A lot has changed since Dr. Robert Scalera, Sr. founded Dentalcare Associates at 567 Park Avenue in Scotch Plains 65 years ago. To begin with, his son -- who grew up just two doors down from the practice -- is now the director.
While digital dentistry has improved over the years, it still comes down to the basics. In this case, basic homecare refers to brushing your teeth daily as well as flossing and using mouth rinses. For those looking to advance their dental health, Scalera says those simple actions -- especially before bedtime -- have the biggest return on investment. Yet, he warns, “Regardless of what you do at home, if you're not following up with the dentist you're going to get cavities, and you're going to get periodontal disease.”
If you want your teeth to last a lifetime, good oral care needs to begin early. “It first starts with growing up as a child and the level of care that parents provide. That's the foundation,” Scalera said. “We instruct parents how to introduce the idea of homecare with a newborn by rubbing the gums with gauze, and [encourage parents to have their kids accompany them to appointments] by age 2, just for show and tell."
As the patients age, their oral health concerns might change. “As you get older there are other factors in terms of your dental health,” Scalera said. “If you have fillings at an earlier age, as you get older the teeth get brittle and you can break a tooth. Health problems like diabetes can cause rapid tooth decay.” He notes that certain medications can impact dental health, as well.
Luckily, in the case of Dentalcare Associates, they often do see patients for their entire dental health cycle. “I think we're up to 4 generations at this point,” Scalera said. “I have classmates that their parents started with us, my peers came to us, and now their kids and grandkids, too.” Dr. Scalera, Dr. Lara Merker and Dr. Maureen Maximos — along with their team members are committed to providing patients with the personalized, high quality dental care they deserve.
“I like dentistry because it’s the opportunity to make people smile,” Scalera said. Visit www.njdentalcare.com to find out more and book your appointment.
"The practice has expanded so that all dental procedures can be done under 1 roof, from implants and dentures to tooth whitening and night guards."
