Dr. Husam Almunajed attended Villanova University for undergrad, and then attended Georgetown University for his Masters, Dr. Husam continued the tradition to attend the Big East Schools and graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. In his pursuit of mastering his craft, he completed a 2-year residency at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine where he focused on comprehensive dental care. With a strong belief in continuing education and mentorship, Dr. Almunajed completed many continuing education programs from distinguished clinicians in the profession. In addition to maintaining his private practice, Dr. Husam holds a Clinical Instructor position at New York University School of Dental Medicine’s premier Aesthetic Advantage Program. A former student of Aesthetic Advantage, Dr. Husam progressed through all levels and achieved the Masters level multiple times before being asked to be part of the faculty. Haute Beauty discusses treatment and product options with Dr. Almunajed on how to restore enamel and keep them consistently healthy.
Photo Credit:ShutterstockHB: What are your treatment options available to restore enamel?
Many times, you may notice white spots on people’s teeth, and they will tell you they had them for most of their lives. No matter how much you whiten your teeth, these milky white spots remain. In addition, many dentists would only give options of doing fillings, crowns, or veneers to remove these white spots, which is a very invasive option for this condition – especially if you like the natural shape of your teeth. Recently, we have been using ICON, a revolutionary treatment that removes white spots using micro-invasive technology. These white spots you see are actually “softer” demineralized enamel, that gives this optical illusion, and this treatment actually hardens and re-mineralizes the teeth, without any drilling. You actually end up with stronger teeth that we began with.
HB: What are the treatments like? How do they work?
The ICON white spot treatment is painless and is actually done with no anesthesia. The first step is a gel is placed on these white spots that clean the area and open the micropores of the tooth. This makes the teeth to be more receptive of the solution to remineralize the teeth. It may need repeated steps, and periodically, the teeth are dried with an ethanol solution to evaluate the progress. Once the white spots slowly disappear, the ICON solution is applied to the teeth to remineralize the teeth that actually makes the once soft milky white spots on the teeth turn into the natural color of the tooth body. Once completed, you will get a seamless look with the teeth all taking their natural shade color. The treatment is amazing as its practically a touchless treatment, and you go home with the same teeth you came in – only better.
HB: What are the best practices to maintain healthy enamel?
We emphasize the importance of brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash at home—but no matter how diligent you are about your daily oral care routine, nothing replaces a professional cleaning and checkup. You should be coming into the office for professional cleanings at least twice a year. If you’re a high-risk patient—for example, you have a history of periodontal disease (gum disease)—you should be getting professional cleanings even more frequently. As your friendly practicing dentist on the internet, I know that no amount of advice (and encouragement) from me can replace an in-person cleaning and checkup at your local office.
Photo Credit: Dr. Husam AlmunajedHB: What products do you recommend to keep the enamel healthy?
We recommend to develop and maintain your home care which is crucial to your oral health. It does not have to be complicated, and I tell my patients to mouthwash, brush, and floss – in this order especially during the COVID Pandemic. The worst thing you can do to your enamel is to drink an acidic beverage such as soda or orange juice, and immediately brush your teeth afterward. Creating this acidic environment, you actually soften the enamel, and can actually brush away your enamel. Ideally, after enjoying these beverages, you should drink water, and wait about 30 minutes before brushing as it gives your mouth a chance to remove the acidic environment. For mouthwash, we have been recommending our patients to use a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide, as it helps kills the virus. Many whitening types of mouthwash have hydrogen peroxide in it, so you can also gradually whiten your teeth as well.
HB: What is the recovery like for in-office treatments?
For the white spot treatment mentioned above, there is practically no downtime, especially since no anesthesia was given. We recommend drinking lots of water for the next hour – as the teeth can get dehydrated, and after that, you're free to enjoy your smile. You also maintain your new smile exactly the same, and the beauty of it- you leave with teeth that are yours that are much healthier and beautiful.
For more information, visit Dr. Husam Almunajed's social media:
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