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

Dr. Steven Abel, Dentist in Mount Kisco NY Selected For "2014 Top Dentists"

Dr. Steven Abel, Dentist in Mount Kisco NY Selected For "2014 Top Dentists"

July 18, 2014 at 1:57pm

Dr. Steven Abel, Dentist in Mount Kisco, NY and owner of Westchester Dental Care has been honored with a recognition by Westchester Magazine in its selection of "2014 Top Dentists."

Mount Kisco, NY (PR Newswire) July 18, 2014-- Announcing a special recognition appearing in the June, 2014 issue of Westchester Magazine published by Spotlight Publications, LLC. Dr. Steven Abel was selected for the following honor:  Westchester’s Top Dentist.         

"2014 Top Dentists"

Dr. Steven Abel commented on the recognition: "This is quite an honor for me. The fact that Westchester Magazine has included again this year in its selection of "2014 Top Dentists," signals that my constant effort to deliver excellent patient care has paid off. It is gratifying to be recognized in this way."

Dentist in Mount Kisco NY, Dr. Steven Abel has been recognized now as Westchester County New York’s Top Dentist for 6 years in a row.  

Dr. Abel provides Cosmetic Dentistry, General and Family Dental Care, Dental Implants, Invisalign, Fast Braces and 6 Month Smiles, Zoom Teeth Whitening and Kor Deep Bleaching, Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment, Sedation Dentistry, Laser Dentistry, Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment, Porcelain Veneers, Lumineers, Full Mouth Rehabilitation Dentistry, Smile Makeovers and Teeth in a day!  

The office is conveniently located in Mount Kisco, NY at 103 South Bedford Road.  It is directly across the street from the Mount Kisco Medical Group, and within walking distance of Northern Westchester Hospital Center.

Following the publication of Steven Abel's selection for Westchester Magazine's 2014 Top Dentists list, American Registry seconded the honor and added Steven Abel to the "Registry of Business Excellence™". An exclusive recognition plaque, shown here, has been designed to commemorate this honor.

For more information on Dr. Steven Abel, Westchester’s Top Dentist, located in Mount Kisco, NY please call: (914) 241-2242

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Does Summer Give YOU TMJ Pain?

Summer is here and barbecue season is upon us, and that means a variety of summertime treats will be hitting tables at parks and backyards throughout Westchester. However, if you suffer from chronic jaw pain, some of these foods might make the symptoms worse. Don’t let your favorite foods hurt you: Visit Dr. Abel, a Mount Kisco NY dentist with experience treating TMJ today.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the upper and lower jaw and allows for movement of the mouth. Repetitive stress or trauma can cause the TMJ to become misaligned and inflamed, leading to pain in the jaw and other parts of the face, migraine headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Many TMJ patients experience discomfort when they’re chewing, with some foods putting greater strain on the joint than others. Unfortunately, many favorite summer menu items can aggravate the
symptoms of TMJ disorder, including:

• Corn on the cob
• Chips
• Thickly sliced meats
• Large chunks of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, etc.
• Ice
• Gum and hard candy

In addition to these food items, alcoholic beverages and drinks high in caffeine can put the muscles under stress. Patients who drink a lot of caffeine, for example, are more inclined to teeth grinding, which puts extra pressure on the TMJ.

The headaches and other symptoms of TMJ can lead to recurring, long-term discomfort. Make the decision to stop jaw pain today.  You can reach Dr. Abel at Westchester Dental Care.  Call us today at (914) 241-2242 for your complimentary consultation.  Begin exploring TMJ treatment options and stay pain free all summer!

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Sedation Dentistry Mount Kisco NY | Get Your Smile Back While You Sleep

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Mount Kisco NY Dentist Shares A Quick Way To Improve Your Overall Health

A dental cleaning is one of the easiest and fastest ways to improve your overall health!

Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth can grow rapidly.  If it gets out of control you can develop gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums.  Gingivitis can lead to gums starting to recede, and receding gums can lead to tooth sensitivity.                                

Periodontal disease is caused by a group of specific bacteria, called the Red Complex.  Again, these bacteria naturally occur in the mouth, but if the number gets out of control it can lead to the loss of bone and gums around the tooth.  As this happens the pocket, or space between your tooth and the gums gets deeper and deeper.  This allows more and more bacteria to grow.   Losing the support of your teeth can cause pain, bad breath, bleeding of gums, heart disease and loss of teeth.  In fact periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in Mount Kisco.          

There are other risk factors that can lead to periodontal disease, including genetics, the foods we eat, tooth grinding, and alcohol/tobacco use.

To treat periodontal disease, we typically recommend scaling and root planing, more commonly known as a "deep cleaning".  A traditional dental cleaning removes the bacteria and plaque above the gum line.  However, the Red Complex is found below the gum line.  When these aggressive and irritating bacteria get out of control, they need to be brought back under control.  A deep cleaning can accomplish this by going below the gum line and removing the bacteria and any hardened plaque called calculus.  By making a smooth surface along the root of the tooth, and decreasing the amount of bacteria, the gums can "shrink" back around the tooth and decrease the size of those pockets. We will do this all while keeping you very comfortable during the procedure.

Decreasing bacteria, decreases inflammation.  Inflammation causes the release of C-Reactive Proteins in your blood stream.  C-Reactive Proteins circulate throughout our body in response to inflammation.

Periodontal disease is essentially a giant bacterial infection in your mouth, so your body releases more of these harmful proteins, and this causes your immune system to be alert all the time.  This is very unhealthy for your body, as studies have shown that the more inflammation the body thinks there is, the more susceptible you are to diabetes, heart disease, diabetes, strokes, low birth weight babies, alzheimer's disease and cancer.  The longer you go between dental cleanings, the more bacteria grows, and the more likely you are to need a deep cleaning.

So when was your last dental cleaning?

Give your Mount Kisco NY dentist a call to make an appointment

(914) 241-2242

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com

Mount Kisco NY Dentist Talks About Cavities

Mount Kisco NY Dentist, Dr. Steven Abel talks about cavities.  Many patients ask us, How do I know if I have a cavity, and if I do have one, what can I do about it?  Well, cavities, like most other health issues, can vary in degree or seriousness. When a cavity first begins to form, it’s pretty easy to treat, often with a small, tooth colored restoration that blends perfectly with your tooth... and we’re able to keep the tooth decay from spreading. If left untreated, however, it can lead to some pretty serious complications, including tooth loss, and nobody wants that!      

Your best chance of minimizing tooth damage from cavities is early detection and early treatment. When you’re in our office for your routine dental hygiene visits a few times a year, we’ll definitely be looking for early warning signs.  We will also give you a professional fluoride treatment in our office.  According to the American Dental Association, having a professional fluoride treatment after your dental hygiene visit can decrease the incidence of new decay by up to 75%.  That’s pretty terrific, but there are also ways you can be on the lookout between your visits to our office.

Here are three signs to watch for:

Pain:
Tooth pain is not normal, so it’s definitely a red flag. If you’re experiencing pain, a cavity may be the cause of the discomfort.

Sensitivity:
Many things can cause general tooth sensitivity (teeth whitening treatments for example), but if you notice that a particular tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, sugary and acidic foods or pressure, it’s cause for concern.

Bad breath:
This one is tricky, as there are many causes of bad breath, but one of them is actually a cavity. The bacteria present in tooth infections (which is really what a cavity is) produces a very unpleasant smell. 

If any of these sound familiar, call us today at: (914) 241-2242 to schedule an appointment for a dental exam as soon as possible. If it is a cavity, early treatment is vital to minimizing damage. And if it’s not a cavity, we will be able to determine what else might be causing the issue.  

Remember, it’s always better to prevent cavities with routine dental care, professional fluoride treatments, sealants and good home care.  We can help you develop your own plan to stay cavity free!  

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. Abel and the entire team at Westchester Dental Care

www.WestchesterTopDentist.com