Tuesday 21 June 2016
Using music to manage dental anxiety
Monday 25 January 2016
5 Ways to Fresher Breath in the Morning
5 Ways to Fresher Breath in the Morning
Love waking up to the smell of coffee? Think twice before you reach for a cup! Your daily dose of Joe — and other habits that can easily escape your notice — could be giving you a bad case of morning breath. But fear not! Bad breath, or "halitosis", doesn't have to ruin your day. Nip the problem in the (taste)buds by giving these simple tips a try:
1. Cut the caffeine.
2. Stop smoking.
3. Don't skip breakfast.
4. Do a better job of brushing and flossing.
5. Check (and change) your sleeping habits.
Let Your Dentist Have a Look
Wednesday 6 January 2016
7 Surprising Foods That Are Staining Your Teeth
Your Teeth
Common Tooth-Staining Foods
1. Tomato-Based Meals
The high acidity level of tomatoes coupled with their bright red color can pack quite the punch on the enamel of your teeth. From your mom's homemade spaghetti sauce or soup, or your favorite brand of ketchup, constant exposure to even the smallest of doses can be damaging.
2. Curries
As rich in color as they are in flavor, many spice blends rank high in staining power, due to brightly colored ingredients such as turmeric and saffron. Over time, their pigments can leave a yellowish tint on your teeth.
3. Dark Sauces
Whether it's food infused with soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, or other dark liquid, you can bet that eating enough of it will also dim your smile. If it's the base of your meal, there's a definite risk to the enamel of your teeth, but even side dips can be just as harmful because they are often more concentrated.
4. Clear Soda
Dark sodas already get a lot of notoriety for discoloring teeth, but don't switch to clear soda just yet! While its lighter color can make it seem like the better choice for those who love soda, it's still high in sugars that can eat away at tooth enamel and leave them prone to staining.
5. Fruit Juices and Berries
Fruit is undeniably nutritious, and many juices now come with no sugar added, but fructose is still a form of sugar, and it is bad news for tooth enamel. In fact, the darker color of certain fruits and juices–such as blueberry or grape–can have a staining effect similar to wine.
6. Sports Drinks
Because their makers often do a masterful job of promoting rehydration and electrolyte replacement, it's easy to overlook the sugar content and bright, fluorescent colors. Similar to soda and fruit juice, however, both the pigment and sugary nature of these drinks can leave your teeth less than white in no time.
7. Hard Candies and Popsicles
If they can turn your tongue into a rainbow of colors in a matter of seconds, just think of what they can do to your teeth! Even if consumed occasionally, prolonged sucking puts the surface of your teeth in direct contact with sugar, acid and dye–resulting in tooth decay as well as discoloration.
Tips To Prevent Tooth Staining
- Eat
thoroughly, but quickly to minimize any contact with the tooth's surface
- Use
a straw to help bypass most of your teeth when drinking beverages
- Drink
plenty of water during and after meals to wash away food particles
- Brush
and floss your teeth after meals to help prevent stains from setting in
- Use
whitening toothpaste to help remove stains and keep teeth sparkling
Tuesday 22 December 2015
Mystery Solved: The Story on Canker Sores
· Stress
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· Menstruation
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· HIV & Other Blood Disorders
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· Food Allergies
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· Crohn's Disease
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· Lupus
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· Genetics
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· Immune Disorders
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· Fatigue
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· Orthodontic Treatment
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· Vitamin Deficiencies
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· Chemotherapy
|
- Try an over-the-counter gel or painkiller for immediate relief
- Steer clear of spicy, acidic and/or hot foods to avoid aggravating open sores
- Rinse with water or mouthwash regularly to keep the sores free of food particles
- Brush and floss with extra care to prevent unnecessary contact and/or added trauma
Monday 23 November 2015
Fact or Fiction? Five Popular Tooth Myths Debunked
1. "White teeth are healthy teeth."
Pearlier does not necessarily mean healthier. In some instances, extremely white teeth can signal a lack of calcium or an excessive intake of fluorides. Whitening ingredients integrated in many toothpaste and mouthwash products can also create the image of perfection, but don't let your brighter smile deceive you. Just beyond the surface may lurk cavities, gum disease and other dental issues.2. "Pregnant women should hold off on dental care until after the baby is born."
On the contrary, getting regular professional dental care, if not increasing the number of visits, is strongly encouraged during this time. According to the American Dental Association, pregnant women are more likely to develop gingivitis, a condition caused by an infection of the gums that can result in bleeding, sensitivity and loss of tooth support. "Pregnancy tumors", or mulberry-shaped lumps between the teeth can also emerge, although they are non-cancerous. They should go away after pregnancy, but can also be removed by an aesthetician. Pregnant women should be sure to inform their dentist of their pregnancy so treatment plans can be adjusted accordingly. Certain procedures and medications may be tabled to avoid any risks to the baby's health.3. "Food that is too hot or cold will crack your teeth."
Yes, cracks or "craze lines" can be a result of extreme temperature changes absorbed by your teeth, but these are typically too shallow to pose a major threat to your oral health. If you do spot a crack, it's always wise to have a dentist look at it; in the rare instance that the crack is a deep one, chewing can cause it to widen and expose sensitive nerves.4. "Don't worry too much about brushing baby teeth, because they fall out anyway."
Yes, baby teeth eventually fall out — but passing poor dental habits on to your child can cause a lifetime of oral health problems. Teaching your child to brush and floss regularly can save him or her from painful cavities and gum disease now and in the future.5. "Bleaching your teeth is bad for you."
Nowadays, in-office bleaching services use PH neutral solutions that are perfectly safe for your teeth. The treatment may cause tooth sensitivity, but only temporarily. If anything, it is the popular whitening trays bought over the counter that may prove problematic; prolonged immersion of the teeth in highly concentrated gels can cause lasting trauma. There is always a chance that an element of truth exists in the things you hear, but unless the advice comes from your dentist, don't let it impact your approach to oral care. Get a professional opinion on dental matters or questions that interest you during your next appointment, or if you're pressed for time, call your dentist for immediate clarification.Sources: Borreli, L. (2014, October 10). Oral Hygiene: 6 Dental Care Myths That May Be killing Your Pearly Whites.Retrieved June 1, 2015 from http://www.medicaldaily.com/oral-hygiene-6-dental-care-myths-may-be-killing-your-pearly-whites-306697 Davis, H. (n.d.). 8 Popular Tooth Myths Debunked. Retrieved June 1, 2015 at http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/health/g1249/8-popular-tooth-myths-debunked/
Monday 2 November 2015
Oral Health and Myth
A New York Dental Office, we are regularly asked questions about oral health, and some of the things we hear are based on myth rather than reality. It is normal for dental myths to circulate throughout the community, but a few can lead to unhealthy habits, so it is important to visit our dental office to ask questions if you have them. This way, we can make sure you are armed with the correct information that can lead to healthy teeth and gums. In the meantime, here are some truths you should know.
Myth #1: Natural sugar is not bad for your teeth.
The Truth – All sugar is bad for your teeth. Whether it is found in fruit juice, honey, etc., the more sugar and starch that you eat and drink, the more likely you are to get cavities. We recommend that you brush your teeth after eating and rinse your mouth after drinking juice, milk, or anything else high in sugar.
Myth #2: Baby teeth do not matter since they are going to fall out anyway.
The Truth – Baby teeth are incredibly important. We encourage parents to take care of their children’s baby teeth by brushing and flossing them on a daily basis and visiting our dental office for a professional cleaning once or twice a year. This allows us to keep their teeth healthy and cavity-free. Remember that your child’s teeth will hurt if they get a cavity, just like it would if you got a cavity. Taking care of them is not optional if you want to keep your children healthy and comfortable.
Myth #3: If my gums bleed, I should avoid brushing them.
The Truth – Gums that bleed typically do so because of gum disease. Yes, you can irritate your gums by brushing too aggressively, but if you are applying steady pressure, they should be fine. Brushing them is a way to help them return to better health because any plaque that is presently irritating them needs to be removed. If they continue to bleed, visit our office for a dental examination and deep cleaning.
Myth #4: Hard toothbrushes are the best for your teeth.
The Truth – It is easy to understand why it would seem like hard toothbrushes are the best. In truth, they can damage your teeth. Aggressive brushing can lead to erosion, and when the enamel erodes, it will not grow back. When too much of it is lost, you could have sensitive teeth that can only be helped with another dental procedure, such as the placing of a dental crown or a bonding procedure. To protect your teeth and keep them clean, we recommend using a soft or electronic toothbrush. By brushing with even pressure for two minutes at a time, you can get your teeth sparkling clean without the risk of being too aggressive.
We invite you to call New York Dental Office and schedule an appointment to ask all your oral health questions at 212-838-6226. This way, you can receive the information you need for lifelong oral health while making sure you are not operating under any dental myths.