By now, you have probably heard about Xylitol gum, but you aren’t sure why it is such a big deal. Isn’t it just another artificial sweetener? Not at all! While Xylitol looks and tastes much like sugar, it will not raise blood sugar levels the way sugar does. And since it’s found in many fruits… Read More…

A lot of our patients don’t eat meat. There are dozens of completely noble and sound reasons to skip the animal-based proteins, and health benefits, too, like a reduced chance for high blood pressure and cancer! Some people eat vegetarian diets to control their weight. But since vegetarians may be at a higher risk for… Read More…

You brush twice a day, you floss once a day, and you’re always careful to never miss a day. You’re confident your oral hygiene routine is top notch. But is it possible there are some common mistakes in that routine? At my Westfield dental office, we’re always happy to hear our patients are working hard… Read More…

We all dream of having that streamlined, pearly white smile that lights up a room. But many things from coffee and wine to aging and smoking can cause our grins to take on a dingy appearance. It’s normal. When this happens, we usually reach for the whitening gel. At my dental office in Westfield, we’re… Read More…

We talk a lot of about the importance of flossing, and it’s well worth it. Most gum disease develops between teeth, which makes flossing a crucial part of your hygiene routine. At my dental office in Westfield, we’d like to talk about the two most common forms of flossing: floss picks and regular dental floss…. Read More…

During the summer heat, one of the best ways to cool off is to take a dip in your favorite swimming pool. While swimming is super effective at giving you a break from the sweltering sun, it can also negatively affect your smile. At my dental office in Westfield, we’d like to warn our patients… Read More…

There are many things that can hurt your teeth. Not brushing and flossing on a regular basis is one, avoiding visits to my dental office in Westfield is another. But some things are not as obvious and just and harmful. As we discuss some of the ways you could be hurting your teeth, you’ll notice… Read More…

When you visit the dentist, are you less than relaxed? Perhaps you’re a bit nervous, or maybe even scared. You’re not alone. An estimated 80 million Americans avoid getting the dental care they need due to fear. At my dental office in Westfield, we understand. We also know how important regular dental care is for… Read More…

Dr. Merriman has been featured in the latest issue of BellaNYC Magazine. As a member of the Medical Advisory Board, she discusses the oral-systemic health link and the impact of a smile on your brain function. A strong biological connection exists between oral and systemic health. Often times, systemic diseases are first detected by none… Read More…

It is an honor for Dr. Merriman to serve on their Medical Advisory Board and have the opportunity to share information with the Bella readers. “I love the philosophy of ‘Beauty as defined by you’.” Here are Dr. Merriman’s latest contributions to BellaNYC Magazine: Ask the Experts: When is the best time to visit a… Read More…