Really, this time of the year is advantageous for scheduling purposes as well as social ones. As already mentioned, putting off a visit to the dentist in one year transitions to the next, but at this time of the year a central focus is generally food. Maybe those brushing and flossing habits are pretty solid according to our own ideas, but how solid are they? Do you actually time your brushing period to assure yourself that you brush at least two minutes every time? That is the time recommended by most dentists, and an honest analysis in this regard may be revealing.

If you find that you don’t brush for the proper length of time every time, what else may be lacking? Have you ever thought about having a brief consult with your dentist about proper brushing methods? In the case that your brushing habits have not yet been optimized, all the more reason not to delay that deep cleaning that a professional can provide. When rich and foods are the center of the upcoming fun, it could make a great difference on maintaining those pearly whites for the enjoyment of future years.

Another great item to think about regarding the dentist this time of the year is cosmetic and corrective dentistry. Perhaps this time of the year is indeed very special for you. It could be that you plan on seeing friend and loved ones that you have not been in contact for some time or that special friend that you haven’t run across in a long time. That in mind, putting your best self forward may in fact be a priority. There are many simple procedures that can better your persona.

Teeth whitening is a procedure that can be simple to more complex. The cost is generally relative to the procedure and makes it a great option for a light touch that can have a lasting impact. Also, there are many other procedures that can solve issues with teeth that are in bad care or straighten any group of teeth. With so many options in cosmetic dentistry it is just a matter of choosing the procedure that will best suit your schedule and budget; in many cases, procedures can be done on a short schedule, and the professionals at East Harlem Dental Plaza can help.

Oh no! You lost a tooth! Those darn things are supposed to last a lifetime, but sometimes we’re not so lucky. The good news is that modern technology and forward-thinking dental services can make all your teeth look and function just like the originals.

Whether accidental or intentional, the loss of a tooth has lifelong consequences. It’s not just a matter of looking a little goofy. The remaining teeth that surround the lost one are missing some of their supportive structure and may shift. Biting or chewing may be difficult or impossible. Speech may be affected. And, well, you’ll look a little goofy.

What do hockey rinks, playgrounds, and bars all have in common? They are all locations that have seen plenty of teeth come out of people’s heads. Those monkey bars can be brutal, as can the school bully. That same bully may just grow up to be the barroom brawler. Sometimes a hard blow to the mouth, whether from a fall, a collision, or a punch, can knock a tooth right out.

Maybe you lost a tooth through decay or disease. It’s so important to listen to the pain in your body, since that’s the signal of something wrong. Tooth pain needs to be addressed immediately by a dentist, since early detection of problems can save teeth. All that talk of brushing and flossing is true and can save you lots of pain and potentially lots of money.

Some people with lost teeth get dental bridges. A bridge is an artificial tooth that uses the surrounding teeth to support it. Sometimes the adjacent teeth are milled down, crowned, and the bridge is attached to the crowns. Alternatively, metal bands and cement are used to attach dental bridges to surrounding teeth. They are a semi-permanent denture.

Another, more permanent, option is a dental implant. An implant dentist places a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as a root for an artificial tooth. It may sound horrific, but it’s an option that is more permanent than a bridge. Since the jawbone around the post is stimulated during chewing, it actually stimulates new bone growth and the body naturally cements the post into the bone.

The one-time cost of implants is higher than the cost of a single bridge. However, most dental bridges will eventually need to be replaced, lasting only eight to fifteen years. So when you do a comparison, you need compare the one-time fee for implants to the cost of several bridges over time.

So don’t worry about the gap. You have your choice of dentist services to fix it. Whether you decide on a bridge or you call an implant dentist, be sure to keep a high standard of oral hygiene to avoid losing any more teeth. And try to avoid getting punched in the face.

NYC dentist agrees with the American Academy of Periodontology and other dental professionals that the public needs to be informed and educated about studies that link oral inflammation and infections to problems elsewhere in the body. Research shows that there is a connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s.

A recent study found clear associations between bacteria infections of the mouth and pancreatic cancer. Dentists believe that treating periodontal inflammation – such as gingivitis or gum disease – can also help with the management of other conditions. Oral hygiene and maintaining oral health is critical to overall well-being.

The new study published in the journal, Gut, is revealing. Subjects with high antibody levels of the more infectious periodontal bacteria strains were at twice the risk for developing pancreatic cancer, which is responsible for 40,000 deaths a year in the United States. On the other hand, those with high levels of antibodies of some type of harmless oral bacteria had 45% less risk of getting pancreatic cancer.

If you suspect, or have been diagnosed, with an inflammatory condition, it is critical that you see both a general physician and a dental health professional, such as your NYC dentist. Signs of gum disease or gingivitis, include bleeding gums, mouth sores, swollen gums, and gums that are tender to the touch or have a shiny appearance. Sometimes the only way to find out if you have an infection is to have a thorough dental evaluation. An evaluation may be critically important if you have the following:

High risk for periodontal disease.
Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, or are thinking about getting pregnant.
Have a family member with periodontal disease (research suggests that the bacteria that causes periodontal disease can be passed through saliva).
Have a sore or irritation in the mouth that lasts longer than two weeks.

Dentists have known for a long time that there is a correlation between oral bacteria and systemic diseases. Although studies are still ongoing, the public needs to be educated on the issue in order to take preventive measures. Brushing and flossing regularly, eating a healthy diet, and visiting your NYC dentist on a regular basis is vital. Regular checkups, not only keep your mouth healthy, but can catch early signs of problems.

Not smoking is also a good preventive measure. Tobacco users are six times more likely to develop gum disease. They also have more serious gum disease that doesn’t respond to treatment and can lead to tooth loss.

Dentists agree – and the public needs to know – that an unhealthy mouth is linked to other serious diseases. Taking care of your teeth can keep the rest of the body healthy and vibrant. Preventive care is critical to maintaining healthy teeth and a healthy body.