Dentist in Mount Kisco NY Urges YOU To Get YOUR Oral Cancer Exam

Oral cancer is on the rise.   

This year alone it is estimated that more 

than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year, and about 9,000 will die as a result of oral cancer.  That is why educating yourself on prevention methods, early detection, and treatment options is more important than  ever.  

The number of people expected to be diagnosed this year with oral and throat cancers is VERY concerning.  The good news is that early detection is quick, easy, and painless.  As part of your routine dental exam, we will be screening you for oral cancer as well.  A dentist can see and feel precancerous tissue changes and early cancer, and can diagnose them during the early, curable stages. When oral cancer is detected early, the survival rate is an encouraging 80% to 90% and treatment outcomes are also good.

Many oral and throat cancers today are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus, specifically HPV 16 and HPV 18.  Because of the rapidly growing number of HPV-related oral cancer diagnoses, we strongly recommend that our patients age 17 years and older get screened yearly.

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening takes only three minutes. It consists of a verbal, visual, and physical examination and includes the following:

•   A thorough review of your oral health history, as well as your overall health history, which includes questions that help assess your level of risk for mouth cancer

•   A visual inspection of all the areas of your mouth and throat in an effort to locate any abnormalities, such as sores and red or white patches; this inspection includes the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and far-back section of your tongue

Oral Cancer Signs and Symptoms

In between routine dental exams, you should perform self-examinations.  Some of the things that you should be looking for when doing self examination which may indicate either a cancerous or pre-cancerous lesion are any of the following:

•   Red or white patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue

•   Swelling or thickening of areas inside the mouth

•   Unexplained bleeding

•   Sores on the face, neck, or mouth that do not heal

•   A Chronic sore throat

•   Hoarseness in your voice

•   A change in the way your dentures fit

•   Suspicious lumps found by palpating your mouth, jaw, and neck

•   Dramatic weight loss

•   Inability to swallow, or difficulty in swallowing

•   Swollen glands in the neck that do not go away

Oral Cancer Prevention Tips

Here are some of the things that you can do to minimize your risk of getting Oral or Throat Cancer:

•   Avoid smoking and the use of all tobacco products.

•   Limit drinking alcohol, or avoid it all together.

•   Avoid overexposure to the sun, and use sunblock on your skin and lips.

•   Practice safe sex.  HPV is a sexually transmitted virus.

•   Maintain a healthy diet.

Give our office a call today to schedule your Oral Cancer Screening.  It just takes 3 minutes of your time.  It’s quick, easy, and painless, and the life you save may be your own.  Don’t wait one day longer.  Call our office today for you personal screening and get the peace of mind that you deserve!

Dentist in Mount Kisco NY Asks, Are You Embarrassed Because It’s Been A While Since You’ve Been To The Dentist?

Are You Embarrassed Because It’s Been A While

Since You’ve Been To The Dentist?

           

Dentist in Mount Kisco, NY, Dr. Steven Abel understands what you’re going through. Dr. Abel is proud to say that the entire team here at Westchester Dental Care takes great pride in helping nervous patients get the dental care that they need.  We understand that there are many reasons people avoid going to the dentist.  Some patients may have had a bad experience in the past, often as a child. 

We take pride in the fact that we spend what ever time is necessary to understand each individual patient’s concerns.  It is very gratifying for us to see someone who comes in that is very fearful, but gradually becomes confident at every dental visit.  This happens regularly at our office, because we offer comfortable dental treatment for our patients in a caring, non threatening, and non judgemental environment.

If you’ve been thinking that you really should make that dental appointment, but have been putting it off for a long time, you don’t have to worry any longer.  We are here for you.  You should also know that when you come for your visit, we won’t lecture you!  We understand that many factors affect dental health including environmental and hereditary factors.  We just want you to know that we will do everything possible to help you achieve a healthy and optimal smile. 

If you are embarrassed about the condition of your teeth, please understand that we have seen worse, and you are not alone!  The good news is that if we work together, we can come up with a plan that fits into your life.  We will help you achieve that smile of your dreams, and you won’t have to be embarrassed any longer.

Give us a call today at (914) 241-2242 to schedule your complimentary consultation.  While you’re here, be sure and let us know if there is anything in particular that has kept you from visiting the dentist in the past.  It is our goal to make your experience in our office a very pleasant one.  Your comfort is our number one priority.

If you’re looking for a great dentist in the Mount Kisco NY area, this is the office for you!  We look forward to meeting you soon.

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

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Happy New Year From Westchester Dental Care

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the calendar year in most parts of the world. The holiday is celebrated on January 1st of each year. Customs and celebrations vary by country, religion, and even individual desires. Whether celebrated quietly or with gusto, the day brings the start of new opportunities for those that observe it.

United States and Canada

In both the US and Canada, celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve. At midnight on January 1st the New Year is welcomed with bells, horns, whistles, and other noisemakers. Fireworks are often part of the celebrations. In New York City, Times Square comes alive with revelers. In Toronto, there are large celebrations which may feature concerts, late-night partying, sporting events, and fireworks, with free public transit service during peak party times. Many individuals in North America greet the year by making resolutions for improvements in their lives.

China

In China, many people celebrate two forms of a new year. They may observe January 1st, but the traditional Chinese New Year is based on a lunar calendar. Parades with paper lanterns and dragons made from silk are a significant part of the festivities. Legends say that the dragon spends most of its time in hibernation so fireworks are used to keep the dragon awake.

Jewish Celebration

Jewish New Year’s observances begin with Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the New Year, and end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This ten-day celebration is held in September or October, based on the Hebrew calendar. The New Year is not marked as much with loud celebrations as with personal insight to mend wrongs and resolve to better oneself.

Other countries and cultures also have different dates for New Year’s Day observances:

• Vietnam observes the New Year in February
• In Iran, the day is celebrated on March 21st
• Islamic cultures often observe the tenth day of the month of Muharram
• Russian Orthodox observers use the Julian calendar and celebrate on January 14th
• Buddhist celebrations are held from April 13th through 15th

If you observe New Year’s Day by making healthy resolutions, include dental care in your plans with Dr. Steven Abel and the entire team at Westchester Dental Care.  The health of your teeth and gums contributes to your overall health. Caring for your mouth now can prevent many dental problems later in life as well as lower your risk for other systemic illnesses including Heart Disease, Diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease and even strokes!  

Westchester Dental Care wishes you a healthy, prosperous, and  a very Happy New Year! Give us a call today to schedule your dental exam and start your new year off right!

Dentist in Mount Kisco NY | What Does Your Smile Say About You?

Dentist in Mount Kisco NY, Dr. Steven Abel says, let’s face it, your smile says a lot about you. Your smile and the condition of your teeth are a direct reflection of you. The number one thing people notice when they meet you for the first time is your smile. People with attractive smiles are generally more confident, happier, friendlier and seem to enjoy life more.  They are also generally more respected an liked by others.  Your smile really does matter.

Studies show that 99.7% of Americans believe a smile is an important social asset. Also, a more pleasant smile can help you get ahead in life. People want to date someone who is attractive and who takes care of their appearance. Employers want to hire and promote people who are more attractive and who have a warm friendly smile. Over 74% of Americans believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person's chances of career success. Your smile is one of your biggest assets. Dull, stained, crooked or missing teeth can negatively affect how others feel about you and it affects how you feel about yourself.

The Dental Technology is Here

Advances in dental technology have made procedures we used to only dream about an everyday reality. There are veneers, cosmetic bonding, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening and dental implants - just to name a few. From no-prep/no anesthesia cosmetic veneers to extreme smile makeovers as seen on TV.

Look Years Younger With Cosmetic Dentistry

 

Would you like to look younger without the expense and risk of cosmetic surgery? Modern cosmetic dentistry can now offer dramatic changes in facial appearance without the need for invasive surgery and long recovery periods. The doctors at Westchester Dental Care are well versed in the latest facial restructuring techniques available to the cosmetic dentist.

The proper alignment of the teeth and the jaws can produce a startling and instantaneous change to a person's facial structure. Wrinkles can suddenly disappear, lips can be fuller and restoring a proper relationship of teeth can make someone look 10 to 15 years younger.

Broken down, chipped, stained, cracked, crooked and worn teeth not only make you look older, but they can also make your face look older too. As teeth wear, they become shorter causing the face to collapse thereby producing wrinkles. Restoring teeth to their natural youthful appearance can have a similar transformation on the rest of your face.

Long lasting and affordable smile makeovers can make a difference in your life!  You'll look have a great looking smile you can be proud of, will look years younger and feel much better about yourself. You'll be able to speak and eat as you naturally would. You'll discover that cosmetic dentistry is surprisingly easy and last for decades. Your friends will say, "You Look Great" when they notice the change in your smile.

With our state-of-the-art cosmetic techniques, we can eliminate and beautifully restore unsightly cavities, stains, chips, gaps, cracks and crooked teeth in as little as one or two visits. You'll be able to smile with confidence.

Give us a call today at   (914) 241-2242 to schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation.  Come find out what the possibilities are.  You may be very pleasantly surprised.  

http://www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Dentist in Mount Kisco NY Discusses Bleeding Gums

Dentist in Mount Kisco, NY, Dr. Steven Abel Talks About Bleeding Gums

 Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth?  Or worse…do they bleed when you eat certain foods?  While bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is not uncommon, the condition, known as gingivitis is typically a sign of more serious underlying oral health issues.  Left untreated, the bleeding gums, or gingivitis can even progress to more complex conditions like periodontal disease that could lead to the loss of teeth.  The bacteria associated with periodontal disease has also been associated with other illnesses like heart attacks, stroke, low birth weight babies, and Alzheimer’s Disease, just to name a few.   It can even complicate existing conditions like Diabetes.  Your oral health is directly connected to your overall health, that’s why it’s such a priority to us.      

Treatment for bleeding gums centers on effective oral hygiene practices paired with comprehensive, routine dental care.

What Is the Condition Known As "Bleeding Gums" or Gingivitis?

If you have ever been brushing your teeth and seen a bit of pink when you rinsed out your mouth, this appearance of blood is not normal.  Healthy tissue does not bleed.   When your gums are consistently inflamed, bleeding, or are sensitive and swollen, you could be at risk for gum disease or other health issues.

When you have gingivitis, you may also notice other symptoms, such as bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, redness or tenderness in your gums, and even receding gums.

What Causes Gum Sensitivity?

One of the primary causes of bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is the incomplete removal of plaque from the base of the teeth or gum line. Not eliminating this plaque allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, and at the gum line.  It even begins to migrate under the gums if it is not professionally removed.  

If the plaque is still not removed, it can harden and form what is called tartar, which eventually causes a more progressive condition known as gum disease or periodontitis. This disease causes increased gum bleeding, foul breath, bone loss, shifting of your teeth, and eventually tooth loss.

While plaque buildup is the most common cause of bleeding gums, there are other causes as well. Excessive bleeding in your gums may indicate a bleeding disorder, leukemia, scurvy, vitamin K deficiency, or other systemic conditions. 

Additionally, brushing too hard, ill-fitting dental restorations, and improper flossing can also cause your gums to bleed.  Any bleeding should be checked by a dental professional and not left to chance!

What Are Some Ways to Treat Bleeding Gums?

Appropriate oral hygiene practices are the best way to prevent and treat bleeding gums or gingivitis. To maintain good oral health, you should brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal. Flossing daily or even twice a day is also a recommended practice.  Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps.

In addition to great home care, you should also visit the dentist at least once every 6 months to have the plaque removed from your teeth and to get a comprehensive checkup.  It you have ANY signs of gum disease it is really important to see a dentist for a professional teeth cleaning every 3 months.  Statistically it has been shown that it takes about 3 months for the bacteria that cause gum disease and bone loss to repopulate the mouth to a destructive level after a professional dental hygiene visit.  By having a professional dental hygiene visit every 3 months you have the best chance of staying healthy and keeping the bacteria under control.

If you’ve experienced any bleeding or sensitivity in your gums, or if it’s been longer than 3 months since your last dental hygiene visit, give us a call today.  We will find an appointment that works with your schedule.  Don’t leave your oral or overall health to chance. 

(914) 241-2242

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Dentist In Mount Kisco NY Discusses When Your Child Will Lose Baby Teeth And Get Permanent Teeth

Many parents worry that their children’s teeth are not falling out on time.  A lot of concerned parents want to know:  When will my child lose his or her first baby tooth?  At what age should the last tooth fall out?  Is there a specific order in which the teeth are lost?

Dr. Steven Abel and Dr. Frank Turturro and our team explain that a child’s 20 baby teeth (primary teeth) typically come in by age three and begin to loosen and fall out on their own to make room for permanent teeth, which usually appear by the time your child is six.  It is important to know that timing may vary, and girls typically lose their baby teeth earlier than boys.  The last baby teeth will likely fall out by the time your child is 13.
So, which teeth do children lose first?  Baby teeth tend to fall out in the order in which they came, which means the lower center incisors are usually the first to go when your child is between six and seven years old.  The next teeth your child will lose are his or her top center pair, also called the upper central incisors.

It’s important to note that if a child loses a baby tooth early as a result of decay or an unforeseen accident, his or her permanent tooth may erupt early and potentially come in crooked due to limited space.  If your child suffers an injury or has tooth decay, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Abel or Dr. Turturro.  There are steps we can take to protect the permanent tooth and maintain space for it if the baby tooth is lost prematurely.

While we know some children couldn’t be more excited to lose their baby teeth, we know others are anxious about this childhood milestone. When your child starts to lose teeth, our team at Westchester Dental Care encourages you to stress the importance of proper oral hygiene on a daily basis.

Remember to:

• Remind your child to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day. Supervise and offer assistance as needed.

• Help your child floss his or her teeth at bedtime.

• Limit eating and drinking between meals and at bedtime, especially sugary treats and drinks, such as candy and soda.

• Schedule regular dental visits for your child at least every six months.

• Ask us about the use of fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help prevent tooth decay.

To learn more about your child's teeth, or to schedule your child’s next visit with Dr. Abel,
Dr. Turturro, and our team at Westchester Dental Care, our Mount Kisco NY Dental Office,
please give us a call today at:  (914) 241-2242.

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com