Tooth Replacement Options

Not a single person wishes to lose their healthy teeth and have to look into replacement options, but mishaps and injuries are an unfortunate factor of life. Thankfully, cosmetic dentistry options have made fantastic strides in recent history, making teeth replacement a possible option for many people. Gone are the days of those loose fitting, flapping dentures; many people are able to obtain dental implants to produce a healthy smile without having unpleasant incidents with their dentures. One constraint of dental implants has been patients whose bone structure is either not big enough or damaged to sustain the depth essential for post implantation. The most recent dental news, however, shows an excellent effectiveness in shorter dental implant posts, giving a solution to people whose bone size recently disqualified them.

As far as teeth replacement procedures go, most NY dental professionals would concur that implants are more advanced than other procedures. Moving dentures may cause eating complications, pinch the gums and cause pain, and in some cases interfere with speech, all issues that are fixed with dental implants. NYC residents have found that implants are significantly more comfortable, look much better, and offer them a boost in self-esteem.

Another significant advantage of dental implants could be a better mouth. Other alternatives usually call for bridges to existing teeth, which probably involves grinding to minimize the dimensions of one’s teeth to make the bridge more effective. Bridges also reduce access to the individual teeth for proper cleaning. Dental implants are designed to stand alone, making it very easy to clean between the dental implants and existing teeth. The result is improved gums, less tooth decay, and better smelling breath. Obviously, you likewise don’t have to stress over misplacing your implants!

With the most current dentistry news, the advantages of dental implants are available to a wider number of people. Research conducted on 6,193 short implants showed a comprehensive effectiveness of 99.1 percent. Success in implants involves bone tissue sticking to the titanium posts and gum bonding. Bone adherence has been thought to be troublesome for people with intensive jaw atrophy or bone loss, but these studies show that even these patients can be helped by dental implants.

Most of these studies were geared toward the use of dental implants as a short-term procedure, yet the study successes show long-term treatment may very well be an excellent option. If you have previously been disqualified from getting dental implants, or if you’ve been putting off some much needed treatment on your teeth, now’s a good time to speak with your cosmetic dentist. New york city is an excellent place to receive the latest in dental treatments.

The Relation Between Gum Disease and Your Health

We’ve been discussing a lot about cosmetic dental work over the holidays, but a bit of news turns our attention to some critical health issues. Inadequate gum health may not just enhance your risk of needing dental implants. NYC residents should be aware of research from Yale University that links gum disease to a larger incidence of pneumonia. Oral health, particularly the health of the gums, has long been connected with various health issues in other parts of the body, including heart disease and diabetes, but this latest dental news reveals that there’s a connection between the mouth and pneumonia.

How does gum health relate to pneumonia? Well the easy explanation is the fact that bacteria in the mouth are breathed into the lungs from the throat, infecting the lungs and causing respiratory illness. This link between oral health and respiratory disease has been established for several years. The science behind it is a a bit more complex, but the basics should be adequate to motivate all of us to take excellent care of our gums. Diseased gums harbor a host of numerous bacteria which can be absorbed into the bloodstream, but they can also be inhaled into your lungs. Dr. Samit Joshi of Yale University suggests that changes occurring in oral bacteria can increase the susceptibility to acquire pneumonia. Increasing symptoms of gum disease are a source of that bacteria change.

Leading British dentists are warning individuals about the risk, pointing to several studies linking oral health and respiratory disease. Both the elderly and the young are especially at risk, and their gum health should be monitored closely. CEO of the British Dental Health Foundation offers some advice:

• Brush teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste
• Reduce sweet food and drink intake
• Visit a dentist regularly

Sound advice for any situation, but winter months presents a greater cocktail of respiratory germs, with more people locked indoors, and colds and flues on a higher level of incidence, so extra vigilance is a great idea. Things to look for include bleeding from the gums during regular brushing, bad breath, frequent mouth infections, or loose teeth. These are all signs of gum disease, that could contribute to pneumonia.

According to the CDC, pneumonia accounts for about 17.3 deaths per 100,000 people in the United States, so keeping track of your oral health and the oral health of your loved ones is not just about pretty teeth, it’s about protecting lives.

Dreaming of Delicious Wines for Christmas?

‘Tis the time to be jolly and what brings in the christmas cheer like a little bit of wine? With the New Year just about to happen, loads of celebrations are sure to be in order. Unfortunately, the extra wine consumption during this time of year isn’t good news for the teeth. And while we would hate to be the Grinch who stole Christmas wine (isn’t that what the story was about??), we would like to offer a few tips to help maintain your teeth white, despite the holiday cheer.
A study from the New York College of Dentistry revealed that white wine is just as much to blame for tooth stains as red wine. The reason is very straightforward: both colors of wine contain a lot of acidity, the factor that offer that tart flavor. Acid erodes the enamel of teeth, causing rough area and grooves on the surface of the teeth that leave them susceptible to stains from other colored foods and drinks. Although white wine is colorless, it leaves your teeth vulnerable to stains from coffee, tea, or other colored things.

Wines are not the only high acid culprits. Citrus drinks just like grapefruit and orange, most sports drinks, energy beverages and sodas are also fairly full of acid, causing vulnerabilities in the teeth.

So what exactly is the answer? Stop drinking most of these wonderful beverages? Ruin your holidays by turning down the drinks? Actually, there are some less drastic measures you can take. Dental Life professionals have the following tips. Do not brush your teeth right after sipping your holiday wines; allow time for the enamel to harden again. Any time you do brush, do so lightly with whitening type toothpaste and a soft bristle brush. Have you ever wondered why wine is so often paired with cheese? Cheese actually helps coat the teeth with calcium to aid protect the teeth, particularly the hard cheeses. Enjoying some crudités such as cauliflower, broccoli, and celery are great options as well. They increase saliva, assisting to wash away the acids, and actually act as a natural brush as well.

So, the dental news for you this holiday is to be careful what you do when you enjoy those holiday wines. Take care of your teeth well, and you’ll keep that wonderful smile. And if you do feel your teeth aren’t looking their brightest, in might be time for an after the holiday trip to a cosmetic dentist. Manhattan area dentists are very well equipped to provide your teeth a profession whitening that will get those pearly whites back to sparkling.

A Look at Oral Cancer

Lives all around us are being touched by cancer. We all have friends, family members, or co-workers that have battled this ever-spreading disease, yet we try to ignore the possibility of it ever happening to us. However, ignorance is not bliss in this instance, and we should be aware of warning signs. This is true for the mouth as well. Oral or pharyngeal cancer affects almost 37,000 Americans each year, and is usually far-advanced before it is detected. Traditional methods of detecting oral cancer relied on visual check and physical palpitations by hand. New methods of detection are making dental news, making your Dental Life professional a key part of your cancer prevention regime. And while your dentist is not responsible for treating oral cancer, he is certainly a vital part of early detection and dealing with the effects of cancer.

Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco and alcohol use as well as HPV (human papillomavirus). Men over 40 are also more susceptible, but just because you don’t fall into one of these categories does not mean you are immune to oral cancer. Anyone can get oral cancer, so it is important to know the signs for early detection.

Symptoms of oral cancer can include:

●      White or red patches in your mouth

●      Loose teeth

●      Oral Bleeding

●      Mouth sores that do not heal

Keep in mind that these symptoms do not mean you have cancer. Many people have similar issues that are not cancerous at all. However, it is important to keep an eye on these issues and check with your dentist if they persist. More advanced signs of oral cancer can include:

●      Earaches

●      Lump in the neck

●      Difficulty or pain with swallowing

●      Numbness in the mouth

So, what should you do if you are suffering some of these symptoms? Scheduling an appointment with your dentist is often a good first step. A dentist will not treat oral cancer, but he can quickly eliminate other factors that may be causing your symptoms. A dental visit may be all you need to put your fears to rest and ensure your mouth is in optimal health. After you have explained your concerns, the dentist will perform an examination of your mouth’s condition. This will involve a physical inspection, but may also include some of the latest technology in dentistry news, including an intra-oral screening light that helps make cancer easier to spot. With three different colors of lights, the tool allows your dentist to check for unusually high cellular activity, and monitor vein condition. If any sign of possible cancer is apparent, your dentist will refer you to a specialist for further investigation.

Oral cancer can lead to damaged teeth which can be addressed after the cancer has been treated. Cosmetic dentistry brings bright smiles back to cancer patients with the use of a number of progressive treatments, including dental implants. NYC cancer survivors have the benefit of many of America’s finest dental professionals. Remember mouth reconstruction is a crucial part of healing from oral cancer.

Pretty Teeth for Everyone?

Start 2012 with a beautiful new smile!

We all see them, those flashy smiles full of beautifully white, perfectly aligned and proportioned teeth. Why were all the models and big names in TV blessed with such good teeth genetics? The truth is that most of them weren’t genetically favored; rather their smiles have been touched up a bit to create a little teeth envy in the rest of us. The good news? Those same “touch ups” are readily available through the miracle of modern cosmetic dentistry, making great smiles attainable by those of us with a little less camera exposure.

In our last post, we discussed ideas for a new smile in the upcoming New Year. We’d like to continue that discussion by looking more in depth at an option often chosen by the people we see on the screen: dental veneers (also known as porcelain veneers or laminates).

Porcelain veneers can drastically improve your smile

Porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells of tooth colored material that are individually crafted to fit each person’s teeth. Veneers are designed to fit over the surface of teeth, primarily to improve appearance. Specially formulated bonding material is used to permanently bond the veneers to your teeth, ensuring they keep the flashy good looks in place without cracking or falling off. Porcelain resists stains, and has the ability to reflect light in much the same way as natural teeth, making them less noticeable. Veneers can give you a screen-worthy smile, producing shapely, balanced teeth that are sparkly white and beautifully aligned. They also serve to protect damaged teeth, and can sometimes avert more extensive work.

The reasons for getting porcelain veneers are almost as varied as the people who get them, including:

●      Uneven teeth – Face it, most of us weren’t blessed with teeth that make a neat, well-proportioned line in our mouths. Veneers are an easy way to correct that.

●      Stained enamel – The thin, hard substance that covers the surface of your teeth can become stained as a result of drinking coffee, tea, or soft drinking. Smoking is another major contributor, as well as genetic factors and medications.

●      Chips, cracks, or breaks – accidents happen, and the result can be unsightly damage to teeth. Porcelain veneers are a simple solution.

●      Gaps between teeth

●      Worn teeth

Veneers are designed to fit over the surface of teeth

So, how hard is it to get these veneers? Getting porcelain veneers is a much easier process than getting a crown or dental implants. NYC cosmetic dentists can usually produce brighter smiles in just two or three visits to the office. The first visit involves a consultation to determine your goals and if veneers are right for you. This may be combined with the next step on the same visit: preparation. Your teeth need to be prepared for veneers by the removal of about ½ millimeter of enamel from the surface of the tooth.

This is approximately the same amount which will be added by the veneer. The dentist will then take an impressing of your teeth that will be sent off to a professional dental laboratory, which will custom make veneers for your teeth. The final visit is the most intensive, and involves the actual bonding of the veneers to your teeth. Your dentist will be very careful to check for proper fit, color match with your other teeth, and correct placement. Once all of these have been verified, he will apply the bonding to your teeth and you will walk out of the office flashing that beautiful smile you never dreamed could be yours.

Smile Makeovers for the New Year

As the old year comes to a close and we prepare to ring in the new, why not consider ringing in a new smile for the New Year? Chipped, stained, misshapen, and missing teeth can all be corrected through prosthodontic procedures. And while the name sounds daunting, these procedures are simply those done by a trained professional to restore stunning good looks to your pearly whites. Prosthodontic procedures are those that involve diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation, and maintenance of the function, comfort, appearance, and health of your mouth. Many of these procedures have become very popular, involve little risk, and have stunning results. We’ll discuss a few of these procedures here, so you can begin to make plans for a stunning smile.

Porcelain veneers are a relatively easy and inexpensive solution for stained, misshapen, or chipped teeth. One of the best things about veneers is that they can usually be applied without anesthesia. Veneers can even be used to remove unwanted spaces, and correct crooked teeth.  Veneers are made from an impression done by your Dental Life professional, and are then glued to your teeth. Veneers will not stain, and are very strong and durable, lasting from ten to fifteen years. Porcelain veneers have been popular with celebrities who need a quick smile makeover.

If your teeth are good looking except for stains and yellowing, then a simple teeth whitening procedure may be your best smile makeover option. While there are many over-the-counter, do it yourself type products available, professional teeth whitening is much more effective and long-lasting. Also, beware of salon-type teeth whitening services, not all whitening products are created equal, and many operating these types of shops do not have the professional training equivalent to that of a cosmetic dentist. Manhattan area residents should choose their teeth whitening options carefully. It is always a good idea to consult with a professionally trained dentist for the safest and most effective whitening methods.

Obviously a little higher on the price range, dental implants are not as expensive as they used to be, and have improved dramatically in technology. Implants are a great option when missing teeth are involved. Nothing is worse than dealing with dentures to replace those missing teeth, and a well done implant can finish off that smile without any embarrassing slips!

Other options include tooth bonding, contouring and reshaping, fillings, bridges, crowns, and caps. Really, the path to a beautiful smile may be much easier than you think. Whether you need your teeth whitened or need some dental implants, Dental Life has the perfect solution for your mouth.  Maybe a smile makeover is just what Santa ordered for the New Year!

Planning on Losing Weight in the New Year?

Do you feel about as stuffed as that turkey that was on the table this Thanksgiving? In the height of holiday season the last thing we want to think about is our weight. Usually it isn’t until the new year approaches and we start feeling a little extra tightness in the waistband that we consider making a resolution to exercise, diet, and lose weight. However, weight loss is a good thing to keep in mind right through the holidays, especially as NY Dental professionals ponder new information from a recent study revealing an alarming connection between obesity and gum disease.

In the study, 31 overweight individuals who had gum disease were given the same periodontal care. However, a control group underwent gastric bypass surgery to facilitate weight loss. After a period of time, all participants’ gum conditions had improved some due to the periodontal care. However, those who had enjoyed weight loss due to the surgery showed far greater improvement in overall gum health, reduction of inflammation, and a marked decrease in glucose levels.

Inflammation of the gums can lead to harmful effects over time, causing bone erosion and tooth loss. It also allows harmful oral bacteria to enter the blood stream. This bacteria has been linked to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and other conditions.

One of the theories scientists propose for the connection between obesity and oral health is that excessive fat cells, called adipocytes, create more cytokines which reduce the ability of insulin to properly deal with sugars in the body. The result is elevated sugar in the blood stream which presents a constant assault on the gums and teeth. Other studies show that the blood vessels in the mouth show thickening in obese individuals, which decreases blood flow to the tissues. Reduced blood flow allows bacteria to stagnate without being removed by the immune cells in the body.

In earlier dental news, previous studies confirm the findings of this latest research, and there are many convincing factors that explain the connection. Not only does obesity promote periodontal disease, but it also increases risk of adult onset diabetes, which in turn has its own gum disease risks.

So, as you enjoy your holiday goodies, keep in mind moderation is always a good habit. Start planning today for a weight loss program that includes healthy eating and regular exercise. A healthy wight not only makes you feel better, but your mouth will thank you as well. Making an appointment with your dental care professional wouldn’t be a bad New Year resolution either!

Shrinking Jaws: Fact or Fiction?

Whether we like it or not, every one of us faces the effects of aging on our bodies. Hair thins and whitens, taut muscles sag, wrinkles appear; but did you know that your jaw shrinks as you age? A study released by the Faculty of Dentistry at Malmo University is circling dentistry news and reveals that jaws do reduce in size, causing teeth crowding in seniors. Surely another sign of aging is not what we all wanted to hear!

The study was a fascinating one. Dental students in their twenties had molds taken of their teeth. Researchers repeated the molds in ten years, then again a full forty years after the first sample was taken. Comparison of the three different molds showed that the jaw size had indeed shrunk in that forty year time span. The lower jaw was affected more than the upper, and the shrinkage occurred whether or not the individuals had their wisdom teeth removed. Manhattan cosmetic dentist professionals are taking special note of this study because of the effect jaw shrinkage can have on the bite of their patients.

So, how does this bit of dental news affect you? Regardless of your age, the inevitable effects of aging are already at work on your body. When you consider having cosmetic dentistry work done, it is important that you discuss jaw space issues with your dental professional. While continuous shrinking of the jaw is normal, dental reconstruction is not a natural occurrence. However, with proper planning, qualified dental professionals can still perform procedures that will enhance your smile, preserve the longevity of your bite, and give you more confidence.

A key to maintaining jaw size is dental implants. NY dentists have long recognized the value of replacing missing teeth with dental implants. If space from missing teeth is allowed to remain, atrophy of the jaw and gum tissue begins to accelerate the otherwise normal rate of jaw shrinkage. Removable dentures allow the atrophy continue, accelerating the rate of shrinkage. Most of us have probably seen an older person struggling with a denture that has become too large due to shrinkage in the mouth. This is due both to the normally occurring shrinkage of the jaw, but also to the accelerated shrinkage caused by missing teeth. In contrast, titanium posts used for dental implants are actually interpreted by the body as the bone of a natural tooth, reducing the risk of natural bone loss around the implant. Dental implants actually become a great tool to help reduce the effects of aging on your jaw.

When you start to think of the effects of aging, trusting the care of a dental professional can give you a healthy mouth for many more years of enjoying delectable meals with friends and family. Jaw shrinkage is not something to fear, but instead to face with confidence, knowing the options before you. Dental implants are no longer a luxury, but a means of keeping you smiling for your grandchildren and others you care about.

Feeding Your Teeth This Holiday Season

Are you ready to sink your teeth into Thanksgiving turkey? What about the Christmas ham? The meats you enjoy probably won’t make the dentistry news headlines, but all of those delectable sweets just might! You know the old saying, “You are what you eat?” This is true when it comes to the health of your teeth. Drinking and snacking on sweet or starchy things is not just a treat for yourself, but for the plaque building up on your teeth as well. And while we don’t want to become the Grinch that stole your holiday treats, we would like to offer a few suggestions to combat those goodies and promote a healthy holiday smile.

High Fiber Fruits and Vegetables

Fiber is exceptionally good for your teeth, acting somewhat like a detergent in your mouth, helping to scrub off that unwanted plaque. There are a number of fruits and vegetables that have good fiber content, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt to include a few more veggies into your holiday menu. At the top of the list are:

● Artichokes

● Peas

● Broccoli

● Kale

● Raw carrots

● Avocados

● Asparagus

● Apples

● Bananas

● Blueberries

● Raspberries

● Pears

Not only do fibrous foods act as scrubbers, they also promote saliva flow, which aids in neutralizing acids and enzymes which attack your tooth enamel.

Dairy Products

Incorporating dairy products into holiday meals is a cinch. Many recipes call for cheese, milk, yogurt, and other dairy products. What makes them so good for your teeth? The calcium in milk helps to build stronger enamel, providing better protection from those less healthful holiday choices.

Green and Black Tea

Do you have a soft spot for a steaming chai latte? A Chai latte actually has a couple of good things going for your teeth – milk and tea. Both green and black teas contain polyphenols that work to counteract plaque causing bacteria. Although tea is acid, the acidity is so weak that it does not affect your teeth. Rather, both black and green teas have been making dental news lately because they contain the properties that break down plaque bacteria, making them a good component of your healthy teeth arsenal. Just cut back on some of the sugar in that latte!

Eating for the health of your teeth need not be a bothersome chore; there are plenty of tooth-healthy foods that are delightful to the palate as well. Incorporating a few of these ideas into your traditional holiday fare is an easy step toward promoting a healthy smile.

Dealing with Acid Reflux (GERD)? Watch Your Teeth!

So, you have just come home from a great night of Mexican food – the bean dip was fabulous, chips and salsa were great, and the enchiladas, beyond compare! Now you are dealing with that familiar burning pain in your chest, those feelings of regurgitation: the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). What you may not realize is that the same acid that is causing you such discomfort may actually be eating away at the enamel of your teeth, making you susceptible to tooth decay.

GERD is a common problem today and occurs when ring of muscle between the esophagus and the stomach fails to close, allowing the contents of the stomach to flow back up into the esophagus. The high acidity of the stomach contents is what causes the burning sensation in the chest. Eventually the acid can eat away at the lining of the esophagus, producing even more serious complications.

What effect does all this extra acid have on your mouth? Saliva in your mouth is designed to maintain the proper pH balance (levels of acidity or alkalinity) in your mouth. For example, eating sugar causes the acid level of your mouth to rise, putting your teeth at risk. The saliva in your mouth works to restore the balance after sugar consumption. Imagine the effect of continual acid coming up from your stomach due to GERD and entering your mouth – the acidic assault should make dental news headlines as much as the warnings about highly acidic foods, drinks, and sugar.

Acid eats at the enamel that protects your teeth. When the enamel begins to wear off, the sensitive inner layer of your teeth, called dentin, is exposed. This can produce symptoms of tooth erosion, which include:

● Toothache
● Bad breath
● Spots on teeth
● Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet

Tooth decay can lead to more serious dental issues which could lead to permanent damage or loss of teeth requiring the care of cosmetic dentistry. Because of the serious effects of excess acid in the mouth NY dental professionals recommend following a strict regimen to deal with GERD quickly. Certain dietary and lifestyle choices contribute to GERD, including eating chocolate, peppermint, fried or fatty foods, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. Smoking has also been shown to relax the muscle that contributes to GERD.

If you have been diagnosed with GERD, or you are experiencing the symptoms, you should let your dentist know. If you have already suffered damage to your teeth, you may want to visit a cosmetic dentist. Manhattan area dentists are well equipped both to protect your teeth from damage, and to help you recover your beautiful smile.