WHAT SHOULD I USE TO CLEAN MY BABY’S TEETH?

Many people think babies don’t need to brush their teeth, especially when they don’t have any. But by starting good habits like brushing when your child is young, you can lay the foundation for them to continue those good habits into adulthood.

When do I start?

The best time to start brushing your baby’s teeth is before he or she has any. Develop the habit of wiping your baby’s gums with a wet, soft washcloth or gauze every day. There is no need to use toothpaste, just wrap the gauze or cloth around your finger, moisten it with a little water, and gently rub it over the gums.

This helps your little one get used to brushing while it eliminates bacteria in the mouth that can harm emerging teeth. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure or even take very long: just a quick, gentle rub over the gums will do it.

What do I use?

When your child’s teeth begin to come in, you will need to switch from a cloth to a baby toothbrush. Find one that has a grip big enough for your hand, but a head that is small enough to maneuver easily in your infant’s mouth.

You don’t need to use any toothpaste until your son or daughter is about a year old. Even then, though, you’ll want to use just a tiny amount: about the size of a grain of rice. When your toddler is about two years old, you can use a pea-sized amount.

By around six years of age, your child will probably rinse and spit without your help. At that point, you may want to introduce a child-friendly fluoride mouthwash.

How do I do it?

Your child probably won’t be able to brush his or her teeth alone until about the age of five or six. This means that you will need to do it. To brush your child’s teeth, gently use the brush over all the teeth and gums, even areas where the teeth have not come in yet.

As your child grows and becomes more independent, you can allow him or her to hold the toothbrush while you guide your child’s progress. Make sure you talk to your child while you are brushing, and explain why you brush: what you are doing and how you are doing it.

In addition to regular visits with Dr. Alina Bergan, instilling good oral health habits in your child early on will ensure a lifetime of good dental health. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan at 800-223-0801. You can also schedule online: http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments

WHAT IS GUM RECESSION?

Gum (gingival) recession occurs when gums recede from the tops of the teeth enough to expose sensitive roots. People typically experience increased sensitivity to cold drinks and sugary foods and when gums no longer cover and protect teeth roots. In addition, untreated gum recession may lead to loosening of teeth and accelerated tooth decay, something Dr. Alina Bergan DDS sees all too often.

Causes of Gum Recession

·         Periodontal disease – a serious oral disease arising from poor oral habits

·         Gingivitis – gum disease characterized by bleeding and swollen gums

·         Aging

·         Overly aggressive brushing and/or flossing – brushing hard in a scrubbing fashion will erode gum tissue at the roots of teeth

·         Genetic predisposition to gingival recession – having inherited thin, insufficient gum tissue facilitates gum recession

·         Bruxism – a condition where someone regularly grinds their teeth, usually during sleep

·         Chewing tobacco/smoking – promotes chronically dry mouth and reduced gum health

Periodontal gingivitis may also cause causing drooping of the gums instead of gum recession. A gingivectomy removes excess gum tissue weakened by bacterial decay while a gingivoplasty can reshape gums around the teeth. If sagging or receding gums are left untreated, they may develop pockets (gaps) that provide hiding places for food particles, mucus and other mouth debris conducive to anaerobic bacteria growth. As the most destructive type of oral bacteria, anaerobic bacteria is responsible for tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and chronic halitosis (bad breath).

Treatments for Gum Recession

Corrective actions need implemented as soon as possible to reverse gum recession by addressing the cause. For example, people who brush with hard-bristled toothbrushes should switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush more gently. If gum recession is the result of poor oral hygiene, improve oral hygiene habits by brushing after meals, flossing, rinsing with non-alcoholic mouthwash, and getting dental checkups and cleanings every six months. For severe cases of gum recession, soft tissue grafts can add gum tissue to exposed roots by removing tissue from the person's palate and attaching it to existing gums at the area of recession via laser surgery.

If you’re worried about gum recession, visit as today at our Cedarhurst, NY office. Call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan at 800-223-0801. You can also schedule online: http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO WITH YOUR TOOTHBRUSH

Do you give your toothbrush any serious thought? Sure, you use it every day (and ideally twice) to make sure your breath is good, and you know that with a dollop of toothpaste it waxes up your pearly whites nicely, not to mention preventing bacteria, plaque, and inflammation.

But what are the things you should never do with your toothbrush? Here’s a brush-up on 5 toothbrush No-Nos, from Alina Bergan DDS.

1. If you have your toothbrush too close to the toilet, you’re brushing your teeth with what’s in your toilet. In other words, keep your toothbrush stored as far from the toilet as possible.

2. The average toothbrush harbors ten million microbes. Most families keep their toothbrushes jammed together in a cup holder on the bathroom sink, but this can lead to cross-contamination. Family members’ toothbrushes should be kept an inch apart. Don’t worry; they won’t take it personally.

3. Don’t delay replacing your toothbrush. It’s best to purchase a new one every three to four months, get one sooner if the bristles are broken down due to your frequent and vigorous brushing. If you have a cold or the flu, replace your toothbrush after you recover.

4. Make sure to store your toothbrush out of the reach of toddlers. The last thing you want is for your toothbrush to be chewed like a pacifier, dipped in toilet water, or used to probe the dusty heating ducts.

5. Sharing is caring, right? Your parents probably taught you the importance of sharing back when you were, well, dipping their improperly stored toothbrushes in toilet water. But here’s the thing: As important as sharing is, there are some things you just don’t share, and your toothbrush is one of them.

Come in a get a free toothbrush today, contact our Cedarhurst, NY office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan. Call us at 800-223-0801. You can also schedule online: http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments

BEST AND WORST HALLOWEEN CANDIES FOR YOUR TEETH

Whether you are planning to go door-to-door trick or treating, attended a party dressed in a clever, funny or scary costume, or a simple get-together with friends and family to watch scary movies, we have you had a fun and safe holiday!

We also wanted to give you some Halloween tips for the Best and Worst candies that you could receive this year.

Worst:
Chewy/sticky sweets, such as caramels, gummy candies, taffy, and even some dried fruit can be difficult for children and adults to resist, and even more difficult to remove from teeth. They are also a major cause of damage and sometimes removal of dental fillings and crowns.
Sour candies, sour patch kids and other sour candies are highly acidic and can break down tooth enamel quickly. The good news: Saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid in the mouth.
Sugary snacks, including candy corn, cookies, and cake, all contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.

Best:
Sugar-free lollipops and hard candies stimulate saliva, which can help prevent dry mouth.
Sugar-free gum can actually prevent cavities as it not only dislodges food particles from between the teeth but also increases saliva—which works to neutralize the acids of the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
Dark chocolate and its antioxidants, according to some studies, can be good for the heart and may even lower blood pressure.

If you are concerned about what types of candies you should consume, contact our Cedarhurst, NY office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan. Call us at 800-223-0801.  You can also schedule online: http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

DOES SMOKING AFFECT ORAL HEALTH?

I think it is safe to say that everyone knows smoking is bad for you. Unfortunately, the truth is its broad-reaching health effects are not all known by everyone. This is especially true of oral health. Smoking can have serious repercussions in this regard. To give you a better idea of how smoking can affect your oral health, Dr. Alina Bergan and our team have listed some issues that can arise. 

Tooth Discoloration and Bad Breath

At the very least, it is fair to say that as a smoker you will often have bad breath. While you may try to cover up your bad breath with gum or mints, tooth discoloration is a whole other story. The chemicals and substances in cigarettes stick to your teeth staining them brown and yellow colors that are increasingly difficult to disguise. If you are wanting whiter teeth, please come into the office for a free consultation with Dr. Alina Bergan, as many people damage their teeth my access use of over the counter whitening products. 

Oral Cancer

Smoking increases your risk of all cancers especially oral cancer. Oral cancer can have steep ramifications for anyone that gets it. Surgery can be required to eliminate the cancer before it spreads to more vital parts of your body. The type of mouth surgery required with oral cancer can leave your face deconstructed in certain areas. This can also affect the ability to chew food and the overall appearance of your face.  This is all due to smoking or use of other tobacco products.

Gum Disease and Loss of Bone

Another effect of smoking is the increased risk of gum disease. Your gums may start to recede, which can eventually lead to the loss of teeth. Smoking can also increase bone loss and density in your jaw which is vital to the health of your mouth. Gum disease and bone loss are two signs that smoking is definitely bad for your mouth.

When it comes to the health of your mouth, the question is not whether smoking affects your health, it's how does it affect your health and to what degree. If for no other reason than because smoking involves your mouth as its entry point, it is safe to say that it can have long-lasting and detrimental consequences on your oral health.

To learn more about smoking and your oral health, contact our Cedarhurst, NY office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan. Call us at 800-223-0801.

You can also schedule online: http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

TOP FIVE DENTAL MYTHS

It is the close of September and everyone is now thinking of Halloween and scary Haunted Houses. Your dental health should never be a scary topic. In an effort to help put an end to dental health hoaxes, here are five dental myths to chew over.

1    1-     Sugar Is the Number One Culprit of Tooth Decay

Sugar will rot your teeth. If you’re a parent, chances are you tell your children this myth, every time they ask for something sweet. Chances are your parents told you the same thing. There’s no denying that sugar leads to cavity formation, but it's not the number one culprit of tooth decay. Sugar adds fuel to the fire, but it doesn’t light the match.

2    2-     Going to the Dentist Is a Painful Experience

There are many people who don’t go to the dentist because they think it’s going to be a painful experience. It’s time to put this myth to rest. The new dental technology, developments in anesthetics and analgesics, and more conservative dental procedures have made visits to our Cedarhurst, NY office a more comfortable experience. Dr. Alina Bergan DDS takes the time to answer questions and makes sure her patients are never in pain during their visits.

3   3-     Bad Breath Means You’re Not Brushing

Poor dental hygiene can cause bad breath, but it’s not the only thing that will leave you looking for a breath mint. There are many factors that can cause bad breath, including illness, acid reflux, medication, and dehydration. In addition, sometimes what you eat or drink can give you bad breath no matter how many times you brush and floss. Next time you order a sub for lunch, skip the onions and garlic to ensure you are subjecting your clients and coworkers to your bad breath. We like to encourage our patients to have a toothbrush and toothpaste at their offices so they can eat freely at lunch time and brush after.

4    4-     Bleaching Products Weaken Teeth

Gels, pastes, strips — there are all sorts of products available to make our pearly whites even whiter. If used according to the directions, bleaching products are harmless. They do not affect the health or strength of the teeth, only the color. At the same time, too much bleaching can cause temporary tooth sensitivity or irritated gums; the enamel, however, is not weakened. When in doubt it is best to get a free whitening consolation from Dr. Bergan.

5    5-     You Will Know When You Have Tooth Decay

This is the type of false information that can lead to serious dental problems. There are no early symptoms of tooth decay. By the time you experience pain, your tooth decay has led to nerve damage, which means your decay is advanced and extensive. The only way to know if you have tooth decay —and to prevent it — is to visit Dr. Alina Bergan DDS twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Come into our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office for your cleaning and exam. Call us at 800-223-0801. You can also schedule online: http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL GUM CARE MONTH!

Kids are back to school & football season is underway so it means it’s already September. September is national gum care month and at Dr. Alina Bergan DDS, we know that gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people don’t recognize the warning signs, bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. Since this month has a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Dr. Alina Bergan DDS, will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

·         Gums that appear red or swollen

·         Gums that are tender 

·         Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)

·         Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth

·         Persistent halitosis, or bad breath

·         Loose teeth

·         Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs with you or your child, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office as soon as possible at 800-223-0801. Dr. Alina Bergan and our team can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your or your child’s daily oral hygiene habits.