How to Slow Down and Enjoy the Holiday

Wild, crazy, busy, stressful, overwhelming – there are so many negative words that we use to describe the holiday season! But let’s be real, it’s all for good reason. Here are some practices for keeping things calm and collected during stressful times, which I think are especially helpful when guests are in the house, shopping lists are long, and holiday travel is imminent. Here are six ways to slow down and really enjoy the holiday season – take them to heart!

1.    Meditate! Meditation, prayer, or just setting aside some quiet time. This works differently for everyone, and there are so many ways you can use that time to focus and unwind. It is good to start your day this way so you can feel rejuvenated and balanced when your busy day begins. There are also apps you can use to help you with meditation. Headspace is a popular App for quick 10-minute meditations.

2.    Schedule a group exercise activity. Spending a whole day lazing in the living room with your in-laws can drive anyone up the wall; many find that getting a good workout is an instant, foolproof way to get moods back in order. You can book time at local tennis courts and ice rinks with your family, so you can get all of the cousins (and adults!) out and moving around. Yoga class, long walks, spin class or even something fun like Zumba could also work.

3.    Take an aromatherapy bath. It’s tough to find time to actually do this when you have four guests sharing the same bathroom and people to entertain downstairs. But even if you have to do it after everyone has gone to sleep – or, before they’ve waken up – spending fifteen minutes soaking in hot water and essential oils can work wonders for your nerves, mood and spirit. A favorite de-stress essential oil blend is the following: 2 drops lavender, 1 drop neroli, and 2 drop geranium essential oils. 

4.    Holiday shopping should happen online. It’s true; there’s something so fun and magical about spending a day out and about looking at the holiday decorations in the stores – many particularly adore the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman – but shopping online is a major time saver.

5.    Do just one thing at once. We have a tendency to glorify multitasking, but in the holiday season try slowing down and focusing on one task at a time – and really getting into it, not letting yourself become distracted or worried by other things – makes every task so much more enjoyable. Put on some holiday music and put your heart into your tasks of wrapping gifts, decorating the house, or cooking your holiday meal.

6.    Practice gratitude. It’s easy to lose sight of gratitude during the busy holidays, but it’s what will help center you and make you feel a little stressed. Even if it’s just in between thoughts, think about how grateful you are for your family, health, home, the food on the table, the clothes in your closet, and your teeth (so you can eat all the holiday goodies) you get into this frame of mind, life feels full. (PS – check out this recent New York Times piece on the emotional effects of gratitude. It’s powerful!)

We hope some of these ideas make it into your holiday season. I know, they’re easier said than done, but a little bit of intention can go a long way!

Give yourself the gift of good oral health this year. Check out our $99 new client special at http://5townsdentistry.com. 

What happens if you don’t have your wisdom teeth removed?

One of the things Dr. Alina Bergan and her team monitor during your dental appointments is the growth of your wisdom teeth, or third molars. Third molars generally begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth may require removal for many reasons, including pain, infection, or growth issues. While not all patients need their wisdom tooth removed, problems can develop if removal is not performed.

Overcrowding

A lot of people have smaller mouths and jaws, which do not allow room for the third molars to grow in properly. If these teeth do erupt, overcrowding can occur. Your teeth will begin to shift or overlap each other. Wisdom teeth that erupt after orthodontic care is completed can cause the teeth to shift and negate the work performed.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped below your gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and they are also prone to abscess and infection. The impaction can lead to decay and resorption of healthy teeth.

On occasion, if wisdom teeth are not monitored properly, their growth can shift parallel to the jaw line. They can also shift backward and eventually interfere with the opening and closing of your jaw.

Greater Potential for Decay

Even when wisdom teeth grow in properly, the location can make these teeth harder to care for. This in turn can lead to the growth of more bacteria, and create health issues later in life.

If you do not have your wisdom teeth removed, they will require continued monitoring. Wisdom teeth are just as subject to decay and other problems as the rest of your teeth. Those that appear above the gum surface can often be extracted at a dental office in a fashion similar to any other tooth extraction. Impacted teeth are normally handled by an oral surgeon.

Pain in the back of the jaw and swelling may indicated wisdom teeth that are beginning to rupture or are impacted. A simple set of X-rays will determine the extent and direction of growth. Please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns during your next visit at our Cedarhurst NY office. We will be happy to explain wisdom teeth, and potential removal, as it applies to your specific case.

For more information about wisdom teeth and oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan, at her convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call 800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com/.

Dental Cleaning*, Exam & X-rays: Adult - $89 / Kids up to 12 years old - $69

Dental Cleaning*, Exam & X-rays: Adult - $89 / Kids up to 12 years old - $69 Expires 12/31/2015

Osteoporosis and Oral Health

Let’s examine the relationship between osteoporosis and oral health, since 40 million Americans have osteoporosis or are at high risk. Osteoporosis entails less density in bones, so they become easier to fracture. Research suggests a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw, which supports and anchors the teeth. Tooth loss affects one third of adults 65 and older.

Bone density and dental concerns

·         Women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those without it.

·         Low bone density results in other dental issues.

·         Osteoporosis is linked to less positive outcomes from oral surgery.

Ill-fitting dentures in post-menopausal women

Studies indicate that women over 50 with osteoporosis need new dentures up to three times more often than women who don’t have the disease. It can be so severe that it becomes impossible to fit dentures correctly, leading to nutritive losses.

Role of dental X-rays in osteoporosis

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) released research that suggest dental X-rays may be used as a screening tool for osteoporosis. Researchers found that dental X-rays could separate people with osteoporosis from those with normal bone density. As dental professionals, our team at Dr. Alina Bergan’s office is in a unique position to screen people and refer them to the appropriate doctor for specialized care.

Effects of osteoporosis medications on oral health

A recent study showed that a rare disease, osteonecrosis, is caused by biophosphenates, a drug taken by people for treatment of osteoporosis. In most cases, the cause was linked to those who take IV biophosphenates for treatment of cancer, but in six percent of cases, the cause was oral biophosphenates. If you are taking a biophosphenate drug, let Dr. Alina Bergan know.

Symptoms of osteonecrosis

Some symptoms you may see are pain, swelling, or infection of the gums or jaw. Additionally, injured or recently treated gums may not heal: teeth will be loose, jaws may feel heavy and numb, or there may be exposed bone. Some of the steps you can take for healthy bones are to eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular physical exercise with weight-bearing activities, no smoking and limited use of alcohol, and report problems with teeth to our office, such as teeth that are loose, receding gums or detached gums, and dentures that don’t fit properly.

For more information about the connection between osteoporosis and oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan, at her convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call 800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.

The Secret to Keeping Your Teeth for Life

The secret to keeping your teeth for life involves more than one secret. The first is that there is no secret; and in fact, there really is no difficulty involved. Follow this simple four-step process – brush, floss, rinse, and visit our Cedarhurst, NY office regularly – and you will have healthy teeth for life!

Brush

You should brush your teeth twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once at night. Three times a day is optimal as you should brush after each meal.  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure; you do not want to scrub away your gums or tooth enamel.

Brush for a minimum of two minutes, and carefully clean all tooth surfaces. Three minutes is better. Use quality toothpaste; Dr. Alina Bergan and staff can recommend the best type for your needs. Keep your toothbrush clean and replace it about every three months.

Floss

Make flossing part of your daily routine, at least once a day. Flossing is important for more than just removing food particles between your teeth. The process also helps to remove bacteria that you cannot see. Bacterial build-up turns into plaque, or calculus: a cement-like substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone.

Use floss gently; you do not want to cut your gums. There are many different types of flosses and flossing tools. Dr. Alina Bergan and staff will be happy to help you find the style that works best for you.

Rinse

Mouthwash does more than just freshen your breath, it helps to kill the bacteria that lead to plaque formation and gum disease. This extra step can go a long way toward having healthy teeth for life.

Keep your appointments

You should have a professional cleaning with Dr. Alina Bergan twice a year. Some patients benefit from more frequent cleanings. Your hygienist will remove any plaque build-up to prevent gingivitis, which left untreated becomes full-blown gum disease. Periodontitis leads to tooth loss.

When you see Dr. Alina Bergan twice a year for a teeth and mouth exam, she can find problems such as cavities, and treat them before the situation becomes critical. Come see us today at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office!

You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com or call us today at 800-223-0801.

Dental Anxiety

Halloween is tomorrow and it is a time of ghouls and goblins and being scared. Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a time for fear. Here are some tips to help keep terror feelings in the haunted house and not in the dental chair.   

If you suffer from dental anxiety, a visit to our office might seem like a daunting prospect. Perhaps you had a bad experience in the past, but whatever the reason; please know that at our office, there is nothing to be afraid of. We understand you may be anxious about receiving dental treatments, and we’re here to help you have a comfortable, pain-free experience that will put your fears to rest.

You’re not alone!

A 1984 study that appeared in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that up to 75% of all adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety. This includes five to ten percent that have dental anxiety so severe that they try to avoid a dentist’s office at all costs.

Treatment

If you experience dental anxiety, it is important to let our office know in advance, so we can provide you with the dental care you need with an added touch of TLC. We can assist by explaining behavioral techniques for relaxation, by administering nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or by prescribing a relaxing medication prior to your dental procedure.

We are here to give you the best care and ease your anxiety. Come see us today at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! You can book online www.alinabergandds.com or call us today at 800-223-0801.

Sealants: What are They and How do They Help?

Molars are made up of canyons, caves, pits, and seemingly endless caverns that are a breeding ground for decay. Sealants are a protective solution. When done correctly, a sealant from Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S, can be most effective in preventing cavities.

A sealant is made up of composite (a plastic-like) material that contains bonding agents to seal to the edge of the tooth. Sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth block food from being trapped. The process in which a sealant is placed is quite precise and painless.


First the tooth is cleaned with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) spray. Then an acid etch is applied to “roughen up” the surface. No saliva is to touch the tooth. This will re-mineralize the area, and then a repeat etching is needed. An alcohol-based liquid then dries out the area and it must remain completely dry. The sealant is placed and guided through all the caverns, pits, fissures, and grooves. It is then cured with a special light, which makes it a hard, plastic-like material.

Sealants can last for several years. It is wise to have them examined on a semi-annual basis. If there is a break in the sealant, a high risk for decay is common. If a sealant is damaged, repair is simple, painless, and quick to complete.

Who can benefit from sealants? Everyone! Children often receive sealants as routine preventive care. Adults that have deep canyons with stained grooves on their teeth can also benefit from a sealant. The process is quick, painless, and does not require any anesthesia. It is an effective way to lower dental restorative costs.

An investment in dental sealants can reap great benefits as properly cared for teeth will remain cavity free. Come see us today at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com or call us today at 800-223-0801.