Are you self conscious about some aspect of your smile?  You may be wondering if a smile makeover will provide the boost in confidence you seek, allowing you to go out in the world and feel more comfortable without worrying about the look of your teeth, gums or overall smile.  Smile makeovers, in fact, can be tremendous confidence boosters due to the fact that they can address any or all issues that affect your smile in negative ways – issues that often diminish your overall confidence levels.

What exactly is a smile makeover?  Essentially, it is a personalized and comprehensive assessment by a dental professional that evaluates and addresses any aspects of your smile that may be “less than ideal”.  There is no specific set of procedures that comprises a true smile makeover – the procedures selected to makeover any individual patient’s smile will depend in part on what aspects of their smile are in need of enhancement, and ultimately, what procedures the patient wishes to have completed.

Makeovers to a patient’s smile can be affected through one single procedure, such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, or they can entail a full range of cosmetic dental procedures, including crowns, dental implants, veneers, teeth whitening and more.  In some cases, makeovers can include orthodontic treatments, including traditional metal braces or Invisalign, and can even include oral surgery procedures.  Basically, any procedure that is deemed necessary or desired by a patient in order to enhance the overall look of teeth, gums, lips and smile can be part of a smile makeover treatment protocol.

Getting back to the initial question – can a smile makeover boost confidence?  The answer in most cases is “yes”.  Smiles are one of the first things that people notice when they look at someone’s face, and can make a lasting impression, whether positive or negative, about a person’s overall look.  Even if a person’s teeth or their smile are aesthetically pleasing, if the person is self-conscious about a particular aspect or multiple aspects of their own smile, it can lower their confidence levels.  Something as simple as a laser teeth whitening procedure or cosmetic bonding to enhance the look of a chipped or discolored tooth can make a huge difference in a person’s overall self-confidence level.

So, if you are feeling a bit self conscious about any aspect of your smile, whether as a result of the color, alignment, shape or spacing of your teeth, the color of dental fillings, the health of your gums, or other aspects of your lips or jaw, consider having our NYC smile makeover specialists provide you with a comprehensive evaluation, as well as recommendations on dental treatments that can enhance the look of your smile and ultimately the way you present that smile to the world.

For more information about receiving a consultation for a smile makeover in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer complete NY smile makeover assessments that are personalized based on the needs, desires and budgetary constraints of our patients.  We also offer a complete array of cosmetic and orthodontic treatment options to achieve enhanced smiles.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how a smile makeover can help you create the smile of your dreams!

One of the keys to a beautiful smile is a set of straight, well-aligned teeth.  Up until recently, however, the drawbacks associated with traditional braces kept many people from realizing their dream of straighter teeth.   Fortunately, Invisalign now offers options for straightening teeth that eliminate many of the features connected with traditional metal braces that kept people in the past from pursuing this orthodontic treatment.  With Invisalign, both adults and teens alike can enjoy straighter teeth with fewer drawbacks to contend with during the process.

Invisalign Clear Braces

Deciding whether Invisalign is a better option for you in comparison with traditional metal braces is a personal decision.  Many adults opt for Invisalign for aesthetic reasons alone.  The Invisalign system is comprised of a series of clear plastic aligners that fit snugly over teeth to gently move them into the desired position, but that are barely visible to others.  Metal braces, in contrast, perform the same function and have a similar end-result, but during the process, they are a very obvious “addition” to the mouth.  For teens, this may not be an issue, since so many of their friends are also wearing braces and the process can be like a “rite of passage”, but for adults, metal braces are less common and adults are typically more self conscious about wearing them.

Comfort is another consideration in deciding between Invisalign and metal braces.  Invisalign’s clear aligners are smooth and cause little to no irritation to surrounding gums or the inside of the mouth.  Metal braces, in contrast, can sometimes be irritating or even painful as edges of the metal rub against soft tissue and surfaces in the mouth.  Also, since traditional braces require more frequent trips to the orthodontist to have bands tightened, twisted and so on, there is more soreness and pain associated with the actual process of straightening the teeth than Invisalign.  The clear aligners can cause some minimal soreness when a new set is first put in the mouth as teeth shift to accommodate the new aligners, but that soreness dissipates quickly and is less uncomfortable than having a set of hands periodically adjusting things in your mouth.

Invisalign also provides patients with an orthodontic solution that requires less of a time commitment than metal braces.  There are fewer office visits required and less work to be done during the straightening process.  The Invisalign System system creates a set of aligners that bring your teeth from their current state to their desired state based on a computer generated program, and other than a few periodic visits to check how the process is going, you will receive your full set of aligners up front and will not need to keep running back to the dentist or orthodontist for additional treatments.

Easier oral hygiene is another benefit of Invisalign compared with metal braces.  Since the plastic aligners are removable, it is easier to keep to a regular oral hygiene regimen of brushing and flossing.  Also, since the aligners are removed before eating or drinking, less food gets stuck between teeth, avoiding potential dental issues.  And since the aligners are removed when eating, there are no restrictions as to what can be eaten as there are with metal braces (certain foods can cause damage to the metal components).

Of course, for some, price is the ultimate decision maker when it comes to how they will straighten their teeth.  In this category, metal braces usually win out slightly over Invisalign.  Nevertheless, the benefits of opting for Invisalign braces over traditional metal braces often offset the difference in cost for many people, making it an increasingly popular orthodontic treatment option for adults and teens alike.

For more information about the differences between traditional metal braces or Invisalign, or to find a dentist experienced in Invisalign in Queens, NY, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentsit.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer many cosmetic dentistry and orthodontic dentistry options, including the increasingly popular Invisalign braces.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how Invisalign clear braces can help you create the smile of your dreams!

If you are wrestling with the decision about whether or not to get dental implants due to missing or decayed teeth, you may be wondering what the pros and cons are of the procedure so you can make the most informed decision about whether dental implants are right for you.  The fact is that advances in dental implant techniques and materials have made the decision easier than ever, with the benefits of dental implants outweighing the drawbacks to having the procedure.  Nevertheless, each situation is different, as is each patient’s individual circumstances, so a thorough evaluation is a wise choice before making the decision to go with dental implants.

The Benefits of Dental Implants

There are numerous benefits of dental implants, these include:

• Aesthetics – One of the biggest benefits of opting for dental implants, as compared to dentures or dental bridges, is the aesthetic benefits.  When dental implants are completed, they look and feel as natural as real teeth, creating beautiful smiles.
• Functionality – Dental implant procedures restore proper oral functioning.  By replacing missing or badly damaged teeth, normal chewing and bite can be re-established.  This keeps surrounding teeth, gums and jaw functioning in a healthy manner.
• Comfort – Since dental implants feel just like natural teeth, they are typically more comfortable in your mouth than other options, especially removable dentures.
• Options – There are many options to consider if you decide to have implants.  For one, you can decide what type of restoration is attached to the implants.  Dental crowns (single teeth) are the most common restoration to be attached to dental implants, but other options are bridges and dentures.  In the case of bridges and dentures, the implant is used to secure one or both sides of the restoration so it is permanently attached in the mouth.  You can also select between traditional dental implant procedures, which may require a number of office visits with time needed between visits for healing, or quicker implant options, such as the All-on-Four procedure.
• Permanence – Dental implant procedures result in permanent or semi-permanent restorations.  Once the procedure is completed, the tooth is affixed permanently to a post implanted in the jaw and does not typically get loose or have to be removed.

The Drawbacks of Dental Implants

As with any procedure, there are also a few drawbacks to consider.  These include:

• Cost – The biggest drawback for many patients is the cost.  Because dental implants are a surgical procedure, the cost is typically higher than most other dental options.   For this reason, some people will only consider implants as their last choice option.
• Lack of Bone – Not every patient is a candidate for dental implant procedures.  Before a dentist or oral surgeon agrees to perform the procedure, it is important to make sure that there is sufficient underlying bone structure to securely hold the implant.  For those with limited healthy bone, however, there are options for how the implants are secured that may still make this procedure a viable option.
• Time – Dental implant procedures typically require multiple visits and it can take a long time from the initial visit until the permanent restoration is secured to allow for the implant to securely attach to the bone and for the surrounding tissue and gums to heal.  During the healing process, a temporary restoration is attached to the implant.
• Discomfort – This procedure can result in some minor discomfort.  During the procedure, the patient should experience little to no pain if anesthesia or another pain blocking technique is used.  There will be minor pain and swelling as the implant initially heals, however.

For more information about dental implants in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer many restorative and cosmetic dentistry options, including dental implants.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how dental implants can help restore your smile and can provide an attractive and secure solution for missing teeth.

If you are looking for a way to beautify your smile, consider cosmetic bonding.  Whether you need to make just a few minor modifications to the aesthetic look of your teeth or have more extensive imperfections you’d like to hide, cosmetic bonding can be the perfect dental treatment to provide you with the beautiful looking smile that you seek.

Cosmetic bonding may be a good option if you are looking to improve the appearance of cracks, chips, decay or discolorations on teeth.  Dental bonding can also change the shape of teeth and can close up spaces between teeth.  The cosmetic bonding procedure is painless and can be completed relatively simply and easily.  Patients of Park Dental Care of Astoria can enjoy the benefits of cosmetic bonding in Queens with just one simple visit to our office and can walk out of our office with a noticeably more attractive smile.   It takes about an hour or less per tooth to complete the cosmetic dental bonding procedure in our Queens, NY office.

During the cosmetic bonding procedure, the surface of the tooth or teeth to be bonded is etched or roughened, in order to create an appropriate surface for the bonding material to be adhered to.  Once etched, a bonding agent is applied to the tooth’s surface to hold the composite resin material in place that will form the new exterior tooth surface.  A high intensity, ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden and cure the composite resin material used to create the bond.  This resin material is naturally colored to match existing teeth and once hardened, can be trimmed, shaped and polished to look just like a natural tooth.

Cosmetic dental bonding is one option for enhancing the look of your teeth and is generally less expensive than other cosmetic dental treatments that require more extensive work and time to complete, such as dental crowns, porcelain veneers or dental implants.  Since cosmetic bonding can create the same aesthetic results as these more elaborate and expensive options, some of our patients opt for cosmetic bonding procedures to tackle more extensive tooth restorations.  One thing to note, however, is that although cosmetic bonding can produce the same aesthetic results as some of these other tooth restoration methods, the bonding material is not as durable and may chip or wear away over time.  If this occurs, the bonded area may need to be repaired or replaced.

Can Teeth That Have Cosmetic Bonding Be Whitened?
No, the composite resin material used to create a dental bond cannot be whitened.  Therefore, it is best to have your teeth professionally whitened prior to having the cosmetic bonding procedure performed.  The resin material used to create a dental bond will be matched to the exact color of existing teeth but cannot be changed once applied.

How To Care for Teeth After Cosmetic Bonding?
There are no special procedures required to care for teeth that have been bonded, other than following general dental hygiene procedures such as proper tooth brushing, flossing and routine dental visits.  It is important not to bite hard objects or the bonding material can chip or crack prematurely.  Although cosmetic dental bonding creates a fairly durable surface on the tooth, it may need to be repaired or replaced every 5 – 10 years, or sooner, depending on oral habits.

Are There Instances Where Cosmetic Bonding Is Not Recommended?
If tooth imperfections are too extensive, or areas between teeth to be bonded are too large, cosmetic bonding may not be a viable option.  Also, since cosmetic bonding only changes the exterior look of the tooth, it is not an option for those that have serious decay within the tooth or below the gumline.  Cosmetic dental bonding is a good option only when the exterior surface of the tooth requires enhancement.

Will Insurance Pay For Cosmetic Bonding?

The details of each individual insurance plan can vary but whether or not dental bonding is covered by insurance may depend in part on whether the purpose of the bonding is strictly for cosmetic purposes or whether it is being done to also correct structural problems.  If the bonding is only done for cosmetic purposes, it is not typically covered, but the procedure or a portion of the procedure may be covered if cosmetic bonding is done to correct structural problems, such as cracks, chips and areas of decay.  It is best, however, to check with your dental insurance provider prior to beginning treatment to review your insurance coverage.

For more information about cosmetic bonding in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer a wide selection of cosmetic dentistry options, including cosmetic dental bonding.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how cosmetic dental bonding can help you achieve the smile of your dreams!

For individuals with chipped, broken, severely discolored or decayed teeth, dental crowns may be a good option for restoring smiles.  Dental crowns are essentially caps that are sized and shaped to resemble a natural tooth.  They are placed over an existing tooth, which is filed down to hold the dental crown in place, or a crown can also be secured in place with a dental implant.

If you are considering having one or more dental crowns fitted as part of a dental treatment program, then understanding the difference between various materials used to manufacture dental crowns can make it easier for you to determine which type of crown material is right for you.  Here are a few dental crown options to consider:

Metal – Metal dental crowns are among the strongest options, although their major disadvantage is their aesthetic look.  The material used to create these types of dental crowns is a metal alloy and is very long-lasting and durable.  Since the metal is clearly visible, however, they are not always a pleasing option for restoring the look of a smile and are best used only in less visible areas, such as back molars.

Porcelain Fused To Metal – To reap the benefits of the strength provided by metal dental crowns without the aesthetic drawbacks, another good option is a dental crown that has porcelain fused to the metal.  This provides a metal base for strength, but the exterior surface is porcelain, allowing it to more naturally blend in with your other teeth.  Because of the porcelain on the crown, this option is not quite as durable as a metal only dental crown, but it is still long-lasting and durable.  One other drawback is that sometimes the metal beneath the porcelain shows through as a dark shadow or line, making the teeth not quite as “natural” looking as all porcelain or all ceramic crowns.

All Porcelain or All Ceramic –These dental crown materials offer the most natural look in your mouth, since they can be made to look just like real teeth.  For those people who are allergic to metal, or who prefer not to have metal crowns, all porcelain or all ceramic crowns can be a good option.  The primary drawback, however, is that the material can wear down or chip over time, requiring repair or replacement.  They are not quite as durable as porcelain-fused metal crowns.  They also cause more wearing down of opposing teeth than metal crowns do.

Resin – These are typically the least expensive option when it comes to selecting a dental crown material, but they come with the disadvantage that resin can wear down more quickly than other material types.  Resin dental crowns look good in your mouth, but may need to be replaced more quickly than other types.

If you are considering dental crowns for restorative or cosmetic dental purposes, it is best to discuss your options with the dental professionals at Park Dental Care.  We will help you choose the dental crown material that best fits your needs.

For more information about dental crowns in Queens, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer a wide selection of restorative and cosmetic dental options, including various types of dental crowns.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find us conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how dental crowns can help restore your teeth to their natural beauty and function!

If you have a missing tooth, or one that is severely decayed or broken and is not stable enough to hold a dental crown on its own, then a dental bridge may have been suggested as a treatment option by your dentist.  So, what is a dental bridge and why would you need one?

A dental bridge is a set of teeth that, as the name aptly implies, creates a bridge over the space where a tooth is missing in the mouth.  With a traditional dental bridge, a false tooth (also known as a “pontic”) is attached on each side to a dental crown that is secured to the adjacent teeth (called an “abutment”), or they can be attached to a dental implant if there is no healthy tooth available.  The pontic remains securely attached to the crowns on either side with a metal bridge and literally bridges the gap, or open space, between the teeth.

The main reason you would need to get a dental bridge is if you have one or more missing teeth in your mouth.  Dental bridges restore the look of your smile by replacing the missing tooth with one that can look as natural as the original.  In addition to the aesthetic benefits brought about by dental bridges, the dental procedure can also restore or maintain proper chewing, biting and speaking and can maintain the proper form for your bite and proper shape of your face.  By placing a false tooth in the space where a tooth is missing, it also stops adjacent teeth from shifting or drifting into the void left by the tooth, which can set your whole bite out of whack.

If a tooth is missing in a location where there are not teeth available on both sides to secure the abutments of the bridge, then a cantilever bridge can be used rather than a traditional bridge.  With a cantilever bridge, the pontic is secured only on one side to an abutment because there are no teeth available on the other side.  This does not create as stable a bridge, but may be necessary if the bridge is needed for a back molar where there is no other tooth positioned behind it.

Dental bridges are a popular option in situations where a tooth or teeth are missing.  They can be typically completed in two office visits.  In the first visit, the adjacent teeth are prepared and filed down to fit the dental crowns that will sit over them and secure the bridge.  Impressions are taken so that a laboratory can create a permanent dental bridge that will fit properly in the mouth.  In the meantime, a temporary bridge is created to be worn while the permanent one is completed.  A second dental visit is required to fit, adjust and attach the permanent dental bridge.  In some cases, the bridge is only temporarily secured so that any changes to fit and bite can be made before the bridge is more permanently secured.

Another option for replacing a missing tooth is to have a dental implant placed in the mouth.  With this procedure, the tooth is permanently secured to a titanium rod that is surgically implanted directly into the jawbone, therefore requiring no additional securing to adjacent teeth. Dental implants require a more invasive procedure than dental bridges and the choice between the two treatment options should to be weighed based on individual needs.  In some cases where multiple teeth are missing, dental implants can be used as the abutments, with a dental bridge created to fill in the missing space between the implants.

Determining whether you need a dental bridge, and weighing the benefits and drawbacks of dental bridges compared to other dental treatment options, is best done by speaking to one of the dental professionals at Park Dental Care.  We will create a customized treatment plan for each patient based on dental needs, budget and desired outcomes.

For more information about dental bridges in Queens, NY, contact Park Dental Care today at 718-Dentist.  At Park Dental Care of Astoria, we offer many restorative and cosmetic dentistry options, including dental bridges.  Queens residents, as well as those located throughout metropolitan NYC, will find that we are conveniently located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. station.  Let us show you how dental bridges can help restore your smile and can provide an attractive and secure solution for missing teeth.

When choosing a dentist, there are a number of factors that you should keep in mind.  Doing some initial research and asking the right questions up-front will help to ensure that the dentist you choose will be a professional that can handle all of your dental needs, whether preventative, restorative or cosmetic, and that he or she will also be someone that you feel comfortable with.  The key to choosing a dentist is to find an individual dentist or dental practice that will encourage you to maintain exceptional dental health, due to a combination of factors such as convenience, comfort and expertise.

So, how do you choose a dentist?  Read on to find out some of the factors you should consider before making your decision.

Five Factors To Consider When Choosing a Dentist

It’s worth taking some time to find a dentist that you feel is right for you.  “Right” can be based on a number of factors, including expertise in your desired dental specialty, convenience, personality or just an overall gut feeling that the dentist you choose is one that will meet your overall dental care needs.

• Training and Experience – When choosing a dentist, you want to make sure that you find a professional that has the necessary training and experience to offer you the best dental care possible.  You can do some research on dental professionals and dental practices by going online and reviewing dental associations, dental health organization websites and dental directories.  You can also call dental offices directly or visit dentists’ websites to check out their training and credentials.  If you are interested in specific types of dental services, such as cosmetic dentistry or sedation dentistry, make sure that the dentist you choose specializes in your particular areas of interest.
• Office Environment – Once you’ve narrowed down your search after researching training and experience, it is best to visit any prospective dental practice to get a sense of your comfort level with the office.  Does the atmosphere seem warm and accommodating?  Is the dental office staff courteous and friendly?  Is the office clean and inviting?  All of these factors will affect your overall dental experience.
• Connection – You should meet directly with any prospective dentist to discuss your dental needs and also use the meeting as a way to gauge how comfortable you feel with him or her.  Comfort level is a big decision making factor in choosing a dentist because if you don’t feel confident and comfortable with your dentist, you’re less likely to go.  If you don’t go to the dentist at regular intervals, your dental health can suffer.
• Location – While not necessarily the most important factor, the location of a dental office should be part of your decision in choosing a dentist.  It is best to choose a dentist that is conveniently located, either to work or home, so that you can get to the office quickly and easily when you need to.  This will make it more likely that you’ll keep to a recommended schedule of preventative dental check-ups and will be especially useful if you need emergency dental service and have to get to the office quickly.
• Convenience – Along with location, you also want to make sure that any dental office’s policy will make it convenient for you to make and keep appointments.  Check out the office hours and how willing they are to accommodate your schedule.  Find out how long in advance appointments need to be made and what needs to be done if you need to cancel.

Park Dental Care is a family and cosmetic dental practice in Astoria, Queens, New York.  We strive to provide exceptional and quality dental care in a patient centered environment. We offer preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services, as well as orthodontics and sedation dentistry. We are located near the N & Q subway lines at the Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. stop, offering convenience for patients throughout the five boroughs of NYC.  Contact us today at 718-Dentist to find out how we can meet your family’s comprehensive dental care needs!

In one person’s mouth, the number of bacteria can easily exceed the number of people who live on Earth. This is according to Sigmund Socransky, a dental researcher at the Forsyth Dental center in Boston, who also asserts that in a plaque-free mouth, 1,000 to 100,000 bacteria live on each tooth surface, but when plaque is present, as many as 100 million to one billion bacteria may be growing on each tooth. It staggers the mind. But what does it do to the body?

Although many of these bacteria are beneficial, some can be quite harmful. In particular, the bacteria that flourish in your mouth when you have periodontal (gum) disease can permanently damage your gums, as well as the bone and connective tissue that support your teeth; this can result in tooth loss. But these bacteria impact more than just your mouth. Researchers are finding that that they can worsen—or even cause—problems elsewhere in the body. Strokes, cardiac conditions, diabetes, stomach ulcers and pneumonia have all been shown to be more prevalent or to worsen in those suffering from gum disease.
Heart attacks

University of Buffalo researcher Dr. Robert J. Genco found that, over a ten-year period, those with gum disease were three times more likely to suffer a heart attack. The precise reason for this causal relationship is still a mystery, but Genco suggests that the disease-causing bacteria may enter the bloodstream through tiny tears in the gums, then infect the liver and cause it to produce proteins that clog the arteries. Another possibility, Genco said, is that the bacteria may infect the arteries of the heart directly, producing blockages. He bases these theories on the fact that the oral bacteria porphyromonas gingivalis have been found in the arteries of those suffering from blockages and subsequent heart failure.

Infective endocarditis
Oral bacteria can also be life-threatening to those with a heart valve ailment. Because of this, those with afflictions such as mitral valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease, a congenital heart defect, or a heart murmur may need to take antibiotics prior to receiving any dental treatment that might dislodge harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. The antibiotics are a precautionary measure to protect against infective endocarditis, a rare and sometimes fatal disease that can damage the valves and tissues of your heart. The bacteria from plaque—S. sanguis—is one of the most frequent causes of endocarditis, according to studies at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Strokes
University of Buffalo researchers studied the health histories of nearly ten thousand people between the ages of 25 and 75 and found that the 35 percent who had severe gum disease were also twice as likely to have suffered a severe stroke. Why? Dr. John Marler of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke said that oral bacteria can cause fatty deposits in the carotid arteries in your neck. If these deposits break loose and travel through your bloodstream into your brain, they can lodge there, blocking blood flow to the brain and causing a stroke.

Diabetes
Periodontal disease probably doesn’t directly cause diabetes, said Dr. Perry R. Klokkevold of the UCLA School of Dentistry, but it can make managing the disease much more difficult. The bacterial infection caused by periodontal disease diminishes the body’s ability to manage its insulin levels, greatly upsetting a diabetic’s blood sugar levels. This can result in complications such as blindness, heart problems, and kidney disease.

“We know that having gum disease will worsen diabetes,” said Dr. Christopher Saudek, a diabetes specialist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. “People with diabetes should be careful to keep their gums healthy.”

Ulcers
Some stomach ulcers are believed to be caused by a bacterium called helicobacter pylori. Dr. Sherie Dowsett of the Indiana University School of Dentistry said that this bacteria is often found in dental plaque. From the teeth, the bacteria can migrate to the stomach, where they eat small holes in the stomach’s lining, producing painful ulcers.

Pneumonia
Bacteria that reside in plaque are inhaled into your lungs each time you draw a breath. Among these are chlamydia pneumoniae and pseudomonas aeruginosa, two strains of bacteria notorious for causing respiratory disease. Normally, the body’s immune system fights off these harmful invaders. But sometimes, such as after surgery or during an illness, the immune system’s resistance to infection is low. It’s then that these opportunistic bacteria attack the lungs and cause bacterial pneumonia, an infection that kills about 83,000 people each year.

The solution? Destroy their habitat
Daily brushing and flossing removes much of the plaque—the destructive bacteria’s cozy habitat within your mouth. Gently brushing your tongue and the roof of your mouth removes even more. These simple acts of oral hygiene keep the bacteria count down to a more manageable level and minimize the chance that they’ll move on to wreak havoc elsewhere in your body. And of course, there’s the huge added benefit of cleaner, healthier teeth, fresher breath, and gums free from periodontal disease. You’ve got everything to gain, and nothing to lose, by simply devoting about ten minutes a day to ridding your mouth of plaque.

Sources: The U.S. National Institute of Dental Research
The University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
The University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
The UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA
Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

At Park Dental Care, we offer family preventative, restorative and dental hygiene services to NYC residents in an inviting and patient-centered environment.   Contact us today to find out how we can help you to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile! Call 718-Dentist or visit www.718dentist.com

Keeping your smile healthy and looking great is not the most difficult thing in the world to do, but it does take a certain amount of attentiveness and dedication on your part.  The key to keeping your smile healthy is knowing what to do – and then doing it according to the recommended schedule.  Optimal dental health is achieved primarily through commitment to a daily routine of dental hygiene, combined with regularly scheduled visits to a dentist.

Why is it so important to keep your smile healthy?  Because in order to achieve an attractive smile, your teeth first need to be in optimal health.  Healthy teeth and gums look good and continue looking good, because they do not fall victim to tooth decay and gum disease.  Another good reason to keep your smile healthy?  It will save you money!  By keeping up with a strict dental regimen and keeping your teeth and gums healthy, you can avoid the need for more costly dental treatments down the road.

There are primarily only three main things that you need to commit to doing on a regular basis to keep your smile looking and feeling great.  These include:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day – Brushing your teeth is the best way to remove plaque, bacteria and food particles in your mouth that can otherwise lead to tooth decay, gum disease or bad breath.  If possible, you can even go one better than the twice-a-day brushing rule and clean off those pearly whites after each meal.
• Floss daily – Flossing between your teeth is essential for optimal dental health.  By flossing daily, you are better able to remove plaque and bits of food that get stuck between your teeth or that are hard to reach through toothbrushing alone.  Many people neglect to floss their teeth, but a daily tooth flossing regimen can go a long way towards keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as they can be.
• Visit your dentist regularly – Even if you remain committed to a daily at-home brushing and flossing schedule, it’s still important to see your dentist regularly.  You should schedule preventative dental visits twice per year.  During this visit, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned using professional equipment that will reach areas that even your toothbrush and flossing can’t reach, ensuring that your teeth are as clean as possible.  Regular dental visits will also allow your dentist to observe any changes to your dental health and will allow any issues with your teeth to be addressed and treated before they become more extensive problems that require more involved (and expensive) treatment.

In addition to committing to doing the tasks at home that you need to on a daily basis to keep your smile looking healthy, it’s important to develop a relationship with a dentist that you feel comfortable with and that you can entrust with your dental care.  At Park Dental Care, we offer family preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry to NYC residents in an inviting and patient-centered environment.   Contact us today to find out how we can help you to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile! Call 718-Dentist or visit www.718dentist.com

Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is a fairly common occurrence that can cause a multitude of problems related to the teeth, jaw and head.  When most people think of problems that can arise with their teeth, they think of things like tooth decay or possible culprits that can chip, crack or stain teeth, but they don’t often think of what grinding the teeth can do to their teeth and jaw.  It turns out, however, that teeth grinding can cause some rather serious problems and should be addressed and treated promptly.

Causes of Teeth Grinding
The main cause of teeth grinding is stress and anxiety.  A build up of stress can lead to people tightly clenching their jaw and grinding their teeth.  This happens most often during sleep, although it can also occur during waking hours.  The culprits that cause teeth grinding are very often unconscious, so it is difficult to break the habit of teeth grinding.  Also, since most tooth grinding occurs during sleep, many people don’t realize they even do it until problems start to appear, such as damage to the teeth, jaw pain or headaches.

Problems Caused By Tooth Grinding
So, what happens when teeth grinding occurs over time?

• Jaw Pain and Discomfort – Usually, the first sign that someone has been grinding their teeth is jaw pain or discomfort.  This can be in the form of the jaw feeling achy or tight, or the jaw may lock, pop or click upon movement.  If left untreated, continued teeth grinding can lead to TMJ disorder, otherwise known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder.
• Headaches – Another problem that can occur from teeth grinding is headaches, primarily in the temples.  This is a common complaint when the muscles of the jaw are overworked from repeated clenching.
• Tooth Damage – When clenching of the jaw occurs accompanied by grinding of the teeth, it can also cause damage to the teeth themselves.  Teeth can chip or crack, the surface of the teeth can be worn away, or teeth can even become crooked or the bite can be thrown off due to shifting, resulting in discomfort when chewing and talking.

Treatment for Teeth Grinding

Treatment for bruxism involves reducing the causes of tooth grinding, protecting the teeth and jaw from continued teeth grinding, and repairing any damage already caused by prolonged tooth grinding.  These include:

• Night Guards – The first line of treatment for teeth grinding involves stopping the grinding from occurring.   Patients can get a custom-crafted night guard from their dentist that is worn during bedtime.  This helps to prevent grinding and clenching and can also lessen the effects of the actions when they occur.
• Reduce Anxiety – It is also worth trying to address the reasons that teeth grinding or jaw clenching occur in the first place.  Most of the time, it is due to unresolved stress and anxiety, so by reducing that stress and anxiety, it may reduce the occurrence of teeth grinding.  There are a number of ways to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Cosmetic dental options – If damage to the teeth has already occurred as a result of teeth grinding, then there are a number of cosmetic dentistry options that can help to restore the look of chipped, cracked or broken teeth.   Procedures such as porcelain veneers, bonding or dental crowns can improve the look of damaged teeth.  Orthodontics can help to straighten and realign teeth that have shifted due to prolonged teeth grinding.

At Park Dental Care, we address the causes of teeth grinding, as well as prevention of the condition.  In our Astoria, Queens dental office, we also offer cosmetic dentistry options, as well as orthodontics, to treat the damage caused by teeth grinding.  If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth or have noticed pain, discomfort or damage to your teeth or jaw, contact us today at 718-Dentist.