L. Dawn Christian, DDS

71 Valley Street, Ste. 101

South Orange, NJ 07079

+1 973 761 4800

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A Healthy Mouth is Essential for Overall Good Health.

Why do we care about your Oral Health?
Because we care about YOU! 

Our unique approach concerns your overall well being, and this starts with the foundation of your oral health. The mouth is one of the most important entrances to the body and it can affect and be affected by many factors. Your oral health is not just brushing and flossing. You must have healthy gums and bones to have healthy teeth. Your mouth has to be healthy and clean to maintain itself — and to maintain you. This is why we have such an emphasis on your oral health at Village Dental Group.

Bruxism / Grinding

Patients under stress can grind their teeth. It’s been found that the majority of bruxers are women. Bruxing can cause sore neck and jaw muscles, clicking in the jaw, and the beginning of TMJ problems. If not corrected, teeth can be worn down or broken. Various bite guards or appliances can be employed to control this. 

OPEN HOURS
  • MON: 8AM – 5PM
  • TUES – 9AM – 6PM
  • WED – 8AM – 5PM
  • THUR – 10AM – 7PM
  • 1st & 3rd FRI – 9am – 2pm
  • 2nd & 4th SAT – 8 am – 2pm
  • Same-Day Emergency
    Appointments Available!
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Don’t wait until there are problems! Schedule your routine cleaning today!  

New patient? Expedite your first visit by filling out your forms

New Patient Forms

“I’ve had the general cleaning, and that was very pleasant. The office experience is very unusual in terms of the atmosphere — relaxing, pleasant, staff are engaging and supportive which is very favorable.”

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What is Plaque? What is Tartar? 
How do they affect Oral Health? 

Everybody has plaque. Each day, bacteria and food particles build up and create a sticky clear material called plaque. Plaque is soft, and easily removed through regular brushing and flossing. But, if plaque is left on the teeth it can form tartar and eventually calculus, which can only be removed with a professional cleaning from a dentist or dental hygienist. 

Medications and Oral Health

There are several medications which have effects beyond what they are prescribed for. Many of these affect oral tissue causing conditons like dry mouth, and swollen gums, making it difficult to keep your mouth clean.

Preventative maintenance — 
Is it really that big a deal?

The importance of preventative maintenance to your oral health cannot be stressed enough. This is why the first person you’ll see when you come to our office is the Hygienist. In addition to professional cleaning, they’ll show you how to properly clean and take care of your mouth. If bridge work or dentures are part of a treatment plan, the Hygienist will also ensure that patients know how to clean and care for these. 

Yes, preventative measures include coming in consistently when scheduled to get your teeth professionally cleaned. Looking at your overall health and oral conditions, the Dentist will recommend a schedule that’s best for each individual. With your overall well-being in mind, our approach is to be as proactive as possible about your oral health. 

Don’t Take chances with your Oral Health!

Call us today to schedule a FREE Oral Health Screening.

(973) 761-4800

or Click to Schedule

Is Gum Disease something I need to be concerned about?

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is a bacterial infection, caused by plaque. This sticky film plaque, loaded with bacteria, builds up on the teeth and hardens, eventually growing beneath the gums. If left untreated, they become swollen and bleed easily and eventually teeth loosen and have to be removed. The toxins released by the bacteria enter the blood and affect other health issues, like Diabetes, and heart disease. Heredity is the largest risk factor for periodontal disease. Smoking, poor oral hygiene can also contribute.

Get expert treatment with our on-staff Periodontist!

Periodontists are highly trained specialists that have a deeper understanding of the gum tissue and how to treat it. If periodontal disease persists and becomes an issue, we have a periodontist on staff who executes implants and makes sure patients are treated properly and not undertreated (i.e. if surgery is needed.) 

Don’t Wait until it’s too late!

Call now if you have bad breath or puffy, sore, or bleeding gums.

(973) 761-4800

Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment

What You Need to Know About Periodontal Disease

DID YOU KNOW?

Factors that increase your risk of gum disease:

  • Smoking
  • Diabetes
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Stress
  • Heredity
  • Crooked teeth
  • Underlying immunodeficiencies, e.g., AIDS
  • Fillings that have become defective
  • Taking medications that cause dry mouth
  • Bridges that no longer fit properly
  • Female hormonal changes such as with pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives

DID YOU KNOW?

Gum disease and Type 2 Diabetes go together:

Most diabetics have gum disease. Diabetes is a disease of your immune system;  if your sugar is not under control your gums will swell and bleed. It’s like “chicken and egg” — which comes first — Diabetes or gum disease?

DID YOU KNOW?

Facts regarding gum disease and age:

47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease increases with age: 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.

Data per 2009-2010 CDC Report  

Enjoy better overall health, with less problems

Take control of your ORAL Health today!

Call Now (973) 761-4800

Click Here to Schedule Your Appointment
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