THE CONNECTION BETWEEN YOUR MOUTH AND YOUR HEART

At Dr. Alina Bergan DDS, we know your dental health is closely connected to your total overall health. We also know that the mouth can oftentimes be the first place to show signs of other bodily health issues.

Studies have shown possible links between periodontal (gum) disease and heart disease, and researchers have found that people with gum disease have an elevated risk of suffering from a stroke or developing coronary artery disease. Believe it or not, an estimated 70 to 80 percent of North American adults currently have some form of gum disease.

Gum disease, effects the tissues that surround and support the teeth, is an infection caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque that forms on the teeth, mainly along the gum line. In its early stages, called gingivitis, gum disease can be treated by Dr. Alina Bergan and often reversed.

To help keep your mouth and heart healthy, we’ve provided following tips to help prevent problems before they arise:

·         Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Make sure you brush gently beneath the gum line around each tooth.

·         Floss at least once a day.

·         Have a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year, or as recommended.

·         Eat a healthy diet. This includes avoiding foods with a high concentration of sugars or starches and consuming more fruits and vegetables.

·         Use a straw when drinking acidic or sugary drinks

·         Avoid tobacco and copious levels of alcohol. If you smoke, quit. And remember, heavy drinking dramatically increases the risk of developing mouth and throat cancer.

Don’t put off your next visit to Dr. Alina Bergan DDS any longer! If it has been a while since your last visit to our Cedarhurst, NY office, please give us a call at 800-223-0801 today.

Are energy drinks bad for your teeth?

Are energy drinks bad for your teeth? Many of our patients at Alina Bergan D.D.S ask us this question, so here’s the scoop.


Energy drinks have been on the rise, taking up more and more space on grocery store shelves. Drinks such as Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, Monster Assault, Rockstar, and the like promise to jump-start your day, give you more energy, and help you feel more alert. But unfortunately they also do a lot more than that. Turns out, they do a pretty good job of stripping your teeth of enamel, which is a very bad thing.
A lot of the energy drinks on the market are loaded with a lot of citric acid. In addition, they are laden with preservatives (not to mention sugar), not only to enhance flavor, but extend shelf life. While enamel loss, tooth decay, teeth sensitivity, and cavities cannot be blamed entirely on energy drinks (improper oral hygiene at home and lack of professional dental care also play a role), they can wreak havoc on the health of your teeth and gums, especially when consumed in more than moderation. Over time, energy drinks can strip enamel, which is the outer layer that protects your teeth.

What can you do?

Although Dr. Alina Bergan and our team aren't recommending you drink energy drinks at all, if you must drink one occasionally, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage to your teeth.

·         Drink through a straw.

·         Don’t hold the drink in your mouth before swallowing.

·         Rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking this kind of beverage. Water helps both to neutralize the acid and to increase the production of saliva.

·         Chew sugar-free gum immediately after, to increase saliva production.

·         Don’t brush your teeth right after drinking an energy drink. Wait at least an hour instead, because the combination of the acid and brushing will further damage tooth enamel.

The best advice is to refrain from drinking energy drinks altogether. One of the best hydrators is water. Water is a natural energy-booster and hydrator, and it doesn’t contain calories. You can now buy electrolyte water in stores if you wanted a boosted water.

Give us a call today at our Cedarhurst, NY office at 800-223-0801 if you have any questions or concerns about energy drinks and dental health. We can provide additional tips and a treatment plan to help reduce enamel loss, eliminate tooth sensitivity, and repair cavities and tooth decay as a result of drinking energy drinks.