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(914) 241-2242

Cosmetic Dentist in Mt. Kisco, NY discusses 20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

Cosmetic Dentist in Mt. Kisco, NY discusses 20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

Part 1

Your smile is one of your best assets, so, of course, you want to keep it healthy and sparkling. But even if you brush, use white strips, and visit your dentist twice a year, it may not be enough. Here are a few things that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, and put a serious damper on your smile.


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Sports drinks

In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren’t great for your teeth. Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components. This could eventually wear away at the tooth’s enamel.

Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as “food” for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.

Bottled water

Tap water often contains fluoride—about 60% of people in the U.S. have fluoride in their water supply. However, most bottled waters contain less fluoride than recommended for good oral health (it will be listed as an ingredient on the label if it is an additive).

Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization. This process aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible. Studies have confirmed that the most effective source of fluoride is water fluoridation. You should also use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash, and have regular professional fluoride treatments by your dentist when you have your dental hygiene visits. All of these things greatly contribute to the remineralization process.

Diabetes

Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, so you’re at a risk for gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your blood sugar can help. Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease. People with periodontal disease may not be able to regulate blood sugar properly, so seeing the dentist and having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis is also crucial.

Research has shown that diabetics can reduce the amount of insulin they need to take by maintaining good gum health.



Wine

Wine drinkers beware: Regular wine consumption can harm tooth enamel. Wine’s acidity can dissolve the tooth structure, and both red and white wine can increase staining of the teeth as well. Still, you don’t have to give up your regular glass of wine to save your smile.

Enamel erosion develops when wine drinkers swish the wine, keeping it in constant contact with the enamel, so instead, take small sips and rinse your mouth with plenty of water when you’re done drinking,

Pregnancy

It’s especially important to take care of your teeth and gums when you’re expecting, since studies show a link between untreated gum disease and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly surges in estrogen and progesterone, can cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gingivitis (red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed) and put you at risk for infection. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting, since it can lead to tooth decay.

Diet pills

Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort.

Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.

Candy

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won’t directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can.

Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities. When ever you eat sugar or carbohydrates, the plaque is converted to an acid for 20 minutes. This is called an acid attack. Each one of these little attacks breaks down the tooth enamel until you have a cavity.

The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime. If you can’t brush after a snack attack, eat cheese or yogurt, or chew sugarless gum to boost saliva flow and neutralize acids. Rinsing thoroughly with water will help too, but try to brush after sugary snacks.

Puberty

The hormonal surge that occurs during puberty can cause more than acne—it can also result in swollen gums that are more sensitive to plaque. This can lead to gum infections, gingivitis, and mouth sores. Typically the gums only respond this way if hygiene care is poor. Make sure your teen brushes and flosses daily, uses a fluoride mouthwash at bedtime, and sees a dentist regularly.

Dry mouth

A dry mouth isn’t just unpleasant, it’s bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids. Without saliva, you would be at a much higher risk for tooth decay and tooth loss. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay and a whole host of other oral health problems.

A good solution would be to drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum, use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, and consider over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes. See your doctor if dry mouth is a frequent problem. Many medications on the market today, both prescription and over the counter can cause dry mouth.

Dieting

Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile. It’s especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C—all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums.

Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease.

Stay tuned for the 20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile Part 2

To improve YOUR smile we offer FREE teeth whitening to all new patients after their first dental hygiene appointment. Call Amy for details at: (914) 241-2242. We can help you have that pretty smile you’ve always wanted.

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Mount Kisco NY Dentist Helps Fight Oral Cancer

Mount Kisco NY Dentist, Dr. Steven Abel salutes Ms. Danner
for her support of the Oral Cancer Founation as well as her
continued efforts to fight oral cancer.

Mount Kisco NY Dentist, Dr. Steven Abel is doing his part to help fight oral cancer.  He has invested in fluorescence technology which allows him to see even the most subtle tissue changes, long before they can be seen by the naked eye.  This allows Dr. Abel to diagnose even the smallest changes in your mouth.  What this means to you as the patient is that you will receive the most thorough exam possible.  You can have the confidence that comes from knowing that nothing has been overlooked!  

Award winning actress and Oral Cancer Advocate, Blythe Danner-Paltrow was on the Rachael Ray show this morning speaking about oral cancer awareness month, and encouraging the public to make an appointment get an annual screening TODAY.  

This month Ms. Danner has graciously helped the Oral Cancer Foundation get the word out to the public in appearances on other shows such as the Katie Couric Show last week. Future appearances include more extended conversations during an entire show segment, like the PBS Tavis Smiley Show, the date of which is still to be determined. The foundation and the oral cancer community are indebted to Ms. Danner for making time during her very busy schedule (she is currently appearing on Broadway every evening, and spending her days rehearsing for an upcoming movie role) to be out in public venues raising much needed awareness for the disease. She and and her daughter Gwyneth Paltrow, and son Jake Paltrow have been unwavering supporters of oral cancer screenings. The Bruce Paltrow Oral Cancer Fund continues to do good in her husband’s name after his loss to oral cancer in 2002.

Give our Mount Kisco dental office a call today to schedule your Oral Cancer Screening.  It is quick, easy, and painless.  The life you save could be your own!  

(914) 241-2242

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com 

We are dedicated to your oral and overall health!

Mount Kisco NY Dentist Offers Five Simple Tips For A Healthy Mouth

Five Simple Tips for a Healthy Mouth


Mount Kisco, NY (March 22, 2013) — Mount Kisco NY dentist Dr. Steven Abel offers five simple tips that he recommends that adults do each day to keep oral hygiene in top shape.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

At more than 30,000 strokes per minute compared to the average of 100 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes work harder by pushing fluid between teeth and around the gum line, which provides a more effective cleaning.

Regardless of whether or not you have cavities, using an electric toothbrush over time prevents gum inflammation, gingivitis and periodontal disease.”

Floss at Night

The CDC reports that nearly 65 million Americans—one out every two adults ages 30 and older—have gum disease. Therefore, flossing once a day is crucial to avoid plaque and tartar, a hard mineral deposit that can cause gums to become swollen and inflamed, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

My recommendation is to floss at night, says Dr. Abel.  “During sleep cycles, less saliva is produced to naturally clean teeth and gums, so oral bacteria are free to do more damage. Therefore, it’s important to brush, floss and scrape your tongue every night to get rid of bacteria and go to bed with your mouth as clean as possible.”

Select the Right Toothpaste

Dr. Abel cautions his patients to be skeptical of any toothpaste that promises to "whiten" teeth. The reality is that removal of surface stains by a toothpaste will make the tooth "look" lighter, but not change its inherent color. To lighten or "bleach" teeth, schedule a professional in-office whitening treatment.  This will remove stains and dark color from  the internal aspect of the tooth, not just the external aspect as a toothpaste does.

Don’t Forget Mouthwash

Listerine Mouthwash is a good over the counter mouthwash that kills bacteria that is associated with gum disease.  It’s even available in an alcohol free version now!

Eat Foods Good for Healthy Teeth

Research studies show that certain foods naturally cleanse your teeth while you eat them. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry suggests that you incorporate these key ingredients into your diet:
•   Fruits like strawberries and pineapple are high in fiber and vitamin C. The citric acid in pineapple also provides an all-natural bacteria-fighting mouthwash.
•   Veggies like Kale and broccoli are high in minerals that strengthen tooth structure and prevent enamel erosion (or yellowing).
•   Onions and Wasabi –a type of Japanese horse radish both contain compounds that reduce oral bacteria.
  Quinoa has minerals including Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus to strengthen teeth.

Be sure to implement these five tips for a healthier mouth!  If you have any questions about your dental health, or would like a complimentary consultation, be sure to give our office a call at: (914) 241-2242 or visit us at: www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

We are committed to your dental and overall health.

Worn Down Enamel Puts Teeth in Danger

But a simple, high-tech procedure can repair enamel, prevent future problems and avoid tooth loss

If you’re 50 or older, chances are you’ve noticed a few grey hairs and maybe a wrinkle or two --- but you probably haven’t noticed the fact that your teeth may be changing, too. In fact, the enamel on their surface may have started to wear away -- putting your smile in serious danger.

You see, even though tooth enamel is the hardest substance in our bodies1, it can wear down, ex-posing the softer dentin inside the tooth, leading to some very serious problems.

When you think about how hard we ask our teeth to work, that’s really no surprise.

For starters there’s all the biting and chewing we do every day. And there are lots of other factors too, like drinking too many soft drinks, chewing on things like ice, and grinding our teeth – not to mention various medical conditions, drugs and supplements.

All those factors pile up, with the result that by the time you’re 50 or so the enamel on your teeth, particularly the teeth in the front of your mouth, can be so worn that the dentin begins to show through as yellow spots at the middle or edge of a tooth. The dentin can “cup” as well, causing what some dentists refer to as “potholes” in your teeth.

Potential Tooth Damage or Loss

What’s worse, the thinning edges of these “pot-holes” then begin to develop chips and micro-fractures, setting the stage for a downward spiral that can lead to the need for expensive and time-consuming dental work like root canals and crowns or even the loss of your tooth.

That’s a shame – and totally unnecessary, because there are simple and effective ways to repair worn enamel and prevent future problems, if the condition is caught promptly.

Unfortunately, this potentially devastating condi-tion is not something you’re likely to notice on your own – at least not in its earliest stages.

Most often there’s no pain associated with enamel loss, although some people do notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold.

As for appearance, you might possibly see areas of yellow dentin if you examined your teeth very carefully using a good magnifying mirror and an extremely bright light. Even using these tools, though, you’d only be able to detect the problem AFTER you had already lost a considerable amount of enamel.

The good news is that my team and I look for signs of enamel wear every time you visit. And, if we see a problem, we have the tools to fix it.

 High Tech Repair

Basically, what we do when we see a problem is very gently reshape the affected area, then flow in an ultra high tech composite resin that match-es your enamel in both color and strength.

The process is simple, quick and so comfortable it rarely requires anesthetic. And, we can reinforce and protect as many teeth as needed in just one visit.

What’s more, this simple repair should last for many, many years – and, if needed, we can touch the resin up or redo it quickly and easily.

When you consider that this simple procedure can help you keep your teeth – and avoid all the time, drilling, anesthetic and expense of root canals and crowns – it’s hard to think of a more effective way to preserve your smile.

If you’d like to know more, just ask. We’ll be happy to fill you in on all the details about this important treatment.  (914) 241-2242

http://www.WestchesterTopDentist.com


1. http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-10/tooth-enamel-protection?page=1

Dentist in Mount Kisco NY Is Reviewed By Patient Ron M.

Dentist-Mount Kisco NY Provides Special Care For Diabetic Patients |Dentist Mount Kisco NY

Special Care for Diabetes Patients

If you have diabetes, the number one thing you can do for your oral health is keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible. Here’s why: When your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you’re more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth than people who don't have diabetes. In turn, gum disease could cause your blood sugar to rise, making your diabetes harder to control. So it’s imperative that you keep your teeth and gums clean by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. And if you wear dentures, remove and clean them every day.

Dentist in Mount Kisco NY, Dr. Steven Abel
works with area physicians to treat their
Diabetic patients.  Dr. Abel has received
special training in the oral health needs of
the Diabetic patient.  

Keeping up with your regular dental hygiene visits is also crucial for patients with diabetes. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove the plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease.  We will help determine what frequency is best for you based on your specific periodontal health. Also be sure to discuss your diabetes status and current medications with your dentist at each dental visit.

Warning Signs: Gum Disease

Because diabetes makes you more prone to developing gum disease, it’s important to be able to identify the warning signs. These are the most common:

- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss

- Red, swollen or tender gums

- Receding gums

- Pus between the teeth and gums

- Persistent bad breath

- Loose permanent teeth

- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

- Changes in the fit of partial dentures or a dental bridge

Also keep an eye on other symptoms that might develop, including white patches on your tongue, which could indicate oral thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and soreness and ulcers in the mouth, which could be a sign of dry mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to give our office a call immediately.

Please feel free to forward this to any family members or friends who you think it may help.

As always, we are committed to your overall health and look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. Steven Abel

(914) 241-2242

http://www.WestchesterTopDentist.com