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Enhance Your Smile With These Care Accessories | Central Park West Dentist

A well-rounded oral care routine is the first step towards attaining the smile you want, but if your hygiene is quite good, and you still aren’t seeing the results you want, aesthetic additions may do the trick. Here are some oral care accessories that can enhance your smile at home.

Aesthetic

At-Home Aligners: At-home aligners are an easy, effective means of straightening out your teeth for an enhanced aesthetic. While they aren’t meant for everyone, and you should speak with your dentist prior to incorporating at-home aligners into your oral care practices, they can gently move your teeth into their proper position and enhance your smile.

Whitening Trays: These work similarly to the teeth aligners mentioned above. Instead of working to straighten your teeth however, you simply mold the trey to your teeth, brush on the included whitening solution to the inside of the tray and allow it to rest on your teeth for the prescribed amount of time. Kits are easily accessible and when done properly can make your smile up to a few shades whiter.

UV Light: This is another means of enhancing the color and brightness of your teeth. Typically, when you employ a UV light, you first brush on the whitening solution and allow the light to rest on that set of teeth for a number of minutes. The solution and the light combination work to enhance your smile and can potentially do so up to a few shades whiter.

Hygienic

Electric Toothbrushes: Do you even complete your two-minute scrub and think “My teeth don’t feel very clean”? It may be because the traditional toothbrush just isn’t cutting it anymore. Electric toothbrushes have gained popularity because they are designed to provide brush strokes that work to give you a better clean in the same amount of time. It can go a long way to providing the basic care your teeth need.

Flossers: There are so many ways to floss available for your choosing. Traditional waxed or unwaxed threads are no longer the only option. Water flossers and plush threads are great alternatives (if not better alternatives) to the floss we commonly associate with.

Tongue Scraper: While there is no definitive rule that these need to be employed in your care routine, the benefit of incorporating one is the added removal of potentially harmful bacteria. Tongue scraping removes the same bacteria that feed on the sugars left between the teeth after a meal from the surface of the tongue, improving overall hygiene.

If you have questions or concerns about these care accessories, give us a call or make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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Nail Biting Can Damage Your Smile | Central Park West Dentist

We only get one set of adult teeth. They should be one of the most important things you work to protect through proper oral care and intended use. Biting your nails may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage to a beautiful smile. It increases the risk you may chip a tooth, increase the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and begin to shift your teeth.

All too often, we use our teeth to perform tasks other than chewing. For some, the convenience of using our teeth to perform certain actions – such as biting our nails – outweighs the risk of chipping a tooth or otherwise damaging our teeth over time. Biting our nails tends to start as a childhood fascination that if left unchecked, can progress into adulthood.

Before you damage a tooth or otherwise damage your smile, here are some tips to help yourself keep from biting your nails:

  • Identify your triggers
  • Keep your nails trimmed
  • Get regular manicures
  • Apply a clear or bitter-tasting to your nails or the edge of your fingertips
  • Replace the nail-biting habit with a good habit
  • Try to gradually stop biting your nails, going nail by nail until the habit is kicked

Small steps may be the key to making a bigger change. The sooner you kick your nail-biting habit, the less time you spend unconsciously damaging your teeth.

If you have questions or concerns, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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Understanding Tartar Buildup and Care | Central Park West Dentist

The buildup of plaque that hardens on your teeth is known as tartar. When plaque isn’t removed properly from your hygienic routine, that’s when plaque can turn into tarter which may require a more intense means of removal. While tartar buildup can happen, there are ways your can mitigate your risk. Tartar control toothpastes and rinses can help eliminate stubborn plaque to help prevent tarter all together. Regular visits with your dentist and flossing also go a long way in helping ensure a thorough oral care routine and minimize the risk of tartar buildup.

Tartar is a buildup of minerals that, if above the gum line, is fairly easy to spot. If you notice yellow or brown-colored stains on the teeth or gums, it may be tarter. The only real way to know however, is to consult your dentist, and they can remove it for you. Your dentist or hygienist may employ a method called scaling in which he or she uses special instruments to remove the tartar from around the gum line and bottom of the tooth pocket.

If you are employing a thorough routine of proper brushing and flossing, you should be able to avoid tartar buildup. Yet, it’s still important to understand the signs and symptoms of tartar buildup, so that if you do recognize it’s happening, you can consult your dentist sooner than later. If it gets really bad, you may experience bad breath, darker staining, loose teeth and red, swollen or bleeding gums. If this happens, its best to consult your dentist immediately before things get worse.

If you have questions or concerns about your tarter buildup, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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What To Do If Your Child Has A Crossbite | Central Park West Dentist

Learning that you or you or your child may have a cross bite can be an intimidating moment. A cross bite can seriously impact one’s quality of life, and treatments can seem scary. Yet, questions like “how soon should a cross bite be addressed” and “what means of intervention might we take” are better addressed sooner than later.

What does it mean to have a cross bite?

Simply put, a cross bite is when your upper and lower jaws do not align properly. Your upper jaw may rest to the right or left of your lower jaw, causing an improper alignment. This can cause a variety of issues such as grinding down your teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder, inability to chew effectively, facial asymmetry, uneven jaw development, and biting your cheek or tongue frequently.

Treatment options

Opinions are divided about when to begin treatment for a cross bite, some suggesting at the time of diagnosis (for a child, this could mean around the age of three), while others want to wait until a child’s molars arrive (commonly around the age of six). No matter when you decide to begin treatment, dentists and orthodontists alike agree a cross bit should not be left untreated for the reasons mentioned above.

Depending on the kind of cross bite, and how severe the misalignment is, its likely treatment will involve dental appliances that work to correct the bite pattern. This can be in the form of braces, sagittal expanders, and retainers that all work to correct the alignment over time. These methods are commonly employed when the entire alignment is off. If misalignment is being caused by a single tooth, it is more likely that a dental face mask, clear aligners, or braces are employed.

While crossbites are not very common, they are generally considered a genetic occurrence. In the case of discovering your young child has a crossbite, it should be treated before they sustain permanent damage to their face and jaw. Listen to all the options provided by your dentist, and choose the course of action that best suits your child.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s jaw or crossbite, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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How Salt Can Help Your Smile | Central Park West Dentist

After a long holiday season, it may be possible for us to develop a toothache. After all, there are so many events filled with tasty eats, overindulging can sometimes have an effect on your smile. Thankfully, there is a quick solution to help ease the pain.

Sure, it tastes like you are drinking a glass of ocean water, but a warm saltwater rinse can be highly beneficial to your oral health. It is more than just a disinfectant; it also helps in removing swelling of oral tissues. Here are just a few ways swishing some saltwater can help:

Halitosis. While poor oral hygiene is a cause for halitosis, or bad breath, rinsing your mouth with salt water can prevent bacterial growth and infection, which often causes halitosis.

Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a typical condition characterized by swelling, inflammation and bleeding gums. Bacteria proliferation forms a sticky and whitish film, called plaque. Rinsing the mouth with salt water solution daily can help in soothing inflamed gums and wipes out bacteria.

Toothache. Toothache can happen to anyone; it is a common complication caused by several reasons. While bacteria are the main cause, weak roots or open nerve endings can also lead to sensitivity and throbbing in teeth. Gargling regularly with salt water can offer some relief.

Sore throat. Sore throat can cause you to cough, only adding to the pain your throat feels. Saltwater gargle can help in relieving soreness.

Salt water has been used by multiple cultures over countless generations to clean wounds and rinse out mouths, but it should not be swallowed in quantity. Talk to your dentist about the benefits of washing your mouth with salt water. To make a saltwater solution, mix 1 tsp of salt to 1 cup of warm water.

If you have questions or concerns about salt water rinse, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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Alternatives to Toothpaste | Central Park West Dentist

We all know that there are a few tools we need in order to maintain a healthy smile – a toothbrush, some toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. With these tools, we can achieve not only a healthy mouth but a bright smile that you’ll love to show off.

But what if you don’t have toothpaste handy, or you’ve just run out and don’t have time to run to the shop? There are some ways you can make your own toothpaste using very regular household items. Check it out!

Baking soda. There are lots of toothpastes that contain baking soda, so this shouldn’t sound so foreign to anyone. This ingredient helps whiten teeth and remove plaque. Simply place some on your finger, paper towel, or washcloth before brushing your teeth.

Saltwater. Salt has natural antibacterial qualities that can help eliminate some of the plaque-causing germs in your mouth when you don’t have any toothpaste. Simply combine 1–2 teaspoons of salt to 8 ounces of lukewarm water and allow the salt to dissolve in the water. Then dip your finger, paper towel, or washcloth in the saltwater before brushing your teeth, or use the elixir as a rinse afterwards. Just be aware that salt can corrode metal fillings so if you have some, don’t use this method too frequently.

Strawberries. This may sound crazy to you, but strawberries have malic acid, which can help whiten teeth, vitamin C, to maintain gum health, and an astringent that helps remove plaque. So, crush up some strawberries & apply to your teeth, even when mixed in some baking soda. When you finish, rinse well with water as strawberries still have sugar and fructose, both of which can cause tooth decay.

If you have questions or concerns about toothpaste alternatives, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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Halloween Habits to Maintain Your Tiny Human’s Smile | Central Park West Dentist

When Halloween comes around, as parents it is important to teach our children to take care of their teeth to instill good dental habits through life. After all, there are lots of sugary sweets available to damage a tiny human smile, so staying on top of your child’s smile is important on this haunted night. Now, there’s no reason to deny children the enjoyment of Halloween candy, but it’s important to supervise them to ensure that their Halloween is enjoyed in a way that keeps their teeth safe.

Use Halloween as a way to teach children about moderation – by teaching children to eat a moderate number of treats, you’ll encourage them to practice moderation in their daily lives, including other sugary foods they’ll encounter year-round such as sweet juices and starch heavy breads. Allow your children to choose the candy they want to eat, but set a limit on the number of pieces, and remove the extras – they can be saved for a future day, frozen for later, thrown away, or donated.

While sugar does promote decay, the effect of sugar is not instant. If children eat candy for a short time period, and then brush their teeth a short time later, the impact of the sugar is fairly minimal. For that reason, allow children to eat candy during a fixed time – rather than an all-day feast, they’ll have a fixed window for candy. This allows them to prioritize their candy enjoyment, minimizes the chances that they’ll consume far too much, and by following treats with brushing, helps prevent cavities.

Focus on fun, but effective, tooth brushing. Children often need stimulation beyond simple health to brush regularly and sufficiently, so swap toothbrushes every few months, and give your children the opportunity to choose.

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of Halloween candy on your teeth, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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How Eating Breakfast Can Improve Your Smile | Central Park West Dentist

We have all heard it before – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it get your day started right, but it also gives your body the boost it needs to make it through with little issue. The problem is that many people do not choose the best breakfast options. They think easy and quick, which will typically end up being not the best choices they could be.

Thankfully, there are options that can be quick and easy, but also really healthy for to not only get your day started on the right foot, but can give you all the nutrients your body, and your smile, need to be the best they can be. It’s true – your breakfast can improve your smile! Let’s celebrate the first meal of the day by taking a look at some of our favorite breakfast options guaranteed to not only nourish you, but your smile…

Fruit. It’s always nice to start the day with a bit of fruit, whether it be via juice or by the piece. We all know that vitamin C, and lots of fruit have it. From strawberries to pineapple, the sweet vitamin C will also help scour away plaque and whiten teeth. But don’t overdo it – too much acidic food will begin to wear down your tooth enamel.

Dairy. Between milk, cheese and yogurt, the dairy section will give your smile the calcium & phosphorus boosts it needs to be its strongest. They will focus on re-mineralizing your teeth and protecting your tooth enamel from damage.

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of breakfast food on your teeth, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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Dental Sealants Will Seal Your Dental Health | Central Park West Dentist

When it comes to dental hygiene, we do our best to make sure our teeth are healthy and strong by brushing, flossing, eating well and visiting the dentist regularly. So, when you find out that you have developed a cavity, we tend to question why it happened. Unfortunately, there are ways you can develop cavities that have nothing to do with how well you brush your teeth. But worry not, there is a way to prevent cavities from happening – dental sealants.

Dental sealant is a thin coating that is painted onto the crevices of your premolars and molars in order to prevent cavities from forming in the areas it is difficult for toothbrushes to reach. While it is available to everyone, dental sealants are a great way to prevent cavities while your tiny human is learning to properly brush.

The process is quick, painless and economical, as sealants are less expensive than a filling. The tooth is cleaned and dried, then a low-acidic solution is applied so the sealant can adhere to the tooth. The sealant is painted onto the respective tooth and dried with a curing light. Start to finish, the process takes less than a minute.

Once the sealants have been applied, the upkeep is simple – look after your teeth like you would normally. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, floss at least once, and swish some mouthwash around. Your next dental visit will go off without a hitch.

If you have questions or concerns about dental sealants, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.

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Reasons You Really Ought to Quit Smoking | Central Park West Dentist

It may have been the cool thing to do in the past, but if they knew then what we know now, it would likely not have been so popular. Lung cancer, heart disease, premature wrinkles are just a few of the perks of smoking. But how bad it is for your mouth? In the beginning, the effects are fairly minor. But bad breath & yellowing teeth are just the tip of the iceberg. Soon you will have a build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth, which can lead to gum disease and even tooth loss. Healing from tooth loss will take longer to heal. The dental implant used to replace the tooth have a lower success rate due to bone loss in the jaw. We haven’t even gotten to the gum disease.

When you smoke, the smoke you inhale interferes with the normal function of your gum tissue. When infected, you are more susceptible to periodontal disease. The more your blood flow is impaired, the longer it takes to heal. As you lose more alveolar bone, or the bones that anchor your teeth in your mouth, the easier it is for them to fall out.

Quitting will benefit your health tremendously, no matter how long you’ve been smoking. A study in the Journal of the American Dental Association revealed that mouth lesion leukoplakia completely healed in 97.5% of patients just after 6 weeks of quitting. The American Cancer Society states smokers are 6 times more likely to contract cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat than those who do not. So, grab yourself some nicotine gum, join a support group, or try acupuncture or hypnosis to ensure you stay healthy for a long time to come.

If you have questions or concerns about quitting smoking, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.