Most of us have heard since we were young that we need to eat good foods in order to stay healthy. But did you know that there are some foods that can help your oral health, specifically? If you’re looking for a way to boost your oral health, try tweaking your diet. Here are some dietary tips from our Bronx dentist office:

1. Eat those raw, crunchy veggies

Vegetables are obviously good for you because they contain the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that you need to thrive. However, crunchy vegetables also boost your oral health in a few specific ways. First, when you chew these vegetables you stimulate saliva production—saliva help to neutralize oral bacteria and remineralize dental enamel. Then, crunchy veggies naturally scrape plaque off of your teeth—so eating crunchy vegetables can help keep your teeth clean in between brushings.

2. Load up on Vitamin C

We already know that vitamin C boosts your overall immunity, and it also improves your oral health, specifically. Vitamin C strengthens gum tissue and helps you fight periodontal disease (the leading cause of tooth loss among adult patients!).

So eat some kiwis, oranges, broccoli, and mangos to give your gums a health a boost.

3. Hydrate

Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your smile. Drinking water prompts saliva production, which neutralizes harmful acid. When you drink water you may also rinse away food particles and bits of plaque that are stuck to your teeth!

Most of us already know that we should avoid a lot of sugar and processed foods in order to maintain healthy teeth. But now you also know some mouth-healthy foods that can help you proactively boost your oral health. If you’d like to learn more about how substances affect your teeth and gums, give our Bronx dentist office a call today!

When Marsha came in to our Bronx dentist office, she had acute dental pain. She had tried to minimize the pain with painkillers and at-home mouth rinses, but it just became more unbearable. When our dental team examined Marsha’s tooth, we found that she had a developed cavity, and that she required a root canal and filling.

While this may seem like an unfortunate situation for Marsha to be in, the truth is she avoided very serious health problems by coming to us for treatment of her toothache. A toothache indicates a larger underlying dental problem, and most of the time if you fail to seek timely treatment, you’ll end up with bigger dental problems down the road.

The common causes of tooth pain are:

· Infections, carries, also known as cavities

· Damaged or fractured tooth—the tooth is damaged enough to irritate the nerves in the inner core of the tooth

· Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease

· Abscessed tooth

All of these conditions are quite serious, so stay on the lookout for tell-tall symptoms in your daily life. If you have one of these conditions, you could notice:

· Tooth pain—these pains can be constant, intermittent, radiating, throbbing, or stabbing

· Gum pain, tenderness, and/or bleeding

· Headaches

· Earaches or jaw pain

· Fever

In order to get rid of the pain and preserve the health of your smile, you need to seek professional dental treatment. There are no at-home treatments that can restore a fractured tooth or eliminate a developed cavity.

Our Bronx dentists office can help you safeguard your smile and restore any damaged teeth. We can also help you with preventative care, so that you can work to avoid these disruptive dental problems all together. Give us a call or schedule your consultation online to get started!

It’s obviously upsetting and sometimes embarrassing when a patient loses a tooth. It’s tough to smile and speak confidently when you know that you’re smile is incomplete. That’s why it’s so important that you find a tooth replacement option that works for you and makes you feel comfortable. Some patients are happy with the traditional tooth replacement options—dentures and bridges. However, dental implants are becoming increasingly popular with patients of all ages because they’re natural looking, easy to use, and durable. Our Bronx dental implants dentists are here to help you decide whether implants are right for you. So read on for more information about this exciting dental treatment!

Dental implants are replacement teeth that are surgically embedded in the jawbone. They fill the space where the natural tooth root used to site. Now, because dental implants are implanted in your mouth, they are not removable—they’ll end up looking and feeling just like natural teeth.

Patients love dental implants because…

· They’re durable—with proper care your dental implants may last for over a decade before they need to be replaced

· They’re personalized—your implants will be shaped and shaded to fit you, specifically

· They’re easy to care for—take care of your implants by brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly

· They look natural—some patients report that they forget they even have implants—that’s how seamlessly their replacement teeth blend with the their natural smiles!

· They allow you to do everything you used to do—dental implants feel like natural teeth, so you’ll be able to eat your favorite foods, and speak confidently

With all of these advantages it’s no wonder that dental implants are becoming the most popular tooth replacement option. Give our Bronx dentists a call to schedule your own consultation for dental implants!

When our patient Sarah received her dental veneers, she was thrilled with the way that her smile looked and felt. Her white porcelain veneers gave her teeth the bright and fresh Sarah appearance had always wanted. She just had one concern…how could she make sure that her smile stayed this way!? Our Bronx cosmetic dentists gave Sarah some simple maintenance tips to help her maintain her smile in the long run.

1. Keep up your dental hygiene routine—when you brush and floss your natural teeth, take the time to thoroughly clean your veneers as well. This will help keep your gum tissue strong, and it will help deter those unsightly dental stains.

2. Try to eat in a way that is healthy for your natural teeth as well as your porcelain veneers. Here’s what I mean: don’t chew on ice or hard candy (this can weaken natural teeth and crack veneers), try not to bite things open with your teeth (for example, wrappers and chip bags), don’t bite open nuts or seeds with your front teeth.

3. Maintain regularly scheduled professional dental appointments. At these appointments your dentist will not only clean your teeth, he or she will be able to assess the health of your veneers as well. Your dentist will be able to identify any potential problems long before you do, saving you a surprise dental problem down the road!

Sarah put our suggestions to use, and she’s definitely reaped the benefits. Years after her initial treatment Sarah’s smile still looks stunning, fresh, and strong. With diligent and thoughtful maintenance, your veneers can last for up to a decade without needing to be replaced.

If you, like Sarah are interested in transforming your smile with cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers may work for you! Give our Bronx cosmetic dental office a call to get more information or to schedule your personal cosmetic consultation.

Dental veneers are used to correct a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems—ranging from stained enamel to chipped teeth. Veneers have helped numerous patients achieve attractive smiles, but many of our patients come in to our Bronx dental office unsure of how dental veneers treatment actually works.

Today I’m going to explain what steps our dentists take in the first phase of dental veneers treatment. At the end of this article I hope you’ll feel better informed about dental veneers, and better able to determine whether veneers may be right for you.

The goal of dental veneers treatment is to cover an existing tooth with a sliver of porcelain—called a dental veneer. This porcelain is shaped and shaded to look like a natural tooth, and then it is affixed to a patient’s dental enamel.

In order to make room for the dental veneer in the patient’s mouth, our dental team begins by shaving away some dental enamel from the chosen tooth. By shaving away dental enamel, our dentists ensure that the veneer will fit comfortably in the mouth. How much enamel is eliminated depends on each particular patient, but a tooth is generally diminished by about ½ millimeter.

Once your tooth is shaped, our dentists will take an impression of your tooth in order to craft your dental veneer. The final veneer is usually crafted and available to be placed in one or two weeks. In the meantime, you’ll wear a temporary veneer if necessary.

So that’s a basic overview of the first phase of dental veneers treatment! The process is simple and straightforward, and best of all you can completely transform your smile in just a few dental appointments. Give our Bronx dental office a call to learn more or to schedule your consultation. When we meet you we can help you decide whether dental veneers are right for you!

Dental implants—the revolutionary tooth replacement option—are changing the way that patients live after tooth loss. Whether you’ve lost a single tooth or multiple teeth due to accident or illness, dental implants can help you regain your smile and maintain dental health.

Today I’m going to explain why our Bronx dental implant dentists recommend dental implants for many patients suffering from tooth loss. Dental implants…

· Help you stay health

· Feel natural

· Blend seamlessly with your smile

· Stay put and last for the long term

Dental implants can do all of this because they are actually embedded into the jawbone. So when you have a dental implant placed, it will be surgically implanted into your bone, and over time the titanium base of the dental implant will actually bond with your natural bone. This creates a strong foundation for your restoration.

The process by which your bone bonds with the titanium screw is call osseointegration. Because your dental implant will be bonded to your natural bone, your dental implants will stay put and feel just like natural teeth. Your implants will also promote healthy bone density, since many patients who suffer from tooth loss are at risk for suffering from bone deterioration in the spot where they lost a tooth.

Dental implants are the one tooth replacement option that allows patients to feel and look like they have natural teeth. Since dental implants will be shaded to match your smile, you never have to worry about your restorations standing out or looking “fake.”

Dental implants can keep you smiling for years to come with proper maintenance. If you or someone you know has suffered from tooth loss, it’s imperative that you seek treatment to maintain the health of your smile. Please call our Bronx dental office to learn more about this exciting treatment option.

Our Bronx cosmetic dental office offers a wide number of cosmetic options to suit many different types of patients. One popular cosmetic option for teens and adults alike is Invisalign. Invisalign is an effective way to straighten your teeth, and it avoids many of the hygienic pitfalls of traditional metal braces. Read on to learn more about this exciting treatment option…

How does Invisalign work?

The Invisalign system uses clear plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Using progressively straighter aligners, you’ll be able to straighten your smile, close gaps between your teeth, and correct bite problems.

Unlike traditional braces, there are no metal wires or brackets associated with Invisalign. This makes it easier to…

Brush

When a patient has metal braces, plaque and tartar build up around the metal brackets that are attached to the patient’s teeth. Brushing is less effective with metal braces because the brackets and wires obstruct brush movement.

Because Invisalign aligners are completely removable, you’ll simply remove your aligners to clean your teeth. You’ll be able to brush normally and without impediment.

Floss

The wires that connect orthodontic brackets make flossing difficult for patients with braces. Consequently, many patients floss ineffectively or forgo flossing all together.

Again, because Invisalign aligners are removable, you’ll be able to floss daily just as you would without braces. This helps keep your teeth strong and your gum tissue healthy.

Rinse

It can be hard to effectively rinse your mouth when wearing metal braces. With Invisalign you’ll be able to rinse your mouth whenever you clean your teeth. You should also rinse and/or brush your mouth after meals to clear away dental debris—you don’t want leftover food and plaque to be stuck between your aligner and your teeth.

Invisalign gives you the freedom to get the smile you want while maintaining healthy teeth. Our Bronx cosmetic dentists are here to answer your questions—just give us a call to schedule your consultation!

Many patients think that they’re doing enough to keep their teeth in tiptop shape by simply brushing twice a day. However, for many patients, brushing alone is not enough to maintain healthy teeth, gums, and oral tissue. The truth is that plaque is building up on your teeth and gums all day everyday—every time you eat or drink a bacterial film coats your mouth. In order to keep this plaque at bay, and prevent erosion, cavities, and gum disease, you have to combine the effectiveness of at-home cleaning with professional dental care.

So what can you, as a patient, do?

The first thing our Bronx dentists recommend that you do is add flossing to your regular brushing routine. You should be flossing at least once a day in order to minimize plaque in the back of your mouth, between your teeth, and along your gum line. Flossing is so critical because these hard to reach places can be hard to clean with brushing alone.

Along with flossing, you can add an anti-microbial rinse into your morning and evening dental routine. These rinses are once again effective at cleaning hard to reach places in the mouth, and they have the added benefit of freshening breath.

Also take care to avoid using toothpicks or metal instruments to clean between your teeth. These instruments can do more hard than good, as they can actually damage teeth and leave your gum tissue vulnerable. Carry some floss in your bag or purse, so that you can use floss to dislodge food from your teeth throughout the day.

Taking these simple steps can set you off on the right track to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. By combining these dental hygiene tips with at least semi-annual professional cleanings you can maximize your dental health and hopefully prevent any chronic dental problems. Please give our Bronx dental office a call if you’d like more information or to schedule an appointment—we’re here to help you!

When Maggie came into our Bronx dental office, she was at her wits end. No matter how often she brushed her teeth, no matter how many mouthwashes she used, and no matter how well she flossed, she just couldn’t get her teeth to look as bright and white as she wanted them to. Maggie had healthy teeth, and in her 20s her smile looked bright and white with little cosmetic upkeep. As she neared her 40s, however, Maggie realized that if she wanted to regain her fresh, white smile, she needed some professional dental help.

So when Maggie came in for her semi-annual dental appointment, she explained to our Bronx cosmetic dentists that she wanted to lighten her smile by several shades. Luckily, she came to the right place—our dental office has a number of cosmetic solutions for patients with dull or discolored teeth.

After evaluating Maggie’s smile, it became clear that her teeth were looking dark and discolored because they were aging. As patients age, their enamel thins and weakens. This first begins to expose the darker layer of dentin below the thinning dental enamel—making the teeth appear yellow or dark. Weakened dental enamel also accumulates stains quickly, so common drinks like coffee, tea, and cola, will cause teeth to discolor.

Maggie decided to undergo professional teeth whitening treatments to regain her white smile. Professional teeth whitening treatments bleach existing dental enamel and lighten existing stains—this treatment is fast, effective, and comfortable. After only one appointment Maggie noticed that her smile looked much brighter, and after a few whitening sessions she reached her desired level of dental whiteness.

Now we evaluate Maggie’s smile when she comes in for her semi-annual appointment, and simply perform touch-up whitening treatments as needed. If you, like Maggie, are worried about the brightness or whiteness of your smile, give our Bronx dental office a call—we can help you feel good about your smile again.

When it comes to dental hygiene, many patients think a lot about what kinds of products they are using—whitening toothpastes, fortifying mouthwashes, etc.—without really analyzing what kinds of tools they’re using to apply these treatments. The truth is that the dental tools you choose to use can make a big difference in your dental health. Today I’m going to talk about what dental tools our Bronx dentists recommend you use to keep your teeth healthy.

Your toothbrush

Obviously one of the most important tools in your dental hygiene arsenal is your toothbrush. Most patients will benefit from a soft or medium bristled toothbrush that fits easily in your mouth (so that it’s able to reach the back corners of your smile). Electric toothbrushes are especially effective—and many of them have timers on them to make sure that you brush for at least two minutes. Remember to replace your brush head (if you’re using an electric brush) or toothbrush (if you’re not) at least every two to three months to get the full benefit.

Floss

Floss is critical for removing plaque between teeth and in those hard-to-reach-places in the back of your smile. Flosses made of nylon filament, plastic, or silk ribbon are all effective.

Toothpicks

Wooden toothpicks are dental tools to avoid, as they can irritate gum tissue and promote infection. Similarly, don’t pick your teeth with metal instruments—these can damage oral tissues and dental enamel. Rather than using these dental tools, floss or rinse your teeth to remove dental debris.

Reevaluate your dental hygiene habits—are you getting the most out of the dental tools you’re using? Keep these tips in mind as you clean your teeth everyday in order to keep a fresh, clean, healthy smile! Give our Bronx dental office a call to learn more about dental hygiene routines or to schedule your own appointment with our Bronx dentists.