Fun Facts About Teeth

As children, we are obsessed with our teeth.  Counting them, watching them fall out and grow back in.  Waiting for the tooth fairy’s surprise under our pillows. Then as adults, we are still obsessed with them, but maybe in a different way (as in “why do they always hurt and why aren’t they white anymore?”)  So just for fun, and to further indulge in this fascination with teeth, here are some fun facts about teeth.

This is a great article to share with your children!  How many of these facts did you already know?

Sharks don’t get cavities.  Why?  Because their teeth are coated in fluoride.  That combined with the fact that they have rows and rows of replacement teeth, ready to go at a moment’s notice, give them an unfair advantage over humans when it comes to oral health.

You are lucky!  You have three types of teeth:  (1) Incisors to bite pieces off, (2) Canines to hold and tear, and (3) molars to grind food.  This allows you to eat a wide variety of foods.  Some animals, like crocodiles, aren’t so lucky, they only have sharp teeth to grab and kill, which greatly reduces their restaurant choices.

Enamel is the hardest material in the human body.  It is considered the last line of defense for your tooth.  Normal wearing down of enamel does occur over time and is simply a part of aging.  But bacteria can cause this breakdown to accelerate, which is why we brush and floss regularly!

Taste buds only live for about 10 days, or 2 weeks if they are lucky.  They go through a life cycle just like every other cell renewal processes in the body.

Sharkskin is covered in teeth.  Don’t believe me?  Both sharks and their cousins, rays, are covered in what are called dermal denticles.  Although they look like scales they are actually just modified teeth, with an enamel coating and all!  These protect them and also help them swim faster, but enough about sharks.

The jaw muscle, called the “masseter”, is the strongest muscle in the body if we are talking about strength based by weight.  When all of these muscles work together, the jaw exerts 55 pounds of weight on the incisors and 200 pounds on the molars.  This is why we take jaw disorders like teeth grinding, TMJ and bruxism very seriously – that’s a lot of force!  Call us today if you suspect you might be a teeth grinder.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801.

 Did you know any of these fun facts about teeth already or did we surprise you?

Effects of alcohol on your teeth

It is the time of year for football tailgating and the start of the holiday party season. With these events there is an increase in alcohol consumption.

The main threat to your teeth and gums comes from the sugar content in alcohol (including beer) which, when broken down in your mouth, creates an acidic breeding ground for bacteria and plaque.

There is also a strong clinical link between the excessive consumption of alcohol and head and neck cancers. In fact, while it can increase the risk of getting these diseases if used together with tobacco, alcohol can pose a risk in its own right.

Limiting the Damage

§        Most importantly, after a night out, you should brush and floss your teeth before going to bed. If you often forget to do this, leave your tooth brush on your pillow before you go out to remind you to spend a couple of minutes brushing.

While you’re drinking try to swish a mouthful of water around every so often to increase the saliva flow and rinse away sugars and acid in your mouth

On your way home, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow and clear the mouth of harmful sugars and acid.

     For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801.

Floss......Or Die....

Okay…so the heading might be a tad dramatic and please don't take the threat literally. However let’s consider the facts and the truth is that not flossing has been linked with an increased risk of developing systemic diseases.

We understand that there are 5 tooth surfaces per tooth. (figure below)

Tooth brushing alone will eliminate the plaque (bacteria) build up on 3 of the 5 surfaces. The remaining 2 surfaces that sit against other teeth will not be accessible by your tooth brush bristles. Oral bacteria can travel through the blood stream to affect other areas of the body. It is for that reason, that dentists, emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing (and tongue cleaning) to minimize the risks of developing systemic conditions.

Be sure to floss your teeth and schedule regular check up and cleanings with Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S today. Please call us at (800) 223-0801 with any questions or to schedule your cleaning today. 

Is Your Whitening Toothpaste Hurting You?

Tartar control and whitening pastes can be especially abrasive and should be used with great caution. If you are using any of those products you should know that they do not contain any of the materials dentists use to whiten teeth, such as carbamide peroxide and other oxygen releasing chemicals.

What they do contain are abrasives and scrubbing agents that do not brighten enamel or penetrate into the microscopic openings in the tooth surface to where the real darkening is happening.

They simply remove surface stains.  This is not real whitening and is only temporary.

But they also can cause microscopic scratches in the tooth enamel surface that not only collect stain, but can also harbor the biofilms that begin the decay process. And they can cause tooth sensitivity, especially to temperature extremes.

This is significant damage and it can be reversed to some degree by dental offices that know how.

Real tooth whitening can only be done with professionally effective and safe materials. Dentists know that they have to be sure your teeth do not have defects that can be harmed by whitening materials and they have to supervise the process.

Want whiter teeth?  Let us know.  We will show you how to do it, safely.  

Most toothpaste sold today is perfectly safe and effective.  Avoid those that claim to whiten teeth or remove stains from smoking. These are the bad ones that may cause your teeth harm.
Toothpaste is, basically, a lubricant and detergent.  It is the brush that does the work of removing biofilm, food debris and other unwanted stuff.  And it tastes good. Make sure it has fluoride.

All over the world there are cultures that clean their mouths very well without toothpaste.  But it's nice to have it.

So choose what you like according to the flavor, feel, cost, etc.

You also need floss, or some other effective way to get between teeth safely.

The important thing is to stay focused.  The goal is to remove biofim from all surfaces above and below the gumline, without damage.

Please call us at (800) 223-0801 with any questions or to schedule your teeth whitening today. 

What to Look for when Choosing a Mouthwash

Mouthwash is important for more than just keeping your breath fresh and smelling great. Combined with other forms of dental hygiene, it can help prevent plaque, cavities, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. But it may be difficult for you to choose the right mouthwash off the shelf. Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. and her team wanted to share a few things to look for when choosing a mouthwash.

Fluoride mouthwashes

Fluoride has been the subject of many debates in the oral health community. If you live in the United States, the tap water already contains small amounts of fluoride to promote dental health. You may not need to use a fluoride mouthwash if this is the case. However, if you are cavity-prone, fluoride creates a protective film over the teeth that protects against these buildups. It also helps strengthen the enamel over the teeth, maintain good dental hygiene, and keep your teeth strong for the rest of your life.

Alcohol mouthwashes

Alcohol in mouthwash works as an antiseptic: it clears the mouth of germs and some viral infections. However, if you have issues relating to dry mouth, alcohol can exacerbate the problem. If this is the case, consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will free your mouth from the drying effects of the alcohol base. Also, if you have children, you will want to get an alcohol-free children’s mouthwash, because kids are prone to swallowing the substance, and this can lead to toxic side effects. Even if you are an adult using the mouthwash, if it contains alcohol, you should avoid swallowing it.

Antibacterial mouthwashes

Antibacterial mouthwashes have chemicals to help fight gum disease and other infections. Most mouthwash products contain at least trace amounts of these antibacterials; however, some mouthwashes are made specifically to fight bacterial infections. Remember that mouthwash is prevention, not a cure, so if you are presently suffering from a bacterial infection, you should visit our Cedarhurst, NY office right away. Dr. Alina Bergan may be able to recommend a more powerful antibacterial mouthwash that can help you reduce your pain and other symptoms.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801.

Protecting Your Children's Teeth

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children, and unfortunately, kids who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more prone to develop cavities in their permanent teeth as well.

How to protect children's teeth from decay

Prolonged exposure to sugar containing liquids can cause tooth decay, so limit your child's consumption of beverages that contain sugar, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened fruit juices. If you give your child a sippy cup for long periods of time, fill it only with water and do not allow them to take it to bed. Children should be encouraged to drink from a regular cup as early as possible. since it minimizes the duration of time that the liquid are in contact with the teeth.  Limit sugary or starchy snack, especially those that can remain stuck to or in between the teeth after eating.

When should my child see a Dentist

It is a good idea to start bringing your child to the Dentist on a regular basis at the age of two, unless you notice obvious dark spots on the teeth before that time. Early visits help familiarize your child with the dental office, reducing anxiety and making future visits less stressful. At your child's visits to our office, we will examine the health and development of their teeth and mouth and review good and preventive oral habits which should be reinforced at home. Feel free to bring your child to your dental cleaning appointments, in order for them to see that mom and dad also get their teeth cleaned. 

If you have questions about your child's dental health or to make an appointment call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801. 

Healthy Summer Foods

It’s summer—that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abounds. Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. will tell you that your teeth, gums, and tissues all rely on an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals to maintain good oral health no matter what time of year. In previous studies, nutrients in fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have all been associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Here are four foods we want you to enjoy this summer to ensure a healthy mouth:

Watermelons and Strawberries

Watermelons have high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and stimulates the flow of saliva. In addition, research shows that eating foods full of water (watermelon is 92 percent water) helps keep you satiated on fewer calories. Finally, in addition to containing skin-protecting lycopene, eating watermelon can help you stay hydrated during the summer months, which not only keep your memory sharp and your mood stable, but also help keep your body cool.

Strawberries are juicy and delicious, and they’re also considered a superfood. Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants (such as vitamin C, which can help with cancer prevention), strawberries also promote eye health, help fight bad cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure.

Apples

Did you know consuming apples can help you attain whiter, healthier teeth? It’s true. Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, and in the process, lowers the levels of bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower likelihood of tooth decay. Apple consumption can also boost your immune system; reducing cholesterol and helping you avoid Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Finally, eating an apple a day has been linked to heart health, including a lower risk of death from both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack and can help you ward off cancer. This yummy red fruit contains lycopene, which helps protect your skin from sunburn. Tomatoes can also help you fight heart disease due to the niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 nutrients they contain. They’re high in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to prevent DNA damage.

The best prevention method is to visit your dentist regularly and keep
up with daily teeth cleanings at home. Please call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801 to schedule a checkup.