IS YOUR CHILD A MOUTH BREATHER?

Have you ever watched your child sleep and see them breathing through his or her mouth? Mouth breathing or breathing through the mouth instead of the nose may lead to trouble for youngsters. Kids who typically breathe through their mouth—most often are children who suffer from allergies—experience problems getting enough oxygen into their blood, a condition that affects their weight, size, sleep, and even their performance in the classroom and daily life.

Mouth breathing is a condition that can lead to sleep apnea, behavior and learning problems, delayed speech, dental and facial abnormalities, and even breathing problems as your child grows. There are a multitude of reasons for an individual to mouth breathe, such as enlarged tonsils, adenoids, and deviated nasal septum, but the cause is usually allergies.

What are the symptoms of mouth breathing?

The tongue plays a large role in influencing cranial and maxillary growth. A newborn child’s forward thrusting of the tongue to express milk from the mother’s breast is the force that drives the horizontal or forward growth of upper jaw. The tongue acts like a natural tooth retainer when the mouth is closed gently pushing the top teeth into their correct position. When the mouth is open, the tongue rests on the floor of the mouth instead of roof. When this is done continuously the upper jaw narrows forcing the teeth to grow in a forward position or to overlap each other.

·         Breathing primarily with mouth open and breathing will often sound shallow and raspy.

·         Mouth breathers tend to grow at a slower rate than other children

·         Chapped or dry lips

·         Swollen tonsils

·         Children who mouth breathe typically do not sleep well, causing them to be tired during the day and possibly unable to concentrate on studies

·         Dark circles under the eyes

·         Gingivitis

·         Narrow palate, and crowed teeth

·         Increasingly long and narrow faces termed as long face syndrome or adenoid faces

·         Gum tissue shows when smiling

·         Snoring or sleep apnea

·         High incidence of airway infections

·         Mouth breathing dries out saliva which plays important role in cavity prevention so the incidence of dental caries increases.

·         Increased rate of plaque accumulation

As bad as the mouth breathing condition sounds, we want you to know mouth breathing is a treatable condition. Doing so requires early diagnosis and treatment. Since our team at Alina Bergan DDS sees our patients every six months, we may be in a position to identify the symptoms of mouth breathing.

If you suspect your child is a chronic mouth breather, give us a call today at 800-223-0801 so that Dr. Alina Bergan in our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT TOOTH SENSITIVITY?

We often have patients coming into our dental office wondering why a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee becomes such a painful experience or why brushing or flossing makes them wince or cringe. The answer, usually, is sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when the underlying dentin layer of the tooth is exposed in the oral cavity, and most people will experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives.

Why do people experience tooth sensitivity and how do you know if tooth sensitivity is something to be worried about? The most common cause of the sensitivity is exposure of the dentin, which is the layer surrounding the tooth’s nerve. Contributors to tooth sensitivity include teeth whitening and dental work such as fillings, periodontal treatment, and the placement or adjustment of braces. These are temporary and should be of no concern.

Permanent hypersensitivity, however, may require treatment at with Dr. Alina Bergan DDS. The first step is to determine the cause, and that begins with a visit to our Cedarhurst office.

The reasons your teeth may become sensitive vary, but possible causes include:

·         Brushing too hard

·         Tooth decay (cavities) near the gum line

·         Cracked or fractured teeth

·         Fillings that are worn

·         Gum (periodontal) disease, or recession of the gums

·         Worn tooth enamel

·         Consuming acidic foods

Dr. Alina Bergan and our team want you to know that sensitive teeth can be treated, and the type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Dr. Alina Bergan may suggest one the following treatments:

·         Using a desensitizing toothpaste, which contains ingredients that seal off the microtubules inside the exposed dentin to reduce tooth sensitivity

·         Fluoride gel, which strengthens compromised tooth enamel, helps prevent tooth decay, and decreases hypersensitivity of the teeth

·         A crown, inlay, or bonding, which is used to treat tooth decay and prevents sensitivity

·         A surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this procedure will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.

·         Root canal: If you are experiencing severe and persistent sensitivity which cannot be treated by other means, Dr. Alina Bergan may recommend you undergo a root canal to eliminate the problem.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call today at 800-223-0801 so that Dr. Alina Bergan in our Cedarhurst, NY office can provide you with some much-needed relief!

You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.

FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR OLD TOOTHBRUSH

Dr. Alina Bergan and her staff recommend that you replace your worn-out, germy toothbrush with a new one every three months. But most people either forget or resist getting rid of something that is still “working” for them. So we thought, maybe if they had a few ideas for putting that old toothbrush to good use, more people would take our advice? To encourage good oral practices, we offer these fun ways to repurpose your used toothbrush:

1. Let your little budding artist create a masterpiece with some paint and your old toothbrush.

2. Give yourself a facial by scrubbing oily areas on your face with your toothbrush. The bristles are perfect for removing embedded dirt and oil that clogs pores.

3. Pamper your hamster or ferret by brushing his fur with an old toothbrush.

4. Dab a bit of Vaseline on the bristles and comb your eyelashes: instant glamour!

5. Did you notice a few gray hairs sprouting from your hairline this morning? Old toothbrushes were made for touch-up dye jobs; also works for dyeing your eyebrows, too!

6. Instant chap lip fix. Slough away dry skin by using a toothbrush on your lips.

7. Old toothbrushes are great for spot-cleaning just about anything.

8. Is your dog’s breath making you wish he didn’t like to cuddle? Try brushing his teeth with your old toothbrush so that his kisses (and breath) are more tolerable.

9. Give your fish the cleanest tank in the neighborhood by scrubbing it with your old toothbrush.

10. Garden uses: Remove the bristles and you have instant small plant stakes!

For more information on oral health, toothbrush repurposing tips, 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.

IS DAIRY CRUCIAL TO MY CHILD'S ORAL HEALTH?

Since March is the month the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks everyone to pay special attention to what goes into our bodies; let’s talk about dairy and your child’s oral health.

Everyone knows that healthy eating, combined with regular physical activity, plays a vital role in your child’s health and well-being. Dairy foods are naturally nutritious, packed with ten essential nutrients that help your child feel good for life. But did you know that dairy is also great for your child’s dental health? Look for organic and hormone free dairy products. Our team at Alina Bergan D.D.S will tell you that, in addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, dairy products also help fight cavities! Dairy products have a specific role to play in dental health as they contain a unique combination of special anti-decay nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and the protein, casein. Cheese is especially useful, as eating a small piece of cheese after consuming sugary foods or drinks can help protect teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay. Unsweetened, calcium-fortified dairy alternatives like soy & nut milks, coconut & soy yogurts and soy & nut cheeses also count as part of this food group and can make good healthy alternatives to dairy products.

For more information on foods for 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.

MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH!

March is the month the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks everyone to pay special attention to what goes into our bodies. The Academy has designated the month of March for focusing the public’s awareness on what they eat.

What Not to Eat

The academy points out that the foods you eat have a direct effect on the health of your teeth and specifically on tooth decay. Bacteria rely on carbohydrates to thrive. That is why Dr. Alina Bergan DDS tells her patients to cut back on both candy and sweets. They consist of simple sugars that feed the bacteria in your mouth and enhance tooth decay.

Watch out for all the hidden sugars as they are in foods you would not think are sweet like ketchup, breads, and pasta sauces. Get in the habit of reading labels on food and looking for products with added sugar. This includes ingredients that end with the suffix “ose.” When it comes to nutrition, these foods offer little value beyond satisfying that sweet tooth.

What You Should Eat

Turn to foods that not only taste good but are good for your teeth too. Dark leafy greens and dairy products, for example, provide the body with nutritional items that support tooth enamel. Foods high in protein feature phosphorus, a nutrient critical to oral health.

You can’t really go wrong by adding color to your diet, either. Fruits and vegetables make for a colorful plate and a healthy meal. So make sure to eat the rainbow of colors when you prepare salads and soups. Use some caution with acidic fruits like oranges or even tomatoes, because the acid can erode tooth enamel. It is better to include these foods in a meal instead of eating them by themselves.

Remember, good nutrition is something you should worry about all year long, not just when celebrating National Nutrition Month. March just serves as a fun reminder that eating right is a proactive step in managing your dental health.

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

GOOD TEETH LEAD TO SPORTING SUCCESS

Everyone knows that taking care of your teeth can help prevent tooth decay and the need for extensive work such as root canals or implants. The question is do you know the benefits of good teeth that can go far beyond having an attractive smile and being able to crunch carrots and chew meat.

The American Dental Association explains that healthy teeth are linked to a lower risk for heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, recent research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine states that good teeth can improve athletic performance among elite athletes.

Researchers examined the oral health of nearly 300 athletes in 25 sports at the 2012 Olympics in London. They looked for conditions such as dental caries, gingivitis, dental erosion, and periodontal disease, and asked about recent visits to a dentist.

Study investigators also asked athletes whether their oral health interfered with quality of life or athletic training and performance. The study concluded that poor oral health and fewer dental visits led to interference with preparation for competition.

This can happen for a few reasons. Tooth pain can disrupt sleep, which leads to slower reaction times. Oral health conditions can indicate chronic inflammation in the body, which means suboptimal performances on an elite level. Tooth pain can interfere with focus during training and competition.

Unfortunately, merely taking good care of your teeth won’t turn you into an Olympic gold medalist. However, the benefits can still be worthwhile. Even if healthy teeth provide little if any detectable gain in your athletic abilities, the potential benefits of maintaining a healthy mouth clearly go far beyond an attractive smile.

Practicing good oral hygiene and seeing Dr. Alina Bergan regularly can promote your physical health, and maybe – just maybe – you will start to achieve an advantage over your weekend athletic opponents.

For more information 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.

CHOOSE DARK CHOCOLATE ON VALENTINE'S DAY

Love is in the Air. This is shown by students handing out sweets for classmates to an older married couple exchanging boxes of candy; Valentine’s Day is the time of year when people like to show affection by gifting sugary treats to their loved ones. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of Valentine’s Day candy, you can celebrate the holiday in a healthier way by making dark chocolate your confection of choice.

Contribute to Your Health

According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that the cocoa beans used to make chocolate contain flavonoids, which can help protect the body against damage from various toxins. Flavonoids may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and the brain. Dark chocolates typically contain a higher amount of flavonoids than other types, making them a great choice for chocolate lovers. However, you should keep in mind that many companies produce chocolate that is so heavily processed that the flavonoids are largely eliminated. Your best bet is to look for high-quality dark chocolates and cocoa powders that have undergone minimal processing. Always look for 100% Organic Fair Trade Dark Chocolate that is not processed with alkali and contains 70% or higher cocoa.

Protect Against Cavities

If you think there’s no way candy could ever be beneficial for your teeth, think again. The Texas A&M Health Science Center has reported that the tannins present in cocoa beans may actually help prevent cavities by interfering with bacteria’s harmful interaction with teeth. Just like with flavonoids, tannins have been found to be present more often in dark chocolates, rather than milk chocolates, giving you another great reason to choose the richer varieties.

Avoid a Sticky Situation

One more benefit of choosing chocolate over other candies is that it is less likely to get stuck in the crevices and spaces between teeth. Gooey sweets like taffy can stay lodged in the mouth for longer periods of time, putting you at a greater risk for developing cavities. When you choose your chocolate, be sure to avoid types that also contain sticky ingredients like caramel or marshmallow, and instead opt for the plain varieties.

Remember that the health benefits you can receive from dark chocolate are largely based on eating the candy in moderation. The Cleveland Mayo Clinic recommends 1 ounce a few times a week.  With that being said, it’s easy to make this delicious and health conscious switch when you’re out shopping for your sweetheart, friends, loved ones, and yourself. Have fun satisfying your sweet tooth this year and Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Alina Bergan D.D.S!

For more information on foods for 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.