HOW SAFE ARE DENTAL X-RAYS?

Dr. Alina Bergan and our staff rely on digital X-rays to help us diagnose oral conditions and process images at incredibly high speeds. We can also view digital X-rays in real time while examining your mouth with an intraoral camera and upload the images to a software program. A chairside computer monitor lets you see these images as we refine areas of concern to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

But are dental X-rays safe?

Yes! They emit 80 percent less radiation than exposure-type X-rays and provide detailed images to improve diagnosis and treatment. We can now detect dental problems in their earliest stages without subjecting you to unnecessary radiation. The amount of radiation released by digital X-rays is “negligible,” which means the amount is so small, that it can be safely disregarded.

Digital X-Rays are safe for children and pregnant women, as digital X-rays detect microscopic pitting in tooth enamel and other abnormalities in the oral tissues that might have remained undetected with traditional X-rays. When Dr. Alina Bergan and our staff discover dental caries in their earliest stages, we can initiate treatment measures that will effectively prevent cavity development, tooth decay, and potential tooth loss.

Patient appointment lengths are shortened with digital X-rays as well, because images are immediately viewable and do not require the exposure time associated with old-style X-rays.

How Digital X-Rays Differ from Traditional X-Rays

Digital X-rays no longer require the use of cardboard-contained film, instead we insert a small sensing device about the size of a pen in your mouth and engage the digital X-ray machine by manually manipulating control buttons. Within seconds, images appear on the monitor that can later be stored in your file or sent to another doctor for further examination.

The increased resolution afforded by digital X-rays means that patients can see and understand the seriousness of their dental issues better, and are more inclined to follow through with procedures recommended by Dr. Alina Bergan.

Safer, Better, and Faster

Digital X-rays are used for detection of cancerous tumors in their early states, this technology offers vast improvements over film X-rays because of its cutting-edge image processing capability. Early detection of oral cancer and dental caries is the best way to prevent any type of oral health problem from exceeding the treatable stage. You can have peace of mind knowing that the latest dental technology is able to detect any issues you may have without posing any health risks.

We are offering a new patient special $99 cleaning, exam, and x-rays. Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

JUNE IS NATIONAL SMILE MONTH: GET $99 NEW PATIENT CLEANING & EXAM

The community health awareness group Oral Health America has reported that 82 percent of adults are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria can play in tooth decay or cavities, and almost three out of five children aged 12 to 19 have tooth decay. Since June is National Smile Month, Dr. Alina Bergan DDS and our team in Cedarhurst NY, thought we’d remind our patients about the importance of good oral hygiene visits between office visits.

To keep your family’s smiles healthy and beautiful for years to come, be sure to:

·         Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

·         Floss every day to clean between your teeth

·         Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet

·         Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks

·         Quit Smoking

·         Visit Dr. Alina Bergan for scheduled appointments

We are offering a new patient special $99 cleaning, exam, and x-rays. If you want to know more about healthy home care habits, feel free to ask our team at your next appointment, or ask us on Facebook!

Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

YOUR ORAL HEALTH AND STRESS

Common stress symptoms—which include high blood pressure, severe aches, and insomnia—may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is the culprit when in fact stress may be the reason. While stress can be good for us sometimes, Dr. Alina Bergan DDS and our team know stress can be physically harmful. But what is often overlooked is that stress can also take a toll on your mouth. Here’s how stress effects your oral health:

Teeth Grinding

It’s very common for people dealing with stress to develop teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. People who grind their teeth at night may do so unconsciously, but the condition requires treatment to prevent the development of headaches, TMJ, and tooth damage. If you’re a night-grinder, talk to Dr. Alina Bergan. She may recommend a night guard.

Mouth Sores

Research suggests stress and depression take a toll on your immune system, making it easier for infections to develop and stick around. That can mean canker sores or a cold sore outbreak. If mouth sores are a recurring problem for you, give us a call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan.

Bad Habits

Stress can lead to bad oral health habits such as smoking, drinking, and neglecting your daily brushing and flossing routine. If you’ve been feeling under pressure lately, try to keep up with your oral health routine. This will serve you well when your stress levels return to normal.

Dr. Alina Bergan DDS and our team, know there’s not always an easy way to reduce your stress levels, but eating healthy, exercising regularly, and spending time with friends and family are all good places to start.

Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

LINK BETWEEN HPV AND ORAL CANCER

Cancer has become a common word, and it seems like there is new research about it every day. We all know antioxidants are important. We know some cancers are more treatable than others. We also know some lifestyles and habits contribute to our cancer risk.

Smoking increases our risk of cancer, as does walking through a radioactive power plant. But there is a direct link to oral cancer that you many may not know about—the link between HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and oral cancer.

This may come as a shock because it has been almost a taboo subject for some time. A person with HPV is at an extremely high risk of developing oral cancer. In fact, smoking is now second to HPV in causing oral cancer!

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, “The human papilloma virus, particularly version 16, has now been shown to be sexually transmitted between partners, and is conclusively implicated in the increasing incidence of young non-smoking oral cancer patients. This is the same virus that is the causative agent, along with other versions of the virus, in more than 90% of all cervical cancers. It is the foundation's belief, based on recent revelations in peer reviewed published data in the last few years, that in people under the age of 50, HPV16 may even be replacing tobacco as the primary causative agent in the initiation of the disease process.” [http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/]

There is a test and a vaccine for HPV; please discuss it with your physician.

There are some devices that help detect oral cancer in its earliest forms. We know that the survival rate for someone with cancer depends greatly on what stage the cancer is diagnosed. Talk to Dr. Alina Bergan if you have any concerns.

Please be aware and remember that when it comes to your own health, knowledge is power. When you have the knowledge to make an informed decision, you can make positive changes in your life. The mouth is an entry point for your entire body. Care for your mouth and it will care for you!

Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

IMPROVE YOUR SMILE WITH TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS

Today’s dental technology makes crowns, veneers, and tooth colored fillings that are very natural looking compared to early counterparts. There was a time when dentists placed silver fillings exclusively. This material is still used, however the most common material used today in fillings is composite, tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings can be made to match any shade of tooth and even let light travel through them like natural enamel. Dr. Alina Bergan can replace any silver fillings you may have gotten with composite material to improve your smile.

Composite fillings are perfect in many different scenarios. The most obvious reason is when a cavity is present. This is an excellent way to seemingly erase the imperfection that once was. It is almost as if the cavity was never there.

Placing composite fillings to reshape teeth can also minimize excessive spacing. In the case of a diastema, (a large space between the two front teeth) composite material is a non-invasive and cost-effective choice that provides instant results. It can be an alternative to braces.

Mottled enamel is a symptom of fluorosis, which causes discoloration and imperfections in the enamel. Composites are the material of choice for masking this condition.

Composite fillings are easy to place, easy on the eyes, and easily repaired. With skill and good composite material, a filling can be easily disguised. This look is desired most in our society today, where dental perfection is now standard.

Your smile is well cared for with composite fillings. There are some great materials that give a near perfect match to the appearance of natural tooth enamel. Smile with confidence knowing no one will ever know you had dental work done. Your secret is safe with us at Alina Bergan DDS!

Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

MY MOUTH IS DRY. WHAT CAN I DO?

Nobody likes a dry mouth. It is an uncomfortable and sometimes oddly unexplainable sensation. It is not a condition that automatically sends you into a panic about your health, however, a dry mouth can be a bother and something you certainly want to change if possible. So, if you find yourself in the unpleasant position of having a dry mouth, here is what you can do.

Chew Sugar-free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum will stimulate saliva in your mouth. The chewing motion of your jaw and teeth should take care of at least some of your dry mouth problem.

Suck on Sugar-free Candy: Similarly, to chewing sugar free gum, if you suck on sugar free candy it should create more saliva in your mouth and moisturize it in the process. You can also try a sugar free cough drop.

Cut out the Caffeine: Caffeine can contribute to a dry mouth so by limiting, or eliminating your intake all together, you may find that your dry mouth is no more.

Stop Using Tobacco Products: Tobacco is another cause of dry mouth. Whether it is smokeless tobacco products or cigarettes, if you stop using them your dry mouth will likely improve. And not to forget, these products are exceedingly bad for your oral health to begin with, so you will be doing your mouth a favor even more so.

Drink Lots of Water: It may seem obvious, but drinking lots of water will likely improve your dry mouth. This is because dry mouth is usually a sign of dehydration, so plenty of fluids will help.

Use a Dry Mouth Rinse or Toothpaste: You can ask your pharmacist to show you a dry mouth reducing rinse or toothpaste.  

Dry mouth can be unpleasant, but it is often easily solved by either drinking more water, or trying one of the previously mentioned techniques. If the problem persists you can always visit our Cedarhurst, NY office to see Dr. Alina Bergan. Doing one of the above will leave your mouth more moisturized than it was previously, and hopefully it will be long-lasting as well.

Call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

THE EFFECTS OF BITING YOUR NAILS

Nail biting, also known as onchophagia, the habit of nail biting is a “nervous habit” that can be triggered by stress, excitement, or boredom. Approximately half of all kids between the ages of 10 and 18 have been nail biters at one time or another. Experts say that about 30 percent of children and 15 percent of adults are nail biters, however most people stop chewing their nails by the time they turn 30.

Here are five dental and general reasons to stop biting your nails:

1. It’s unsanitary: Your nails harbor bacteria and germs, and are almost twice as dirty as fingers. What’s more, swallowing dirty nails can lead to stomach problems.

2. It wears down your teeth: Gnawing your nails can put added stress on your pearly whites, which can lead to crooked teeth.

3. It can delay your orthodontic treatment: For those of our patients wearing braces, nail biting puts additional pressure on teeth and weakens roots.

4. It can cause jaw pain: Chronic nail biting can be detrimental for your jaw. In fact, constantly chewing your nails can cause TMJ Disorder. TMJ Disorder brings on its own set of issues like jaw pain, headaches, or popping or locking of the jaw.

5. It can cost you, literally: It has been estimated that up to $4,000 in extra dental bills can build up over a lifetime.

Dr. Alina Bergan and our team recommend the following to kick your nail biting habit:

• Keep your nails trimmed short; you’ll have less of a nail to bite.

• Coat your nails with a bitter-tasting nail polish.

• Ask us about obtaining a mouthguard, which can help prevent nail biting.

• Put a rubber band around your wrist and snap it whenever you get the urge to gnaw on your nails.

• Think about when and why you chew your nails. Whether you are nervous or just bored, understanding the triggers can help you find a solution and stop the habit.

• If you can’t stop, behavioral therapy may be an effective option to stop nail biting. Ask Dr. Alina Bergan and our team for a recommendation.

Call us today to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/