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Why Your Smile Loves Garlic | New York, NY

Let’s face it – food wouldn’t be the same without garlic. It is so beloved that there is an entire festival dedicated to garlic in Gilroy, CA every summer. But with every good comes a bad and garlic is no different. The more we enjoy it, the more it is invading our mouths, leaving us with some of the stinkiest breath around. And no chance of getting that kiss at the end of the date. But did you know that garlic is actually helping our smiles? It may be hard to believe this pungent ingredient has a positive to our health but it’s true – garlic is one of the most multi-faceted foods we have. And since National Garlic Day is in April, let’s take a moment to celebrate our smile’s favorite smelly friend…

Gum disease prevention. Garlic has thiosulfinate, a bacteria-reducing compound that specializes in reducing the production of plaque, the first stage of gum disease.

Promotes dental hygiene. We all know that garlic is guaranteed to give us some of the worst breath, so garlic is actually helping us maintain healthy dental practices as we are more prone to brush after eating garlic.

Get a good night’s sleep. Did you know garlic helps you sleep? Those that suffer from sleep apnea can benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties that can also help open up your airways and reduce enlarged tonsils.

Toothache relief. If a toothache or headache has occurred, munching on a clove of garlic can help relieve some of your pain naturally.

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of garlic, 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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Prevent Tooth Decay in Five Steps | New York Dentist

We all try to maintain a healthy smile, but tooth decay can sneak up on us if we aren’t careful. But are you doing everything you can? When it comes to our smiles, a dentist is the expert when it comes to keeping it healthy, but it is our duty to keep our smiles healthy in between dental check-ups. Here are five dentist-approved ways you can prevent tooth decay:

Brush your teeth. Brushing and flossing properly every day, along with a good dental rinse can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day actually makes your teeth stronger.

Dietary snacks. It is good to limit sweet snacks in general, but an excessive intake of sweets will alter your blood sugar and cause cavities, especially if you don’t practice good dental hygiene on the daily. Good snacks should be nutritious and include healthy proteins and fats.

Regular dental checkups. It is very important to seek the help of a dentist since they know a lot more about your mouth and the issues that can arise because of your lifestyle.

Fluoride therapy. By definition, fluoride therapy is the delivery of fluoride to your teeth either topically or systemically in order to prevent tooth decay, and eventually, resulting in cavities. Fluoride therapy delivery involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed. Tablets or drops are rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.

Dental sealant. Dental sealants are a dental option done during your check-ups and are basically plastic material covering your teeth in order to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay, 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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What Do You Know About Dental Sealants? | New York Dentist

It’s a new year and a new train of thought. But when you think about life improvements, do you ever think about your dental health? It’s something to think about, since our mouths are the first line of defense against lots of general health issues. So, when we are maintaining our dental hygiene routines, we need to realize that how we brush our teeth is important. After all, no one wants to have a cavity. The best way to prevent them from developing is to practice proper dental hygiene, keep your dental checkups regular and consider dental sealants.

What is a dental sealant? 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. You’ll be pleased to see a great report card at your next dental visit.

If you have questions or concerns about dental sealants, 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 It’s Time for an Extraction | New York Dentist

Let’s face it – once we lose our baby teeth, this is all we get. We need to preserve our teeth for the rest of our lives. Because while dental implants are fantastic replacements, nothing beats our natural set of teeth so our goal is to keep them as long as we possibly can. But life happens, and so do accidents. It isn’t impossible that you will need a tooth or teeth replaced at some point in your life.

While there are many different reasons for extraction, virtually all extractions fall into one of two classes: simple or surgical. Simple extractions typically involve local anesthetic, and instruments are used to gain leverage and physically loosen and pull the tooth from the patient’s mouth. Surgical extractions, as their name implies, is typically conducted by an oral surgeon under anesthesia, and may involve teeth that are fully beneath the gum tissue, or teeth that require cutting tissue or bone for other reasons.

But you need to know, there is no easy extraction and both surgical and simple extractions require healing – your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to minimize the chance of infection. Packing the area with gauze will also help to eliminate the chance of food particles becoming embedded in the opening formerly occupied by the removed tooth. Depending on your case, you may also require antibiotics and/or pain killers for the first bit of healing time, but you will soon be good as new. While extraction is fairly common and well understood, there are some potential complications, including infection, bleeding, swelling, and nerve injury.

If you have questions or concerns about teeth extractions, 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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Which Whitener Is My Best Choice? | New York Dentist

Nothing is better than having a bright, healthy smile. Not only does it look great to everyone you meet, but knowing you have this spectacular smile just improves everything around you. The problem is, it’s tough to maintain that brightness as time goes on. Whether it be because of our diets, bad habits or dental hygiene routines, eventually our smile begins to have a not-so-white vibe.

This is when we need some help. And where all the confusion comes into play. Which option is best for my grin? There seems to be so many options. Do you go natural? Do you save up for a professional one? Let’s break down the 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 naturally.

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, so make sure you use these in moderation.

In-office visits. When all else fails, nothing beats a ZOOM! whitening treatment. Not only can it 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 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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Just the Basics: Dental Hygiene Edition | New York Dentist

If there is anything we know about our teeth, it’s that we need to take care of them if we want to keep them. Because if we don’t, there are a myriad of dental issues that can arise. But how do you know if you’re doing a good job? Believe it or not, but many people think they have it down pat and they are mistaken. The average person spends around 30 seconds brushing their teeth; dental professionals recommend a minimum two minutes. To celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, let’s break down proper dental hygiene technique. If these tips sound familiar, 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 – you need to make sure that every surface is brushed and cleaned as thoroughly as possible to keep those cavity creeps at bay. 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.

Flossing is one of those things everyone pretends they do, but rarely do. 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. Your dental appointments are going to be a breeze!

If you have questions or concerns about dental hygiene, 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 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.

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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.

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Chewing Gum Can Help Your Whitened Teeth | New York Dentist

When we get our teeth whitened, it isn’t unusual for us to have a bit of tooth sensitivity for a while afterwards. Because there are chemicals involved in the teeth whitening treatments, it can cause your mouth to feel a bit tender. But what can we do to make it stop? If can be as easy as chewing gum.

A tooth can become sensitive for a different reason. As the enamel wears down, your teeth become increasingly prone to pain when drinking or eating certain foods. Receding gums can also play a major role in causing your teeth to become sensitive and there are lots of reasons gums can recede. Dentin exposure can cause your teeth (and their roots) to no longer have all of the protection our gums and tooth enamel provide. It is this that causes the pain we feel.

A study was published in the British Dental Journal stating 88 patients were broken into three groups prior to receiving an in-office teeth whitening – patients without chewing gum, patients with sugar-free gum, and patients with sugar-free gum that also included Recaldent, a product that helps strengthen tooth enamel by adding calcium & phosphate to its list of ingredients. After the procedure, those patients with gum were asked to begin chewing. Those that chewed on a piece of chewing gum had significantly less pain than the group that went without.

The theory is that perhaps the increased saliva production gave the patient some type of relief. Or perhaps, the act of chewing gum made the patient forget about the pain altogether. What they did find is that the Recaldent chewing gum did not make a difference.

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of chewing gum, 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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Bacteria: It’s in Your Mouth | New York Dentist

If you aren’t practicing proper oral hygiene, harmful bacteria will grow in your mouth. These harmful bacteria can lead to gum disease, an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Not only can periodontal disease cause bleeding and inflamed gums, but it can also lead to tooth loss and other major health problems.

Heart. Though the cause-and-effect link hasn’t been completely identified, research still indicates that gum disease is a risk factor for heart disease.

Respiratory system. Inhaling harmful bacteria can cause respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.

Memory. There is some research that suggests that people with gum disease may be at greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s, or other memory problems that make daily tasks a bit more difficult.

Blood pressure. Research has shown that people who suffer from diabetes are at higher risk for gum disease because diabetics are more vulnerable to infection, which includes gum disease. Research also indicates that gum disease can lead to increased blood sugar and diabetic complications.

Premature birth. While there are conflicting results, there have been studies that have shown links between gum disease and premature birth. Some research has shown that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver before full term, which sets the baby up for health risks. The research is still ongoing.

Don’t jeopardize your smile or put yourself at risk for major health complications. Be sure to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent gum disease, which involves brushing twice a day, flossing at least once and using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Also, don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional teeth cleanings.

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