All About Gum Recession

Receding gums are a serious and common dental health issue. Once gum recession begins, it is progressive and won’t stop without care from your family dentist. You can’t control all of your risk factors for gum recession, but a good oral hygiene routine is a great means of prevention.

This video explains the causes and treatments of receding gums. Everything from heredity to periodontal disease can cause gum recession, leading to tooth sensitivity and even tooth loss. Possible treatments include scaling and planning and gum grafting.

Don’t delay seeing a dentist if you notice your gums are receding. Make an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan DDS today to stop the damaging effects of this condition. You can reach our Cedarhurst-based family dentist  at (800) 223-0801.

What Are the Most Common Culprits of Tooth Staining?

Everyone wants a whiter smile, but which foods are you willing to take off your plate to achieve it? The things you eat and drink every day have a dramatic impact on how white your teeth are and how long the effects of teeth whitening last. If you want to keep your smile as white and bright as possible, avoid these tooth-staining culprits:

Coffee and Tea
Even though you may insist on morning coffee to get your day started, every sip is adding to the discoloration of your teeth. If you think that replacing your coffee with a cup of tea will help, think again. Black tea is filled with tannins that make it harder on your teeth than coffee. You can minimize some of the staining effects of coffee and tea by drinking them through a straw or by adding milk.

Berries
Colorful berries are packed with antioxidants and make for a sweet, low-calorie snack, but they’re notorious for staining. Whole berries and everything made from them, from juices to pies, are equally staining. To reduce the staining power of berries, swish some water around in your mouth after you eat them, or even better, brush your teeth.

Acidic Foods
Highly acidic foods and drinks like cola can stain teeth with their dark colors. However, even seemingly innocuous foods, like oranges, can set the stage for tooth staining. Any food that is high in acid lead to tooth staining due to their negative impact on tooth enamel. Acidic foods strip away valuable enamel that leaves your teeth more vulnerable to discoloration.

If you’re tired of looking at your stained teeth, let Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. help. Our in-office teeth-whitening process delivers great results. You’ll notice whiter teeth within a few days and have significant color improvement within weeks. In addition to our teeth whitening, we also offer a full range of general and cosmetic dentistry services. Make an appointment today took take advantage of our teeth whitening special! Call us at (800)-223-0801. 

Teeth Whitening Special

Choosing the Right Oral Care Products to Use at Home

A trip down the dental aisle of your local drugstore will tell you one thing—your choices of oral products are enormous. How do you know which ones you should be use? Your dentist is a great source of information for oral care products that are best for your specific needs, but there are ways to narrow down the list yourself. Here are some things to consider as you weigh your options.

Toothbrushes
Should you use a manual or electric toothbrush? Your dentist will tell you that with the proper technique, you can achieve good results with either. Electric toothbrushes do have some advantages for people who have arthritis or otherwise struggle to hold and move a manual brush. Whichever kind of toothbrush you choose, be sure to use one with soft-bristles and to apply gentle pressure to avoid causing tooth sensitivity.

Toothpaste
When it comes to choosing toothpaste, what really matters is that you select one with fluoride and the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval. As long as you have those things, you can opt for any toothpaste that meets your personal preferences. Taste is one factor to consider. If you don’t like mint, there are now many different flavor options. If you have tooth sensitivity or want toothpaste that improves breath, select one that meets those needs.

Mouthwash
Before you select a mouthwash, talk to your dentist. You may not need a mouthwash at all, or you may need a particular type. Many mouthwashes rely heavily on alcohol, which can dry out your mouth, so you may need to avoid those kinds if dry mouth is already an issue. Your dentist may recommend mouthwashes that help control gingivitis, that relief dry mouth, or offer other oral health benefits.

At your Cedarhurst Dentist our dentist Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S.,P.C. is always here to answer your questions about the best oral health products for you. We also offer cosmetic and general dentistry care for the entire family. Call Dr. Alina Bergan’s Office at (800)-223-0801 to learn more.

Keep Your Teeth Pain Free

A good oral hygiene routine is essential for maintaining a bright and healthy smile. Before your next dentist appointment, use the tips in this video to keep your smile healthy and free from oral pain.

Intensive tooth pain can disrupt your day and cause severe discomfort. To avoid an urgent visit to your dentist for pain relief, maintain proper dental hygiene. Continual brushing, flossing, and rinsing prevent bacteria from developing into a painful infection. Attend regular examinations with your family dentist to ensure your oral care is up to professional standards.

If you live in the Cedarhurst area, schedule a dental examination with Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. P.C today. For answers to your oral hygiene and cosmetic dentistry questions, call us at (800)-223-0801.

Why Apples Are the Best Midday Snack for Your Smile

Most people know about the nutritional benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples. However, many people do not know that an apple can be very good for their oral health, too!

Check out this video to learn why apples make such a tooth-friendly snack. You’ll find out how the nutrients in an apple benefit your teeth and how the fruit’s texture can keep your teeth clean between meals.  Worried about the glycemic index of an apple?  Never fear! Combine it with a piece of cheese to balance things out. Cheese products contain calcium and phosphorous—two substances that are essential to healthy tooth enamel. In addition, hard cheeses can apply a coating over the teeth, which can protect them against the effects of teeth-staining foods and beverages like coffee.

To learn more dental care tips or to see a family dentist, contact Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S. P.C. We offer cosmetic and general dentistry services, including teeth whitening. Call us at (800)-223-0801 to schedule an appointment for a visit. Be sure to check out our website to learn more about our practice.

What to Expect During Restorative Treatment with Dental Crowns

Sometimes, a tooth becomes so damaged or decayed that placing a dental crown is the only way to save it. A crown, sometimes called a cap, is a metal or porcelain shell that your family dentist places over the entire structure of your natural tooth. It is different from a veneer because veneers only cover the outer surface of the tooth, while a crown is a complete cap. Here’s what will happen when you see us a restorative dental crown:

Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C Will Prepare the Natural Tooth

In order for a crown to fit in your bite and look as natural as possible, Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C. will have to remove a portion of your natural tooth. If decay is the reason you need a dental crown, Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C may perform a root canal first, depending on how extensive the decay is. Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C may also need to build up the tooth with composite material if decay has eaten away so much tooth structure that your tooth cannot support a dental crown.

Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C Will Take Impressions of the Prepared Tooth. 
These impressions allow the dental lab to create a natural-looking crown that is custom-fitted to your mouth. These impressions show the prepared tooth as well as the surrounding teeth on both the upper and lower arches. This process helps to ensure that your permanent crown fits properly into your bite.

Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C Will Place a Temporary Crown. 
Most temporary crowns are acrylic and are designed to be removed within a few weeks. Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C will prepare a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth and to give you a more pleasing appearance as you await your permanent crown. Temporary crowns are not designed to last, so it’s vital that you return when your permanent crown is ready.

Are you ready to restore your smile? If you’re looking for a family dentist in the Cedarhurst area, come to Dr. Alina Bergan D.D.S., P.C Call (800)-223-0801 to schedule an appointment or visit our website for more information.