Request Request an Appointment Forms Download Our Forms Like Us Like Us on Facebook Reviews Leave a Google Review Youtube Watch Our Videos Follow Us Follow Us on Instagram
522 E Broad St
Westfield, NJ 07090
(908) 654-7200
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN REGARDS TO COVID19

Great Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy with Family Dentistry Westfield Loves

October 9, 2015

Happy family with beautiful smiles thanks to family dentistry Westfield relies onYour general health is always important, but it’s especially crucial during pregnancy. Because pregnancy causes certain hormonal changes that can affect your oral health, it may be necessary for you to take a few things into consideration during your pregnancy — and number one is to visit your dentist for an oral checkup when you’re pregnant. Keep reading for more tips on how to maintain your oral health during pregnancy — for the health of you and your baby — from Dr. David M. Weinman, your family dentist in Westfield, NJ.
(more…)

Flossing is Essential!

July 14, 2015

Man flossing teeth, portrait

A recent study from Bupa, an international health organization, revealed that 81% of Britons believe their smiles are unattractive in photos, and 28% refuse to smile for photos all together. Similar studies conducted in the United States reveal similar findings, and an even higher percentage of people who feel pressured by celebrity photos to perfect their smiles. While our vanity may influence us to want a perfect smile, what we may not realize is the importance of flossing to maintain our oral health and smile radiance, retain gum tissue and bone density, and remove tooth decay causing bacteria. If you need a superior preventive, family dentist, Westfield, NJ call Dr. David M. Weinman to schedule an appointment today. The expert dental hygienists at our practice can help you learn to love flossing, and keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life.

Benefits of Flossing

It’s been six months. Your dental hygiene appointment is in two days, and you haven’t flossed since the last checkup. You don’t want yet another lecture about flossing from your hygienist, so you decide to cram six months of flossing into the next two days. The result? Bleeding, irritated, swollen gums, and a profound distain for the entire subject of flossing. You go to your hygiene appointment, and hear the same refrain, “How often do you floss?” Only now, it’s coupled with, “Your gums seem irritated. That could be a sign of gum disease.” That’s it! You think. Flossing is useless.

Unlike tooth brushing which makes your mouth look, feel, and taste clean right away, flossing’s early effects can be mostly negative. If you don’t floss on a regular basis, your gums will likely become irritated as you remove bacteria that has built up. Many patients report flossing once or twice directly after dental checkups and in the days leading up to their appointment, but rarely flossing at any other time. This inconsistency probably does more harm than good because it leads patients to believe flossing can only be unpleasant.

However, the benefits of regular flossing far outweigh any initial discomfort and irritation. In fact, recent studies showed that flossing not only helped to improve oral health, but the positive effects on oral health improved overall health too. Some benefits of flossing include:

  • Significantly reduced bacteria – less cavities and $$$ spent to treat tooth decay
  • Reduced Risk for gingivitis and periodontitis – the most commonly sighted benefit is one of the most important since more than ½ of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease
  • Improved breath – halitosis or bad breath is often caused by bacteria that could be removed or reduced by flossing keeping your breath fresher longer than brushing alone
  • Better overall health – gum disease has been linked to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and other systematic disease in a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study

Flossing Tips from your Preventive Dentist, Westfield

Many of the issues associated with flossing stem from irregularity of practice, but there are some things you can do to make flossing more pleasant from the outset. Here are some things you should consider to improve your flossing routine:

  • Habit – Just in case you missed it, the most important part of flossing may just be doing it every day even if you’re tired or busy or just don’t want to do it.
  • Floss type – Choosing a floss that you like can help make the task more enjoyable. There are numerous types of floss, but we recommend polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) especially for patients new to flossing. PTFE flosses are also called shred free/resistant, and are made from one fiber rather than numerous combined, rope-like fibers in nylon floss.
  • Floss right! – A number of patients who are dedicated enough to floss everyday never learn the proper technique. During your next hygiene appointment, ask our hygienists to show you the best way to floss your teeth. Until then, just remember that the whole point of flossing is to remove bacteria between teeth and between teeth and gums. So, if you’re not flossing all the way under the gum line, you’re not flossing. The easiest way to floss is using the “C” method. Gently glide the using a back and forth movement into the spaces on either side of each tooth in a “C” shape. Doing in this around the front and back of each tooth is extremely effective.

Contact Dr. Weinman for Great Westfield Dentistry

We know what you’re thinking right now. That’s it, I’m going to start flossing, and this time I mean it. You may even be in your car on the way to your local pharmacy to stock up on fun flossing equipment. We appreciate the enthusiasm, but encourage you to keep it simple and start slow. Choose a floss you think will be gentle and effective, then set a goal to floss at least 3 or 4 times a week for a month. After the first month, we know your teeth will look and feel better, and you’ll want to change your oral hygiene routine to include daily flossing. If you need a general checkup or want to find out more about flossing, call the office of Dr. Weinman to schedule an appointment today. Our Westfield, NJ office welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Cranford, and Mountainside.

Is Your Workout Hurting Your Smile? Athletes and Oral Health

January 20, 2015

78459279A solid exercise regimen can do wonders for your overall health, but do you know how your workout routine may be affecting your teeth and gums? Recent research has uncovered a correlation between strenuous exercise and an increased risk for potentially serious oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. At David M. Weinman, DMD in Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman and his staff place an immense amount of emphasis on preventive dental care for patients of all ages, particularly athletes at risk for oral health complications.

Why Runners Have More Cavities

While we would certainly never advise that our patients quit their healthy workout routine, we do highly encourage athletes to be especially aware of their oral health in addition to their overall physical state. Running, for example, can be great for muscle tone, joint strength, and cardiovascular health, but it can also wreak havoc on your gums and teeth. This is because of a rather substantial change in saliva production and composition during and after a particularly demanding run.

Athletes and non-athletes alike were tested by researchers at a hospital’s dental lab in order to determine the cause of oral health issues in runners. Saliva was collected from both groups while the patients were sitting still and relaxed; the results showed no indication of heightened risk. When the athletes were sent off on an arduous run, however, something of interest was discovered. During and after exercise, saliva production actually lessened and the runners’ mouths became more alkaline.

Diminished saliva and an alkaline environment within the mouth have been linked to enamel erosion, dental caries, and an increased risk for periodontal disease. While previous studies had hinted at sugary sports drinks as a possible cause of poor oral health in runners, this new research has proven otherwise. Fortunately, there is an easy solution for this unique problem in athletes: regular visits to Dr. Weinman for preventive dentistry checkups and cleanings. We’ll help you identify your risk factors for cavities and gum disease, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that takes your athletic lifestyle into consideration when protecting your smile.

Healthy Smile, Healthy Body

If you’re an athlete, you already take great care of your body. If you haven’t visited the dentist in more than six months, now is the time to start taking better care of your smile. Contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Weinman and our experienced, knowledgeable staff. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for years to come. Conveniently located in Westfield, NJ, our office proudly serves families from nearby communities in Cranford, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Fanwood, and more.

Could You Be Suffering From Gum Disease?

March 27, 2013

Today, a staggering majority of Americans are suffering from the common oral health problem known as gum disease – three out of four, to be exact! If that number seems a little big to you, it’s probably because many of those people aren’t even aware that there’s anything wrong. While cracks and cavities are easily noticeable dental problems that have tried-and-true restorative solutions, gum disease (also commonly referred to as periodontal disease) is often a much more subtle condition – or it is until it reaches the most advanced stage, which can cause advanced deterioration, inflammation, and even tooth loss. Thankfully, Dr. Weinman and his staff take gum disease very seriously, and we’ll be sure to thoroughly inspect your mouth for any tell-tale signs of the condition when you come into our Westfield office for a routine check-up. In the meantime, here are some common symptoms that can indicate the presence of gum disease:

  • Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath that even mouthwash doesn’t help
  • Receding gums (teeth that look longer)
  • A sudden change in the way your bite feels
  • Loose, shifting teeth

In addition, here are some common risk factors for gum disease:

  • If you commonly smoke or use tobacco
  • If you’re suffering from diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or another systemic disease
  • If you’re 65 or older
  • If you regularly clench or grind your teeth

At his Westfield office, Dr. Weinman is committed to detecting and treating gum disease as early as possible in order to save his patients valuable time and expense, as well as preserve their oral health. We can provide Arestin for early cases, an antibiotic that is placed directly in the infected periodontal pockets in order to help heal your gums.

Don’t let gum disease put a damper on your smile! Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and enjoy the concise, comprehensive care our dedicated team is known for. In addition to Westfield, NJ, Dr. Weinman is also happy to see patients from Scotch Plains, Farmwood, Cranford, Mountainside, and beyond!