Dentist New York

Loose teeth, bad breath, and painful, bloody gums – these are among the signs and symptoms of periodontal, or gum, disease. Unfortunately, periodontal disease can also begin without any obvious symptoms. If left undiagnosed or untreated, you could be at risk for irreparable damage to your teeth and gums. The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable. In fact, one of the most effective tools for preventing the disease only takes a minute of your time each day.

Floss to the Rescue

Dental floss is an effective and easy to use tool that can be among your best defenses for preventing periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Even if your daily oral hygiene routine already includes a thorough brushing that lasts for two minutes, at least twice each day, you should be flossing daily as well. Dental floss is highly effective at cleaning areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. Small gaps and tight spaces between teeth catch food debris and sugars and acids from drinks all day long. Flossing helps to clean out these tough to reach spaces.

Facts Behind Flossing

According to a survey referenced by the American Dental Association, only 40% of Americans floss each day. The same study showed a clear link between regular intra-oral care and better oral health. Unfortunately, many people also lie about how frequently they clean between their teeth. A study from the American Academy of Periodontology found that 27% of adults lie to their dentist about their flossing habits.

Tips for Flossing Correctly

It can be confusing to figure out the best way to use dental floss. Try cutting off about 18 inches of floss and wrapping most of it carefully around your middle finger. Use roughly one inch to clean between each pair of teeth. Using your thumb and index finger, carefully slide the floss between your teeth. Floss to your gumline, but be gentle. Avoid cutting your gums. Work your way through your 18 inches of floss by using a new, clean section between each pair of adjacent teeth.

It only takes about a minute to floss your teeth each day, but these minutes contribute to a lifetime of optimal oral health. Floss is among the most effective tools at your disposal to keep your gums clean and healthy. Get into the habit of flossing your teeth regularly – your gums will thank you.

For more information about gum health, or to schedule a visit to our office, please contact our team.

347 5th Avenue, Suite 1406
New York, NY 10016
(212) 375-1160

Dentist 10016

It’s highly likely that after visiting our practice, you understand the value of a thorough, professional dental cleaning. It’s also likely that you may not fully understand the importance of a complete exam and radiographs.

There are many reasons the exam is an important part of your oral health routine.

1. Exams allow the doctor to evaluate for signs of health conditions. Many health conditions present early signs and symptoms in the mouth, including: Crohn’s, Addison’s, Leukemia, Diabetes, Lupus, Anemia and many others. Skipping an exam could prevent your dentist from screening for oral manifestations of systemic disease.
2. According to research, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. A thorough complete examination can catch early signs of oral cancer, allowing for early treatment, which can be key to survival.
3. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and is related to serious systemic health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, among many others. Evaluating your soft tissue and bone health allows our team to identify early signs of periodontal disease, which can allow for prevention and early treatment. This is vital for your oral and overall health.
4. Radiographs provide valuable insight. Decay and other oral health issues are often hidden from the human eye. Radiographs (X-Rays) allow us to find what we could not otherwise see, allowing for early treatment and less invasive solutions.

Whether it has been 6 months or 6 years since your last appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you and your heath and comfort are our main concerns.

347 5th Avenue, Suite 1406
New York, NY 10016
(212) 375-1160

August 22^nd is National Tooth Fairy Day. So is February 28^th! Apparently the tooth fairy is so honorable, she’s celebrated twice each year. Is it because sometimes the tooth fairy is mommy, and other times, “she” is daddy? Hmm … What we do know is that despite all that recognition, the tooth fairy is not at all immune to the slings and arrows of inflation. It seems kids across the land are expecting a higher bounty under their pillows these days, and you won’t believe the going rate.

So, what’s the going rate? Statistically speaking, about $3.70 a tooth. But that number is going up, and some tooth fairies are actually being worked over for $50 a tooth according to a recent survey released by Visa. What’s a respectable tooth fairy to do?

Get Creative!

The best way to distance yourself from the need to tuck Ulysses S. Grant under the pillow of your toothless tot, is to avoid monetary compensation altogether. If you think “novelty,” instead of cash, your kids will love their gift just the same, and you won’t have to keep up with the Joneses. After all, the last thing you want to deal with is little Johnny asking why the tooth fairy gave him a quarter, but left neighbor Billy fifty smackers. Here are a few ideas:

• Foreign Coins: Add a little bit of mystery by giving coins from other countries. It’s still money, and it’ll set the curiosity button aglow in your kids. Just watch! You can pick up a bag of coins for a few bucks online, and use it for years.
• Glass Beads or Marbles: These two ideas are eternal. What kid doesn’t like shiny glass things? Really! Even adults love ‘em. And maybe, instead of just collecting them, you can learn how to play marbles, (yes, it’s actually a game), or have your kids craft their own beaded jewelry with the beads the tooth fairy leaves behind.
• Stickers: Another timeless idea. Get a pack and dish them out as teeth fall out, or, find an affordable single set and give the whole set. Movie-themed stickers can be a nice treat, and a great way for the tooth fairy to demonstrate her hipness.

So, this year, when it comes time to put on your tooth fairy hat, try saying “no” the playground extortion ring and rising prices, and give your kids something they can actually put to good use. If you enjoyed these three ideas, there are a few more to choose from at GeekMom.com. Happy August, all!