Smile More Dentistry Blog

The Coronavirus pandemic has helped coin a litany of new words and phrases; from social distancing to putting on the COVID-19 mask, there’s a new expression for almost everything related to the virus.

One expression that we started using in our office is ‘mask mouth.’ The phrase refers to a range of symptoms associated with wearing a face mask around your mouth for long periods. It’s not an official diagnosis, but it’s become a common phrase used to describe the rise in dental problems that have resulted from increased mask-wearing.

Along with an annual physical, new clothes and backpacks, a visit to the dentist helps ensure that your child’s education and development won’t be interrupted by oral health problems.  After all, dental disease is the most prevalent childhood disease!  Back-to-school dental care can help prevent dental emergencies and missed valuable school days, while giving kids more confident smiles……all year long.

    In a scientific study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, it was concluded that dental problems were significantly associated with reductions in school performance and psychosocial well-being. Children with undiagnosed dental problems and infections were more likely to have problems at school, miss school and were less likely to do all required homework.  This...

Do you have a child who enjoys reading? Are they always looking for the next exciting story? If so, you’ll be pleased to learn that a children’s dentist at Smile More Dentistry, Dr. Darren Tong, recently co-authored a book titled, “Leo Learns About Life” and was awarded the Writer EXPY® from the National Association of Experts, Writers and Speakers®. Alongside other professionals, the authors all contributed short stories to this beautiful anthology dedicated to teaching young children invaluable lessons. Read on to learn more about the book and how Dr. Tong became involved.

Are you pregnant and wondering if you should see your dentist for your regular checkups or more complex dental work? This is a common question among expectant mothers and has been debated by experts for many years. Because of the many hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, women are more likely to experience certain oral health problems during these 9 months. Without professional treatment and proper at-home dental habits, a pregnant mother can develop serious problems and pass them on to her infant. Read on to learn whether you should see your dentist now or wait until after your baby arrives.

When it comes to your teeth, you may not think they’re anything too special. Yes, they help you eat and chew, and they can help you feel more confident, but that’s about all, right? Wrong! Your pearly whites are far more interesting than you realize, which is why your dentist is here to share 5 unique facts that will have you looking at your smile in a whole new way.

The mouth and body are closely connected. As a result, problems that develop in one area will ultimately affect the other. Most dentists want you to have optimal oral and overall health but to achieve this, you must be forthcoming with any issues you may be facing. During your next dental checkup in Northvale, make sure to discuss the following 5 factors with your dentist to give yourself the best chance for a healthy smile and body.

It’s the morning and you roll over to let out a long yawn when your partner shrieks. Wonder what caused their sudden reaction, they inform you that you have bad morning breath. Attempting to sniff it out yourself, you realize they’re right. But why? What is causing this awful odor to come out of your mouth each day? A local dentist weighs in on the topic to explain the causes behind morning breath and why a good oral hygiene routine can remedy the problem.

Don’t wait until you have an unbearable toothache before scheduling an appointment. Our experienced dentist can help with any concerns you may have.

Sedation dentistry can help you relax in the dentist’s chair. That way, you can get the dental care you need for a healthy smile. Our Doctors can help you explore your options for sedation dentistry so you have peace of mind.

When Steve was in his early 20s he swore he’d never visit a dentist again. Now, 20 years later it was obvious he’d kept that promise.

As he sat in my office looking totally miserable I couldn’t help noticing that his teeth were stained and chipped. His gums were red and there were large cavities in his front teeth. I felt like I was watching his teeth rotting as we talked.

“I know it’s dumb,” he said, looking down at his shaking hands, “but every time I’d think about going to the dentist I’d get so scared I’d actually feel sick.”

Finally the pain of NOT taking care of his teeth had become worse than the stress of facing down his fear.

We could all use a fresh start in 2021 considering how hectic and unpredictable 2020 has proven to be. While it’s a year we all want to move on from, it’s still important to take a moment to self-reflect. When you do, you’re taking the first step towards making the new year better!