Tooth Decay in Children

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want parents to know that infant dental care is important from the very beginning. In fact, many dentists recommend an initial visit before the child’s first birthday to make sure that teeth and gums are properly cared for. Babies are born without harmful bacteria in their mouth, and studies have proven that moms (rather than dads) typically infect their children before age 2. This is because tooth decay can develop from breast milk if you don’t wipe your baby’s teeth and gums with a clean, damp washcloth after a feeding.

There are daily health habits that you and your child should practice, such as eating a proper diet, exercising, bathing, and sleeping. Caring for your mouth is as important as caring for the rest of your body. Teach your child that cleaning teeth and gums removes a sticky film called plaque and that plaque contains harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay. In addition to teaching them oral care lessons, don’t forget to schedule his or her dental appointment!

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Manage Tooth Sensitivity

To treat sensitive teeth, you first have to get to the root of the problem and believe it or not, the root is where it begins. Tooth sensitivity is common and it can come and go over time. If hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods make you cringe, you may want to discuss your treatment options with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists.

You can reduce tooth sensitivity by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. When teeth are sensitive, it could be painful to perform these actions but remember to be very gentle on your gums. Pain after consuming hot or cold beverages can be due to decay or a cavity, so it’s important to visit us for a dental checkup to ensure that your mouth is in a healthy state. Letting tooth sensitivity go untreated can lead to oral health complications so it’s best to seek treatment immediately.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Sugar’s Effect on Teeth

It’s common knowledge that sugar is bad for your teeth. If you go to the dentist and are told you have a cavity, sugar is likely the culprit. This is because tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the mouth that uses sugar from foods and drinks to produce acids that damage the teeth. Our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists don’t expect you to quit sugar cold turkey, but we’d like to encourage you to reduce your intake.

Sugar attacks the teeth and provides no nutritional benefits to their components. Soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks have high acidity levels, so if you drink them on a daily basis, you are at a high risk for developing cavities. Fruit juice has a medium acidity level, but can be watered down to reduce the levels of sugar. As you may already know, water is your smile’s best bet for staying healthy. Milk is also beneficial for keeping enamel strong.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.oysterbaydentists.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists in Oyster Bay, NY, call 516-922-5730.

Veneers vs. Crowns

Veneers vs. Crowns

Veneers and crowns are both reliable restorative solutions that protect the structure of a tooth while refinishing its surface to create a strong, reliable and beautiful smile esthetic. However, veneers and crowns have many differences with regard to their purpose, placement and function.

Veneers: Veneers are most frequently used as a cosmetic smile solution. They can be used use refinish the surface of a tooth and correct teeth that are too narrow or short, and cover-up stains, small chips and cracks. While a single veneer can be used to refinish an individual tooth, multiple veneers are most often used to refinish the most visible teeth and provide a smile makeover that’s fully customized and idealized. Like crowns, veneers are comprised of a thin porcelain shells that are fabricated from an impression of the existing tooth site. Veneers are usually much thinner than crowns, but the existing tooth structure will need to be slightly modified for permanent bonding and placement. 

Crowns: Crowns may be used for cosmetic purposes, but they’re most frequently used to restore the surface of a tooth due to a fracture, severe chip, deep cavity, or following a root canal or other procedure that calls for the modification of the tooth.  Like veneers, crowns are custom fabricated to perfectly restore the appearance of a tooth, in addition to protecting its structure.  Crowns are frequently created from porcelain or ceramic, but they may also be formed from gold, porcelain fused to metal or other material.