Dental Blog

I feel the most important thing to consider for any child is if they have spaces in their baby teeth or not.  Children that have spaces in their teeth ( which is supposed to be the case ) have teeth that are more  "self cleaning". Minimal care from the caretaker will keep the teeth healthy. I recommend starting with a flexible finger cot that is sold in most pharmacist / baby store infant oral care sections. It helps keep the hands close to the child and offers more control. As the infant grows accostomed to this habit switch to the brush.  Wiping the teeth clean before bedtime is important and early on you may or may not use toothpaste. I recommend start one thing at a time, finger cot, toothbrush, then toothbrush and paste. Never allow a child with teeth to fall asleep with a milk or juice bottle in their mouth. Sugar that will remain in the mouth overnight will cause baby bottle decay. This usually starts in the front teeth and turns the teeth dark. It can be easily prevented by our mentioned steps above. The toddler with spaces in their teeth toddlers usually have their molars by the time they are 2 years old. This is a good time to bring them to the dentist. At this point it is important to have a professional evaluation.

In memory of my Mother Patricia:

To all our patients their extended families and friends. Please be sure that you and your loved ones have annual breast cancer screenings. If you are opposed to mammograms at least have physical examinations. Anything that can be detected while small is MUCH more treatable. 

 Your choices not only effect you but those who love you as well.

Cavities. We all fear them. Those little black spots look harmless, but they can permanently damage teeth. In order to have a healthy, shining smile the team at our Midtown Manhattan dental office offers five helpful tips to keep your ivory digits sparkling.

Last week, the world celebrated World Oral Health Day on September 12, with dentists and doctors using the day to champion the cause of that very important facial accessory—your teeth. There is really no question to the fact that our teeth play a very important role in our lives, and World Oral Health Day serves as a reminder of how we need to take care of these valuable accessories to our smiles. At the very least, the day attempts to reinforce the basics of oral care into the general consciousness.

Let’s go back to the basics. Brushing teeth is something we encourage all of our patients to do on a regular basis, and flossing is just as important. As an essential element of proper dental hygiene, flossing can reach all of the spots in between the teeth that merely brushing cannot.

Floss is available in two different forms: PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and nylon. While both are effective, PTFE is more durable, but is also more expensive. When flossing, 18 inches should be used, and held taut between the index finger and thumb on both hands. About one to two inches of floss should be in the space separating hands, and each tooth should be flossed individually, using a zigzag motion to remove any lodged particles; as you move between teeth, a fresh section of floss should be used. Once you are finished with each section, use the floss to slide up and down the surface of the tooth, all the way up between the gum line.

Be sure to floss correctly, because if you don’t, the floss will be serving no purpose whatsoever. For instance, if you floss with the same section over and over again, plaque will be redistributed throughout the mouth. Futhermore, don’t rush the job; flossing takes time, and the longer you spend, the cleaner your teeth will be. So pull out your case of dental floss, and impress our team of dental professionals with a healthy smile next time you visit our Midtown Manhattan dentist office.

Having a healthy mouth is something that our team of dental professionals advocates at this Midtown Manhattan dental office. Several of our patients may get frustrated about certain oral conditions, such as maintaining good breath. For many with halitosis, it seems as though they will never be able to get rid of the ailment.

Looking to enhance your smile? At our Midtown Manhattan dental office, we strive to ensure that our patients have access to the best technological practices for dental improvements.

If you have misaligned, chipped, worn, or discolored teeth, porcelain veneers may be the best option for you. Veneers are the closest alternative to actual teeth, as they resist stains, and reflect light in the exact same way. Before you undergo the procedure, practical steps, such as x-rays and impressions, may need to be taken. Then, you will be ready for veneer construction.

With the help of a special bonding material, these thin foils of porcelain are applied right onto the surface of your teeth. However, in order for the veneers to look natural, our dentists will have to file down your actual tooth, so that its surface is evened, and reduced in size. Once your veneers are in place, they will last up to ten years before needing replaced.

If you’re unhappy with your smile, consider how veneers can enhance your appearance. You will be sure to leave our City Dentist with a brand new smile, and return to our office for a follow-up feeling happy and healthy.

As we know, those who perpetuate proper dental hygiene techniques are more likely to have good overall health. Top athletes, such as those competing in the 2012 Olympic games, are considered to be extraordinarily healthy; however, they tend to frequently consume energy drinks, which can lead to possible dental problems.

Many sports beverages contain fizz, prompting the loss of tooth enamel through acid attacks. The hardness of enamel protects the teeth, and if the coating is warn away, the dentine underneath is exposed, causing teeth to become sensitive and look discolored. In addition to dental erosion, the sugar from energy drinks can lead to tooth decay. When sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque, cavities occur, which can ultimately lead to tooth loss.

At this year’s Olympic games, competitors will receive free dental treatment while staying at the Olympic Village in London, helping them maintain a high level of performance. Olympic athletes come from all over the world, allowing many to take advantage of dental work they may not have access to in their home country. Just like these Olympians, we want our patients to receive the best oral care they can. Don’t hesitate to pay a visit to our Midtown Manhattan dental practice for your next regular 6-month check-up!

When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy, we encourage you to put your best effort into making your smiles look great. At our Midtown Manhattan dental office, our team of dental professionals strive to provide the best information about maintaining dental health. For instance, did you know that certain foods naturally brighten and cleanse your teeth, while defending against harmful bacteria?

While our patients realize coffee, tea, and soda can cause discoloration in your teeth, many are not aware that particular food items can aid in achieving a whiter, healthier smile. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, there are at least 10 different foods that you can consume to improve the appearance of teeth:

Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover, and also breaks down plaque.

Basil and shiitake mushrooms inhibit the growth of bacteria, as they are natural antibiotics.

For extra protection from periodontal disease, you can add ginger to food, as it acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Carrots contain vitamin A, an element necessary for healthy tooth enamel; furthermore, when you eat them raw, it stimulates saliva and naturally cleanses your mouth.

In order to buffer the acids in your mouth, simply consume cheese, which is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, and aids in the remineralization of teeth.

Sesame seeds and other nuts also contain calcium, and can help to scrub the plaque away from teeth.

With the sulfur compounds thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, onions reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay, but eating them raw is the only way for effectiveness.

Salmon is another great option, as it provides calcium and vitamin D, and broccoli contains iron, which forms an acid-resistant film that can protect the enamel of teeth.

Here at our Midtown Manhattan dental office, we strongly emphasize the importance of dental health. Our dentists encourage patients to maintain their well-being with the promotion of good dental hygiene practices. While dental care highly contributes to the overall wellness of our patients, did you know the same can be said about pets.