Do You Know How Food Affects Your Teeth?

We all know it’s good to brush your teeth at least twice a day. It’s even better to brush after eating, but unfortunately most of us don’t have the time for that. Cavities form as a result of tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by the acidity in foods. Acidity levels, also known as pH levels vary by the type of food and drink. Take a look at the pH Level chart to see if what you are eating and drinking is increasing your risk for cavities. If it’s been over six months since you have seen Dr. Alina Bergan in Cedarhurst, NY make sure to call us for an appointment to ensure that your teeth stay healthy. Your hygienist at Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. can also provide you with other ways to prevent tooth decay. Call us today at (800) 223-0801 to learn about our $99 cleaning special.

How do I know if I am brushing correctly?

Here are some easy ways to tell if you are brushing your teeth correctly and to provide yourself with positive reinforcement:

·         The Tongue Test: Have you ever noticed after a professional dental cleaning how slick and smooth your teeth feel right down to the gum line?  Well, that’s how they should feel every time you brush your own teeth.  Use your tongue to feel at the gum line and see if the tooth surfaces feel smooth and slick throughout your mouth.

·         Floss Check: This is easier with un-waxed floss.  Is there blood on the floss or does the floss smell?  Do you notice when you run the floss up and down a tooth surface, it squeaks?  We call that squeaky clean, so try it – once a day to keep your gums healthy.

·         Bleeding: It’s important to note that healthy gums do not bleed; bleeding gums usually signal inflammation of the gums, i.e. gingivitis.  If you continue new brushing and flossing methods, bleeding should dissipate over time.

·         Visit Us: this is the ultimate check for learning how well you are remove plaque daily and how this activity has affected the health of your teeth and gums.

If you have any concerns or questions, contact your dental team at Alina Bergan D.D.S. at (800) 223-0801.

Want To Learn More About Our Recent Blog Topics? Here Are A Few Related Links

Check out these links to learn more about choosing the perfect toothbrush for you and your family, and to learn more about dental veneers and what questions to ask your dentist about them. For more information about making the right choices for good oral hygiene, contact Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. at (800)223-0801.

·         You can explore some of the dental conditions that porcelain veneers are used to treat in this article from WebMD.com. 

·         Check out this page from the American Dental Association to see how dentists can work from models of your own teeth to create custom veneers. 

·         Learn how to brush your teeth the right way for health and cleanliness from the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. 

·         Find out more about picking the right toothbrush on this page from Colgate.com. 

·         For more details on the different types of toothbrushes, from manual to electric, read this page on EverydayHealth.com.

  

What Factors Cause Cavities?

Taking care of your dental health is about more than simply brushing and flossing; you also need to know why dental hygiene is important. Read the following information and consult your dentist to learn about cavities, how they form, and what you can do to prevent their formation.

·         What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole that forms as acid from food and plaque buildup causes the hard enamel to erode. As minute food particles break down in your mouth, they form plaque, which feeds bacteria. These bacteria contain strong acids, which are one of the only substances that can erode tooth enamel. Cavities are commonly found on the chewing surfaces of the teeth because food particles can get stuck in the crevices of the molars. However, cavities can and will form anywhere there is enamel. Therefore, brushing and flossing are imperative to fighting cavities. 

·         What Exacerbates Cavity Formation?

Your tooth enamel and saliva contain mineral salts, which make your teeth incredibly strong. Saliva is also made up of compounds that break down the acids and bacteria found in plaque. Tooth enamel is strong, but pH imbalances in the saliva and excess amounts of bacteria can quickly lead to cavities and oral infections. Over a short amount of time, tiny holes will become more severe and may infiltrate the tooth pulp, necessitating a root canal. 

·         How Can Cavities Be Prevented?

There are several ways to prevent cavities, including brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing once a day, and regularly visiting the dentist for checkups and tooth cleanings. Visiting your dentist is essential because food particles can get lodged between your gums, where home dental equipment can’t reach. You dentist will use specialized tools to rid your mouth of plaque and recommend methods for at-home care.

Get the help you need to prevent cavity formation by visiting Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. We provide general, preventative, and cosmetic dental solutions. We also use state-of-the-art technology in all the treatments we offer. To learn more, call (800) 223-0801 today. 

How is Plaque Detected?

If your teeth feel rough when you glide your tongue across their surface, this could indicate plaque buildup. Excess plaque can also be a sign of the beginning stages of gum disease.

You can prevent gum disease by following the tips provided by the experienced dental professional in this video. You’ll learn more about what plaque is, the damage it can cause, and what you can do to better detect plaque in your mouth. With an over-the-counter disclosing solution that temporarily colors plaque, you can identify and target areas where you may not be brushing effectively. Detection can lead to better hygiene methods and healthier teeth, so use the advice from this clip.

If you need help maintaining a healthier smile, make regular appointments by calling Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S at (800) 223-0801 and scheduling an appointment.

Strengthen Your Teeth!

The strength of your teeth are imperative to your whole-body health and comfort, so explore the following resources for tips on how to keep them healthy throughout your life.

·         Get more facts about what cavities are, how they develop, and how you can explain cavities to your kids by reviewing the information in this article.

·         Check out WebMD.com to find information on how cavities can affect your dental health and how you can prevent them.

·         Visit CosmeticDentistry.com to find out what you can expect from a routine root canal procedure.

·         If you’re nervous about your upcoming root canal procedure, read through this article fromColgate.com. You’ll find facts about the procedure, tips on how to prepare, and what to expect after the procedure.

·         Read through this article to learn about the many benefits of visiting your dentist regularly. You’ll learn about the many oral diseases you can prevent by seeing your dentist twice a year.

A spring has sprung, so resolve to take better care of your teeth. Start the spring off with a spring cleaning of your teeth, by calling Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S at (800) 223-0801 and scheduling an appointment. 

Cavity Prevention 101

Visiting your family dentist is certainly an important part of cavity prevention. However, the responsibility to maintain your oral health lies in your hands as well. There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of cavities.

What You Can Do

At home, your habits are your key to good oral health, from brushing and flossing properly to cutting back on sugary foods and drinks. Focus on these basics of oral health care to prevent cavities:

·         Brush your teeth at least twice a day, or after every meal. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and fluoridated toothpaste; always brush before bed to remove food particles and bacteria that can cause cavities.

·         Floss after you brush your teeth. You can use traditional floss or floss picks to get between your teeth and prevent cavities from forming.

·         Finish with mouthwash to kill any bacteria you may have missed while brushing and flossing. The cleaner your mouth is, the less likely you are to develop cavities.

·         If you consume sugary foods or drinks but are unable to brush right away, rinse out your mouth with water to reduce bacteria buildup.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your family dentist plays a pivotal role in keeping you cavity free. He or she has professional tools, techniques, and skills that will help you prevent and treat cavities.

·         Regular, professional cleanings will ensure that all the plaque and bacteria are removed from your teeth at least twice a year. Your teeth will be smooth, clean, and healthy after a visit to the dentist.  Your caregivers can also catch problems that arise earlier; wait until it hurts just isn’t a logical option, the cost of care goes up and the risk for greater damage from cavities, old restoration failure and recession go up.

At Dr. Alina Bergan DDS, our family dentist can keep your teeth clean and cavity free. To schedule an appointment , call our 5 Towns office at (800)223-0801 today.