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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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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.

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What Is a Dental Bone Graft? | Central Park West Dentist

When you have jaw issues and there needs to be a reconstruction done in order to return your smile back to beautiful, a dental bone graft may be necessary. Once complete, it will allow your jaw to regenerate bone tissue, making your jaw stronger. Yes, it does sound quite overwhelming, but it is actually quite common. Here are the four variations of bone grafts, based on the condition of your smile:

Socket preservation. Sometimes called ridge preservation, this type of graft is placed in the socket immediately after a tooth extraction to fill the void and prevent the socket from caving here.

Ridge augmentation. Ridge augmentation increases the width and volume of the jawbone so it can provide a stable foundation for implants or other restorative options.

Sinus lift. If the upper back teeth are missing, the sinuses can drop down and invade the space once occupied by the teeth roots. To address this problem, your oral surgeon or periodontist can perform a sinus lift, raising the sinus back to its proper position. A dental bone graft is then placed underneath the sinus, creating a solid foundation for dental implants later on.

Periodontal bone graft. Infection from gum disease can erode the bone that supports the teeth. This can cause the teeth to become loose. A periodontal bone graft is placed around an existing tooth to reduce mobility and provide additional support.

In most cases, bone grafts for dental implants must heal completely before the actual implant is placed. Because each person is unique, recovery times vary. In rare instances, your dentist may be able to place a bone graft and a dental implant at the same time. But this is decided on a case-by-case basis.

If you have questions or concerns about dental bone grafts, 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 Is Gum Disease Diagnosed? | Central Park West Dentist

When it’s time for a dental checkup, your dentist will look for various issues that may be developing inside your mouth. Oral cancer, tooth decay and gum disease are some of the major issues that can arise due to poor dental hygiene, poor diet, etc. By catching these issues early, it is possible to treat the issue before it develops into a more serious issue.

Believe it or not, 47% of adults over 30 will have gum disease at one point in their lives. Because it is such a common occurrence, it is important to treat the issue as soon as possible because your gums keep your teeth in place. Having them weakened by gum disease will only lead to more dental issues in the future.

But how exactly does a dentist diagnose gum disease? During a dental exam, your gums will be probed with a small ruler to check for inflammation and any pockets around your teeth. Your dentist may also order x-rays to check for bone loss.

If you are diagnosed with gum disease, there are a few things that your lifestyle will need to change a bit in order to treat the issue.

You must practice good oral hygiene to treat gum disease. You should also cut back on any smoking if you smoke and manage your diabetes if you live with this condition. Quitting smoking may be difficult, but a doctor can help build a cessation plan that works for you.

Other treatments include:

  • Deep cleaning your teeth with techniques like scaling, root planning and lasers.
  • Antibiotic medications, microspheres and antiseptic mouthwashes can help treat the issue.
  • Surgery (flap surgery, bone and tissue grafts, and dental crown lengthening) would be the options if your gum disease is severe.

If your gingivitis is severe, especially if it’s caused any gum or bone tissue loss, you may need surgery. Types of gum surgery, which is performed by a periodontist, include:

Flap surgery. Flap surgery is a procedure where the gums are lifted back while plaque and tartar is removed from deeper pockets. The gums are then sutured in place to fit snugly around the tooth.

Bone and tissue grafts. Grafting can be used when your teeth and jaw are too damaged to heal.

Gum graft surgery uses tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover the exposed tooth root. This helps prevent additional gum and bone loss.

For a bone graft, your doctor will start with a procedure similar to flap surgery, but they’ll put in a bone graft to encourage your body to regenerate any lost jawbone.

Dental crown lengthening. Some people with gingivitis may have excess gum tissue. If this is the case, a periodontist can reshape your gum and bone tissue to expose more of your teeth. This may also be necessary before certain cosmetic or restorative procedures on your teeth.

If you have questions or concerns about gum disease, 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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Eating too much Sugar Will Eventually Ruin Your Smile | New York Dentist

34.2 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. And we all understand that sugar is what causes cavities. If we eat too much and don’t look after our teeth afterwards, we are likely to have begun to develop some issues at your next dental checkup. But too much sugar can contribute to the development of diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, glucose is present in your saliva and when diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in your saliva help harmful bacteria grow, and more dental issues than just cavities. These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. Some types of plaque cause tooth decay or cavities, while others cause gum disease and bad breath. This is why diabetics need to be extra careful – because they are prone to gum disease more than non-diabetics. Even further, when blood glucose is high, this gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

It can be said that overconsumption of sugar may be a major cause of two of the most prevalent diseases in the world, i.e., gum disease and diabetes. National surveys have found that the average American consumes around 77 grams of sugar every day, and the recommended amount is a fraction of that. Overconsumption of sugar leads not only to cavities and gum disease, but also can predispose you to prediabetes and even diabetes. So, while you are celebrating the holiday season, keep your sugar intake in mind. And if you find you are overindulging, make sure you practice proper dental hygiene after every sweet treat.

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

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

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Why You May Have Developed Gum Disease | New York Dentist

No one wants gum disease. And while it can be prevented with proper dental care, there are some things that can happen that will cause you to develop gum disease. Because gum disease is typically painless, you may not even know you have it. Only a dental professional can diagnose you.

But what causes gum disease? Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease, including:

  • Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
  • Various illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or HIV, because they interfere with the immune system. Diabetes’ effects on the body’s ability to use blood sugar makes patients with this disease at a higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease and cavities.
  • Medications can affect oral health, because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums.
  • Bad habits such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
  • Family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.

Gum disease may progress without producing obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease can often be subtle, it can present some warning signs. But even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a dentist or a periodontist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.

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

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

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Why Does My Breath Stink? | New York, NY

Has anyone ever randomly offered you a stick of gum? Do people stand back when you speak? You may have a case of halitosis, or bad breath. And while most cases of bad breath can be remedied with a stick of gum or a quick brushing. But if you find that it is a consistent occurrence, it could be a result of something more serious.

Obviously, the first option is to look at your dental hygiene practices. Do you brush for at least two minutes twice a day? Do you floss and rinse? Not being diligent with these daily tasks will not only lead to bad breath but also gum disease and other dental maladies.

The medical condition dry mouth (xerostomia) also can cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids produced by plaque, and wash away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be a side effect of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Many other diseases and illnesses may cause bad breath. Here are some to be aware of: respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems.

Don’t worry – there are a few things you can do to prevent your traditional forms of dragon breath. Here are tips to keep in mind going forward:

  • Practice good oral hygiene
  • See your dentist regularly
  • Quit tobacco products
  • Drink lots of water
  • Keep a log of the foods you eat

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

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

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Fighting Gum Disease at Home | New York Dentist

When we think about dental hygiene, most of us are thinking we are keeping our smiles bright and shiny – we never really stop and think about the damage we are preventing by brushing, flossing and rinsing each and every day. But in reality, that should be our main focus. Because if we ignore our dental health, it can lead to a number of dental issues in the future.

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. Controlling harmful bacteria in the mouth can be done with a few home remedies. Saltwater rinses (1/2 tsp. 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, while chewing sugar-free gum with Xylitol has antibacterial properties, in addition to producing saliva, which helps 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, it’s time to make an appointment to 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, 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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Starting Off the New Year Right | New York Dentist

Here we are…moments from a new year. And after this last one, we can theoretically only go up. And since now is the time we take a step back to take a look at ourselves in order to improve upon ourselves. Why not throw our dental health in the mix? And because our mouth is the first line of defense against other health issues, we should always try to keep our smiles healthy and bright. So, here are a few dental hygiene tips to help you brighten that smile and keep you on your dentist’s good side. They may seem obvious, but many of us can use the refresher:

Brushing. The rule of thumb is pretty well-known – brush your teeth twice a day, for at least two minutes. Start your day off right with fresh, clean breath and wrap up your day with a quick brush before bed to prevent cavities from forming while you snooze. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in rounded strokes to keep your gums healthy as well.

Flossing. It’s one of the least favorite tasks on the list of dental hygiene tasks. The problem is, flossing not only removes stuff stuck deep between each tooth, but it also keeps your gums healthy by preventing bacteria from getting inside and causing infection.

Rinsing. Rinsing is not only a quick way freshen breath, but it also adds an additional layer of protection from plaque and cavities. We have been taught to rinse with mouthwash after brushing, but doing it beforehand can loosen any particles you may have, making your brushing more effective.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, 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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Wake Up! It’s National Coffee Day | New York Dentist

It’s the beginning of the day for many. It’s the pick-me-up some need in the afternoon to make it through the day. And even during a pandemic, we are still lining up for a hot cup of coffee. But did you know today was National Coffee Day? It’s true. America’s favorite morning elixir has its own day to celebrate and today is that day.

And while coffee is the perfect beverage to wake us up, it is terrible for our teeth. The more we drink, the quicker our smile are affects. But this spans further than just tinging your smile – 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 affects of 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.