brightersmilesnj.com

The Office of Dr. Sylvia Irwin  

Tel: 973.667.1567 I Fax: 973.667.9107  

Tooth-Wise Snacking

Tooth decay is the most chronic disease of childhood, affecting 50% of children by their mid-childhood years and 70% by their late teens. A primary cause of tooth decay is the consumption of sugar. Here are some tips for those who want to enjoy holiday treats while preventing tooth decay:

• Don’t suck on hard sugar containing candies for long periods of time. This bathes the teeth with acids that attack tooth enamel.
• Limit the frequency of candy exposure. Four candy bars eaten at once cause less damage than one candy bar eaten over a long period of time. What counts is the number of times that teeth are exposed to sweets and how long they are in the mouth.
• Brush your teeth or rinse with water after eating candy or sweets. Don’t brush directly after eating sour candy or drinking soda, as this will remove more of the already softened enamel. Instead, rinse your mouth with water.
• Use fluoridated toothpaste to help remineralize your teeth. Over-the-counter or prescription fluoride applications help to prevent the formation of cavities, as do prescription fluoridated vitamins and the fluoride treatments we give to children during their check-ups.

Please discuss the various means of fluoride administration with us at your next check-up and look for additional advice on smarter snacking in our next newsletter.

We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Sincerely,

Dr. Sylvia Irwin

Brighter Smiles Dental

A Message from Dr. Sylvia Irwin

At Brighter Smiles Dental we continue to avail ourselves of new technology that will benefit you. We have been using the new Diagnodent to help detect cavities in the pits and fissures of your teeth with laser light for almost a year now, and it is a great diagnostic aid. We have also installed the newest electric handpiece on the market, which operates with greater speed and torque than the previous air-driven handpieces. This results in procedures such as fillings and crown preparations being completed far more quickly, with less annoying noise and vibration, and hence greater comfort for you.

Over the past year I have completed several courses in the fabrication and use of a special non-invasive biteguard for migraine sufferers which may help to reduce the number of headaches without medication. This appliance is FDA approved and particularly helpful for those who wake up with migraines. It also serves as a biteguard for those who grind their teeth (brux) at night, preventing wear to the teeth, periodontal damage, and muscle pain from bruxism. If you suffer from either condition, please call the office to set up an appointment for a free consultation to discuss how this appliance may help you.

We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment!

Sincerely,

Dr. Sylvia Irwin
Brighter Smiles Dental

Dr. Irwin Published In Dental Learning

As part of her efforts to educate the public and her colleagues, Dr. Irwin’s article “Articaine and Paresthesia” was recently published in the trade publication “Dental Learning,” and can be accessed by clicking here.

Articaine and Parasthesia

Dr. Irwin Visits Area School

Dr. Sylvia Irwin educating area school children on the importance of oral health.

Nutley, New Jersey dentist, Dr. Sylvia Irwin spent a few moments educating children on the importance of oral health and developing healthy habits. “February is dental awareness month,” said Dr. Irwin. “It’s a great opportunity to go into area schools and teach children about the importance of a healthy smile and developing good dental habits,” continued Irwin. Dr. Irwin and her practice, Brighter Smiles Dental are firm advocates in raising awareness among both patients and the community. A healthy, bright smile begins through early education and development of healthy dental habits.