Tooth Decay during the Holidays

Between candy canes, eggnog, and Christmas cookies, sweet treats abound at the end of the year. We’ve provided a lot of people with replacement teeth at the Oyster Bay Family Dentists, and would hate to see anybody have another outbreak of gingivitis due to tooth decay. But we want our patients to enjoy the holiday fun, too, so we thought we’d offer some suggestions for teeth-friendly winter socializing.

The longer the teeth are exposed to sugar, the more time bacteria will have to eat it and produce acid. Bacteria are able to consume simple sugars quickly, but they can also metabolize starch. Bits of food debris lodged in between teeth and dental cusps are obviously a potential source of decay, but so is the residue left by sugary drinks. Hard candy is also a tooth decay hazard because it remains in contact with the teeth for a long time and tends to deplete the mouth’s saliva, which is needed to rinse away food debris and maintain the mouth’s pH level.

People produce the most saliva while eating large meals, but socializing sometimes prevents us from avoiding snacks and drinks. Often, it is still acceptable to chew sugar-free gum (as long as it is spat out discreetly). This will dislodge some food and stimulate saliva production. Another option is to alternate sips of water with sips of other drinks to prevent dry mouth and give the teeth a wash. We can also try to favor sugar-free candy and remember to bring floss with us to use when convenient.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

 

National Dental Hygiene Month

It’s a great time of year in October! Leaves are changing, hot drinks are in season, and it’s National Dental Hygiene Month. Dentists once believed that people would lose all their teeth if they lived long enough, but thanks to fluoridation, less smoking, and better hygiene, people are now retaining healthy teeth throughout their lives. In the spirit of the season, let’s review good hygiene.

Anybody who has teeth should be brushing theirs twice a day. We recommend brushing for two minutes per second, being sure to cover every surface. To clean the inward-facing side of your lower front teeth, point the brush vertically. On the outer side, brush sideways, but be sure you don’t skip the gum line. After brushing, floss your teeth thoroughly by sliding floss all the way down each side of each tooth and making a scooping motion to capture tartar. Don’t forget to floss your back teeth. You could also use a device such as a Waterpik, but not anything sharp that wasn’t made to be used on teeth.

Once a day, you should also scrape your tongue. This will prevent bad breath and bacterial build-up. Rinsing with mouthwash may also be helpful. Lastly, by chewing sugar-free gum after meals, you can remove some food debris so it doesn’t sit there for hours until the next time you brush.

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 Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.

Are You Flossing?

Flossing your teeth is more important to your well-being than brushing. So why do people come up with silly excuses such as, “I’m not coordinated enough to floss,” or “I don’t know how to floss.” After today, you won’t be able to use these excuses anymore, because our staff at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists is going to teach you how to floss and floss correctly.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!

If you have questions regarding your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more 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.

Bridges

Bridges

Broken or missing teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, trauma to the mouth can fracture a tooth or knock it out completely. In addition, gum disease can cause tooth decay and possibly lead to tooth loss. The good news is at Oyster Bay Family Dentists we offer restorative services including dental bridges.

 

A bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. It may be supported by dental implants or natural teeth. A conventional bridge includes two crowns on both sides of the gap. The bridge is attached to the crowns, which act as an anchor and hold the bridge in place.

 

Usually two appointments are needed in order to have a traditional dental bridge placed. The process of getting a bridge will involve preparing the adjacent teeth for the crowns. Preparation involves removing any decay and shaping and filing the teeth. An impression of the teeth is taken so the bridge can be made. While you wait for your permanent bridge to be made, a temporary one will be placed.

 

Bridges are made from durable materials, such as porcelain, gold or alloy. In some cases, a combination of materials will be used. Proper maintenance of a bridge is essential in order to prevent cavities from developing underneath. Regular brushing, flossing and professional cleanings are needed.

 

For more information on bridges or in order to schedule an appointment, please call The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 516-922-5730.