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Gum Disease Prevention at Home | New York Dentist

Periodontal disease is one of the most common problems Americans face – as many as half of American adults have some level of periodontal disease, and that percentage increases at higher ages. Periodontal, or gum, disease can take many forms – from mild gingivitis, with symptoms like red inflamed gums to severe periodontal disease, where pus from infections can push teeth from their socket.

Fortunately, there are things you can do at home to help prevent periodontal disease. First and foremost – brush at least twice a day (ideally after each meal), and floss at least once a day. Periodontal disease typically starts with plaque and tartar on the teeth – brushing and flossing helps remove that plaque before it can harden into tartar.

Controlling bacteria in the mouth can be done with a few home remedies. Saltwater rinses (2 teaspoons of salt in a glass of warm water, swirled in your mouth for up to 60 seconds) and hydrogen peroxide (food grade, equal parts 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and water, swirled in your mouth for a few seconds and then spit out) can help combat bacteria in your mouth, and sugar-free gum with Xylitol has antibacterial properties as well as encourages the production of saliva to help wash food particles from your mouth.

While there’s no substitute for professional dental visits, taking good care of your mouth at home will help keep periodontal disease at bay. If you see red, inflamed, or bleeding gums, skip the home treatment and visit a professional – it’s best to treat periodontal disease before it becomes a serious problem.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

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Drink Up! It’s National Drink Wine Day | New York Dentist

Our smile is very important to us, so it is important that we take care of it. Because if we develop tooth decay, we may not be keeping our teeth much longer. Thankfully, there are things we can do that can prevent cavities beyond brushing and dental visits. The following are a handful of not-so-well-known tips for cavity prevention. And since February 18th is National Drink Wine Day, you’ll be happy to know wine is actually on this list…

Wine. Red wine is generally not considered great for teeth because of the stains, but one study suggests that many of the individual chemical components in both red and white wine can actively fight the bacteria that lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Raisins. Within the same vein, scientists have found that some of the chemicals present in nature’s candy, including polyphenols and flavonoids, may actively fight oral bacteria that lead to cavities.

Use a straw. We really shouldn’t have sugary drinks in our diet, but a good way to minimize damage to healthy teeth is by sipping that soda through a straw, so there is minimal contact with your teeth.

Cheese. Some researchers believe that casein, a protein found in cheese, may have a protective property that promotes healthy teeth and could help with cavity prevention.

Chewing gum. Chewing sugar-free gum has long been recommended to avoid bad breath and cavities. Even more so if it’s made with xylitol, a natural sugar substitute.

Dental sealants. To prevent tooth decay, many dentists recommend dental sealants, a protective coating that’s applied to the surface of the back teeth.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

 

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When You Want Your Smile Whitened | New York Dentist

When we think of a smile that lights up a room, we are generally thinking about those amazing Hollywood smiles we see on our movie screens. They are bright and white and envious to those that can’t claim the same perfection. Now it is time to do something about it – a teeth whitening treatment is sure to fix things right up.

Brushing and flossing remain the two most important things you can do to prevent yellow teeth and to maintain oral health. Avoiding smoking and the over-consumption of acidic food and drink are all simple options that will surely improve the state of your tooth coloration overall. Food and drinks that are very acidic break down the tooth’s enamel, making your teeth look dingy. Avoiding snacks in between meals also help give your saliva enough time to dilute and help rinse the acids in your mouth.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes, whitening trays and even mouth rinses, can all help whiten teeth by removing some of the stain build-up and providing a mild bleaching effect when used properly.

In general, the most effective way to whiten teeth and get lasting results is to visit the dentist. Only they can give you the proper advice on how to achieve the sparkly, white smile you’ve always wanted. There are various ways dentists can help you achieve better looking teeth. This may include using bleaching kits for you to use at home, or via in-office bleaching procedures though the latter is considered the more effective option.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

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Why You Need to Use Toothpaste | New York Dentist

oral hygieneWe know the importance of looking after our teeth, and in doing that, brushing on a daily basis. Brushing, along with flossing, will not only remove food debris and plaque but will also protect your teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. But have you ever wondered why we use toothpaste? Sure, it tastes great and makes our breath less harsh, but is that all it does for our dental health? You may be surprised by just how much it does…

Dentists recommend that you use fluoride toothpaste, as it not only cleans your teeth but protects them. Toothpaste and gentle circular strokes work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. For toothpaste that contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay, and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen.

Special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Toothpaste helps freshen breath and leaves your mouth with a clean feeling. But contrary to what toothpaste commercials show, the amount of paste or gel needed on your brush for effective cleaning does not have to be a heaping amount. Simply squeeze a pea-sized dab of paste on the top half of your brush.

Whatever toothpaste you choose will be effective in that it will clean your teeth and prevent the risk of tooth decay. Your dentist can advise about toothpaste, so feel free to ask him/her for their advice.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

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Sometimes It’s Okay to Be Salty | New York Dentist

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. At the very least, salt water is soothing to the mucous membranes of your mouth, 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 saltwater rinse, make an appointment today with Dr. Philip Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

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Brighten Your Smile with a ZOOM! | New York Dentist

When you think of a great smile, what is the first thing you think of? Is it straight teeth? A set of bright white chiclets? A combination of the two? Unfortunately, many of us don’t have this perfect combination. But if given the choice, most would prefer to have a bright white smile. But keeping up a bright white smile isn’t exactly easy. Most of us don’t keep up the greatest diets and lifestyle choices, and that can hinder our teeth being their whitest. You can brush & floss every day, but your teeth will eventually lose its natural sheen. And being smack dab the holiday festivities, we need a bright smile. So, what do we do? Try these whitening options:

Kitchen items. DIY toothpaste can be made with a little hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, but did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? Strawberries contain stain-fighting malic acid, so crush a couple of berries with some baking soda. Even simpler, rubbing a potassium-filled banana peel over your teeth like a toothbrush will also shine up your smile.

Whitening products. Over the counter in the form of strips, trays, or paste work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. The products are effective at removing surface stains but make sure to follow the instructions. Overuse will wear down enamel making your teeth look yellowed.

In-office visits. When all else fails, nothing beats a ZOOM! whitening treatment that can either be applied by your professional, or customized so you can do it yourself. Ask your dental professional which whitening options will work best for you.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

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A Healthy Way to Celebrate Halloween | New York Dentist

When it comes to Halloween, it seems like all the rules fly out the window. Not only is trickery allowed, but the treats are some of the sweetest of all the holidays. Yes, Halloween isn’t exactly fun for your teeth. According to a study, the average child consumes between 3,700 to 7,000 calories worth of Halloween treats. That’s not even considering how much sugar is ingested. This is why it is very important to keep up with daily dental hygiene. To help your family stay healthy and safe, here is a list of tips you may want to take this Halloween:

Fill ‘em up. Sit down as a family and have a nutritious and filling meal before your Halloween outing so they aren’t as tempted to eat a lot of your candy afterwards.

Work it out. It’s always encouraged that children walk from house to house instead of driving them around. Encourage them with a friendly competition for who can take the most steps or be the most active while collecting candy.

Pick and choose. Offer your children to have 1-3 pieces of candy per day, starting with lunch, or after dinner as a treat. Once they’re done, it’s time to brush.

Give it away. When your children get back home from trick-or-treating, have your kids put their candy into two piles: one they want to keep and one they don’t. Donate the remain candy to a local senior citizen center, food pantry. Spread the Halloween love all around.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

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Let’s Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month | New York Dentist

Taking care of our teeth is important. We all know this. If we don’t we have dental issues and pain we don’t even want to deal with, so we do our best to keep our mouths clean. But what if I told you that you were brushing your teeth wrong? Would you believe it? It’s true. The average person spends around 30 seconds brushing their teeth; dental professionals recommend a minimum two minutes. In honor of National Dental Hygiene Month, let’s break down our dental hygiene. If you are checking off the boxes, you’re in great shape…

  • Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each session
  • Floss once a day before you sleep
  • Limit daily snacks, especially those full of sugar
  • Visit the dentist every 3-6 months for regular checkups and cleanings

When brushing your teeth, time alone isn’t the only factor, make sure that every surface is brushed and cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Do not focus solely on the ones people can see. Use short, gentle strokes, paying extra attention to your gums, back teeth and all areas around dental work to give yourself the best cleaning.

When it comes to flossing, follow the following technique:

Start with about 18 inches of floss, hold it between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it in between the gaps of your teeth. Slowly move the floss back-and-forth to bring it away from your teeth without causing any harm.

If you are still unsure if you are using proper technique, feel free to ask your dentist on your next dental appointment.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.

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Whiten Your Teeth at Home | New York Dentist

If there is anything that we correlate with a good smile, it has to be the color of the teeth. You can brush & floss every day, but your teeth may not keep its natural sheen. Here are six easy ways to DIY your smile:

The version most people are used to hearing about is a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste, or “old reliable”. You can find a lot of toothpastes with these ingredients, but if you want to do it DIY style, just drop a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into a little bit of baking soda makes a paste.

This may sound strange, but you can’t get more natural than this – strawberries and banana peels. Strawberries contain malic acid, and malic acid is fantastic at breaking down stains. So, grab a couple berries, add about a teaspoon of baking soda & rub on your teeth for 5-7 minutes. After you brush your teeth, peel a ripe banana and rub a piece of the inside on your teeth for two minutes. Minerals like potassium, magnesium, etc. will absorb into the enamel on your teeth, brightening it in a very nutritious way.

If you have apple cider vinegar, dilute it with some water (3 parts water, 1 part vinegar) and mix it with an all-natural toothpaste, you’ve made yourself a pretty efficient tooth whitening solution. If you are one that has discovered the many uses for coconut oil, you may also know that swishing it around in your mouth for 20 minutes is a possible solution to dingy teeth. Heat a cup of coconut oil, add two teaspoons of baking soda & five to ten drops of natural spearmint essential oil. The spearmint adds antimicrobial benefits for your gums.

One of the latest detoxifying trends is to use activated charcoal. The recipe is just as simple as all of these others: mix with a little bit of water, gently apply it to your teeth, leave to set in your mouth for two minutes, then rinse.

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

Dr. Schnall proudly serves New York and all surrounding areas.