Is Your Whitening Toothpaste Hurting You?

Tartar control and whitening pastes can be especially abrasive and should be used with great caution. If you are using any of those products you should know that they do not contain any of the materials dentists use to whiten teeth, such as carbamide peroxide and other oxygen releasing chemicals.

What they do contain are abrasives and scrubbing agents that do not brighten enamel or penetrate into the microscopic openings in the tooth surface to where the real darkening is happening.

They simply remove surface stains.  This is not real whitening and is only temporary.

But they also can cause microscopic scratches in the tooth enamel surface that not only collect stain, but can also harbor the biofilms that begin the decay process. And they can cause tooth sensitivity, especially to temperature extremes.

This is significant damage and it can be reversed to some degree by dental offices that know how.

Real tooth whitening can only be done with professionally effective and safe materials. Dentists know that they have to be sure your teeth do not have defects that can be harmed by whitening materials and they have to supervise the process.

Want whiter teeth?  Let us know.  We will show you how to do it, safely.  

Most toothpaste sold today is perfectly safe and effective.  Avoid those that claim to whiten teeth or remove stains from smoking. These are the bad ones that may cause your teeth harm.
Toothpaste is, basically, a lubricant and detergent.  It is the brush that does the work of removing biofilm, food debris and other unwanted stuff.  And it tastes good. Make sure it has fluoride.

All over the world there are cultures that clean their mouths very well without toothpaste.  But it's nice to have it.

So choose what you like according to the flavor, feel, cost, etc.

You also need floss, or some other effective way to get between teeth safely.

The important thing is to stay focused.  The goal is to remove biofim from all surfaces above and below the gumline, without damage.

Please call us at (800) 223-0801 with any questions or to schedule your teeth whitening today. 

What to Look for when Choosing a Mouthwash

Mouthwash is important for more than just keeping your breath fresh and smelling great. Combined with other forms of dental hygiene, it can help prevent plaque, cavities, gingivitis, and other gum diseases. But it may be difficult for you to choose the right mouthwash off the shelf. Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. and her team wanted to share a few things to look for when choosing a mouthwash.

Fluoride mouthwashes

Fluoride has been the subject of many debates in the oral health community. If you live in the United States, the tap water already contains small amounts of fluoride to promote dental health. You may not need to use a fluoride mouthwash if this is the case. However, if you are cavity-prone, fluoride creates a protective film over the teeth that protects against these buildups. It also helps strengthen the enamel over the teeth, maintain good dental hygiene, and keep your teeth strong for the rest of your life.

Alcohol mouthwashes

Alcohol in mouthwash works as an antiseptic: it clears the mouth of germs and some viral infections. However, if you have issues relating to dry mouth, alcohol can exacerbate the problem. If this is the case, consider using an alcohol-free mouthwash. This will free your mouth from the drying effects of the alcohol base. Also, if you have children, you will want to get an alcohol-free children’s mouthwash, because kids are prone to swallowing the substance, and this can lead to toxic side effects. Even if you are an adult using the mouthwash, if it contains alcohol, you should avoid swallowing it.

Antibacterial mouthwashes

Antibacterial mouthwashes have chemicals to help fight gum disease and other infections. Most mouthwash products contain at least trace amounts of these antibacterials; however, some mouthwashes are made specifically to fight bacterial infections. Remember that mouthwash is prevention, not a cure, so if you are presently suffering from a bacterial infection, you should visit our Cedarhurst, NY office right away. Dr. Alina Bergan may be able to recommend a more powerful antibacterial mouthwash that can help you reduce your pain and other symptoms.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801.

Protecting Your Children's Teeth

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease affecting children, and unfortunately, kids who develop cavities in their baby teeth are more prone to develop cavities in their permanent teeth as well.

How to protect children's teeth from decay

Prolonged exposure to sugar containing liquids can cause tooth decay, so limit your child's consumption of beverages that contain sugar, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened fruit juices. If you give your child a sippy cup for long periods of time, fill it only with water and do not allow them to take it to bed. Children should be encouraged to drink from a regular cup as early as possible. since it minimizes the duration of time that the liquid are in contact with the teeth.  Limit sugary or starchy snack, especially those that can remain stuck to or in between the teeth after eating.

When should my child see a Dentist

It is a good idea to start bringing your child to the Dentist on a regular basis at the age of two, unless you notice obvious dark spots on the teeth before that time. Early visits help familiarize your child with the dental office, reducing anxiety and making future visits less stressful. At your child's visits to our office, we will examine the health and development of their teeth and mouth and review good and preventive oral habits which should be reinforced at home. Feel free to bring your child to your dental cleaning appointments, in order for them to see that mom and dad also get their teeth cleaned. 

If you have questions about your child's dental health or to make an appointment call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801. 

Healthy Summer Foods

It’s summer—that wonderful time of year when fresh and delicious produce abounds. Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. will tell you that your teeth, gums, and tissues all rely on an appropriate mix of vitamins and minerals to maintain good oral health no matter what time of year. In previous studies, nutrients in fruits and vegetables such as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants have all been associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and cancers, including oral cancer.

Here are four foods we want you to enjoy this summer to ensure a healthy mouth:

Watermelons and Strawberries

Watermelons have high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain and stimulates the flow of saliva. In addition, research shows that eating foods full of water (watermelon is 92 percent water) helps keep you satiated on fewer calories. Finally, in addition to containing skin-protecting lycopene, eating watermelon can help you stay hydrated during the summer months, which not only keep your memory sharp and your mood stable, but also help keep your body cool.

Strawberries are juicy and delicious, and they’re also considered a superfood. Nutrient-rich and packed with antioxidants (such as vitamin C, which can help with cancer prevention), strawberries also promote eye health, help fight bad cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure.

Apples

Did you know consuming apples can help you attain whiter, healthier teeth? It’s true. Biting and chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, and in the process, lowers the levels of bacteria and other harmful acids, leading to a lower likelihood of tooth decay. Apple consumption can also boost your immune system; reducing cholesterol and helping you avoid Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Finally, eating an apple a day has been linked to heart health, including a lower risk of death from both coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy snack and can help you ward off cancer. This yummy red fruit contains lycopene, which helps protect your skin from sunburn. Tomatoes can also help you fight heart disease due to the niacin, folate, and vitamin B6 nutrients they contain. They’re high in crucial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, which work to prevent DNA damage.

The best prevention method is to visit your dentist regularly and keep
up with daily teeth cleanings at home. Please call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801 to schedule a checkup. 

What To Do With Sensitive Teeth

When you have sensitive teeth, simple tasks like eating, drinking, or brushing can cause pain to your teeth. Usually this is because the tooth enamel has been worn down by exposed teeth roots or by a cavity, chip or crack in the tooth. If you are experiencing sensitivity to your teeth, a visit to Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. may be in order. Upon your visit, the doctor and his trained staff may recommend some of the following options as treatment to alleviate your sensitivity symptoms.

Most tooth sensitivity is because you have exposed part of the dentin, which is the tooth area that conceals the nerve. This could be from gums receding or wear on your teeth. When the temperature changes or you eat very acidic or sweet food, this can cause pain in the mouth. Though the pain usually does not last a long time, it can be sharp and intense. Dentin actually is made up a series of pores that go from the tooth’s outside to the nerve at its center. These pores or ducts are easily stimulated by temperature or food types when the dentin is left exposed.

In order to help treat sensitive teeth, it is always best to make sure you are paying close attention to your oral health. That means brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using toothpaste with fluoride in it. Your dentist may ask you if you are using very coarse toothpaste or brushing too vigorously, both of which can lead to sensitive teeth. Another reason for the wearing down of the dentin can be bruxism, or tooth grinding, which a dentist like Dr. Alina Bergan can help fix with options such as mouth guards.

Watch What You Are Eating and Drinking

Other things to look out for include watching what you eat and drink. Certain foods like soft drinks, citrus, yogurt, or wine can eat away at tooth enamel. Avoiding large quantities of these foods and drinks can decrease the chances of teeth sensitivity. Also, remembering to rinse your mouth out with water after indulging in those items will help wash away those harmful acids.

Treatment Options

Depending on what is causing your sensitivity, Dr, Alina Bergan D.D.S has many treatment options. If it is periodontitis, or gum disease, that is the trigger, then a deep cleaning by the hygienists and dentist can help. If the dentist sees that your dentin is exposed though, he could apply a fluoridated varnish to help reinforce the dentin and the enamel of the teeth. Fluoride can also be applied directly to the teeth through a gel or foam, which sits on a tray in your mouth for a few minutes and helps to beef up those affected areas. Tooth bonding materials, usually used to restore the look of teeth cosmetically, can also be used to seal the top of the dentin and create a block to the nerves that cause it to be sensitive. If the sensitivity is very bad, a root canal or other dental care may be necessary. For home treatments, your dentist may recommend that you use very softly bristled toothbrush, highly fluoridated toothpaste, and may even suggest desensitizing toothpaste, which can help block the pain while your dentin heals.

If you think you may be experiencing any tooth sensitivity, please call us today at (800) 223-0801 and schedule an appointment.

Top 3 Signs of a Cavity

  We all hate hearing that dreaded word…CAVITY! These tiny holes in our teeth, although very common, can turn into much bigger issues if left untreated, leading to severe pain, infection or even the loss of the tooth. Don’t worry, there’s good news! Cavities can be easily treated if detected early. Here are a few common symptoms of potential tooth decay to watch for:

·       
The “Ouch” Factor – It’s common for all of us to get a small toothache here and there. But, if you are experiencing consistent pain in one spot this could be a sign the tooth is beginning to decay.

·       
Too Hot, Not Too Cold – Watch out for extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods. You should be able to enjoy a cup of coffee or a bowl of ice cream without pain.

·        The Dark Hole – Although it’s often very difficult to detect the actual cavity, sometimes you are able to see the formation of a hole or pit in your tooth. Be sure to schedule a dental appointment immediately if the cavity
becomes visible.

 However, don’t rely on self-detection alone. Often cavities are too small for us to see or feel. The best prevention method is to visit your dentist regularly and keep up with daily teeth cleanings at home. Please call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801 to schedule a checkup. 

Understanding the Causes of Enamel Erosion

Say hello to enamel, the thin outer covering of your teeth. This tough as nails shell ranks as the hardest tissue in the human body, and provides your teeth the strength and resiliency needed to munch, crunch and chew day after day. Enamel coats the crown of a tooth, the area that’s visible outside of the gums.

Enamel is translucent; you can see light through it. But the main part of the tooth, referred to as dentin, is the part most responsible for your tooth color – be it white, off white, yellowish or grey.

Occasionally beverages like fruit juice, red wine, soda, tea and coffee can stain the color of enamel, making your teeth appear less bright. Fortunately, scheduling regular visits with our doctors at Mountainside Family Dentistry for checkups and cleanings can help remove most surface stains and make sure you teeth and gums stay healthy and strong.

Enamel’s Role

Enamel works to protect your teeth from the daily stresses they experience from grinding, crunching, biting and chewing. While enamel is remarkably strong and resilient, it can crack and chip when weakened or stressed. Enamel also helps to insulate teeth from potentially uncomfortable hot and cold temperatures and irritating chemicals.

Unlike a broken bone that the body can repair, once a tooth becomes chipped or broken, the damage becomes permanent. The body cannot repair damaged enamel because it has no living cells. This makes protecting the health of your teeth’s enamel vitally important to maintaining strong oral health.

Causes of Enamel Erosion

Tooth erosion occurs when acids erode away tooth enamel. Enamel erosion can occur as the result of the following conditions:

·         Drinking soda – which contains high levels of citric and phosphoric acid – on a daily basis

·         Drinking fruit drinks – which are also highly acidic – on a daily basis

·         Low saliva flow or dry mouth

·         Diet high in starches and sugar

·         Acid reflux disease

·         Gastrointestinal problems

·         Medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect

·         Genetics

·         Stress

If you regularly engage in any of these habits or suffer from any of these medical conditions, you may have a higher risk of suffering from enamel erosion.

Environmental Causes of Surface Erosion

Wear and tear, friction, corrosion and stress – or a combination of these effects – can cause erosion to occur to the surface of a tooth. Clinically, these effects can be described as the following conditions:

·         Attrition: A naturally occurring tooth-to-tooth friction that happens when you grind or clench your teeth, attrition generally occurs involuntarily while asleep.

·         Abrasion: A physical wear and tear of the surface of a tooth that occurs as a result of aggressive brushing, incorrect flossing, biting down on hard objects – such as pens, bottle caps or fingernails –, or the use of chewing tobacco.

·         Abfraction: A condition that occurs as a result of stress fractures in the tooth as cracks from bending or flexing of the tooth.

·         Corrosion: A condition that occurs chemically when acidic materials interacts with the surface of a tooth such as with medications like vitamin C tablets or aspirin, foods high in acidity, acid reflux disease and frequent vomiting from alcoholism or bulimia.

Preventing Enamel Loss

To prevent enamel loss and keep your teeth healthy and strong, it’s important that you take the time to properly brush and floss daily. It’s also important that you schedule regular appointments with Alina Bergan D.D.S. to undergo routine checkups and cleanings. You can also cut back on the number of sugary or highly acidic foods and drinks you consume as part of your diet, and make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

By making these small changes to your daily routine and diet, you can greatly reduce your risk of enamel erosion so you continue to smile brightly for years to come. Please call our office today with any questions at (800) 223-0801.