Prevent Periodontitis

Periodontal disease has four different stages and today, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists choose to discuss periodontitis. If you’ve been told that you have gingivitis, we highly recommend that you reverse it by developing a rigorous oral hygiene routine. Periodontitis develops if gingivitis is left untreated and this aggressive form of gum disease can lead to tooth loss if not treated promptly.

If you have persistent bad breath, gums that are reddish-purple, or gums that are tender to the touch, then you have some form of periodontal disease and it’s important to get a proper diagnosis so that you can begin treatment. Because periodontitis involves plaque buildup that can cause a “pocket” or a “gap” between the gums and teeth, you increase your chances of developing a dental abscess. During your dental appointment, our doctors may use various tools to loosen and remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Once you leave the office, it is up to you to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to prevent this condition from returning or becoming more severe.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, 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.

Oral Piercings and Teeth

These days, tongue rings, lip rings, and cheek piercings are a popular form of self-expression amongst young adults. Though they may look trendy, The Oyster Bay Family Dentists want to explain the consequences that can stem from oral piercings. The mouth contains millions of bacteria, and if your body rejects an oral piercing it’s possible that your mouth and tongue could swell, making it difficult to breathe. They can also chip or crack the teeth, and if this happens it will require a dental procedure to fix the problem.

It is important to follow aftercare instructions after receiving an oral piercing as this can lead to infection. It’s critical to keep your mouth as clean as possible because an oral infection can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Additionally, jewelry such as a tongue ring can bump against your teeth while talking or eating. To avoid chipping a tooth, you should avoid “playing” with the jewelry in your mouth as this can damage your teeth and gums. Remember to remove your oral jewelry if you are playing sports, and if you notice any signs of infection, give us a call immediately.

If you have questions or concerns about how oral piercings can affect your oral health, 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.

Halitosis in Children

The Oyster Bay Family Dentists serve patients of all ages with all sorts of problems, including halitosis. Bad breath isn’t just a problem for adults, and while it is often caused by lack of proper brushing, there are some other common reasons for it in children which our dentists may need to investigate.

Dental information for children heavily emphasizes tooth brushing, but it is important for people to brush their tongues, as well. The tongue is an environment bacteria easily grow in, as are the tonsils, and bacteria growth in these areas will cause a bad smell. Bacteria also multiply quickly when the child has an oral or sinus infection, such as a cold sore or nasal drip. Foreign objects stuck up a child’s nose also trigger nasal drip, supplying bacteria with a food source.

Saliva has an important role in washing out bacteria, so children with dry mouth (xerostomia) are also at increased risk for halitosis. This group of children includes those who breathe through their mouths, children who don’t stay hydrated, and children on medications for anxiety and ADHD which often cause dry mouth as a side effect. Sugar-free gum is a favorite trick of dentists’ to stimulate new saliva production.

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.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Sensitivity

As skilled prosthodontists, Dr. VeyVoda and Dr. West supply patients in the Oyster Bay area with replacement partial and full teeth. But as dentists who care deeply about their patients, they also want people to know how to avoid tooth damage in the first place. One source of enamel erosion which people often have less awareness of is acid reflux.

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter that keeps hydrochloric acid in the stomach opens during swallowing. If this occurs at least twice a week, the patient is said to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux is commonly (but misleadingly) called heartburn because of the painful cysts it creates in the esophagus, but tooth enamel isn’t strong enough to withstand hydrochloric acid, either. People with GERD commonly suffer from pitted, discolored, sensitive teeth, particularly in their upper palate. If erosion reaches an advanced state, the patient could be at a higher risk for dental infections and find that their teeth back teeth’s grinding surfaces have lost their function.

Badly damaged teeth can be replaced with a number of methods, including partial and full crowns. But patients can prevent damage by reducing their intake of foods that are high in acid, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol, and by maintaining better posture.

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.