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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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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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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.

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When Your Gums Begin to Bleed | New York Dentist

We all know the benefits of taking care of your teeth. Not only do we have a fantastic smile to flash the world, but it also helps look after your overall health. So, we brush our teeth every day and floss on the regular. Then one day we notice our gums are bleeding. What is going on? Don’t worry – while making a dental visit is a good idea, here are some simple home remedies when you find a bit of blood while brushing:

Clove oil. Considered to be one of the best home remedies, clove oil helps to reduce the inflammation of gums and stops the gums from bleeding to a larger extent. Take a little clove oil and rub it on your gums or chew one or two cloves.

Aloe. Not only for sunburns, aloe can reduce gum inflammation, making bleeding less likely. Mild gum diseases can be taken care by consuming liquids that have natural aloe vera in it, as well as topical application.

Good dental hygiene. Prevention has always been better than cure. Don’t wait until you get a gum inflammation – take care of your gums start brushing twice daily along with flossing.

Fruits and vegetables. Fresh and raw vegetable and fruits not only are good for overall health they are also equally important for healthy gums as well. Chewing raw vegetables help to improve blood circulation in gums, thus helping to reduce the bleeding of gums.

Salt gargling. One of the easiest and simplest home remedies is to gargle with salt water. Add a bit of salt to some lukewarm water and gargle three times a day.

If you have questions or concerns about bleeding gums, 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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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.