New Year, New You: New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile

With the New Year approaching, you may have already begun to think about your New Year’s resolutions. You may be considering resolving to save money, get a better job or lose weight. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the New Year. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions improving your dental health?

Healthy resolutions can keep your teeth healthy, and any of the following strategies will go a long way toward giving you a brighter, healthier smile in the coming year:

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen your breath.

Quit Smoking or Using Other Tobacco Products

Using tobacco can harm your mouth in a number of ways, increasing your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and throat, lung and oral cancer. Smokers are about twice as likely to lose their teeth as non-smokers. It’s not just smoking tobacco that has negative effects on your oral health: use of smokeless tobacco can be just as harmful to your oral health. The good news is that the risk of tooth loss decreases after you quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco.

Limit Your Alcohol Intake

You may already know that excessive alcohol intake can have an effect on your overall health, but did you know that it may also affect your oral health? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, those who smoke, eat poorly and consume excessive alcohol also have increased gum recession (periodontal pocketing). Their studies show that smokers who regularly consume alcohol are less likely to brush their teeth on a regular basis and are less concerned about their basic health than nonsmokers. Try to brush your teeth after drinking alcohol, especially red wine.

Brush at Least Twice a Day and Floss at Least Once a Day

Brushing and flossing protect your teeth from decay and gum disease, which is caused by your teeth’s most persistent enemy, plaque – a sticky, colorless, invisible film of harmful bacteria that builds up on your teeth every day. Both brushing and flossing are equally important for good oral health: according to the Academy of General Dentistry, only flossing can remove plaque from between teeth and below the gumline, where decay and gum disease often begins.

Without proper brushing and flossing, you may develop bleeding gums, which may worsen to severely swollen, red, bleeding gums (gingivitis) and, eventually, gum disease. Because diseases of the mouth can affect the rest of your body, it is especially important to maintain good oral health.

See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups

By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address areas of concern.

For this New Year, resolve to treat your mouth right: improve your diet, quit smoking and improve your oral hygiene habits – your teeth and your body will thank you for it!

For more information about oral health call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., today at (800) 223-0801.

Give Yourself the Gift of Good Oral Health this Holiday Season

'Tis the season for giving, but remember to give yourself the most important gift of all this holiday season: a healthy smile! Maintaining good oral hygiene during the holiday season is more important than ever, advises Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. 

Holiday get-togethers tend to lead people to consume sugary treats and drink alcoholic beverages more than usual. Additionally, with busy schedules and increased stress levels, many peoples' oral hygiene suffers. Many forget the most basic of oral hygiene tasks that can counteract the effects of sugary snacks and drinks.

 If all you want this holiday season is to keep your two front teeth, or all of your teeth for that matter, then check out Dr. Bergan's tips on how to save your smile.

Wine

Whether red or white, the high acidity levels in wine can eat away at a tooth's enamel. Tooth enamel is critical in the protection against decay and cavities. To avoid damage, refrain from swishing the wine around in your mouth, and drink water in between beverages to rinse the teeth of the acid. Cheers! 

Sugary Treats

Bacteria in the mouth thrive on the sugars found in candy canes, chocolate, and holiday goodies, increasing the likelihood of developing cavities. If you are not able to brush and floss after munching on sweet treats, drink water or chew a piece of sugarless gum. This will boost saliva flow in the mouth and help wash away bacteria. 

Stress

Holiday anxiety can cause people to grind or clench their teeth, causing jaw pain, headaches, and chipping. "Finding ways to alleviate your anxiety can help, but it's also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions like a custom night guard," advises Dr. Bergan. "Wearing a guard at night will prevent you from taking out the holiday stress on your teeth while you sleep."

 Remember that the gift of oral health is one that keeps on giving all year long!

 "A healthy smile should always be at the top of your wish list," says Dr. Bergan. "Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and schedule an appointment to see your general dentist at least twice a year."

For more information about holiday oral health call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., today at (800) 223-0801.

Diabetes and Oral Health – A Two-Way Street

If you, a friend or a family member have diabetes, you may have heard that this common disease increases a person’s risk of gum disease and other oral health problems. But did you know that this relationship is a mutually distressing one? Not only does diabetes make gum disease worse, but gum disease can actually make diabetes worse too by interfering with blood-glucose management strategies.

Here, we shine some light on the relationship between diabetes and oral health, and what you can do about it.

Diabetes makes it difficult for the body to fight infection. Whether the infection is located in the mouth, the foot or any other part of the body, poor circulation suppresses the immune system, making it harder for the body’s natural infection fighting responders to do their job. This means that if you have diabetes, you are more prone to gum disease, and other oral health problems too such as, thrush and dry mouth.

On the flip-side, gum disease can also make diabetes worse. Whenever the body is fighting illness or an infection (such as a cold or the flu or even gum disease), blood sugar spikes are harder to control with regular methods and thus extra monitoring and control-measures are required.

Are you wondering what you can do to minimize this damage? First and foremost, keep your blood sugar under control by using the methods that your physician has prescribed. Next, practice good oral health maintenance with regular brushing and flossing. And finally, don't skip regular trips to the dentist and other oral health professionals. If you have diabetes, you cannot afford to ignore this important part of your body. For more information about oral health call Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. today at (800) 223-0801.

How Long do Dental Implants Last?

If you're considering going through the dental implant process, it’s important to know how long they will last.  The good news is dental implants are designed to be a permanent solution to missing teeth caused by tooth decay, injury or other causes.  Implants should look, feel and act like real teeth.

Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. can provide you with a permanent solution to your missing or dead teeth. Dental implants are made of a titanium root that is anchored in the jaw. This acts as a functional anchor for the implanted tooth and crown.  The bone grows around the implanted post the same way bone grows around the natural root of a tooth.

Do Dental Implants Last as long as Your Real Teeth?

How long do your real teeth last?  They should last a lifetime.  However, we all can cite examples where teeth have not served for a person's lifetime.  Oftentimes, our teeth do not last long enough due to poor home care or a lack of dental visits. Just as natural teeth may not last a lifetime, dental implants may not be permanent. 

With proper care and routine dental check-ups your dental implants should last a lifetime. This can be maintained through good hygiene and following the instructions of your dentist. 

If you are ready to take a permanent step towards a more confident smile and are tired of seeing those missing teeth, please contact Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. We serve patients in 5 Towns area in Cedarhurst . Call us today at (800) 223-0801.

Dental Hygiene Essentials for Busy Parents

As a parent, life can get very busy. There’s so much to do and remember for work, for your kids, for you, personally, that things can sometimes get forgotten. Your kids’ dental habits shouldn’t be one of them. However, we understand it can be tough to manage it all, so we’ve put together a list of kid’s dental hygiene essentials every busy parent should have.

1. Give Your Kids a Tooth-Brushing Calendar. For busy parents, one tool that might help is a daily tooth-brushing calendar to make sure your kids are brushing their teeth twice a day and using floss at least once a day. Your kids could check off or place a sticker on each calendar day and time they’ve successfully brushed and flossed their teeth. Create a rewards system as an extra motivator. If they keep to their daily brushing schedule for a week or a month, then they could get a fun reward, like a trip to the movies or getting a DVD or toy they’ve been wanting. The reward can be whatever you think is best for your household, but it might give them some extra incentive to do well that week or month when it comes to brushing and flossing their teeth.

If your child is too young to brush his teeth on his own, recruit an older sibling to help. If he has no older siblings, schedule times that you and your spouse (or other family member) can take turns helping your child brush his teeth.

2. Keep their dental appointments a priority. Make sure your kids are seeing a dentist every six months. Schedule their dental appointments ahead of time. If you can’t find a time to take them, ask a friend or family member if they can help.

3. Compile a travel kit for your car that includes:

·         Toothpaste

·         Toothbrushes

·         Floss

·         Water

·         Healthy Snacks like granola bars

Whether you’re taking a vacation, a weekend trip or just running a few errands, being prepared when traveling can help safeguard your kids’ dental habits. Leave this travel kit in your car or grab it on your way out. If your kids forget their toothbrush and toothpaste on a trip, they’ll have backups; if they need to floss after eating a hearty meal, they won’t have to do without; and if they get hungry or thirsty, you won’t have to resort to junk food because you’ll have healthy snacks available (This can be a money-saver, too!).

4. Stock your house with extra:

·         Toothpaste

·         Floss

·         Toothbrushes 

·         Straws

·         Healthy Snacks

Having extra toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss stored in the bathroom is a good idea, especially if you’re really busy. It can be hard to make runs to the store for just a couple of items if you’ve already got a lot going on. You could even store some of these extras in the kitchen so your kids will remember to brush their teeth after eating.

Additionally, encourage your kids to use straws when they drink sugary beverages. Although these drinks should be limited for the betterment of your kids’ teeth and health, if they do drink some, using a straw can help keep the sugar from coating their teeth.

5. Educate your kids and sitters about the importance of dental hygiene. The more your kids know to do, the less you’ll have to do in this area. Educate your kids about proper dental hygiene habits so they’ll know when and why they need to brush and floss their teeth, what they should be eating and drinking and how to take care of their dental health overall. You can do this by giving them great dental books to read and referencing some of their favorite movies that mention dental care.

If you have sitters for your kids, stress the importance of your kids’ dental habits to them, too. They can make sure your kids are taking care of their teeth while you’re out.

Your kids’ dental hygiene habits are important and it’s good to be developing them now. We hope these essential dental hygiene tips can help you, even with your busy schedule. Contact our office for more information or to schedule a checkup today at 800-223-0801.

Fun Facts About Teeth

As children, we are obsessed with our teeth.  Counting them, watching them fall out and grow back in.  Waiting for the tooth fairy’s surprise under our pillows. Then as adults, we are still obsessed with them, but maybe in a different way (as in “why do they always hurt and why aren’t they white anymore?”)  So just for fun, and to further indulge in this fascination with teeth, here are some fun facts about teeth.

This is a great article to share with your children!  How many of these facts did you already know?

Sharks don’t get cavities.  Why?  Because their teeth are coated in fluoride.  That combined with the fact that they have rows and rows of replacement teeth, ready to go at a moment’s notice, give them an unfair advantage over humans when it comes to oral health.

You are lucky!  You have three types of teeth:  (1) Incisors to bite pieces off, (2) Canines to hold and tear, and (3) molars to grind food.  This allows you to eat a wide variety of foods.  Some animals, like crocodiles, aren’t so lucky, they only have sharp teeth to grab and kill, which greatly reduces their restaurant choices.

Enamel is the hardest material in the human body.  It is considered the last line of defense for your tooth.  Normal wearing down of enamel does occur over time and is simply a part of aging.  But bacteria can cause this breakdown to accelerate, which is why we brush and floss regularly!

Taste buds only live for about 10 days, or 2 weeks if they are lucky.  They go through a life cycle just like every other cell renewal processes in the body.

Sharkskin is covered in teeth.  Don’t believe me?  Both sharks and their cousins, rays, are covered in what are called dermal denticles.  Although they look like scales they are actually just modified teeth, with an enamel coating and all!  These protect them and also help them swim faster, but enough about sharks.

The jaw muscle, called the “masseter”, is the strongest muscle in the body if we are talking about strength based by weight.  When all of these muscles work together, the jaw exerts 55 pounds of weight on the incisors and 200 pounds on the molars.  This is why we take jaw disorders like teeth grinding, TMJ and bruxism very seriously – that’s a lot of force!  Call us today if you suspect you might be a teeth grinder.

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

 Did you know any of these fun facts about teeth already or did we surprise you?

Effects of alcohol on your teeth

It is the time of year for football tailgating and the start of the holiday party season. With these events there is an increase in alcohol consumption.

The main threat to your teeth and gums comes from the sugar content in alcohol (including beer) which, when broken down in your mouth, creates an acidic breeding ground for bacteria and plaque.

There is also a strong clinical link between the excessive consumption of alcohol and head and neck cancers. In fact, while it can increase the risk of getting these diseases if used together with tobacco, alcohol can pose a risk in its own right.

Limiting the Damage

§        Most importantly, after a night out, you should brush and floss your teeth before going to bed. If you often forget to do this, leave your tooth brush on your pillow before you go out to remind you to spend a couple of minutes brushing.

While you’re drinking try to swish a mouthful of water around every so often to increase the saliva flow and rinse away sugars and acid in your mouth

On your way home, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow and clear the mouth of harmful sugars and acid.

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

Floss......Or Die....

Okay…so the heading might be a tad dramatic and please don't take the threat literally. However let’s consider the facts and the truth is that not flossing has been linked with an increased risk of developing systemic diseases.

We understand that there are 5 tooth surfaces per tooth. (figure below)

Tooth brushing alone will eliminate the plaque (bacteria) build up on 3 of the 5 surfaces. The remaining 2 surfaces that sit against other teeth will not be accessible by your tooth brush bristles. Oral bacteria can travel through the blood stream to affect other areas of the body. It is for that reason, that dentists, emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing (and tongue cleaning) to minimize the risks of developing systemic conditions.

Be sure to floss your teeth and schedule regular check up and cleanings with Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S today. Please call us at (800) 223-0801 with any questions or to schedule your cleaning today. 

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.