General Dentistry
Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body
Taking good care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about preventing cavities and bad breath. The most is a window into the health of the body. It can show iffy are eating foods are best for you or if you may be at risk for a disease. Diseases that affect the entire body, such as diabetes, may be noticed because of mouth sores or other oral problems. The mouth is filled with many bacteria. Some of these bacteria are linked to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease may be connected with diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Diseases like diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV infections and AIDS lower the body’s resistance to infection. This can make periodontal disease more common and more severe. Ongoing inflammation from periodontitis is linked with heart disease, blocked arteries and stroke.
People with diabetes commonly have periodontal disease. And they are more likely to have more severe periodontitis than are nondiabetics. This does not mean that one condition causes another but it is known that diabetics and smokers are at a higher risk of developing periodontal diseases.
So brush your teeth well twice a day choose dental products that have the American Dental Association Seal of the Acceptance, schedule regular dental visits, update your medical history with your dentist – including illnesses, prescriptions and over the counter products. Don’t smoke, chew or vape and manage dry mouth which can be caused by various medicines. Talk with your dentist about ways to keep healthy. New Town Dental, Mullica Hill, New Jersey is your best bet to protect your overall health. #newtowndentalcares
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a common and serious disorder that happens when your regular breathing is interrupted during sleep. Snoring is common among patients with sleep apnea but not all snorers have sleep apnea.
There are two main types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the result of blocked airflow during sleep, usually when the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapses while you sleep. Health issues such as obesity may contribute. Central sleep apnea results from a problem with how the brain signals the breathing muscles. This can occur with conditions such as heart failure, brain tumors, brain infections and stroke.
People at Risk for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can affect any one at any age but the risk is greater for those over 40, overweight, someone with large tonsils or a small jaw, has a family history of sleep apnea, or has a nasal obstruction due to a deviated septum, allergies, or sinus problems. If left untreated, it can result in high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure or heart attack, diabetes, depression, or worsening of ADHD.
How We Can Help
As dentists, we can treat certain cases of sleep apnea by fabricating a custom oral appliance that shifts and supports the jaw to prevent the airway from collapsing. Research shows that oral appliances can successfully prevent sleep apnea in some minor to moderate cases. If you are interested in finding more about how we are able to help you, please call our office for a consultation: (856) 223-1945.
Digital X-Rays
Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and the latest technology, we utilize advanced digital X-rays in our office. Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to less radiation than traditional X-ray technology.
Dental X-rays are a useful diagnostic tool when helping your dentist detect decay not visible at your dental exam. Your dentist will decide whether or not you need X-rays. How often you need X-rays taken depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease, and any signs or symptoms of oral disease. A new patient should have X-rays taken to determine the present status of your oral health and have a baseline to help identify changes that may occur later. X-rays will be needed at your recall visits to continue to monitor your dental health on a yearly basis. The use of a leaded apron with a thyroid collar should be used whenever possible to protect patients from excess radiation.
Oral Cancer Screening
Our office is not only dedicated to making you smile better and more often, we are also dedicated to improving your overall health. During your regular dental exam we will be provide an oral cancer screening. Like many other types of cancer, oral cancer can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer can be identified. These may include red or white spots anywhere in the mouth, a sore that bleeds and does not heal, a lump, bump, thickening or rough spot on the gum, cheek, tongue or soft tissue in the mouth, difficulty in swallowing, chewing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
Our clinical staff is trained in the proper way to screen your mouth as a whole and not just the teeth. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. If we find an area of concern you will be informed and a biopsy/referral may be recommended to rule out any cancer.
Remember, early detection can greatly improve the chance of successful treatment. If you have an area of concern, please call us for an evaluation as soon as possible: (856) 223-1945.
Mouthguards
Imagine what it would be like if you suddenly lost a front tooth or two. Smiling, talking, eating – everything would be affected. Mouth guards help cushion a blow to the face and minimize the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissue of your tongue, lips and cheek. Knowing how to prevent injuries like these is especially important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities. They also help to reduce the possibility of a concussion.
The best mouth guard is one that is custom made for your mouth by your dentist. If you cannot afford a custom fitted mouth guard, you should still wear a stock mouthguard or a boil and bite mouthguard from a local sporting goods store. A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed dental appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheeks or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries.
The dentists at New Town Dental will be happy to help you select the right mouthguard based on your activity level.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. John Kupcha, DDS, treats children beginning at age two. The child’s first visit is with the parent (who has an appointment; there is no charge for the child). It’s a “Get Acquainted” visit. Dr. Kupcha simply counts your child’s teeth. Same with the next visit. This help the child feel comfortable and safe for future visits. You can trust New Town Dental for excellent care of your child.