How to Slow Down and Enjoy the Holiday

Wild, crazy, busy, stressful, overwhelming – there are so many negative words that we use to describe the holiday season! But let’s be real, it’s all for good reason. Here are some practices for keeping things calm and collected during stressful times, which I think are especially helpful when guests are in the house, shopping lists are long, and holiday travel is imminent. Here are six ways to slow down and really enjoy the holiday season – take them to heart!

1.    Meditate! Meditation, prayer, or just setting aside some quiet time. This works differently for everyone, and there are so many ways you can use that time to focus and unwind. It is good to start your day this way so you can feel rejuvenated and balanced when your busy day begins. There are also apps you can use to help you with meditation. Headspace is a popular App for quick 10-minute meditations.

2.    Schedule a group exercise activity. Spending a whole day lazing in the living room with your in-laws can drive anyone up the wall; many find that getting a good workout is an instant, foolproof way to get moods back in order. You can book time at local tennis courts and ice rinks with your family, so you can get all of the cousins (and adults!) out and moving around. Yoga class, long walks, spin class or even something fun like Zumba could also work.

3.    Take an aromatherapy bath. It’s tough to find time to actually do this when you have four guests sharing the same bathroom and people to entertain downstairs. But even if you have to do it after everyone has gone to sleep – or, before they’ve waken up – spending fifteen minutes soaking in hot water and essential oils can work wonders for your nerves, mood and spirit. A favorite de-stress essential oil blend is the following: 2 drops lavender, 1 drop neroli, and 2 drop geranium essential oils. 

4.    Holiday shopping should happen online. It’s true; there’s something so fun and magical about spending a day out and about looking at the holiday decorations in the stores – many particularly adore the holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman – but shopping online is a major time saver.

5.    Do just one thing at once. We have a tendency to glorify multitasking, but in the holiday season try slowing down and focusing on one task at a time – and really getting into it, not letting yourself become distracted or worried by other things – makes every task so much more enjoyable. Put on some holiday music and put your heart into your tasks of wrapping gifts, decorating the house, or cooking your holiday meal.

6.    Practice gratitude. It’s easy to lose sight of gratitude during the busy holidays, but it’s what will help center you and make you feel a little stressed. Even if it’s just in between thoughts, think about how grateful you are for your family, health, home, the food on the table, the clothes in your closet, and your teeth (so you can eat all the holiday goodies) you get into this frame of mind, life feels full. (PS – check out this recent New York Times piece on the emotional effects of gratitude. It’s powerful!)

We hope some of these ideas make it into your holiday season. I know, they’re easier said than done, but a little bit of intention can go a long way!

Give yourself the gift of good oral health this year. Check out our $99 new client special at http://5townsdentistry.com. 

What happens if you don’t have your wisdom teeth removed?

One of the things Dr. Alina Bergan and her team monitor during your dental appointments is the growth of your wisdom teeth, or third molars. Third molars generally begin to erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. Wisdom teeth may require removal for many reasons, including pain, infection, or growth issues. While not all patients need their wisdom tooth removed, problems can develop if removal is not performed.

Overcrowding

A lot of people have smaller mouths and jaws, which do not allow room for the third molars to grow in properly. If these teeth do erupt, overcrowding can occur. Your teeth will begin to shift or overlap each other. Wisdom teeth that erupt after orthodontic care is completed can cause the teeth to shift and negate the work performed.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

When wisdom teeth are impacted, they are trapped below your gum line. Impacted wisdom teeth can be very painful and they are also prone to abscess and infection. The impaction can lead to decay and resorption of healthy teeth.

On occasion, if wisdom teeth are not monitored properly, their growth can shift parallel to the jaw line. They can also shift backward and eventually interfere with the opening and closing of your jaw.

Greater Potential for Decay

Even when wisdom teeth grow in properly, the location can make these teeth harder to care for. This in turn can lead to the growth of more bacteria, and create health issues later in life.

If you do not have your wisdom teeth removed, they will require continued monitoring. Wisdom teeth are just as subject to decay and other problems as the rest of your teeth. Those that appear above the gum surface can often be extracted at a dental office in a fashion similar to any other tooth extraction. Impacted teeth are normally handled by an oral surgeon.

Pain in the back of the jaw and swelling may indicated wisdom teeth that are beginning to rupture or are impacted. A simple set of X-rays will determine the extent and direction of growth. Please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns during your next visit at our Cedarhurst NY office. We will be happy to explain wisdom teeth, and potential removal, as it applies to your specific case.

For more information about wisdom teeth and oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan, at her convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call 800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com/.

Dental Cleaning*, Exam & X-rays: Adult - $89 / Kids up to 12 years old - $69

Dental Cleaning*, Exam & X-rays: Adult - $89 / Kids up to 12 years old - $69 Expires 12/31/2015

Osteoporosis and Oral Health

Let’s examine the relationship between osteoporosis and oral health, since 40 million Americans have osteoporosis or are at high risk. Osteoporosis entails less density in bones, so they become easier to fracture. Research suggests a link between osteoporosis and bone loss in the jaw, which supports and anchors the teeth. Tooth loss affects one third of adults 65 and older.

Bone density and dental concerns

·         Women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to experience tooth loss than those without it.

·         Low bone density results in other dental issues.

·         Osteoporosis is linked to less positive outcomes from oral surgery.

Ill-fitting dentures in post-menopausal women

Studies indicate that women over 50 with osteoporosis need new dentures up to three times more often than women who don’t have the disease. It can be so severe that it becomes impossible to fit dentures correctly, leading to nutritive losses.

Role of dental X-rays in osteoporosis

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) released research that suggest dental X-rays may be used as a screening tool for osteoporosis. Researchers found that dental X-rays could separate people with osteoporosis from those with normal bone density. As dental professionals, our team at Dr. Alina Bergan’s office is in a unique position to screen people and refer them to the appropriate doctor for specialized care.

Effects of osteoporosis medications on oral health

A recent study showed that a rare disease, osteonecrosis, is caused by biophosphenates, a drug taken by people for treatment of osteoporosis. In most cases, the cause was linked to those who take IV biophosphenates for treatment of cancer, but in six percent of cases, the cause was oral biophosphenates. If you are taking a biophosphenate drug, let Dr. Alina Bergan know.

Symptoms of osteonecrosis

Some symptoms you may see are pain, swelling, or infection of the gums or jaw. Additionally, injured or recently treated gums may not heal: teeth will be loose, jaws may feel heavy and numb, or there may be exposed bone. Some of the steps you can take for healthy bones are to eat a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular physical exercise with weight-bearing activities, no smoking and limited use of alcohol, and report problems with teeth to our office, such as teeth that are loose, receding gums or detached gums, and dentures that don’t fit properly.

For more information about the connection between osteoporosis and oral health, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan, at her convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call 800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.

The Secret to Keeping Your Teeth for Life

The secret to keeping your teeth for life involves more than one secret. The first is that there is no secret; and in fact, there really is no difficulty involved. Follow this simple four-step process – brush, floss, rinse, and visit our Cedarhurst, NY office regularly – and you will have healthy teeth for life!

Brush

You should brush your teeth twice a day, preferably once in the morning and once at night. Three times a day is optimal as you should brush after each meal.  Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and light pressure; you do not want to scrub away your gums or tooth enamel.

Brush for a minimum of two minutes, and carefully clean all tooth surfaces. Three minutes is better. Use quality toothpaste; Dr. Alina Bergan and staff can recommend the best type for your needs. Keep your toothbrush clean and replace it about every three months.

Floss

Make flossing part of your daily routine, at least once a day. Flossing is important for more than just removing food particles between your teeth. The process also helps to remove bacteria that you cannot see. Bacterial build-up turns into plaque, or calculus: a cement-like substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone.

Use floss gently; you do not want to cut your gums. There are many different types of flosses and flossing tools. Dr. Alina Bergan and staff will be happy to help you find the style that works best for you.

Rinse

Mouthwash does more than just freshen your breath, it helps to kill the bacteria that lead to plaque formation and gum disease. This extra step can go a long way toward having healthy teeth for life.

Keep your appointments

You should have a professional cleaning with Dr. Alina Bergan twice a year. Some patients benefit from more frequent cleanings. Your hygienist will remove any plaque build-up to prevent gingivitis, which left untreated becomes full-blown gum disease. Periodontitis leads to tooth loss.

When you see Dr. Alina Bergan twice a year for a teeth and mouth exam, she can find problems such as cavities, and treat them before the situation becomes critical. Come see us today at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office!

You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com or call us today at 800-223-0801.

Dental Anxiety

Halloween is tomorrow and it is a time of ghouls and goblins and being scared. Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be a time for fear. Here are some tips to help keep terror feelings in the haunted house and not in the dental chair.   

If you suffer from dental anxiety, a visit to our office might seem like a daunting prospect. Perhaps you had a bad experience in the past, but whatever the reason; please know that at our office, there is nothing to be afraid of. We understand you may be anxious about receiving dental treatments, and we’re here to help you have a comfortable, pain-free experience that will put your fears to rest.

You’re not alone!

A 1984 study that appeared in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that up to 75% of all adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety. This includes five to ten percent that have dental anxiety so severe that they try to avoid a dentist’s office at all costs.

Treatment

If you experience dental anxiety, it is important to let our office know in advance, so we can provide you with the dental care you need with an added touch of TLC. We can assist by explaining behavioral techniques for relaxation, by administering nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or by prescribing a relaxing medication prior to your dental procedure.

We are here to give you the best care and ease your anxiety. Come see us today at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! You can book online www.alinabergandds.com or call us today at 800-223-0801.

Sealants: What are They and How do They Help?

Molars are made up of canyons, caves, pits, and seemingly endless caverns that are a breeding ground for decay. Sealants are a protective solution. When done correctly, a sealant from Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S, can be most effective in preventing cavities.

A sealant is made up of composite (a plastic-like) material that contains bonding agents to seal to the edge of the tooth. Sealants placed on the chewing surfaces of back teeth block food from being trapped. The process in which a sealant is placed is quite precise and painless.


First the tooth is cleaned with a sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) spray. Then an acid etch is applied to “roughen up” the surface. No saliva is to touch the tooth. This will re-mineralize the area, and then a repeat etching is needed. An alcohol-based liquid then dries out the area and it must remain completely dry. The sealant is placed and guided through all the caverns, pits, fissures, and grooves. It is then cured with a special light, which makes it a hard, plastic-like material.

Sealants can last for several years. It is wise to have them examined on a semi-annual basis. If there is a break in the sealant, a high risk for decay is common. If a sealant is damaged, repair is simple, painless, and quick to complete.

Who can benefit from sealants? Everyone! Children often receive sealants as routine preventive care. Adults that have deep canyons with stained grooves on their teeth can also benefit from a sealant. The process is quick, painless, and does not require any anesthesia. It is an effective way to lower dental restorative costs.

An investment in dental sealants can reap great benefits as properly cared for teeth will remain cavity free. Come see us today at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com or call us today at 800-223-0801.

Electric Toothbrushes vs. Manual Toothbrushes: What’s the Difference?

It seems like everyone is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon. As many experts in the dental field are claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible. You also get a free manual toothbrush with your 6 month cleaning and checkups.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. Most people can feel the amount of pressure they are using as they grasp their manual toothbrush; however they can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around to the office, school, and trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Alina Bergan and her team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm. Also please make sure you replace your toothbrush after you recover from the flu or a cold.

Happy brushing!

We would love to see you, at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com or call us today at 800-223-0801.

The Daily (and Nightly) Grind

Changing seasons from summer to fall often means returning from vacations and relaxed schedules to a more settled and structured routine. This is a perfect time of year to pay attention to yourself and notice your own personal habits.

Once you’ve slowed down enough, you may notice a few nagging symptoms, such as a dull, constant headache or a sore jaw when you wake up some mornings. Bruxism, or grinding and/or clenching your teeth is a common problem that affects millions of people, which often go unaware that they are doing it. Other symptoms besides a headache and painful jaw, can be damaged teeth, broken fillings and injured gums. You may not be aware of your own teeth grinding, but often the first people to notice your noisy problem are those that are close to you, such as a family member or roommate that is awakened at night by the sound of your grinding teeth.

During the summer, your teeth clenching and grinding may have been an occasional occurrence, but now, settling into a more consistent routine, you’ve noticed a regular pattern of disturbed sleep and painful days. Don’t delay getting help any longer; grinding you teeth can cause dental complications.

Catching bruxism in the early stages can help prevent dental issues such as losing the enamel from teeth and even worse, exposing the layer of dentin. When this happens your teeth can become very sensitive and lead to eventual decay. Other damage such as flattened or fractured teeth can result from untreated grinding.

A good start to your fall routine and help with your daily grind, is to visit your dentist. Even if you haven’t noticed your clenching and grinding yet, there’s a good chance your dentist will see the tell-tale signs during your checkup. Before deciding on a course of action the cause will need to be determined. If your grinding is due to improper alignment you may need a referral to an orthodontist.

If you have damage such as severely worn or fractured teeth, or broken fillings, your dentist may need to use crowns or fillings to help restore tooth health. To prevent further damage, a splint or mouth guard worn at night may be recommended.

Get away from the grinding and clenching pattern of pain and tooth damage and into the healing power of restoration and prevention. For more information and/or to schedule your exam, please contact our office today at 800-223-0801.

We would love to see you, at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com or call us today.  

Back to School Dental Tips

          

Your child may have the latest wardrobe, school supplies and sports equipment for the new school year, but do they have a healthy mouth and the tools they'll need to maintain it?

According to the American Dental Association, a dental examination is as important as immunizations and booster shots and should be a regular part of back-to-school preparations. With over 51 million school hours missed per year because of dental problems, we think it’s pretty safe to say that taking steps to prevent dental problems and dental emergencies in school age children is a good idea.  Here are some back to school dental tips that will help ensure that your child or teen’s healthy teeth check-ups are the only dental appointments they will need this year.

Supervise Dental Hygiene

In younger children, this is especially important.  Instruct them on proper brushing and flossing.  Check their work to make sure they have cleaned all the way in back and behind their front teeth.  Talk about healthy teeth, and the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene by brushing teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, and once your permanent teeth come in, make sure that they floss.

Don't Skip Regular Dental Check-Ups

The best way to avoid the need for extensive dental work is to detect problems early.  Seeing the dentist every six months for and exam and dental cleaning makes this possible, and prevents small problems from turning into bigger, more expensive and more time consuming problems.

Wear Sports Mouthguards

Some of the most common sports injuries are dental injuries.  Youth athletics are an important part of life for many kids, and dental injuries can happen in any sport.  Make sure your child or teen wears a dental mouth guard to protect his/her teeth during practice and games.  Ask your dentist about custom-fitted mouth guards for added protection.

Pack a Good Lunch

1. Stay away from packing your child’s lunch with drinks that are high in sugar.  Many sports drinks, energy drinks, sodas, and juices have anywhere between 5-12 teaspoons of sugar in one serving.  The longer this sugar stays on your child’s teeth, the more likely they will develop tooth decay.  Many children do not have a chance to brush their teeth throughout the day, so minimizing the amount of sugar in their lunch can help decrease their chances of cavities.

2.  Pack snacks that are high in protein in your child’s lunch.  High protein foods will minimize hunger, and as a result your child will be less likely to snack all day on sugary unhealthy foods that are found in many cafeterias and on-campus vending machines.

3. If you want to occasionally add a sweet treat to your child’s lunch, try chocolate instead of other candies that are highly acidic and/or are more likely to stick to their teeth for long periods of time.

Check out our New Child Patient Special! If you have any questions about dental care for your kids, give us a call at 800-223-0801. We would love to see you, at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! 

Alternative Uses for Mouthwash

Do you have a bottle of mouthwash that sits on your bathroom counter only to be used once and a while? We often don’t think about using mouthwash as a part of our daily routine – but mouthwash has proven to come in handy for more than controlling just bad breath. Take a look at these refreshing and money-saving alternative uses for mouthwash.

Other than the obvious use of cleansing your mouth, mouthwash can aid many hygiene-related emergencies, as listed below:

• Face Cleanser. If you have an alcohol-based and sugar-free mouthwash, it can act exactly the same as a facial astringent. Simply apply to a clean face with a cotton ball and rinse afterward.
• Garlic Odor. As good as garlic tastes, it’s probably not the chosen perfume for date night. After eating garlic, you can get garlic breath, garlic hands…and just a garlic scent that is simply unappealing. Along with using mouthwash for its intended purpose, try rubbing a little on your hands and neck to defuse the smell.
• Dandruff Remover. Mouthwash is designed to kill bacteria and fungus in the mouth, but it does the exact same thing if you use it outside of the mouth. Dandruff is actually caused by a fungus, which causes the scalp to be irritated and itchy. To let mouthwash work its magic, simply soak your hair in mouthwash and wrap it in a towel for 15 minutes. After that, wash your hair normally. Repeat if needed. You can also dip a cotton swab into the mouthwash and run it over the scalp line and any areas that you see flakes.

Most of the uses of mouthwash from a health standpoint have to do with its anti-fungal properties and ingredients.

·         Cut Disinfectant. Because most mouthwashes contain alcohol of some kind, they can act as a great disinfectant. Simply apply some to a cotton swab and gently wipe the cut – if it stings slightly, that is normal.

• Hand Sanitizer. As longs as you use alcohol-based and sugar-free mouthwash, you are good to go for clean and fresh hands!
• Bruise Treatment. Rubbing mouthwash over a bruise or soon-to-be bruised area will help cover up any injury that may have occurred.
• Poison Ivy Treatment. While it is not an instant healing treatment, applying mouthwash to poison ivy relieves itchiness and speeds up the overall healing time.
• Athlete’s Foot Treatment. If you have spray for athlete’s foot, that is the best thing to use first. But if you find yourself in a tough spot, mouthwash will help, but it may sting slightly. If you are at the gym and forgot your shower shoes you can use mouthwash on your feet to help prevent athlete’s foot.
• After-Piercing Care. After you get a piercing, professionals will tell you to buy a special treatment for keeping the area clean and safe from infection. A secret: mouthwash does the same thing. Just apply it a couple of times a day and you’re set!
• Flea Repellant. For dogs or cats, a vet will suggest buying flea shampoo or spray to keep the pests off them, but mouthwash actually works well at keeping fleas away, too. You can either combine some mouthwash with your pet’s shampoo or create a spray by deluding it with water.

Around the home, mouthwash can be used in a variety of ways, especially when it comes to cleaning!

• Fresh Laundry. Sometimes, you just have that load of laundry that will not come out smelling fresh no matter what. In cases like this, adding a cup of mouthwash to the load helps eliminate odor and kills germs.
• Clean Bathrooms. Mouthwash is a great agent for killing mold or mildew in bathroom sinks, counters, toilets, showers and bathtubs! After cleaning, your bathroom will look and smell minty fresh!
• Garbage Disposal Cleaner. Ever sniff around the kitchen and notice something smells funky? More often than not, it is the garbage disposal stinking up the whole room. An easy fix for this is pouring about ½ a cup of mouthwash down the disposal and – voila!
• Computer Monitor Cleaner. This only works on glass monitors, but applying mouthwash with a damp rag to the screen helps clear off any smudges. This will not work well on LCD displays, so make sure you know which kind you have before you try it.

Isn’t it cool to hear all that mouthwash can do? So remember to practice good dental hygiene with brushing and flossing. Then use mouthwash to cleanse your breath and in other creative ways.

If you have any questions about mouthwash, give us a call at 800-223-0801. We would love to see you, at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com or call us today.  

Have a Bright Summer with a Whiter Smile

Summertime brings sunshine and warm weather, and many of our patients begin thinking about brightening their smiles this time of year. A whiter smile is one just one visit away with Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S!

Many people try to whiten their teeth on their own at home, only to find out the products they are using either do not work or they cause harm to their teeth. Dental office tooth whitening is safe, quick, and inexpensive. It can be used to correct many tooth discolorations which may have been caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Using the latest in whitening technology, we can offer a safe method for creating the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted. Come in today for a consultation and let us tell you how we can get your smile shining in no time.

Dr. Alina Bergan is ready to help make your smile whiter this summer. Give us a call today at 800-223-0801, to schedule appointments at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office!

Ways to Keep Kids’ Teeth Safe In Summer

To kids, summer is a time to play outside, go swimming, and have all kinds of adventures. Even though summer is a carefree time of year, it’s still important for them to take care of their teeth. Here are some simple ways you can keep their teeth safe as they play from dawn to dusk.

1. Swimming: Frequent swimmers are prone to something called “swimmer’s calculus,” which causes yellow-brown or dark brown stains on teeth. These spots are the result of pool water treatment chemicals coming in contact with their teeth. This usually happens when kids spend more than six hours a week in the pool. The good news is that it’s a cosmetic condition that can be easily removed by dentists. As a precaution, you may want to schedule an extra dental visit your kids do a lot of swimming.
2. Diving: If you plan on doing any scuba diving this summer, you may experience something called “tooth squeeze,” or pain in the center of the tooth. The changes in air pressure combined with divers biting too hard on the regulators can result in jaw pain, gum issues or tooth pain. Have the whole family’s teeth checked prior to any scuba excursions.
3. Pool safety: Many summertime dental injuries occur around the pool. Two of the most common causes are slipping and falling, and playing too rough. Talk to your kids to make sure they do not run around the pool or roughhouse in or around it.
4. Summer sports: When playing any contact sport—even if it’s just for fun—make sure your kids wear helmets and mouthguards. Mouthguards prevent more than 200,000 dental injuries each year.

Another way to keep your kids teeth this summer is to make sure they are eating the right kids of foods. Microbes from sugars and starches thrive in food particles stay in your kids’ mouth and create a menacing acid that can promote tooth cavities. It should be proposed that you just give your kids sugary pastries after dinner, or once a day. If your child needs snacks throughout the day, attempt to maintain a distance from sugary beverages, for example, fruit juices.

The following is a rundown of good snacks for your kid to enjoy during summer heat.

Fruit: Pineapples, pears, apples, berries, melons and oranges.

Grains: Unsweetened cereals, plain bagels and whole-grain breads.

Nuts and seeds: Pumpkin seeds, low-salt or unsalted peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

Raw vegetables: Carrots, broccoli and celery sticks.

Dr. Alina Bergan is ready to help make sure your family has great dental health this summer, please call with any questions or concerns you may have. We can be reached at 800-223-0801, to schedule appointments at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office!

Fourth of July Dental Tips

Happy Fourth of July from your Cedarhurst Dentist Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. and staff! To help keep your celebrations as joyful as possible, we've put together a few dental tips that will keep your smile as bright as the fireworks.

Ice, Candy Apples, Corn on the Cob, and Pretzels are common at Fourth of July BBQs. Try to avoid chewing on ice and if you must have a candy apple, slice the apple to make it easier to chew on. Use a knife to cut the corn off of the cob so you can enjoy the flavor without hurting your teeth. If the pretzels are a bit stale try dunking them in some water before you chow down. If you do chip your tooth, here are some tips to keep the pain down until you can visit the office after the holiday day.

If your tooth is broken, chipped, or fractured, you definitely need to see Dr. Bergan as soon as possible), as you risk damaging your tooth further, or worse becoming infected, which can lead to total tooth loss. 

Make sure that you:

• Rinse your mouth with some clean, warm saltwater.
• Take some over-the-counter pain relief. Look for the bottle with acetaminophen as the active ingredient.
• If you have to eat, try to avoid using the broken tooth, and stick to soft foods
• Sometimes a broken or chipped tooth will leave a sharp edge, which you can cover with wax or plain chewing gum (sugarless).

Daylong snacking is a common event at Independence Day celebrations. To help keep your teeth clean without bringing a toothbrush, try chewing on some sugarless ADA approved gum. It will remove food particles and stimulate saliva production.

Beer and Soda are popular beverages at BBQs, so make sure to alternate drinks with water. This will help keep your teeth clean and the pH normal in your mouth. As an added bonus, water helps avoid hangovers and helps you to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Cheese, celery, and onions all help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, and they should be in easy supply at your celebration.

Please do not use your mouth as a bottle opener. This may sound ridiculous, but it happens more than you might think. When the bottle opener disappears, people resort to crazy tactics, and your teeth are often involved. Beer bottle related tooth injuries actually make up a large percentage of BBQ-related dental problems. Please Avoid it!

After you make it home safe and sound, make sure to finish the night with brushing and flossing. The few minutes you spend can fight off unnecessary dental work down the road. Also consider scheduling a cleaning if you are due. Regular dental cleanings help fight off cancer, protect your teeth, and fight off heart attacks/strokes.

Dr. Alina Bergan is ready to help make sure your Independence Day is memorable for the good times, not the bad, please call with any questions or concerns you may have. We can be reached at 800-223-0801.

A Father’s Day Dental Health Tip

Based on research, men are more likely than women to develop gum disease. Due to men being more apt to smoke, drink, clench or grind their teeth, and eat a poor diet. They are also less included to brush and floss. However, the good news is that this situation can be addressed when you work with your dentist on a plan of action. While you will need to eat healthier and cut down or quit smoking and drinking if you do, your dentist can provide hands-on instructions for proper brushing and flossing, in addition to creating custom-fit mouthpieces that protect your teeth while sleeping and when playing sports. Instead of getting your dad a tie, get him a new toothbrush. Get rid of dad’s old toothbrush in favor of a new one every 3-4 months, you will be well on your way to having many more Father's Day celebrations with a healthier and more attractive smile. Call us  to get your dad in for a checkup today at 800-223-0801, at our convenient Cedarhurst, NY office! 

We wish all dads a Happy and Healthy Father’s Day!