Dentist New Jersey | Brighter Dental Care

A Patient's Guide to Tooth Anatomy

Last updated 4 days ago

The tooth is a complex structure, and one of the hardest within the body. Your teeth are designed to help you chew hard foods, assist in the formation of speech sounds, provide symmetry for the face, and maintain the natural shape of the oral bones. Learn about the anatomy of a tooth from the article below.

Enamel: Tooth enamel is made of calcium phosphate and other hard mineral composites. This comprises the outer layer of the tooth.

Dentin: Dentin is the layer directly beneath the enamel. The dentin is made of active cells that secrete a hard, mineral substance, which help make the enamel strong. If you’ve ever experienced tooth sensitivity when you drink cold liquids, then you were most likely feeling a weak spot in your tooth where the enamel has worn down to the dentin due to decay.

Pulp: Beneath the dentin is a layer known as the pulp. It is a softer structure within the tooth that is also made of living cells. Blood vessels and nerves run through the pulp, supplying the tooth with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

Gum: The gums are not directly related to the anatomy of the tooth, but they are directly related to the health of a tooth. The gums rest against the teeth and help hold them in place. If food particles get lodged between your gums and tooth, then you could develop gum disease. If gum disease is left untreated, then the gums will recede, allowing the tooth to become lose.

Bone : All of the teeth are connected to the oral bones. When infections like gum disease are left unaddressed, then the bacteria can infect the bone and cause it to deteriorate. A substance called cementum consists of a layer of connective tissues that binds the roots of the teeth to the gums and bone.

If you need help maintaining your dental health, then make regular visits to Brighter Dental Care a part of your dental hygiene routine. We offer periodontal, endodontic, orthodontic, and oral surgery services, so think of us for all of your dental care needs. To schedule an appointment, call us at (609) 651-8734.

4 Common Foods and Beverages to Avoid to Keep Your Healthy, White Smile

Last updated 11 days ago

The enamel on your teeth is harder than your bone, but that doesn’t mean it is impervious to the food you eat. Sugary and darkly colored foods can cause your teeth to break down and become stained, and certain foods and beverages are far worse than others. For a look at foods you should avoid, see the list below.

Coffee and Tea: For many people, it is hard to start the day without a hot cup of coffee. Unfortunately, coffee and its cousin tea are some of the worst stain-causing offenders. Tooth enamel is incredibly porous, making teeth highly absorbant. Try adding milk to your coffee or tea to lighten the color, or wait to brush your teeth until after you’ve enjoyed your morning brew.
Red Wine: Red wine offers many heart-healthy benefits, but because of its dark, tannin-rich color, it can stain your teeth. You may need to cut back if you want to preserve your pearly white smile. Don’t give up on it altogether, though—wine reduces inflammation, which can minimize your risk for gum disease.

Sugars and Starches: Sugary and starchy foods create strong acids that can cause tooth enamel to erode and become more porous. This can make your teeth more sensitive to cold and hot foods, lead to the formation of cavities, and make your teeth more susceptible to stains.
Dark Fruits and Vegetables: Consider blue berries and beets; some of the darkest foods you can eat. Others include strawberries, oranges, red grapes, squash, radishes, and tomatoes. You shouldn’t shy away from eating these foods, but you should take extra care of your teeth after consuming them, especially in juice or pureed form.

If your smile could benefit from a tooth whitening treatment, then visit Brighter Dental Care. Our multi-specialty practice offers a range of cosmetic and general dental services and uses the latest in cutting-edge technology to provide excellent care and attention to dental details. For more information on the services we provide or to schedule a consultation, call us at (609) 651-8734.

Brighter Dental Care Review | "They are Very Accommodating and Friendly"

Last updated 12 days ago

2/7/12 on Kudzu

The staff has been showing exceptional customer service since I started coming here. They are very accommodating and friendly. I have always been satisfied with services provided. More

jackson40014

Common Signs that Your Wisdom Teeth Are Going to be a Problem

Last updated 14 days ago

Are you having pain in the back of your mouth? Are you worried you might need oral surgery? That incessant pain may be your wisdom teeth bothering you. Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that grow into the very back of our jaws. Many general dentists suggest that between the ages of 16 and 21 is the best age to get your wisdom teeth removed. Here are some indicators that your wisdom teeth should be removed:

Crowding: Many people do not have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to grow out fully. If you detect that the alignment of your teeth is changing and there seems to be more crowding, then it would be best to get your wisdom teeth removed.

Gum Flaps: A wisdom tooth that does not fully break through the gums is called an impacted tooth. When teeth do this, the gums form over the tooth and are susceptible to infection because it is a difficult area to clean.

Pain: Pain is the most obvious indicator that your wisdom teeth are giving you problems. If pain at the back of your jaw persists and the teeth never surface, then schedule an oral surgery as soon as possible.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease: If the general state of your teeth is poor, it may be because of your wisdom teeth. Teeth crowding, gum flaps, and pain can make taking care of your teeth difficult. Eventually, without proper cleaning, teeth will begin to decay and you can develop gum disease.

Brighter Dental Care is a team of dentists, specialists and surgeons, all working together to provide the most comprehensive dental and surgical care available. We have general dentists, oral surgeons, endodontists, periodontists, orthodontists and of course hygienists. All on staff all of the time! Our dentists are also always happy to assist you with preventative care and routine maintenance. Call us to schedule an appointment with Brighter Dental Care today!

Visit Brighter Dental Care at any of our 6 New Jersey Locations:

Our newest location: Branchburg, NJ 08876: (908) 725-7900

Princeton, NJ 08540: (609) 514-1666 (609) 514-1622

Robbinsville, NJ 08691: (609) 371-9200 (609) 371-9242

Skillman, NJ 08558: (609) 683-5300 (609) 683-5301

Clementon, NJ 08021: (856) 783-1222 (856) 783-3298

Flemington, NJ 08822: (908) 237-5100 (908) 788-9449

If you have any of these symptoms, then take immediate action. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed in their late teens in order to avoid further tooth decay. At Brighter Dental Care, we want you to have a happy, healthy mouth. Our expert orthodontists and periodontists can provide you with the best dental care in New Jersey. Contact us only or by phone at (888) 821-6695 today for more information on our various services.

The Pros & Cons of Invisalign Braces

Last updated 18 days ago

Does your smile suffer from overcrowded teeth, unsightly gaps, or other dental abnormalities? If so, then you may be a candidate for Invisalign braces. However, before you contact your orthodontist, check out this video to learn about the pros and cons of this orthodontic solution.

This video features a dental physician who explains the advantages and disadvantages of choosing Invisalign for your smile. You’ll hear that wearing Invisalign requires more discipline than wearing traditional braces. On the other hand, you’ll learn that Invisalign braces produce faster results, require less maintenance, and are less painful than traditional braces.

When you’re ready to begin you Invisalign treatment, contact Brighter Dental Care at (609) 651-8734. We employ a range of highly certified dental health doctors who specialize in each of the major dental health industries, including the periodontal, endodontic, and orthodontic industries.