The Adams Dental team cares about keeping your children’s teeth healthy. Below are 5 ways to keep your children’s teeth healthy.
If you have infants or toddlers at home, minimize the risk of dental injury by covering sharp edges, removing tripping hazards, and making sure that they don’t walk with a bottle or sippy cup in their mouths. A toddler’s energy combined with these potential dangers could cause injury to teeth, gums, tongues, or cheeks.
For younger children who are likely to swallow toothpaste, make sure to use a fluoride-free toothpaste that is safer for kids. You should also make sure that only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is used for brushing.
Sports-related injuries are a common cause of chipped and knocked-out teeth. Wearing a mouth guard significantly reduces the risk of oral injury when playing sports such as football, soccer, or skateboarding. This is a safety measure that is often overlooked when teaching children how to ride a bike.
Your children must visit the dentist at least twice a year to have regular exams and cleanings. Dentists can spot potential problem areas before they become cavities and keep your child’s smile healthy. Ask your dentist about dental sealants and how they can benefit your child’s oral health.
Pulling a tooth out before it is ready can cause your child unnecessary pain. It can also lead to complications such as infection or excessive bleeding. Just be patient and let it fall out on its own time.
To learn more about how Adams Dental can help keep your child’s teeth healthy, please contact our office at (973) 377-6500. We’d love to hear from you.
Dr. Allison M. Adams, recognized as one of the Top Dentists in New Jersey for the past 13 years by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, was born and raised in Madison, New Jersey, and is proud to deliver comprehensive dental care to her friends and neighbors. She completed her undergraduate studies in 1985 at the College of St. Elizabeth and went on to study dentistry at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School, graduating in 1991. Over the past 25 years, she has traveled the country and spent thousands of hours attending continuing education courses in order to stay current with advances in the field. She has completed comprehensive post-graduate studies in orthodontics and implantology.
Dr. Allison M. Adams, recognized as one of the Top Dentists in New Jersey for the past 13 years by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, was born and raised in Madison, New Jersey, and is proud to deliver comprehensive dental care to her friends and neighbors. She completed her undergraduate studies in 1985 at the College of St. Elizabeth and went on to study dentistry at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School, graduating in 1991. Over the past 25 years, she has traveled the country and spent thousands of hours attending continuing education courses in order to stay current with advances in the field. She has completed comprehensive post-graduate studies in orthodontics and implantology.
I recently sent an email to my three children (ages 18, 19, and 26) with the subject line “An important topic no one wants to talk about” that had them jokingly saying they were going to mark future emails from me as spam. The unpleasant topic was related to the correlation between HPV (human papillomavirus), oral cancer, and oral sex.
HPV is the broad term for a group of viruses, some of which are considered “low risk” and others that are “high risk” and cause genital cancer. HPV-16 is the strain that causes both genital and oral cancers.
In the past, the “model” for oral cancer was an older man who had spent a lifetime smoking and drinking. But now, young people without the risk factors of smoking and drinking are being diagnosed with oral cancer. It is suspected that oral sex, considered by many young adults to be “safer” than intercourse, is considered the culprit.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, about 7 percent of men and women between the ages of 14 and 69 living in the United States carry HPV in their mouths. Advances in diagnosis have allowed researchers to test for viral DNA and have found HPV in many oral cancers. Even the location of HPV-related oral cancer varies from the “traditional” oral cancers, with lesions being found primarily in the back of the throat and in the crypts, or crevices, of the tonsils.
I advise all my patients to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of oral cancer:
If you notice any of the above, call us for a complete evaluation.
Oral sex is not the only cause of transmission; HPV infection increases with the number of partners you have and is transmissible by skin-to-skin contact. Not all infections with HPV will lead to cancer. Of the 150 related viruses, about 40 are sexually transmitted, and only some of those will cause cancer. Most infections with HPV are cleared by the body without any long-term consequences.
If you would like additional information about HPV and cancer, visit:
Dr. Allison M. Adams, recognized as one of the Top Dentists in New Jersey for the past 13 years by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, was born and raised in Madison, New Jersey, and is proud to deliver comprehensive dental care to her friends and neighbors. She completed her undergraduate studies in 1985 at the College of St. Elizabeth and went on to study dentistry at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School, graduating in 1991. Over the past 25 years, she has traveled the country and spent thousands of hours attending continuing education courses in order to stay current with advances in the field. She has completed comprehensive post-graduate studies in orthodontics and implantology.
The most important step in this process is diagnosis. If you suspect airway issues in your child, see their pediatrician, an ear-nose-throat specialist, or a dentist who understands these problems. Remember to be an advocate for your child. You know them better than anyone else so it’s your responsibility to find a professional who understands and can help you.
Dr. Allison M. Adams, recognized as one of the Top Dentists in New Jersey for the past 13 years by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, was born and raised in Madison, New Jersey, and is proud to deliver comprehensive dental care to her friends and neighbors. She completed her undergraduate studies in 1985 at the College of St. Elizabeth and went on to study dentistry at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School, graduating in 1991. Over the past 25 years, she has traveled the country and spent thousands of hours attending continuing education courses in order to stay current in advances in the field. She has completed comprehensive post-graduate studies in orthodontics and implantology.
This October, Dr. Adams hosted a three-day seminar about the Buteyko Breathing Method. The entire team attended, as well as patients and other medical professionals. We didn’t know what to expect. Would it be interesting and worthwhile, or would we be bored to tears? To our surprise, it was extremely interesting.
I have heard Dr. Adams speak to both children and adults about the importance of mouth/tongue position and nasal breathing for years, but I never fully understand its importance. Preparing for the course, we heard that Buteyko breathing would help reduce sleep apnea, ADD, asthma, stress, and rhinitis. It wasn’t until attending the course that we experienced firsthand how these simple Buteyko exercises could impact our patients and ourselves.
Our instructor, Patrick McKeown, is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and has spent the past ten years, teaching thousands of people to successfully reduce or eliminate their asthma, snoring, sleep apnea, anxiety, and panic attacks. He has also helped athletes control their breathing to enhance their performance.
This October, Dr. Adams hosted a three-day seminar about the Buteyko Breathing Method. The entire team attended, as well as patients and other medical professionals. We didn’t know what to expect. Would it be interesting and worthwhile, or would we be bored to tears? To our surprise, it was extremely interesting.
I have heard Dr. Adams speak to both children and adults about the importance of mouth/tongue position and nasal breathing for years, but I never fully understand its importance. Preparing for the course, we heard that Buteyko breathing would help reduce sleep apnea, ADD, asthma, stress, and rhinitis. It wasn’t until attending the course that we experienced firsthand how these simple Buteyko exercises could impact our patients and ourselves.
Our instructor, Patrick McKeown, is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and has spent the past ten years, teaching thousands of people to successfully reduce or eliminate their asthma, snoring, sleep apnea, anxiety, and panic attacks. He has also helped athletes control their breathing to enhance their performance.
This October, Dr. Adams hosted a three-day seminar about the Buteyko Breathing Method. The entire team attended, as well as patients and other medical professionals. We didn’t know what to expect. Would it be interesting and worthwhile, or would we be bored to tears? To our surprise, it was extremely interesting.
I have heard Dr. Adams speak to both children and adults about the importance of mouth/tongue position and nasal breathing for years, but I never fully understand its importance. Preparing for the course, we heard that Buteyko breathing would help reduce sleep apnea, ADD, asthma, stress, and rhinitis. It wasn’t until attending the course that we experienced firsthand how these simple Buteyko exercises could impact our patients and ourselves.
Our instructor, Patrick McKeown, is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin and has spent the past ten years, teaching thousands of people to successfully reduce or eliminate their asthma, snoring, sleep apnea, anxiety, and panic attacks. He has also helped athletes control their breathing to enhance their performance.
Here are a few tips that Patrick gave to help us calm our minds and breath before sleep:
Patrick sent us home with 3m medical tape after the first day and we were told to sleep with our mouths taped to prevent mouth breathing during sleep. A few of us were a little worried about trying it; however, the feedback the next day from all of us was similar. We felt more refreshed when waking up and had more energy earlier in the morning.
We now understand why Dr. Adams is so passionate about the Buteyko Method. We urge you to do some research for yourself and If you’re interested in learning more, give the office a call for details. We’re excited to help you become a healthier and happier you!
Jackie attended The Dental Studies Institute of Fairfield, NJ, and received an assisting certification in 2003. She is natural in the dental field because she has the innate ability to put people at ease in any situation and is excellent with children. Jackie was born in Morristown and spent the majority of her life in New Jersey. She moved to Southern California in 2008 where she met her husband. She enjoys art, snowboarding, surfing, and outdoor activities. She relocated to back to Morris County in 2010 to start a family. She has a five-year-old daughter and gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in July 2017!
A significant portion of the population suffers from bad breath, gingivitis, high cavity risk, and other tooth/gum diseases. Many of us reach for a bottle of mouthwash to help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions. However, studies are now showing that there is an association between regular mouthwash use and increased risk for high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of ≥130/80 mm Hg or currently using a medication to lower blood pressure, and according to the CDC, over 47% of adults fall into these criteria¹. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, and more.
The human body is home to a diverse microbiome, which includes bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in and on the body. The microbiome plays key roles in digestion, immune system function, and overall health. The oral microbiome is that which resides in the mouth. The mouth is the entry point for the gastrointestinal system and is intimately connected to the rest of the body. Thus, changes in oral health and the microbiome can have effects throughout the rest of the body.
Nitrates are a common nutrient found in leafy and root vegetables. Bacteria in the oral cavity are responsible for converting nitrates to nitrites, which plays an important role in nitric oxide signaling in the body. So, why is nitric oxide (NO) important? One of the major roles of NO is to dilate or widen blood vessels. Imagine two hoses — one narrower than the other. With the same amount of water flowing through each, the pressure on the walls of the narrower hose will be greater than the wider. This is the same for your blood vessels. Narrower blood vessels with the same amount of blood flow through them have increased pressure on the walls, resulting in higher blood pressure.
Studies are showing that antibacterial mouthwashes reduce the number of bacteria that help convert nitrates to nitrites, thus limiting nitric oxide signaling and reducing the amount of blood vessel dilation²⁻³.
One study focused specifically on the antimicrobial ingredient chlorhexidine. This study found that rinsing with a 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse twice a day for two weeks reduced the conversion of nitrates to nitrites in the oral cavity by 90%. They also found a statistically significant increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings².
A second study did not limit the types of mouthwashes used by participants. This study found that irrespective of the type of mouthwash used, two or more daily uses of mouthwash resulted in a statistically significant increase in hypertension risk over a three year period³.
While no causation has be proven, an association persists. More research is needed to determine which specific antimicrobial ingredients target the bacteria responsible for nitrate conversion and how much and how long the blood pressure is affected by consistent use. Because there are numerous alternative options to antiseptic mouthwashes, we advise the use of caution if picking up an antimicrobial mouthwash.
For those who are suffering from bad breath, gingivitis, high cavity risk, or the various conditions where a mouthwash might help, the question becomes what are the alternative options for treatment.
In certain instances of oral bacterial infection, antimicrobial mouth washes may be indicated but are to be used as directed by your dentist and for a short period of time.
At Adams Dental, we offer all-natural rinses and dentifrices to help freshen breath and restore health. If you are not ready to give up your daily mouth rinse use, let us help guide you to the product that is best suited for you.
Studies are showing that frequent antimicrobial mouthwash use can lead to increases in blood pressure by reducing the number of nitrate-converting oral bacteria. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to numerous health conditions including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, and more.
As we learn more about the effects of long-term use of antimicrobial mouth rinses, we will keep our patients updated. Our goal is to promote not only the health of the oral cavity, but also the entire body as a whole. A healthy microbiome can lead to a happy and healthy life. When you are in next, ask us about which alternatives may be most beneficial for you.
Dr. Garrison is a passionate dental practitioner who is dedicated to providing comfortable and positive dental experiences to each individual patient. In 2017, she graduated as valedictorian of her undergraduate class at Muhlenberg College where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in business administration. In 2021, she became a repeat valedictorian by graduating 1st in her class of 364 students at the New York University College of Dentistry, where she earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Garrison’s favorite part about dentistry is the people. She enjoys getting to know her patients and tailoring their care to their own individual needs. Dr. Garrison likes to live an active lifestyle. In her free time, you can find her at the gym or doing outdoor activities. She also enjoys escaping the cold weather and visiting her parents who retired in Florida
Dental Implants are changing the way people live. They are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth which look, feel, and function like natural teeth. The person who has lost teeth regains the ability to eat virtually anything, knowing that teeth appear natural and that facial contours will be preserved. Patients with Dental Implants can smile with confidence.
The Dental Implants are titanium posts, which are inserted into the jawbone where the teeth are missing. These metal anchors act as substitutes for tooth roots. They are surgically placed into the jawbone. The bone bonds with the titanium, creating a strong foundation for artificial teeth. Small posts are then attached to the implant, which protrude through the gums. These posts provide stable anchors for artificial replacement teeth. Implants help preserve facial structure and prevent bone deterioration.
We perform the initial tooth extraction, bone grafting (if necessary), and the actual implant surgery. We make any temporary prosthesis needed during the implant process if needed. Once the titanium implant is fully integrated, we will fit and make permanent prosthesis.
Once you learn about Dental Implants, you finally realize there is a way to improve your life. When you lose several teeth — whether it’s a new situation or something you have lived with for years — chances are you have never become fully accustomed to losing such a vital part of yourself.
There are several reasons: Why sacrifice the structure of surrounding good teeth to bridge a space? In addition, removing a denture or a “partial” at night may be inconvenient.
Once the implants are in place, they will serve you well for many years if you take care of them and keep your mouth healthy. This means taking the time for good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and keeping regular appointments with your dental specialists. Call our office today at (973) 377-6500 to schedule your visit.
Did you know that the professionals at Adams Dental and the Integrative Dental Center at Adams Dental offer our patients expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of many airway disorders, including sleep disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea?
Airway refers to the passage by which air reaches the lungs. The problem is that airway can be affected by anatomical issues such as enlarged adenoids and tonsils, a deviated septum, congestion, allergies, asthma, and a narrow jaw. All of these things may contribute to a change from healthy nasal breathing through your nose, to mouth breathing. Mouth breathing is not as efficient as nasal breathing because of the way the air flows.
Quite simply, your airway and the shape of it, or anything that interferes with it, prevents efficient breathing and the flow of oxygen to the lungs and to the brain. Many children (and adults) who have problems breathing due to allergies or enlarged tonsils and adenoids may snore at night – a sign that their airway is interrupted. Some even have apnea, a situation where the breathing stops for up to a minute at a time, many times throughout the night. The stops in breathing lead to poor sleep.
Consider what happens to a developing child’s brain if there are regular interruptions in oxygen. Snoring in children has been associated with problems in memory, language and poor academic performance. Common physical changes associated with airway disorders are often related to tooth and jaw positions and can include narrow upper arch, long and narrow face, poor tongue posture, crossbite, and open mouth posture. The American Academy of Pediatrics thinks that airway health is so important that they have issued new guidelines for screening children and adolescents for snoring at routine visits.
If you think that you or your child may have an issue with airway structure or performance, we can help you define the problem and provide treatment options to remediate it. Treatment suggestions may include myofunctional therapy, orthodontics, breathing reeducation, or other remedial methods. Please call Adams Dental at (973) 377-6500 for your personal consultation.
There is a significant amount of misinformation on the Internet. Much of the confusion is created without malevolence, but the way information is reported can frequently be confusing. I mention this problem because I am currently studying information about sleep appliances and treatment techniques to help the spouses of snorers maintain their sanity.
There is no doubt that patency of the airway is a highly desirable goal, and the future of dentistry will be intimately entwined in the accommodation of an unperturbed exchange of air from atmosphere to lung.
The muscle tonus that keeps us snore-free during waking hours rests along with us during our sleep. The problem is that the muscles of the pharynx fall down into the air exchange highway and disrupt the exchange of life-giving gases necessary to keep us non-moribund.
There are different kinds and different volumes of snoring. An occasional nocturnal whimper is not a concern but sustained, high-volume, “wake-the-dead” snoring merits attention. If you hear your spouse stop breathing (and you prefer that this not be a permanent state), I would suggest a conversation with your physician or dentist.
Most health professionals today are conversant in this arena. If they are not comfortable in diagnosing these conditions, they should be able to steer you toward a capable practitioner.
In the not-too-distant past, sleep studies involved overnight stays in rooms where the would-be sleeper was wire-tethered to a machine that made sleep less than possible. Today these studies can be adequately performed in the comfort of your own bed.
In addition, the CPAP machine is not the only treatment act in town. Effective treatment solutions range beyond CPAP through oral devices to biofeedback techniques.
The literature on snoring does not need an addition from me. Snoring is a symptom, not a disease. The potential ramifications of snoring can be serious, and I do encourage that they be given respect.
The reason my literature review prompted this epistle is that many of the studies I reviewed https://www.adamsdentalnj.com/children-airway-snoring-and-adhd/ to other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, ADD, and autism — the list is ever-expanding.
What is important to note as you read Internet science is that correlation and causation are two completely different entities that too frequently are assumed to be the same.
My advice is to read as much as you can but maintain a discerning and critical eye. Don’t fall prey to the misconception that “expert” opinion and truth are one and the same. There is more that we don’t know about medicine than we do know. Use your reading as a source of questions that you should feel free to discuss with your health team. Ask questions, evaluate answers, and take action. Keep yourself healthy: You deserve the benefits now and in the future.
Dr. Allison M. Adams, recognized as one of the Top Dentists in New Jersey for the past 13 years by New Jersey Monthly Magazine, was born and raised in Madison, New Jersey, and is proud to deliver comprehensive dental care to her friends and neighbors. She completed her undergraduate studies in 1985 at the College of St. Elizabeth and went on to study dentistry at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Dental School, graduating in 1991. Over the past 25 years, she has traveled the country and spent thousands of hours attending continuing education courses in order to stay current in advances in the field. She has completed comprehensive post-graduate studies in orthodontics and implantology.