oral Irrigation can be an Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing
        • How Kathy Bates Retains Her Movie-Star Smile
        • Get a Handle on Stress-Related Tooth Grinding to Stop Tooth Damage
      • April (3)
        • A Teen with a Missing Tooth May Need to Wait on a Dental Implant
        • To Detect Oral Cancer Early, See Your Dentist
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
      • March (3)
        • You Don't Have to Live with a Gummy Smile. Here's How We Can Change it!
        • Here's How to Manage School Snacks and Your Child's Dental Health
        • Take These Steps to Prevent Early Decay in Your Baby's First Teeth
      • February (3)
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
        • National Children's Dental Health Month Highlights Importance of Baby Teeth
        • Sleeping in Dentures: Don't Do It!
      • January (3)
        • Air Abrasion Offers a More Pleasant Dental Office Experience than Drills
        • NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
        • Determining the Right Whitening Approach is Key to Brightening a Dull Smile
  • 2018
      • December (3)
        • Only a Dental Exam can Identify the Root Cause of Your Tooth Pain
        • Manage Your Osteoporosis Medication to Avoid Jawbone Problems
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
      • November (3)
        • Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
        • Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
      • October (3)
        • Why Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Couldn't Have Braces
        • Your Options for Restoring a Chipped Tooth
        • 4 Things you Should do if Your Child Complains of a Toothache
      • September (3)
        • Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
        • In Today's NFL, Oral Hygiene Takes Center Stage
        • An Affordable RPD Could be the Answer to Your Missing Teeth Problems
      • August (4)
        • Artificial Sweeteners Could Help You Reduce the Risk of Dental Disease
        • Know the Benefits - and Limitations - of Your Dental Insurance Plan
        • Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
        • A Smile Makeover Depends on Balancing Technique with Beauty
      • July (3)
        • Air Abrasion: An Alternative to the Traditional Dental Drill
        • Stop Wearing Your Dentures While You Sleep!
        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
      • June (3)
        • Know the Kind of Smile You Want Before Cosmetic Dental Treatment
        • June Is National Safety Month: Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
        • Reducing Tooth Sensitivity will Depend on the Cause
      • May (2)
        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
        • 3 Fluoride Sources You Should Monitor for Your Family's Dental Health
      • April (1)
        • Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
      • March (2)
        • 3 Things Your Dentist Recommends You do if You Have Shingles
        • Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
      • February (2)
        • Not Your Granddad's Dental Care: the New Approach to Tooth Decay Treatment
        • Timing is Everything When Replacing a Teenager's Missing Tooth
      • January (2)
        • Be Sure Your Child has Access to Dental-Friendly Snacks at School
        • Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth

Tags

  • celebrity smiles (27)
  • thumb sucking (1)
  • nutrition (5)
  • missing tooth (1)
  • dental implants (8)
  • tooth decay (5)
  • oral health (11)
  • shingles (1)
  • oral hygiene (8)
  • flossing (2)
  • fluoride (2)
  • veneers (3)
  • sensitive teeth (2)
  • dental injury (5)
  • cosmetic dentistry (8)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • mouthguards (2)
  • dentures (6)
  • air abrasion (2)
  • smile makeover (2)
  • retainer (1)
  • insurance (1)
  • artificial sweeteners (1)
  • partial denture (1)
  • toothache (2)
  • braces (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (4)
  • diabetes (2)
  • orthodontics (2)
  • clear aligners (1)
  • osteoporosis (1)
  • tooth pain (1)
  • teeth whitening (3)
  • baby teeth (1)
  • pediatric dentistry (4)
  • mouthguard (1)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • oral cancer (2)
  • teeth grinding (2)
  • stress (1)
  • retainers (1)
  • dental emergency (1)
  • root canal treatment (1)
  • dental implant (5)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • crown (1)
  • extraction (1)
  • dental exam (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • chipped teeth (1)
  • wisdom teeth (1)
  • pregnancy (1)
  • gum disease (2)
  • gum recession (1)
  • lingual braces (1)
  • sleep apnea (1)
  • snoring (1)
  • dental cleaning (1)
  • crowns (1)
  • bad breath (2)

Categories:

  • Oral Health (55)
  • Dental Procedures (50)

Our Location

171 Ridgedale Ave. Annex, Suite L
Florham Park, NJ 07932
(973) 301-2223

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:Closed
Wednesday:8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday:Closed
Friday:9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday:8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education
  • Dentist Web Design Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map