Thursday, March 30, 2017

The 2-Minute Brushing Rule

When we hit the snooze button in the morning, two minutes flies by like lightning, when we are waiting in traffic, two minute seems like an eternity. At the sink, two minutes is the time you need to spend brushing your teeth in order to clean them adequately and reduce plaque. The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want you to understand why you should follow the 2-minute brushing rule.

Most people don’t even come close to brushing two minutes and if you don’t brush your teeth long enough, you may not be getting your teeth clean enough. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily establish the basics of good oral hygiene. Brushing helps to clear particles of food from the teeth, but a brush can’t reach between teeth, which is why flossing is also necessary. To make the two-minute mark seem like less of a lifetime, split the mouth into four quadrants. That way, it should take about 30 seconds each quadrant. The proper position of the brush head should be along the gum line, half on the gums and half on the teeth, pointing the bristles at a 45-degree angle. Don’t forget to brush every part of your mouth, including your tongue!

If you have questions about oral care, 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.

How to Care for Dentures

Oral hygiene is just as important to maintain for people with dentures, but some of their life-long habits are going to have to change. To help our patients through this transition, we’ve supplied this guide on how to care for their new teeth.

Even if a denture is supported by implants, it should be removed each night. This will give patients an opportunity to clean it and for their gums to rest. Natural teeth produce a protective film, but dentures can easily be scratched by minerals. Therefore, dentures should be brushed with specially designated toothpaste. Patients should only ever use soft-bristled brushes for oral hygiene, and this remains true while they are brushing their gums and tongue, as well.

Besides being vulnerable to scratches, dentures can warp if they are placed in hot water. But it is important to always keep them moist. There are cleaning solutions available to soak them in, but these products are supplements for brushing, not replacements. Dentures should only be carried over soft surfaces and patients should seek professional help for any repairs or adjustments which may be necessary.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit OysterBayDentists.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Dry Mouth

We depend on saliva to keep our teeth, and by extension, the rest of us, healthy. Unfortunately, dry mouth is a common side-effect f chemotherapy and a number of medications, particularly ones for pain and psychological conditions. It is important for patients to understand that dry mouth is a serious condition so that they can seek help.

Older people are usually the ones who suffer from dry mouth due to the aforementioned medications, as well as a history of smoking or Sjögren’s syndrome. (This disorder dries out the eyes as well as the mouth and is mostly found in women over fifty.) People who suffer from dry mouth have difficulty sleeping through the night, as well as swallowing and breaking down food. The body’s immune system also depends on saliva to wash away harmful bacteria and their food sources, and teeth have to be kept moist to maintain their protective film.

Since it may not be possible for patients to change medications, they will need to consider products which can stimulate saliva production or provide their teeth and gum tissues with extra protection. Patients should also cut back on sugar and caffeine.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit OysterBayDentists.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

The application of lasers in dentistry gives The Oyster Bay Family Dentists plenty of opportunities to perform a wide variety of dental procedures that they otherwise may not be capable of performing. Dental lasers can be used to reduce the comfort of canker and cold sores as well as expose partially erupted wisdom teeth, and help treat tooth infections. In dentistry, lasers are a safe and effective way to provide patients with precision treatment that minimizes pain and recovery time.

There are several advantages to laser dentistry. For example, dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia in some procedures, allowing patients to be more relaxed. Laser procedures are more precise and can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional treatments. In addition, lasers can reduce bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities, and control bleeding during surgery.

If you have further questions regarding laser dentistry, 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.

Can Wisdom Teeth Have Cavities?

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. When this happens, the risk of infection increases, because if a tooth becomes broken, it could leave a hole that makes the tooth vulnerable to bacteria and decay. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean.

 Depending on the individual case, one of our doctors may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, 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.

Avoid Denture Pain

Denture pain typically stems from poor fitting or poorly adjusted dentures. It may also be a result of new dentures, worn over soft tissues that have not developed thick, toughened layers of protective keratin. If you are experiencing gum and mouth irritation, problems eating and speaking, mouth infections and/or dentures that move around in your mouth, give The Oyster Bay Family Dentists a call to discuss your treatment options.

If you wear dentures, it is very important you keep your mouth clean and healthy. In addition, you should never experience pain when wearing your dentures. If you do experience pain from your dentures and this discomfort is not treated by speaking slowly, eating soft foods or using an adhesive, your dentures may need to be replaced. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we have plenty of tooth-replacement options for you to choose from if dentures aren’t working out.

If you have dentures that are causing you pain, 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.

Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. If you suffer from gingivitis, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists will provide you with an individualized treatment plan before it leads to periodontitis and eventual tooth loss.

Gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums – is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Another sign of gum disease is gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing.

If you experience gum inflammation, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Binding or Splinting

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists provide a wide array of prosthodontics for teeth compromised by injury or periodontal disease. But sometimes, it is not necessary for weak teeth to be extracted. Binding teeth together is an ancient practice which modern medicine has made much more satisfactory and comfortable.

If a patient’s teeth are weak due to periodontal disease, our doctors will want to remove decayed tissue, to start with. The teeth will also be cleaned. Binding, also known as splinting, is usually done on the front teeth with a fibrous strand that is attached to their backside. The fiber is porous so that it may absorb adhesive resin, and only produce a small ridge along the patient’s teeth. Our doctors will etch the teeth with an acidic gel (which is typical whenever something is attached to the teeth), and temporarily fill the gaps between them to protect the gum tissue.

Binding molars is more complicated and may involve cutting into them in order to place a metal splint along the top. But both types of splints work by distributing the force of the patient’s bite evenly among the bound teeth. This can compensate for an individual tooth’s weakness without doing the kinds of intrusive surgeries necessary for implants or permanent dentures.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit OysterBayDentists.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Intraoral Camera

Intraoral cameras combine two parts of our core philosophy at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists: our dedication to serving our patients with the most up-to-date technology, and our belief in transparency and patient inclusion. With this diagnostic tool, we have a greater ability to investigate our patients’ mouths for signs of trouble than ever before.

The camera is inside a wand-shaped handheld device which operators can move freely within a patient’s mouth. The wand also includes a LED, allowing the high-resolution camera to produce real-color images from every angle. Images produced by the intraoral camera are shown on the digital screens within our office, allowing us to easily combine them with our software dedicated to predicting the effects of orthodontics and planning surgeries. The images are easy for lay people to interpret, allowing patients to use them while talking to their insurance companies, and caregivers to feel like they have enough information to make decisions for their family members.

Other tools are still necessary to provide a full view of a patient’s mouth; x-rays are, of course, necessary to see bone below the gum line, and oral cancer screenings require us to examine soft tissue below the surface. However, the intraoral camera is highly reputed to promote patient compliance and improve trust between patient and doctor.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit OysterBayDentists.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Replacing Your Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, 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.

Can You Rebuild Tooth Enamel?

The tooth consists of four layers: enamel, cementum, dentin, and pulp. The enamel, cementum, and dentin are hard and calcified, while the pulp in the center of the tooth contains nerves and blood vessels. Tooth erosion happens when acids wear away on the enamel of the teeth. Enamel erosion can be caused by several factors including excessive soft drink consumption, a diet high in sugar, and environmental factors such as friction and stress. The enamel is not living tissue, so your body can’t rebuild it once it’s damaged. However, to rebuild tooth structure and protect teeth from further erosion, our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists may recommend tooth bonding or dental crowns.

Enamel helps protect your teeth from daily use such as chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Although enamel is a hard protector of teeth, it can chip and crack. Unlike a broken bone that can be repaired by the body, once a tooth chips or breaks, the enamel is gone forever. Because enamel has no living cells, the body cannot repair it once it’s been damaged.

If you have a chipped or broken tooth and would like to discuss your treatment options, 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.

Sensitive Teeth Causes and Treatment

The winter months are upon us and if you are experiencing tooth pain when the cold wind blows, you may have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth are caused when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This soft layer makes up the inner part and roots, which have thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve center (the pulp). Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive tooth pain. This is why it’s important to visit The Oyster Bay Family Dentists for regular dental checkups.

Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Having a conversation with one of our doctors is the first step in finding relief from your discomfort. After he determines the reason for your sensitivity, treatment may be as simple as applying an in-office fluoride gel to help you manage the sensitivity.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Diabetic Oral Care

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to dental problems. This is because they are more likely to develop infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. If you have diabetes, your oral care should be your top priority and The Oyster Bay Family Dentists can help you achieve your smile goals.

If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Additionally, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, and schedule a dental checkup with us every six months.

If you have questions about diabetic oral care, 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.

Dental Implant Failure

Dental implants are designed to provide a foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. In fact, they are one of the most reliable long-term methods of tooth replacement. However, as with any other surgical procedure, there are a variety of internal and external factors that cause complications or even total failure of treatment. If this ever were to happen to you, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists are here to assess the situation.

Osseointegration describes the formation of a direct functional and structural connection between a person’s bone and an artificial implant. There are two primary reasons for “later” implant failure after the osseointegration process has been successful. These include over-stressing implants with too much biting force or inflammatory disease of the gum tissues and/or bone around the implant. Prevention plays a tremendous role in avoiding implant failure. Once the implants are placed, it’s crucial to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Make sure you schedule regular dental cleanings to help keep the tissues around your implants healthy.

If you have questions about dental implants, 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.

Dental Veneers for a Brand-New Smile

Confidence in your smile can take you a long way. While you should feel confident in whatever smile you have, we understand that cosmetic issues can make you self-conscious. This is why The Oyster Bay Family Dentists offer cosmetic dental procedures in our Oyster Bay, NY office. One of the most dramatic and beautiful options we have are veneers.

Veneers are shells that are placed over your existing teeth. They are able to create a completely new smile without major dental work. They work well for almost any cosmetic issue including misshapen teeth, gaps, cracks, and discoloration. Because of their strength and durability, they can last up to ten years with good care.

Veneers can be made for a full set or just one, depending on what your specific needs. To apply them, your dentist will take off a very small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth. This is about the thickness of the veneer that will take its place. Impressions are then taken of your teeth to send to a dental laboratory where the custom veneers are created. During this time you will wear a set of temporary veneers so you can continue to use your teeth safely and comfortably. When the new veneers are ready, they are bonded into place.

If you desire a brand-new smile, dental veneers are a wonderful option. To schedule an appointment with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, call our Oyster Bay, NY office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

Ways Brushing Can Harm Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth two to three times per day is what keeps your chompers healthy and shiny. However, did you know that there is a wrong way to brush your teeth? The Oyster Bay Family Dentists of Oyster Bay, NY know you have probably heard how to brush well, but do you know what not to do? Keep reading to learn more!

Brushing Too Soon
Believe it or not, there is such a thing as brushing too soon. There are acids in our food that soften our enamel. So while it is good to brush after you eat, you should wait at least thirty minutes so your enamel has time to re-harden. Otherwise, you may brush away the softened enamel. If you are concerned about acid, rinse out your mouth with water after consuming something very acidic like pop or sour candies.

Using Too Much Force
Another common way to wear down enamel is by brushing too hard. In order to remove plaque, all it takes is a light touch with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Stiff bristles or too much force can wear down enamel and irritate gum tissue. Worn down enamel can lead to an increased risk of cavities and cosmetic issues. Irritated gums can lead to gum recession. Both worn down enamel and recessed gums can cause sensitivity.

Brush well and keep up with your flossing for a healthy mouth. To schedule your next cleaning and examination with The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, call our Oyster Bay, NY office at (516) 922-5730 or visit our website, www.oysterbaydentists.com.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At The Oyster Bay Family Dentists, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.
You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:
  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
  • Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
  • Visit The Oyster Bay Family Dentists for professional cleanings and oral examination.
If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, 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.

Dental Fillings

To treat a cavity one of our doctors at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth that have been worn down from misuse (tooth grinding). Here at the office, we utilize white fillings, also known as tooth colored fillings, because they exude the most natural looking appearance.

Composite resins (tooth colored fillings) provide solid durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to survive the moderate pressure from the constant pressure of chewing. Composite fillings require the tooth to be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled, which is why they may take longer to apply than any other type of filling. Although no filling lasts forever, tooth colored fillings have been known to last for over 10 years. It is a safe, affordable and attractive solution for many dental drawbacks.

If you have questions about dental fillings, 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.