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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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Ouch! My Jaw Is Sore | New York Dentist

Do you wake up with a sore jaw? Have you found yourself grinding your teeth lately? If you find that your jaw has become more sore than usual, you may be developing a deeper issue and should consider taking a trip to the dentist to make sure nothing is wrong. A routine dental check-up may be able to diagnose the issue and recommend proper treatment.

The first question we need to ask is why this is happening. If your teeth do not align properly, clenching and grinding your teeth is a common response, especially while asleep. Over time, your teeth can become seriously worn down, which is its own set of issues. But your teeth may even chip or break because of this unconscious habit, and that’s a different set of remedies.

Many times, stress is a major cause of teeth clenching (bruxism) or grinding. Labeled as one of the most dangerous afflictions, stress is a lifestyle issue that can do more damage than you may think. If your grinding is due to stress, try to identify the reasons you have the stress and try to alleviate those stressors.

Habitual, long-term bruxism can cause a number of problems if left untreated. It can cause your jaw to move out of proper alignment, leading to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Excessive grinding can even cause you to lose your teeth.

Grinding your teeth is a habit that can lead to dental issues, but there are ways to quit the habit and cosmetic dental procedures fix your smile. It’s important to see your dental professional if you feel that you are developing bruxism in order to diagnose the problem and find a solution.

If you have questions or concerns about TMJ issues, 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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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.

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The Most Important Meal of the Day | New York Dentist

We have all heard it before – breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it get your day started right, but it also gives your body the boost it needs to make it through with little issue. The problem is, many people do not choose the best breakfast options. They think easy and quick, which will typically end up being not the best choices they could be.

Thankfully, there are options that can be quick and easy, but also really healthy for to not only get your day started on the right foot, but can give you all the nutrients your body, and your smile, need to be the best they can be. It’s true – your breakfast can improve your smile! So, in honor of National Better Breakfast Month, let’s take a look at some of our favorite breakfast options guaranteed to nourish you, and that grin…

Fruit. It’s always nice to start the day with a bit of fruit, whether it be via juice or by the piece. We all know that vitamin C, and lots of fruit have it. From strawberries to pineapple, the sweet vitamin C will also help scour away plaque and whiten teeth. But don’t overdo it – too much acidic food will begin to wear down your tooth enamel.

Dairy. Between milk, cheese and yogurt, the dairy section will give your smile the calcium & phosphorus boosts it needs to be it’s strongest. They will focus on re-mineralizing your teeth and protecting your tooth enamel from damage.

If you have questions or concerns about healthy teeth foods, 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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Seal It with a Kiss | New York Dentist

When it comes to dental hygiene, we do our best to make sure our teeth are healthy and strong by brushing, flossing, eating well and visiting the dentist regularly. So, when you find out that you have developed a cavity, we tend to question why it happened. Unfortunately, there are ways you can develop cavities that have nothing to do with how well you brush your teeth. But worry not, there is a way to prevent cavities from happening – dental sealants.

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. A minute to prevent cavities? It’s true!

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. 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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Straighten Things Out with Braces | New York Dentist

In an era of constant need to document life through pictures, having a flawed smile is a tough one to take. Not only does it look less than pleasing, but it can also cause other issues to develop, like trouble eating, speech issues and a lack of self-esteem. Thankfully, most dental issues can be resolved by taking a trip to the dentist, so they can take a look and you can both decide on a plan of attack.

One great way to fix a crooked smile is with orthodontics. Believe it or not, having braces can fix a number of dental issues. Fixing your crooked teeth with a set of braces – traditional or otherwise – will improve your mouth’s alignment, speech and/or chewing difficulties. Take a look…

Gapped teeth. Gaps in between teeth can occur from the abnormal continued growth of the jawbone or missing teeth causing teeth the shift to adjust to the empty space, creating gaps.

Overbites. When the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth, you have an overbite. Much like teeth gaps or spaces, overbites can eventually lead to gum problems and add unnecessary stress on the lower teeth and jaw.

Underbite. The opposite of overbites, an underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Having an underbite causes unnecessary tooth wear, in addition to causing pain and other issues in the jaw joints.

Teeth crowding. Crowded teeth occur when there’s not enough room in the jaws for teeth to fit normally as they would. If left untreated, expect severely crooked teeth, which causes various dental issues, such as plaque accumulation, tooth decay and an increased risk for gum disease.

If you have questions or concerns about braces, 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.