HOW CAN A DENTIST HELP MY TEETH GRINDING?

Dr. Alina Bergan DDS will tell you that while you are sleep, your mouth may be very active. If you find yourself waking up with headaches, facial pain, neck aches, or a sore jaw, you may have tooth grinding, a condition we also call bruxism.

We see many people who experience some extent of tooth grinding, but a very small percentage of the population experiences symptoms severe enough to warrant visiting a doctor. If you continually experience any of the symptoms listed above, we encourage you to give us a call at our Cedarhurst, NY office so that we may be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

The most common treatments include:

·         Reducing your stress level to help relax your jaw muscles and prevent grinding

·         A custom-made night guard to cushion your teeth and protect them from damage

·         Changing your eating habits. Coffee, tea, or alcohol before bed can increase your chance of nightly grinding

·         If your jaw or teeth are misaligned, Dr. Alina Bergan may also recommend a brace to decrease grinding.

Grinding your teeth can have serious consequences that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth fractures and damage to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).

If you think your teeth may not be getting the rest they need at night, we encourage you to give us a call at 800-223-0801 and schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan. Call us today to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/

SEVEN FOODS THAT WILL GIVE YOU A SMASHING SMILE

The New Year always brings on healthy resolutions. This year when you think about changing your eating habits, focus on foods that can also give you a strong healthy smile. As the saying goes, you are what you eat. But did you know that what you eat also affects your smile? Chow down on these seven tasty treats, recommended by Dr. Alina Bergan DDS and our staff, for a healthier mouth and a smashing smile!

Sesame Seeds

These tiny seeds that you find in some Chinese and Thai dishes (as well as on top of your hamburger bun) are packed with bone-building calcium. They help to preserve and protect the bone that supports your teeth and gums. As a bonus, they also help to build up your tooth enamel while sloughing away plaque. You can sprinkle them on a salad, stir fry, and even add them to homemade hummus.

Kiwi

This funny little fruit has the highest amount of Vitamin C of any fruit, including oranges! What does this mean for your chompers? Vitamin C is essential to keeping your gum tissue healthy and strong. Without it, they are more susceptible to periodontal disease.

Sweet Potatoes

These are not just for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner! You should add sweet potatoes to your regular diet. These delicious spuds are rich in Vitamin A, which your body uses to form tooth enamel and heal gum tissue. Try slicing them into half-moons and sprinkling with your favorite seasoning or try an exotic one like Harissa and bake them in the oven.  

Onions 

You know those strong vapors from onions that make you cry? Well, they come from the sulfur compounds in the vegetable, which gives them a superpower-packed antibacterial punch. Get ready, though: Onions are most effective for your smile when you eat them raw!

Cheese

If you love cheese, you will love this news! Munching on some cheese helps prevent gum disease and cavities. The reason is that cheese is very high in calcium and phosphate, which help to balance the pH levels in your mouth. This in turn helps to preserve your tooth enamel and kill harmful bacteria.

Green Tea

Sipping on some green tea can not only help prevent cavities and gum disease, it can also kill the bacteria that cause bad breath. Score! Green tea has catechins, which kill the bacteria that cause plaque. So, drink up! Your smile depends on it! You can also try some Matcha (green tea powder) in your smoothie or green juice.

Celery

Have some fun with that crunchy stuff because, guess what? It is great for your smile! When you chew celery, you produce saliva. Your saliva neutralizes cavity-causing bacteria. As a little bonus, while you are chewing, it is giving your gums a little massage and cleaning between your teeth.

Take advantage of these healthy foods and give your mouth something to smile about!

Start the year off right with healthy eating and a visit with Dr. Alina Bergan call us today at 800-223-0801 to schedule an appointment in our Cedarhurst office. You can also schedule online at http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/