When You Love a Cup o’ Joe | New York Dentist

Whether you brew your own or stand in line to get it, your day doesn’t start without your first cup of coffee. Everyone’s cup is different, but regardless of the style you choose, it’s become a ritual to your morning. And if this describes you, today is a very special one – because today is National Coffee Day.

Coffee is one way to get our early morning jolt of energy, but it isn’t a mystery that the energizing beverage isn’t exactly the best for our teeth. Not only does coffee stain your teeth, but it can also contribute to the buildup of plaque and tartar, while accelerating the progression of gum disease.

Gingivitis, or an inflammation of your gums caused by plaque, and periodontitis, a more advanced version of gingivitis that results in a gap between your teeth and your gums. When caught in the beginning gingivitis stage, it can be treated and, hopefully preventable in the future. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is more difficult to treat and, due to the gap between the teeth and gums, may cause your teeth to become loose and fall out.

When you drink coffee, it is affecting your mouth by lowering the temperature of your mouth and gums while reducing the blood flow to your gums, which does not allow your gums to get all of the necessary oxygen they need to continue functioning properly.

When it comes to gum disease, saliva plays a major role in prevention. It contains oxygen and specialized enzymes which help prevent gum disease by killing the unnecessary bacteria in your mouth. Drinking coffee can cause dehydration and reduce the amount of saliva you produce, thus increasing your chances of developing gum disease.

If you have questions or concerns about coffee, 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.

You May Need Your Dentist this Summer | New York Dentist

Who doesn’t love summertime? It is the most fun time of the year. No school, lots of time for family vacations, the sun is warm and there is plenty of fun to be had. So, you pack a few things and off you go…off to spend a few days being carefree with the ones you love most.

Before you leave the house, take a few moments to prepare for an emergency we rarely think about when preparing for a vacation: an oral one. It’s important that you are cognizant of the amount of sugars you consume, and that you drink lots of water to make sure you and yours stay hydrated and keep saliva production active. The more saliva production, the more protection you’re giving your mouth from cavity-forming bacteria and bad breath. Who wants to come home and deal with a mouth full of cavities after a wonderful time away?

If your family is a more adventurous brood, keep some type of lip balm handy for your outdoor adventures and apply often. With being active comes a lot more chance for accidental mishaps, so always be aware of your surroundings. Cracking a tooth during a camping trip or some other dental emergency could spoil the fun if you aren’t careful. Having a dental first aid kit is a smart idea if you are planning to spend time outdoors. Make sure you also include contact info for a local dental contact in case something major happens and immediate action is necessary. Being proactive on a vacation saves a lot of stress, and isn’t that the point of your family fun?

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of dental care on vacation, 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.

Why Your Smile Hates National Coffee Day | New York Dentist

Here you are again – in line at your local coffee shop, waiting to order your favorite morning pick-me-up. You aren’t alone, of course. But this isn’t just your average day, nor is it your average cup o’ joe. Today is special – today is National Coffee Day.

Coffee is one way to get our early morning jolt of energy, but it isn’t exactly the best for our teeth. Not only does coffee stain your teeth, but it can also contribute to the buildup of plaque and tartar, while accelerating the progression of gum disease.

Gingivitis, or an inflammation of your gums caused by plaque, and periodontitis, a more advanced version of gingivitis that results in a gap between your teeth and your gums. When caught in the beginning gingivitis stage, it can be treated and, hopefully preventable in the future. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is more difficult to treat and, due to the gap between the teeth and gums, may cause your teeth to become loose and fall out.

When you drink coffee, it is affecting your mouth by lowering the temperature of your mouth and gums while reducing the blood flow to your gums, which does not allow your gums to get all of the necessary oxygen they need to continue functioning properly.

When it comes to gum disease, saliva plays a major role in prevention. It contains oxygen and specialized enzymes which help prevent gum disease by killing the unnecessary bacteria in your mouth. Drinking coffee can cause dehydration and reduce the amount of saliva you produce, thus increasing your chances of developing gum disease.

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of coffee, 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.