The Dangers of Teeth Grinding and How to Prevent it

Effects of teeth grinding

Do you suffer from bruxism?

Do you grind your teeth? You might, without even knowing it. If you experience headaches, jaw pain, aching teeth, and throbbing temples, you may be grinding your teeth at night. Teeth grinding is a disorder known as bruxism, and it’s common, affecting as much as 30 percent of all people. Mild teeth grinding may not be a problem, but frequent or serious grinding can cause permanent mouth, jaw, or tooth damage if it’s not addressed. Here’s what you need to know.

The Dangers of Grinding Your Teeth

Tooth grinding can happen during waking or sleeping hours, and often, people don’t realize they’re doing it. Clenching your jaw without noticing or grinding and gnashing your teeth at night, though, can be damaging because the jaw can clamp down with 250 pounds of force. That much force can crack or break the teeth, as well as wearing down the enamel, and it can also cause chronic pain in the head, neck, and ears. Bruxism can lead to health problems like migraines, tinnitus, and sensitivity to noise, and some people even require a total joint replacement when the grinding gets so severe that it wears down the jaw cartilage.

Why Bruxism Happens

Sometimes, bruxism is a sign of stress. Clenching your muscles when you’re stressed, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed is a natural response, and if you are perpetually feeling those emotions, your clenched jaw can lead to nighttime tooth grinding. Certain medical conditions can lead to bruxism, like Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and tooth grinding can also be the result of an existing sleep disorder. Sometimes, the medication you’re taking can cause you to grind your teeth. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and amphetamines are all known causes of nighttime tooth grinding. If your teeth are misaligned, clenching and gnashing is even more likely to occur.

How do you know you’re doing it if you don’t know you’re doing it?

Your partner might be the first to notice, because bruxism can be noisy. Scraping, grinding, and clicking sounds can be loud enough to disrupt the sleep of a person sleeping in the same room as someone suffering from bruxism. Some people find they grind their teeth because of a dental visit. Grinding the teeth can wear them down, and sometimes the dentist is the first to notice. There are symptoms that you can catch, though, if you’re paying attention. Jaw pain and stiffness, tooth sensitivity, chipped or broken teeth, sore gums, clicking jaw joints, chronic headaches, earaches, or any evidence of excessive wear should prompt you to make an appointment with your dentist.

Preventing and Treating Bruxism

Your dentist is a powerful ally in the struggle with tooth grinding. Having a thorough dental exam can help you to determine the reasons you’re grinding your teeth, and your dentist can treat bruxism, sometimes with a measure as simple as a custom mouth guard you can wear while you’re sleeping. There are some steps you can take on your own, as well. Try employing stress reduction techniques, like deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and yoga. Make sure your bedroom is your oasis, cool, dark, and quiet, with no TVs, computers, or phones. Try sleeping on your side or stomach, and work on daytime habits too, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol, avoiding chewing gum or biting on things that aren’t food, and establishing a relaxing bedtime routine. Physical therapy can help, especially through the use of massage, compresses, and mouth stretching exercises, and certain medications, like anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants, can be beneficial in treating bruxism.

Finding the Right Dentist

If you think your bruxism is causing issues, the first step towards fixing the problem is seeing a good dentist. If you’re looking for a dentist in New York, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

Understanding the Different Stages of Tooth Decay: From Early Signs to Advanced Damage

Checking for tooth decay

Understanding Tooth Decay

You know that your dentist looks for signs of tooth decay, and you probably know that good oral hygiene and a nutritious diet can help prevent it. What you may not know, however, is that tooth decay happens in five distinct stages. If you can catch it in the early stages, it can be reversed, so it pays to know what you’re looking for when you examine your teeth. Here, we discuss the five stages of tooth decay, from early signs to advanced damage.

The Five Stages of Tooth Decay

• Stage One- Demineralization: You might not realize it, but there are initial warning signs before a cavity develops. The outermost layer of your teeth is made of enamel, the hardest tissue in your body, which is made mostly of minerals. When the tooth is exposed to plaque, the acids caused by bacteria cause enamel to begin to lose minerals. This mineral loss can be seen as white, yellow, or brown spots on the teeth, which can easily be seen on the front teeth but are often missed on the molars.
• Stage Two- Enamel Decay: If the spots of demineralization go unnoticed or untreated, plaque buildup will begin to break down the enamel of the teeth. You might notice sensitivity, which is one of the first physical signs of damage. Weakened enamel can develop small holes known as cavities. This damage can’t be reversed, but a dentist can treat cavities with fillings, inlays, onlays, or crowns.
• Stage Three- Dentin Decay: Under the enamel is the dentin layer, with tissue that is much softer and more sensitive than enamel. As decay progresses, it can spread quickly along this layer, leading to tooth sensitivity and discoloration. Chewing food may become painful, and so can consuming hot or cold food or drinks.
• Stage Four- Pulp Infection: The innermost layer of the teeth is the pulp. This is the layer with the nerves and blood vessels that nourish the teeth and provide sensation. When pup is damaged, it can become inflamed and begin to swell, in a root canal infection. Root canal infections must be treated with endodontic therapy, removing the pulp, and capping the tooth, but if this isn’t an option, the tooth will need to be extracted.
• Stage Five- Abscess: This is the final stage of tooth decay, in which untreated decay spreads beyond the tooth. Bacteria invades the pulp and the surrounding tissues, causing an infection and a pocket of pus known as an abscess. The dentist will need to drain the pus carefully, after which the abscess can be treated with antibiotic and antiseptic medications.

 What to Know About Kids and Tooth Decay

Children are more susceptible to tooth decay than adults, because the enamel of baby teeth is thinner than that of adults. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is among the most common childhood conditions in the United States. It might not seem like this is a particularly significant problem, since baby teeth eventually fall out, but it is very important to protect those little teeth. Children need their teeth for chewing and speaking, and baby teeth are the placeholders for adult teeth; losing them to decay can cause adult teeth to grow in incorrectly. To prevent childhood tooth decay, teach your children too brush their teeth thoroughly and limit sugary foods. Additionally, make sure your children have their first dental appointments by the time they turn one year old.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Good oral hygiene is the first line of defense against dental decay. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and use mouthwash to reach the bacteria brushing and flossing can miss. Eating a nutritious diet and limiting sugar can help, and so can staying hydrated. See your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings, and so that the dentist can detect any early signs of decay.  Talk to your dentist to find out if preventive measures like fluoride treatments and sealants are right for you.

Partner with Park 56 to Protect Your Teeth

If you’re looking for a dentist in New York, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

Park 56 Dental Group_1830990_Blog_August_2023_How to Choose the Right Toothpaste for Your Unique Dental Needs

Meta description: With so many toothpastes on the market, how do you know which to choose? Park 56 Dental Group offers tips on choosing the right toothpaste for you.

How hard can it be to choose a toothpaste?

How do you go about choosing a toothpaste? It seems like it should be easy! Once you get to the store, though, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the options. With so many toothpastes from which to choose, how do you pick the right one? Here, we offer some helpful tips for choosing the right toothpaste for your unique dental needs.

Know the Basics

Toothpastes contain abrasive agents, flavoring agents, detergents, humectants, and detergents, and are available in gel, paste, powder, or tablet forms. There are two important things to look for in a toothpaste: fluoride and the ADA seal of approval. Fluoride has been proven to protect against tooth decay and help to remineralize teeth, and the ADA (American Dental Association) must verify that a product is effective before that product can display the seal of approval.

Evaluate Your Dental Needs

Think about what you want a toothpaste to accomplish for you beyond just cleaning your teeth. Some common concerns include bad breath, sensitive teeth, plaque, gum disease, tartar, and yellowing teeth.  Once you have assessed what you need, look for a toothpaste that fits with your concerns.

• Preventing cavities: Fluoride is a major factor in preventing cavities and strengthening enamel. Choose a toothpaste with mild abrasives, like hydrated silica or calcium carbonate, to remove plaque and surface stains without damaging enamel.
• Tartar control: Bacteria can cause biofilm on the teeth, and this can lead to plaque. When biofilm traps salivary calcium and phosphate, it crystallizes into tartar, also called calculus. While this is removed by the dental hygienist during your cleanings, it can be helpful to use a tartar control toothpaste in between visits. These toothpastes typically contain ingredients like zinc citrate and triclosan.
• Sensitivity: Dental pain is typically due to dentin hypersensitivity. Toothpastes with potassium and fluoride can help with sensitivity, as can toothpastes with strontium chloride, calcium carbonate, or arginine. Using desensitizing toothpaste for at least eight weeks can help reduce dental pain.
• Gum disease prevention: Toothpaste with ingredients that have antibacterial properties, like triclosan or stannous fluoride, can help prevent gum disease by reducing plaque and gum inflammation.
• Controlling bad breath: Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue from back to front, or use a tongue scraper. Baking soda can be effective for eliminating halitosis (bad breath), either in a baking soda toothpaste or on its own.
• Whitening teeth: There are several whitening toothpastes on the market, with bleaching ingredients like silica, pyrophosphates, and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a good option because it is gentle and won’t cause irritation in your mouth. If you do experience any uncomfortable symptoms, contact your dentist.

Choosing a Toothpaste for Children

Children over age six typically use adult toothpaste. Before that, as long as the toothpaste meets the fluoride and ADA seal requirements, you can choose a fun toothpaste for your children, to encourage them to brush frequently. Look for fun flavors, sparkles and swirls, or toothpaste in a container decorated with fun characters or superheroes. Make sure, though, that you teach children to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it, because ingesting toothpaste can lead to chronic fluorosis for kids.

Partner with the Dentist Voted Best in New York

If you’re looking for a dentist in New York, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

Emergency Dental Care

Woman Suffering From Dental Emergency

It’s natural to feel alarmed when you experience a toothache or get hit in the mouth. Is the pain a minor annoyance, or are you about to face a dental emergency? Understanding the difference between urgent and non-urgent dental scenarios helps you act quickly when necessary to maintain your radiant smile.

Deciding If it’s a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies come in many forms. Some issues require immediate attention to alleviate pain and improve the chances of saving a damaged tooth. Watch for these symptoms of a dental emergency:

• Intense toothache
• Excessive bleeding
• Trauma to the face
• Loose or knocked-out tooth
• Broken or chipped tooth with a large chunk missing

Other issues aren’t a major cause for concern and can wait for a regular appointment. Examples of non-urgent situations include:

• Lost filling or crown
• Cracked tooth without pain or sharp fragments
• Mild toothache with no other symptoms

The Crucial First Response

If you determine you’re having a dental emergency, knowing how to respond is crucial. Follow these tips until you can get to an emergency dentist:

• Treating a toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove trapped food. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain relievers. Then, book a dentist appointment to find out what’s wrong.
• Treating excessive bleeding: Rinse with a saltwater solution. Then, apply a clean, damp piece of gauze or a cool, used tea bag to the area. If bleeding continues after 15 to 20 minutes, seek medical help.
• Treating a loose tooth: A loose tooth in adults is not normal. Avoid wiggling it to prevent further damage, and contact your dentist for a professional evaluation.
• Treating a knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth carefully. Avoid touching the root, rinse it with water if dirty, and try reinserting it into its socket. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a container of milk or use a tooth preservation kit and go to the dentist immediately.
• Treating a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress. Over-the-counter pain relievers minimize discomfort. Contact your dentist right away, even if there’s no pain, because the tooth may be damaged internally.

The Role of an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist handles urgent cases with the proper tools and training. From antibiotics for infections to quick dental procedures for saving a knocked-out tooth, these professionals provide immediate relief and ensure long-term oral health.

Park 56 Dental is your go-to provider for same-day emergency dental care. We have served patients in the 10022 zip code and surrounding areas since 1997. We even boast the title of NYC’s best dentist. Our office feels more like a spa, and we focus on giving personalized, quality dental care to each patient. Our team has experience with everything from general dentistry and sedation dentistry to oral surgery and endodontics.

The next time a dental emergency strikes, you can count on us! Call Park 56 Dental at (212) 826-2322, and we’ll help you get your oral health back on track.

How to Care for Dental Veneers

If you’re looking to improve your smile, dental veneers are a great way to do it. But like anything else, proper care is essential to get the most out of your dental veneers. Park 56 Dental in New York can help you understand how best to take care of them so that they look their best and last as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your dental veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are small pieces of porcelain or composite material that are custom-made to fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. They can be used to cover chips, discoloration, gaps between teeth, or other minor issues with your smile. Veneers can also help improve the alignment and shape of your teeth while providing a natural-looking result.

Avoid Grinding and Clenching Teeth

Veneer-related tooth damage is most often caused by grinding or clenching the teeth excessively. This type of wear-and-tear is often caused by stress and can cause damage to both natural and veneered teeth if left unchecked. If you have been grinding or clenching your teeth, it’s important to visit Park 56 so one of our dentists can assess the situation and come up with a plan for treatment.

Use Veneer-Friendly Toothpaste

It’s also important that you use toothpaste that’s specifically designed for people who have veneers on their teeth—these products are specially formulated not to damage dental work like composites or porcelain restorations. Our team at Park 56 can recommend specific products that won’t damage your veneers while still delivering excellent cleaning power!

Daily Maintenance

The best way to extend the life of your dental veneers is to practice good oral hygiene every day. This means brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash when needed. Make sure to use gentle strokes when brushing and avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes that may scratch the surface of your veneers.

Regular Checkups

It’s important to visit Park 56 Dental regularly for checkups, cleaning, and maintenance—at least twice a year—to ensure that your teeth are healthy and that your veneers look their best. During these visits, our professionals will check for signs of decay or damage and provide advice on how you can continue caring for your dental veneer investment.  In addition, they can also repair or replace any damaged or worn-out veneers if necessary.

Avoid Certain Foods

You may still be able to enjoy some unhealthy foods such as candy or chips after getting dental veneers, but there are some foods that should still be avoided whenever possible to protect them from staining or cracking. Hard foods like nuts and apples should be chopped into smaller pieces before eating; sticky treats like chewing gum should be avoided altogether; acidic drinks such as coffee or soda should be consumed with caution; and darkly pigmented foods like blueberries can leave stains behind if not properly rinsed away afterwards.

Schedule an Appointment with Park 56 Dental Today!

With proper maintenance and regular checkups at Park 56 Dental in New York City, your dental veneers will stay looking beautiful for years to come! Taking just a few simple steps each day can extend the life of your investment significantly while helping you maintain a healthy smile overall. So don’t hesitate—contact us today if you have any questions about taking care of your dental veneers!

The Most Common Dental Problems

Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers are still prone to common dental problems. At Park 56 Dental in New York, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your teeth and gums. Read on to learn more about the most common dental issues, as well as tips for preventing them.

Cavities

Cavities occur when bacteria build up on teeth and produce acid that breaks down enamel, leading to a hole in the tooth. Many people mistakenly believe that only children get cavities, but adults can suffer from them as well. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash after meals, eat healthy foods low in sugar and starch, and maintain regular check-ups with your dentist.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by an accumulation of plaque at the gum line. It can lead to redness or swelling of the gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, bad breath, and receding gums. To prevent gingivitis, make sure you’re brushing twice a day for two minutes each time using proper technique; use interdental cleaners such as picks or brushes; rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash; avoid smoking; and schedule regular dental cleanings every 6 months at Park 56 Dental in NYC.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria builds up on tooth enamel due to poor oral hygiene habits or diet. It can cause sensitivity in cold or hot foods/drinks, pain when chewing food or biting down on hard objects like ice cubes or pens, discoloration of teeth (brown spots), visible holes in teeth (cavities), and bad breath. To reduce your risk of tooth decay, make sure you are:

• Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing daily.
• Eating healthy foods low in sugar/starch.
• Avoiding sugary drinks like soda.
• Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist.
• Rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming any sugary snacks/drinks.

Stained Teeth

Stained teeth are often caused by drinking coffee, tea, or wine, smoking cigarettes, or cigars, or eating brightly colored foods like blueberries. They may also be caused by aging; as we get older, our enamel thins out and our teeth become more yellow or grayish in color.

Chipped Tooth

Chipped teeth occur when something hits your tooth hard enough for it to break off. This can lead to pain and swelling around the affected area if the nerve endings are exposed. A dentist at Park 56 Dental can fix it using bonding materials or a crown.

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is one that doesn’t have enough room to grow properly due to overcrowding or misalignment of the other teeth in your mouth. Impacted teeth often appear crooked or stuck in place and may cause pain while eating or talking. If this happens, it’s best to see your dentist right away so they can assess the situation and recommend a treatment plan for you.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth occurs when something hard hits your tooth with enough force to cause it to crack or break into pieces. This type of damage can range from extremely small cracks that don’t cause any pain but still need attention from your dentist at Park 56 Dental, all the way up to large cracks that require an emergency visit and possibly even root canal therapy.

Schedule an Appointment with Park 56 Dental Today!

Taking good care of your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health over the long term and preventing more serious problems from developing down the road. By following these tips—and scheduling regular check-ups with Park 56 Dental in NYC—you can help ensure that your smile stays healthy now and into the future!

Simple Ways to Motivate You to Floss Every Day

Good oral hygiene is important for a healthy mouth, and one of the most effective ways to achieve it? That’s right—flossing! Flossing is one of the most important habits you can adopt to maintain good oral health. According to research, only 4 out of 10 adults floss daily and only 1 in 3 actually flosses correctly. Daily flossing helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. But sometimes it’s hard to remember to do it every day. So here are some simple motivators that might help you get into the habit of regular flossing.

Find a Flossing Product That Works for You

The type of floss you use matters! Many people don’t realize that different types of floss work differently for different types of teeth and mouth needs. Waxed, non-waxed, disposable floss sticks, electric or water flossers—there are so many options available! If one type of product isn’t working well with your teeth and gums, try another! Experiment with different products until you find the perfect one for your personal oral hygiene routine.

Keep Your Floss in Sight

If you have your dental floss handy, you are more likely to remember to use it every day! Try keeping an extra package at the office or even in your pocket or purse wherever you go. You should also keep a container on the sink or bathroom countertop as a constant reminder that it’s time to floss every day!

Set A Goal

One of the best ways to make sure you stick with something is to set a goal. Make a goal that you can realistically achieve, like “I will floss at least twice a week for the next month.” Once you reach that goal, reward yourself by doing something special or purchasing something nice! This will help motivate you to keep going and eventually make daily flossing part of your routine.

Create A Chart

If setting goals isn’t quite your thing, another way to motivate yourself is by creating a chart or calendar that tracks your progress. Every day after you floss, mark it off in your chart or on your calendar as a reminder that you achieved your goal for the day. Seeing this progress can give you an added boost of motivation and encouragement!

Use A Reminder App

If neither of these methods seem like they’d work for you, consider downloading a reminder app onto your phone or laptop. With this type of app, all you have to do is set the time when you want it to remind you each day–it could be right before bedtime, so it becomes part of your nighttime routine–and then just follow through with the action when the reminder goes off!

Get Flossing!

Flossing every day is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. And while remembering to do it can be difficult at times, there are several easy strategies available that can help motivate and remind us so that we don’t forget! Whether it’s setting goals and rewarding yourself for reaching them, using visuals like charts and calendars, or using apps on our phones for reminders—these simple strategies can help ensure we stick with our daily flossing routine.

If any questions remain about flossing or other dental-related topics such as teeth whitening services offered at Park 56 Dental in New York City, please contact us today!

The Relationship Between Oral Health and Acne

Have you ever woken up to a new pimple on your face and wondered where it could have possibly come from? Most of us can attribute our breakouts to stress, not getting enough sleep, or poor diet, but sometimes the cause of our acne is closer than we think. Studies have shown that poor oral hygiene can lead to breakouts on the face, specifically around the mouth and chin area. This is because the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which is known to cause acne, can live in the mouth and be transferred to the skin through activities such as biting your nails, touching your face, or even kissing somebody on the cheek.

To help prevent oral hygiene-related acne, be sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and if you bite your nails or have other habits that could transfer bacteria from your mouth to your face, try to break those habits. With a little care and effort, you can help keep your skin looking clear and healthy. Read on to learn more about the relationship between oral health and acne.

Oral Bacteria and Acne

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, many of which are beneficial. However, some types of bacteria can cause or contribute to acne. For example, Propionibacterium acnes is a type of bacteria that grows in the sebaceous glands of the skin. This bacteria feeds on sebum, the oily substance that these glands produce. When Propionibacterium acnes multiplies, it can block the pores and cause inflammation, leading to acne.

In addition, Staphylococcus epidermidis is a type of bacteria that is commonly found on the skin. This bacteria usually doesn’t cause any problems. However, if it gets into a cut or scrape, it can cause an infection. Infections can lead to inflammation, which can make acne worse.

Poor Oral Hygiene and Acne

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to inflammation, which can trigger or worsen acne. When you don’t brush or floss your teeth regularly, plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film that contains bacteria. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which is even more difficult to remove. Tartar can irritate your gums and cause them to become inflamed. This inflammation can spread to other parts of your body and cause or worsen acne.

Tips to Prevent Oral Hygiene-Related Acne

Good oral hygiene is important for many reasons—including preventing or treating acne. Acne sufferers who are diligent about brushing and flossing their teeth are less likely to experience breakouts on their face, neck, and chest. In addition, regular use of an antibacterial mouthwash can help to kill the bacteria that can cause acne.

Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. And if you are still struggling with acne, talk to your dermatologist about other treatment options that may be right for you.

Contact Park 56 Dental Today!

Talk to a dentist at Park 56 Dental about ways to improve your oral hygiene routine and see if that has an impact on your skin. Park 56 Dental in New York would be happy to help you get started on the right track!

Tips on How to Save Money on Your Oral Health

When it comes to saving money, few people think about their oral health care routine. However, there are several ways that you can save money on your oral health care without skimping on the quality of products that you receive. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Buy Products at Larger Supermarkets for Lower Prices

You can find good quality oral health products at your local supermarket for a fraction of the price you would pay at smaller stores. Look for brands that you trust and be sure to read the labels to make sure you are getting what you need.

Buy products from your dentist.

Sometimes it is worth it to buy directly from your dentist because they will be able to tell you exactly what you need so you don’t waste money on things you don’t. Dentists often have special deals or package pricing that can save you money in the long run.

Look at Your Local Pharmacy

Pharmacies stock oral health products and often have discounts and multibuys available. Many people don’t realize that pharmacies carry a wide variety of oral health products, and they are often very reasonably priced. Be sure to check the sale flyer before you shop so you know what deals are available.

Don’t Forget About Discount Stores

Discount shops such as dollar stores or discount department stores often have good deals on oral health products as well. Be sure to check the expiration date before you buy to make sure you are getting a good deal.

Practice Prevention

Preventive dentistry saves you time, money, and aggravation in the long run. Tips to avoid expensive dental treatments include brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Consider Your Diet to Safeguard Your Teeth

Eating sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth over time and lead to cavities and other problems. Limiting these foods in your diet can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent costly dental treatment down the road.

Use Dental Insurance If You Have It

If you have dental insurance, be sure to use it! Most insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of preventive care, such as teeth cleanings and X-rays. Regular preventive care can help you avoid more expensive dental problems down the road.

Look Into Dental Payment Plans When Needed

If you need dental work that is not covered by insurance, or if you don’t have insurance, ask your dentist about payment plans. Many dentists offer financing options that can make dental care more affordable.

Learn About the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government-funded program that provides free or low-cost dental care for eligible children aged 2-17 years old. If you have kids, see if they qualify for the CDBS.

Why Choose Park 56 Dental in New York?

The team at Park 56 Dental is proud to offer our patients high quality, affordable dental care in New York in a comfortable and convenient setting. Our experienced staff is devoted to providing each patient with individualized attention and care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to meeting you soon!

Why it’s important to seek an Invisalign provider

When Invisalign aligners came on the scene, they were a revolutionary idea. Suddenly, people could get beautiful, straight teeth without the hassle of traditional wire braces. Instead, using a series of nearly invisible, removable, comfortable, clear aligners, dentists could straighten teeth in less time than people spend in wire braces. Now, various companies have seized upon this idea and are flooding the market with at home straightening kits. Do they work, or is Invisalign still the right choice?

At-home straightening companies send the customer a kit to make a 3-D mold of their own teeth. This mold is submitted to the company, and a series of clear aligners are sent to the customer periodically. The patient never needs to visit the dentist or orthodontist, which allows these companies to charge far less than a patient would pay for Invisalign. In fact, one leading at-home straightening company estimates that their product is about 60 percent cheaper than traditional teeth straightening.

The problem with these at-home straightening kits is the same thing that makes them inexpensive: they allow patients to skip the orthodontist or dentist. Without professional supervision, patients can actually damage their teeth irreparably. This is because straightening teeth often requires adjustments to the plan, and if you are straightening your teeth on your own, there’s no monitoring of your progress and no professional who could make these adjustments.

Additionally, while a dentist is qualified to create a customized straightening plan for you, at-home straighteners are more of a “one-size-fits-all” product. They don’t work for everyone, and there is no way for these companies to consider all the different factors that could affect your progress. When you bypass the guidance of a dental care professional, you run the risk of missing problems with your jaw or the roots of your teeth. Issues that could have been caught by an x-ray before treatment can end up being complications that can affect the results of your straightening attempts. While an at-home straightening program may cost less upfront, it could end up leading to costly problems in the long run.

If you want to straighten your teeth using clear aligners, the best choice is to seek a qualified Invisalign provider. Your dentist or orthodontist will create a 3D image of your teeth and design a treatment plan that’s customized for you. You’ll wear a series of clear aligners that are removable, so that you can continue to eat your favorite foods while your teeth are being straightened. Each set of aligners will need to be worn for about two weeks, and you’ll see your dentist every six weeks so that your treatment can be monitored and adjusted as needed. The average treatment time for Invisalign is between nine and 15 months.

When you’re ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

Different Bites That Could Be Affecting Your Oral Health

How is your bite? Did you know that only about 30 to 40 percent of the population have what’s considered a perfect bite? The rest of us suffer from some kind of malocclusion, in which don’t meet the way they should and sometimes don’t meet at all. Everyone’s bite is uniquely their own, but there are some general types of bites that could be affecting your oral health.

• If you have a crossbite, your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth. Sometimes only a single tooth is affected, but crossbite can also affect a group of teeth, or all of your teeth. Sometimes, different parts of your upper teeth hit different parts of your lower teeth, coming down in front and behind them. This can cause the jaw to shift to one side and can wear down your enamel.
• With an underbite, the lower jaw protrudes in front of the upper jaw. This can give a person a bulldog appearance, and it can put unnecessary stress on the joints in the jaw.
• When a person has an overbite, the top teeth protrude in front of the lower teeth. While the upper teeth are supposed to be a little bit in front of the lower teeth, when they are too far in front it can create a bucktoothed look. In the case of a deep bite, the upper teeth can completely cover the bottom teeth. In extreme cases, the teeth can dig into the gums, raising the risk of gum disease.
• An open bite, just as it sounds, means the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the jaw is closed. This can happen because of tongue thrusting or mouth breathing, and it can cause swallowing problems or speech problems if it’s not corrected.
• If your teeth are crowded, this means they’re too close together. The problem may be that you have a small mouth, or perhaps large teeth, but whatever the case, it results in teeth that are twisted, overlapping, or trapped. Crowded teeth are difficult to clean, raising your risk of cavities and gum disease.
• When teeth have too much room, dentists talk about spacing. If you have undersized teeth, oversized jaws, missing teeth, or a combination of these factors, you might have spacing issues.
• Misalignment is a vague term that means your teeth are crooked. If your dentist says you have a misalignment, you may not have as severe a problem as people with some of these other types of bites, but your teeth simply don’t quite fit together. Fortunately, your dentist or orthodontist can help you get them back in line.

When you’re ready to fix your bite, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.