Dr. DeCasperis wants to know: are there teeth grinders in your house

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem, says Dr. DeCasperis. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. DeCasperis and our team can help determine the cause of the problem.

Smile--June is National Smile Month!

Now that we’re in June, our staff and Dr. DeCasperis thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to see Dr. Bond.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
* Visit us regularly (every 6 months)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call!

A few patient reviews for Dr. DeCasperis & Team

Dr. DeCasperis, serving Clinton, NJ and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying they like most about our team!


The personal attention given by Dr. DeCasperis and his entire staff. ~ Gerald P.

I don't have to wait long to be taken in for appointments. All the people in the office are friendly. ~ Eleanor F.

Personalities of dentists and staff makes visits enjoyable. Facility is very clean and hours are very convenient. Thank you! ~ Laurie P.

Would you like to leave a review for Dr. DeCasperis or one of our team members? Head over to our Google listing and write one today!

Ask Dr. DeCasperis: What oral issues should I be aware of during pregnancy?

Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you’re expecting. If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with Dr. DeCasperis.

If pregnant, we want you to be aware of the following issues:

• Gingivitis & Gum Disease
This is a major issue. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.

• Tooth Decay
Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the acids in your stomach introduced to the mouth wear away the protective enamel coating on your teeth.

• Loose Teeth
Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an unfavorable affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.

The ideal time to schedule an appointment at our Clinton dental office is before becoming pregnant. Dr. DeCasperis will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect you. We will discuss completing any necessary treatments prior to your pregnancy. Give us a call today!