Non-Surgical Treatment of Gum Disease-Mount Kisco, NY

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ADVISED TO WATCH FOR SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE?

Chances are, if you’ve ever visited a dentist, you’ve been checked—to some extent—for symptoms of this problem. Here at Westchester Dental Care in Mount Kisco, NY, for many of our patients, a routine check up typically reveals healthy, disease-free gums. We’re glad for that… But sometimes people with healthy gums forget that it’s still important to regularly look for early signs of a problem.

If you have early signs of gum disease, the best thing that can be done is to take care of it before it gets out of hand. For many of you that may mean being well informed about gum disease, including symptoms to watch for.

Gum disease can be divided into three stages which can range from a simple amount of gum inflammation to major tissue damage and tooth loss. It’s been said before, but as a reminder, the sooner periodontal disease is caught the more we can do to successfully reverse the affects. Unfortunately, gum disease usually doesn’t hurt until sufficient damage has been done. At this stage, people often lose teeth. The bacteria associated with gum disease has also been linked to heart disease including heart attacks, Alzheimer’s Disease, strokes, Diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory disease, digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, certain cancers like kidney and pancreatic, and low pre-term birth weight babies. Having this bacterial infection in your mouth puts you at serious, often life threatening risk!

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms that are listed below, you may be at risk, and it is critical that you have a dental examination.  Eight out of ten Americans has some form of gum disease.  Are you one of those eight?  It may be as easy to correct as having your teeth professionally cleaned.

• Gums bleed easily while flossing or brushing

• Swollen, red or tender gums

• Receding or separated gums that are exposing teeth

• Changes in how your teeth fit together

• Constant bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth

If you have dental insurance, routine dental hygiene visits and exams are often covered at 100%. Also, if you have dental insurance, your 2011 benefits will be expiring in about 6 weeks. Now is the time to call our office at (914) 241-2242 to get in before the end of the year.

We are conveniently located right across the street from the Mount Kisco Medical Group at 103 South Bedford Road in Mount Kisco. Don’t lose your benefits. Do this for yourself! Dental problems never get better with time.

As our way to welcome new patients who schedule their exam and dental hygiene visit before the end of the year, we will provide FREE teeth whitening. That’s a $600 value at no cost to you. You will have pretty white teeth for the holidays!

Again, call our office today at (914) 241-2242 and be sure to check out our website at www.WestchesterTopDentist.com for more great dental information!

My Gum Disease Is Linked To WHAT???

You've probably heard about the "mouth-body connection" and how periodontal (gum) disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, in addtion to pregnant women's chances of giving birth to pre-term, low-weight babies.  Did you know, however about the correlation between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, and even certain cancers? 



While rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gum disease are both inflammatory diseases, it is interesting to note that patients with (RA) are eight times more likely to suffer from gum disease than those without (RA).

Also important is the correlation between gum disease and kidney disease.  We know that gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so it's noteworthy to learn that toothless adults are more likely to have chronic kidney disease than adults with all of their teeth.



Men with tooth loss and a history of gum disease are reported to have an increased risk of developing certain cancers.  While more research continues to be conducted, associations have been noted between gum disease and kidney, pancreatic and haematologial cancers.  Severe gum disease has also been documented as a risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. 

Let's talk about your periodontal health, and we'll work to ensure your healthy body starts with a healthy mouth. 

Call us today at Westchester Dental Care  (914) 241-2242 to schedule your periodontal evalutation and dental hygiene visit.  www.WestchesterTopDentist.com  

Independence Day Special:  If you schedule an appointment next week, 7-5-11 through 7-8-11 we will reward you with a free teeth whitening.  ($600 value)

Committed to your overall health.

Sincerly,

Dr. Steven Abel, Dr. Francis Turturro, and the entire Westchester Dental Care Team

Do You Want The Snoring To Stop Tonight....Permanently???

Snoring Mouth Guards (The CPAP Alternative)



The Snoring mouth guard or Suad appliance is a customized oral appliance that holds the jaw in a proper position during sleep. This in turn keeps soft tissue from collapsing and blocking airflow. The snoring mouth guard or Suad appliance is known to eliminate both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in many cases. Dr. Abel has had great results from the oral appliances he has prescribed, and has many years experience. He is also a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Mount Kisco NY Dentist Dr. Steven Abel
Treats Snoring And Sleep Apnea.  Call Today
And Sleep Better Tonight!

Dr. Abel is a sufferer of OSA himself and understands your condition personally. His obstructive sleep apnea and snoring have been alleviated with a Suad oral appliance. His snoring has stopped immediately, and he has no more episodes of sleep apnea. This allows for a more restful sleep. He'd like to improve your quality of life in the same way. Don't allow the frustration, fatigue and irritability to continue in your life. Schedule a personal, complimentary consultation with Dr. Abel today. You will get a good night’s sleep because you can breathe easier. Your partner won’t be disturbed by the noise anymore because the snoring will finally STOP!!! And most importantly, you won’t put your health or life at risk with the complications associated with obstructive sleep apnea, one of which could be sudden death. Don’t take a chance for one more night. If you or someone you loves snores, call Dr. Abel today for a FREE consultation.


The snoring mouth guard or Suad appliance is covered by most medical insurance plans, and we will submit all paperwork for you.


For more information on Obstructive Sleep Apnea, CPAP or CPAP alternatives, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.


You can reach us at (914) 241-2241.

Stop what you’re doing and call now. You could be saving your life or the life of someone you love!


http://www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Please Join Us In Our "Give Kids A Smile" Summer 2011 Program

            Dr. Abel Would Like To Invite You To Participate In Our "Give Kids A Smile" Summer 2011 Program

Dear Parents, Patients, and Friends,


From June 1st - August 31st, just come in for a regular adult exam, necessary x-rays, and a routine dental hygiene visit, and we will provide the same for any child you choose, (age 3-17) at no cost to you! ($260 Value)

If your child needs that dental checkup for camp or back to school, here is your opportunity to have it done for FREE!

We will happily submit any dental insurance forms for you, and will also donate $25 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for every adult that takes advantage of our "Give Kids A Smile" program.


This is your opportunity to take care of your child, and help create a smile for kids with life threatening illnesses right here in the Hudson Valley.


There is no limit. For every adult who participates, we will treat one child at no cost to you and make the $25 donation to Make-A-Wish!


 

If you have friends with children, we would really appreciate it if you would forward this to them as well. We would be grateful if you can help us get the message out. We want to provide wishes for as many sick children as possible this summer, and could really use your help. Thank you for joining us.

With our sincere appreciation,


Dr. Steven Abel & the entire Westchester Dental Care team


103 S. Bedford Road, Suite 103


Mount Kisco, NY 10549


Please call to schedule your appointments NOW!!!! 

 (914) 241-2242 

We do have Saturday appointments available for your convenience.


www.WestchesterTopDentist.com







Snoring and Sleep Apnea: Mount Kisco, NY Dentist Treats Snoring And Obstructive Sleep Apnea

This is how the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine defines Obstructive Sleep Apnea:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) occurs when the soft tissue in a person’s throat repeatedly collapses and blocks the airway during sleep. These partial reductions and complete pauses in breathing typically last between 10 and 30 seconds, but can persist for one minute or longer. These pauses can happen hundreds of times a night, leading to abrupt reductions in blood oxygen levels. The brain alerts the body to its lack of oxygen, causing a brief arousal from sleep that restores normal breathing. The result is a fragmented quality of sleep that often leads to excessive daytime sleepiness.

Most people with OSA snore loudly and frequently, with periods of silence when airflow is reduced or blocked. They then make choking, snorting or gasping sounds when their airway reopens.

Since the muscle tone of the body ordinarily relaxes during sleep, and since, at the level of the throat, the human airway is composed of walls of soft tissue, which can collapse, it is easy to understand how breathing can be obstructed during sleep.

The individual with sleep apnea is rarely aware of having difficulty breathing, even upon awakening. Sleep apnea is recognized as a problem by others witnessing a scary episode.

Symptoms may be present for years, even decades without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance.

This stoppage in breathing leads to lower oxygen circulating in the body, which leads to a rise in blood pressure, GI Reflux, Type II Diabetes, increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Poor chronic sleeping can lead to supplemental problems like ADHD and significant daytime fatigue. Sudden death has also been attributed to Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Whether treating children early, or treating adults later, we work with your physician, using functional oral appliances to help develop those suffering from snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is the best way to ensure a healthy long life!

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?

Custom made oral appliances reposition the tongue and lower jaw forward during sleep to maintain an open airway. Dr. Abel has had extensive training in dental sleep medicine, and knows how to select, fabricate, fit, and adjust these devices, which look like mouth guards, to help his patients with snoring and sleep apnea problems breathe freely during sleep.

Who should use an oral appliance?

Oral Appliance Therapy is indicated for mild to moderate OSA patients if they prefer it to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the standard treatment therapy, cannot tolerate CPAP, or are unable to use positional therapy or weight loss to control their apnea.

Oral appliances are also recommended for severe OSA patients if they cannot tolerate CPAP.

If you or someone you know snores, please call us today at: (914) 241-2242       for a complimentary consultation. Snoring could be Obstructive Sleep Apnea, a potentially life threatening disorder that can easily be treated. You could be saving your own life or the life of someone you know.

Sincerely,

The entire staff at Westchester Dental Care

Committed to your overall health

http://www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Cosmetic Dentist in Mt. Kisco, NY Discusses The 20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile - Part 2

Cosmetic Dentist, Mt. Kisco NY Discusses The 20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile Part 2

Here are the final 10 things that can ruin your smile. While reading, you can learn tips and tricks on how to make sure your teeth stay sparkling white!


Hot Drinks

Your hot-drink habit may be one reason
your teeth look a little dingy. Black tea and coffee contain stain-promoting tannins that lodge into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough, stained surface, which is sticky and can retain decay-producing bacteria.
Consume such beverages in moderation, drink more water every day, and add milk to your coffee or tea to help neutralize the acids.




Aging

As you age, you’re more susceptible to decay near old fillings or root surfaces unprotected by receding gums. But there’s no reason you can’t keep your teeth. Oral disease—not aging per se—is the danger. Increasing your fluoride protection is key. And if you have arthritis, there are dental products that can make brushing and flossing less painful. Seniors who brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use fluoride rinses or gels regularly have fewer cavities.


Birth Control Pills

Because oral contraceptives mimic pregnancy, they can also lead to gum inflammation and infections, including gingivitis.
Additionally, some studies have shown that women who use birth control pills may have more trouble healing after tooth extractions and are twice as likely to develop painful dry sockets where the tooth used to be.
If you use birth control pills, it’s not a bad idea to discuss their effect with your dentist before major procedures.




Not Flossing

Although many of us are much more diligent about brushing than flossing, they are equally important.
Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do to take care of your teeth. It’s the single most important factor in preventing periodontal disease, which affects more than 50% of adults.

Flossing helps remove plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums, and gives you a brighter smile by polishing the tooth’s surface; it even helps control bad breath.



Brushing At The Wrong Time
Although we’ve been taught to brush after every meal, depending on what you eat or drink, that’s not always the best advice.


After consuming high-acid food or drinks, like wine, coffee, citrus fruits, and soft drinks, rinse with water to neutralize the acids, but wait an hour before reaching for the toothpaste.
Brushing teeth immediately after drinking carbonated drinks and acidic foods can cause erosion.

Overzealous Whitening

It is not clear whether bleaching erodes tooth enamel, but it can increase sensitivity, especially when done too often. Even at-home whitening treatments should be used in moderation, and always under a dentist's supervision, as some whitening toothpastes and gels contain abrasive ingredients that can increase tooth sensitivity, and possibly harm the enamel.



Soft Drinks and Carbonated Beverages


Soft drinks are chock-full of sugar, which puts you at a risk for cavities, root decay, and gum infections. Dark colas can also stain your teeth, leaving you with a lackluster smile. We recommend drinking soda through a straw and rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum after consumption to neutralize the acids.
We also recommend waiting at least an hour before brushing.


Citrus and Acidic Food
Although lemons, grapefruits, and citrus juices don’t directly cause cavities, like soft drinks, they contain acids, which cause erosion of the tooth enamel, weakening the tooth and making it prone to decay.

Waiting to brush, rinsing your mouth with water, or chewing sugar-free gum can help. In particular, consider xylitol, a natural sweetener found in plants and fruits that was FDA approved as a food additive in 1986. Found in sugar-free gum, mints, and toothpastes, xylitol can inhibit the cavity-causing oral bacteria. Dentists will often recommend patients chew at least two pieces per day if they are at high risk for developing cavities.

Tobacco

Smoking turns your teeth yellow and brown, but it can be much more damaging than that. It can cause throat, lung, and mouth cancer, and even death. Additionally, the tar from tobacco forms a sticky film on teeth, which harbors bacteria that promote acid production and create irritating toxins, both of which cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and loss.



Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can affect your jaw, cause pain, and even change the appearance of your face. People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time, they wear away their tooth’s enamel, causing chipping and sensitivity.




Stress and anger can increase nighttime teeth grinding. Finding ways to alleviate these feelings can help, but it’s also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions like a custom night guard.

To improve YOUR smile we offer FREE teeth whitening to all new patients after their first dental hygiene appointment. ($600 Value) 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 Uses State of The Art Technology to Find Oral Cancer Early!

All adults should have an annual VELscope or Trimira exam, because a quarter of all oral cancer victims are non-smokers, don’t drink, and have no lifestyle factors to heighten their oral cancer risk!

Here at Westchester Dental Care, we believe in investing in the technology to keep you healthy! That is why we offer the VELscope and Trimira exams when you see our dental hygienists. These two state of the art tools are weapons in our arsenal to keep you safe and healthy! The screening involves use of a special light to illuminate abnormal cells so that they appear distinctly different from the surrounding normal tissue. This allows us to see them long before we could see them with the naked eye.

We don’t hear much about oral cancer, but 34,000 patients will be diagnosed in 2010. Only half of patients diagnosed with oral cancer will survive longer than five years. Because it is often detected in the later stages, oral cancer’s mortality rate is higher than that of cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, brain, liver, kidney, or ovarian cancer. Treatment for oral cancer often causes disfiguration and lessens the patient’s quality of life. When found and treated in the early stages the condition has an 80 to 90-percent cure rate, so call and schedule an appointment for your screening today at (914) 241-2242. It takes five minutes and it is absolutely painless. You owe it to yourself. The life you save may be your own!

We are dedicated to your overall health.

Sincerely,

Dr. Abel, Dr. Turturro, and the entire Westchester Dental Care Team

http://www.westchestertopdentist.com/