There are several unique ways to keep your gums healthy and maintain a regular oral hygiene. Here are a few easy and practical methods, prescribed by doctors.

Intake of Vitamin C: foods rich in vitamin C can help in avoiding any gum diseases or infections. Fruits like strawberries, papayas, oranges, grapes and lemons are rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that are not only healthy for your body but are also beneficial for your gums. They help with the growth of body tissues and with the regeneration of bones. Rubbing lemon juice and a little bit of salt on irritated gums can also temporarily relieve pain.

Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide: you may have heard about the benefits of using hydrogen peroxide when it comes to clean ear wax! Well, it is also useful for keeping gum infections and inflammations at bay. Mix ½ teaspoon of peroxide powder into about half a cup of water and rinse your mouth regularly with it. This method is also used in case of toothache to ease the pain.

Rinse in salt water: an even simpler method than Hydrogen Peroxide, is rinsing your mouth in salt water. Make sure the water is lukewarm and try this solution once or twice a day for great results.

Gum massage: massage your gums on a regular basis; this ensures blood circulation and prevents gum deterioration.

Chewing gum: considered a good form of exercise for your gum and jaws, nowadays there are many forms of special dental chewing gums available on the market. These chewing gums contain Xylitol, a sugar substitute that helps limiting the growth of bacteria inside your mouth.

Avoid excessive consumption of acidic foods (olive oil, low-fat yogurt, whole milk, butter…) on a regular basis, as they can cause gum irritation because of the imbalance created in the pH level of gums and saliva.

Flossing: you should make this a part of your daily routine, as it is one of the most effective ways to keep clean teeth. A tooth brush is not always capable of reaching every crack where tiny pieces of food may deposit, but flossing can help solving this problem. Be gentle and pay attention to make sure you cover every spot.

Apples: does really an apple a day keep the doctor away?! Yes, eating apples is an effective way of curing gum infections and it is also a natural exercise, keeping your gums stronger and firm.

Hydration: believe it or not, drinking water frequently is not only good for your system; it also rinses your mouth, ensuring fresher breath and healthier body and skin.

Your digestive system’s health can also reflect on the gums. Eating healthy and ensuring proper digestion prevents bad breath and an unhealthy smile.

For more information on dental issues and dental health, give our office a call at 212-481-2535. We look forward to speaking with you.

Dry socket can occur after having wisdom teeth removed and can be an extremely painful, unpleasant condition, albeit only temporary. It is more likely to occur where lower wisdom teeth have been removed, rather than the upper ones. Fortunately it affects fewer than 5% of patients, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent it.

A socket is simply a hole in the bone where the tooth was extracted. It will fill with blood which then clots and protects the bone and nerves underneath until healing takes place. The blood clot is essential to healing. If the blood clot is dislodged this can lead to dry socket.

What then happens is that the bone and nerves become exposed to air and to food debris, bacteria and saliva which can lodge in the socket where the blood clot should be.

The pain usually starts about two days after the tooth has been extracted and can progress to the ear becoming very acute. Other symptoms are bad breath, a nasty taste in the mouth and the socket itself looking white.

There are several ways that the blood clot can become dislodged, including smoking and drinking through a straw. Both of these activities can cause suction which can remove the blood clot. Touching the area with the fingers can also cause the clot to shift.

In addition, coughing, sneezing, and spitting can cause debris to enter the socket. Poor oral hygiene is another contributory factor, and women who are taking a birth control pill are 30% more likely to develop a dry socket. Once the blood clot has been dislodged it is very easy for food and other debris to get stuck in the socket.

Obviously, once food or other particles are in the socket they are extremely hard to remove without the proper tools. Certainly, trying to remove them with a toothbrush from what is basically an open wound is not an option.

It may be necessary to visit the dentist every day for a few days. He will remove the debris from the socket and apply a medicated paste and this will need to be changed every day. An anti-inflammatory may be prescribed for the pain, and if the socket should develop an infection the dentist will also prescribe an antibiotic.

Fortunately dry socket is not all that common a problem, but when it occurs it needs prompt treatment.

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent dry socket after wisdom tooth removal. These are:

• Do NOT touch the area with fingers or anything else.
• Practice good oral hygiene.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water after eating in order to kill bacteria.
• If the dentist has prescribed an oral rinse, use it as instructed.
• Do NOT smoke for at least 24 hours after extraction.
• Do not eat nuts or other foods which are likely to leave debris in the mouth, such as pasta, chocolate, cereals, etc.
• Try to eat soft foods such as soup, mashed potato and so on.
• Avoid fizzy drinks.
• Tell your dentist about any medication you are taking.

If you need wisdom tooth removal contact us for an appointment right away. We can give you some further tips on avoiding dry socket before your surgery.

Having your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office can be quite an expensive investment but offers the one of the best enhancements to your smile. For this reason, it is important that you take care of your newly whitened teeth so that they can maintain their color for a long time. One way of ensuring this is watching what you eat. You need to be particularly careful about what you eat in the first few weeks after the teeth whitening procedure. In this post, we tell you the foods to eat as well as those you need to keep away from.

Foods to Eat

Go for room temperature foods. After undergoing a tooth whitening procedure, there may be a period of pain or sensitivity that lasts up to 72 hours. This irritation is made even worse when you eat foods that are either too hot or too cold. Therefore, whatever you eat, make sure that it is at the room temperature. When temperature is either too hot or too cold, it will lead to maximum discomfort.

Natural crunch is the best.When it comes to dental health, the taste of food is not the only thing to consider. An important thing with regard to delivering nutrients to the body is eating and digestion of the food. There are many ways to get crunch-on, and this includes eating chips and cookies. Others chew raw foods like cassava and sweet potatoes. If you want to maintain your pearly whites, it is important that you eat only natural crunch. These also act as natural cleaners of the teeth.

There are several delicious as well as affordable crunchy foods which also meet the current Nutrition Plate recommendation set by the United States Department of Agriculture. These include:

• Apples

• Cauliflower

• Celery

• Carrot sticks

Cheese. Cheese is very good for dental health. In fact, all dairy products tend to be good for the teeth since they contain calcium. According to science, eating dairy products that are low in fat can boost oral health. These foods also minimize tooth conditions like periodontal diseases and tooth decay. Also, given that dairy products are white in color, there are no chances that they can stain your freshly whitened teeth.

Concentrate on White Foods 

• Eat white dry or boiled chicken, white fish, turkey, white rice, white sauce and white pasta.

• For potatoes, you can eat boiled, mashed or baked. Take note to peel the skin off.

Foods to Void 

Vegetables that you should avoid are peas, broccoli, sprouts, green beans and sweet corn. Salads such as beetroot, red or green lettuce and tomatoes among other things need to be avoided.

Drinks

• For alcoholic drinks, take only clear liquids like Vodka Ice, Malibu, Gin, Vodka and white wine.

• Drinks to avoid are tea (Iced or Hot) as it can cause deepest staining, Orange Juice, Coffee, no fizzy drinks and Soda among other things.

• Alcoholic drinks to avoid are red wine, beer and generally any colored alcohol.

Other Points

• In case you had an afternoon or early treatment, only brush your pearly whites using white toothpaste. Avoid using any colored mouthwash for two days.

• For late night treatment, resist from brushing your teeth that night and only do it the following the day.

• If you feel gum sensitivity after teeth whitening experience, use bonjela. Just rub it and your sensitivity will quickly disappear.

Call us today 

If you need more information about your tooth health or you want to know the dental options available for you, talk to us. Our staffs will provide you with cutting edge advice to help you make a decision that is best for your teeth. For more information or to schedule a no obligation consultation to discuss your dental health call Dr. Majid R. Khamesi,DDS today at 212-481-2535

New York, NY – If you’re thirsty, you might think there’s no harm in drinking a soda. The caffeine will wake you up, and you’ll enjoy the refreshingly sweet taste. You could opt for a sports drink instead, reinvigorating your lost nutrients. Did you know that you could be damaging your teeth? Sugar, acidic chemicals and food coloring cause dental erosion. Sodas and sports drinks are among some of the worst offenders.

Enemies of Enamel
Your teeth are coated with a natural enamel to protect them and help them last longer. Enamel is a barrier from cavities and tooth decay. According to a study published by the Academy of General Dentistry, non-cola soft drinks are more likely to erode the teeth than cola drinks. A separate dental study showed that colas are more acidic than sports drinks, but both types of beverages reduce the enamel layer and can cause poor dental health.

Acid
Soft drinks and sports beverages contain chemical-based acids that erode tooth enamel. Long-term exposure to acid results in a thinner and softer barrier, changing the texture and color of your teeth. This eventually results in nerve sensitivity and even cracked teeth. Sports drinks and sodas usually contain citric acid or phosphoric acid. Acid adds tanginess to balance out the sweetness of the sugars.

Sugar 
Another enemy of your teeth is sugar. Plaque that forms on your teeth turns to acid when it comes in contact with sugary substances in your mouth. It attacks your teeth for up to 20 minutes, which can eventually lead to tooth decay. The American Dental Association recommends limiting or eliminating sugary drinks from your diet to lower your risk.

Colorful Additives
Food coloring makes sports drinks and sodas more interesting. It’s a common marketing tool to make beverages more attractive. Darker colors stain your teeth more quickly than lighter ones. Avoid swishing colored drinks in your mouth to decrease the likelihood of stains. One way to minimize discoloration is to use a straw. Slip the top of the straw into your mouth between your upper and lower teeth.

Alternate Uses for Sodas
If you have sports and soft drinks that you’re no longer interested in drinking, you can put them to use in other ways.
• Auto technicians recommend soaking your car’s battery terminal bolts in a small cup of cola to remove caked on acid.
• Clean the scorch marks from the bottom of your uncoated kitchen pans by letting them soak in root beer or cola for 20 minutes.
• Set flowers such as white carnations in sports drinks to make them change colors.

Sodas and sports drinks can taste refreshing. They can also harm your teeth. Lessen the damage they do to your teeth by avoiding them when possible. Don’t drink them in between meals, and brush your teeth soon after you finish.Need more information or have questions on your dental health? Call Dr. Majid R. Khamesi at 212-481-2535 Today.

sources:
http://thesecretyumiverse.wonderhowto.com/how-to/14-weirdly-useful-and-non-drinkable-uses-for-soda-pop-0138148/
http://voices.yahoo.com/odd-uses-everyday-items-2124615.html
http://visual.ly/teeth-vs-soda-what-soda-does-your-teeth
http://www.healthonplanetearth.com/bottled-water-and-soda.htm
http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_13.pdf
http://www.drmader.com/Top-5-Teeth-Staining-Culprits.asp

Many people stand the risk of getting gum disease because of poor oral hygiene. Consequently, they might need to visit a periodontist for evaluation and treatment. Most dentists can routinely treat a mild type of gum disease. However, if the gum disease is progressed to a complicated state, most dentists prefer that the patient see a specialist for an in depth assessment. A periodontist specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease such as periodontitis and gingivitis. Some of the services a periodontist offer include: tooth extraction; deep gum cleaning; placement of implants, root therapy; cosmetic dental procedures and any type of surgery to the jaw bone.

Having good oral hygiene is important to maintain healthy gums and for preventing periodontal disease. When you don’t brush and floss at least twice daily, you allow plaque to build up on your teeth. Over time, the plaque turns into tartar, which leads to inflammation and eventually infection of the gums. This is known as gingivitis. Even though gingivitis is manageable and mild, if it’s not treated properly, it can become significant and permanent. Some of the signs of gingivitis include swelling of gums, soreness in gums and bleeding gums when brushing and flossing. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a periodontist as soon as possible to discuss treatment.

When gum disease is found early on and treated properly, permanent damage to the mouth, gums and teeth can be avoided. Constant cleanings performed by a dental hygienist, along with daily flossing and brushing, has proven effective for reversing further damage or incidences of gingivitis. Prompt and quick action with a periodontist is the key to ensuring a healthy outcome.

Those who choose to not seek immediate attention when they experience the symptoms of gum disease are more than likely to develop periodontitis. Periodontitis is considered a severe disease and can potentially cause permanent damage to the gums, teeth and bones in the mouth. If plaque continues to build on your teeth for long periods of time, it will harden and turn to calculus quickly. Calculus is considered dangerous because it can cause decay of the bones and tissues in the mouth that keep your teeth in place. If the bone and tissue begin to disintegrate, the gums will recede and your teeth stand the risk of falling out. The result is very painful and costly requiring cosmetic reconstructive surgery including permanent dental implants and bone reconstruction.

Good oral hygiene along with flossing, brushing and routine dental visits can prevent periodontitis and reverse gingivitis.

Most people are very self-conscious when it comes to their smiles, and for good reason. People sometimes judge other people, and nobody wants to be judged, so when they can take steps to have a better appearance, it makes sense to start with your face and your mouth.

While we also understand the gravity and importance of good dental care habits, most of us cringe at the thought of having to go to a dentist, no matter the reason. One of the things that scares most people about the dentist is the horror stories that we have all heard over the years. If we were to take the time to understand the various procedures that the dentist may need to do, it may take some of the mystery out of going to the dentist.

One of the most common misconceptions about dental procedures is the difference between a crown and a root canal.

<strong>Root Canal Treatment</strong>

A root canal can sometimes be painful, however, if you do need a root canal, chances are that you have already been in a considerable amount of pain. Going through this procedure is going to alleviate that pain you have been experiencing.

A root canal is performed when a cavity has reached extensive levels. Extensive levels means that the decay has grown so far, that it has reached the pulp, and this is what causes the pain. The pulp is the area of the tooth where the nerves are located. In some cases, the nerve may even be exposed, which is extremely painful. This type of infection cannot be simply filled, like a cavity, because it would not stop the infection from spreading.

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Other reasons that a root canal may be performed are in the case of serious oral trauma. The root canal process itself is one that desensitizes the tooth. The nerves and pulp are actually removed. This is usually done over a couple of visits, and even as many as up to four visits, but can also be performed in one session. This would depend on the particular situation.

After the root canal procedure is completed, the tooth will be brittle. At this point a post and crown will usually be needed.

<strong>The Crown</strong>

A crown is placed on the tooth to protect the tooth after a root canal procedure. It can also be placed on the tooth if there is an extensive cavity that has not yet reached the pulp. The tooth will be ground down and an impression will be made of the remaining tooth. A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it from further infection or damage until the permanent crown is completed.

Depending on the dentist, it can take just a few days or up to several weeks before the permanent crown is completed. The temporary crown will then be removed and the permanent crown will be affixed to the modified tooth. It looks just like a real tooth, and goes over the tooth to make your smile look consistent.

A crowned tooth does not always require a root canal. In the case of a

tooth that has not been root canaled, a post will not need to be installed. The primary function of the post is to strengthen the tooth before crowning.

Although the difference between a crown and root canal are obvious, these two procedures can be very closely related. If you have questions regarding the treatment that your dentist is recommending, just ask them. Your dentist will always be more than happy to answer your questions and explain what procedures you will need.