Brushing Up on Healthy Teeth

By Deb Lehman

(...continued)

PEDIATRIC DENTAL TIPS FROM THE CDC:
1. Start cleaning teeth early. As soon as the first tooth appears, begin cleaning by wiping with a clean, damp cloth every day. When more teeth come in, switch to a small, soft toothbrush. Begin using toothpaste with fluoride when the child is two years old. Use toothpaste with fluoride earlier if your child’s doctor or dentist recommends it.

2. Use the right amount of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is important for fighting
cavities. But, if children younger than six years old swallow too much fluoride, their permanent teeth may have white spots. To keep this from happening, use only a small amount of toothpaste (about the size of a pea). Teach your child to spit out the toothpaste and to rinse well after brushing.

3. Supervise brushing. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day until your child has the skill to handle the toothbrush alone. Then continue to closely watch brushing to make sure the child is doing a thorough job and using only a small amount of toothpaste.

4. Check with the doctor or dentist about your child’s specific fluoride needs.
After age two, most children get the right amount of fluoride to help prevent cavities if
they drink fluoridated water and brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
Parents of children older than six months should ask about the need for a fluoride supplement if drinking water does not contain fluoride. Do not let a child younger than six years old use a fluoride mouth rinse unless recommended.

Dental Guide

DR. KENNETH ARIDA , DDS
In Dr. Kenneth Arida’s state-of-the-art office, the doctor and his staff offer a full array of whitening options, starting from ready made trays, custom trays, to in office power whitening. “Smile Makeover” parties are all the rage. Your group arrives at our office, music playing and the fun begins. You can relax, watch TV, chit-chat or bring your iPod. Your “spa” day will include tooth polishing, in-office whitening plus take home whitening for that extra boost. Lunch and goodies are served. We will toast to your special day. You will then come back for final in-office whitening at your convenience. You will leave with a bright smile and great memories.

The reaction from patients has been “Wow!” The office also has gift cards, so it is easy to give the gift of whitening to friends or loved ones for Father’s or Mother’s Day, birthdays or anniversaries. Gift cards would also make a great gift for the wedding party. Dr. Arida’s office has a whitening program to fit every budget. Special discounts for parties of four or more.

Dr. Kenneth Arida 131 South Euclid Avenue Westfield, N.J.; 908-654-6262.

PHILIP R. GERON, DMD
Philip R. Geron, DMD, FAAOMS, a lifelong Union County resident, received his dental degree from UMDNJ in Newark, New Jersey in 1979, and received certification as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon in 1982 from UMDNJ/Jersey City Medical Center. Since that time, Dr. Geron has received certifications from the American Board of Orofacial
Pains, the American Academy of Pain Management and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, among others.

Dr. Geron is on staff at UMDNJ, in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division, and has hospital privileges at Overlook Hospital and Union Hospital, an affiliate of St. Barnabas Medical Center. He specializes in the treatment of sleep apnea, TMJ and associated complex headache syndromes.

Dr. Geron opened his practice at Westfield Oral Surgery 15 years ago. Dr. Geron currently has two partners, Dr. Mendel Markowitz and Dr. Helen Kim, both board certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This allows the practice of Westfield Oral Surgery Associates to be full scope, including extraction of wisdom teeth, placement of bone grafts and dental implants. Office intravenous sedation and general anesthesia
are available. Complicated or medically compromised patients can be treated at the hospital if necessary. Cosmetic facial orthopedic procedures, involving the chin, jaw and cheek bones, are also part of this specialty practice. Botox cosmetic procedures are also available.

Most major medical and dental insurance plans are accepted. All major credit cards are also accepted, and interest-free payment plans are also available.

Dr. Philip R. Geron, Westfield Oral Surgery, 320 Lenox Ave.,Westfield, NJ; 908-233-8088; www.westfieldoralsurgery.com

(continued...)

PREVIOUS | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | NEXT