Maintain Healthy Gums with Routine Dental Checkups: Dr. Lattinelli's Guide to Gum Health

Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong and vibrant smile. Dr. Lattinelli, a distinguished dentist based in Manhattan, understands the crucial role that routine dental checkups play in preserving gum health. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of maintaining healthy gums and how regular checkups with Dr. Lattinelli can contribute to your overall well-being.

The Importance of Healthy Gums

Dr. Lattinelli's Approach to Gum Health

Establishing a Routine

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Regular dental checkups with Dr. Lattinelli are a cornerstone of maintaining healthy gums and overall oral health. By committing to routine visits, you're taking a proactive step towards preventing gum disease, preserving your smile, and contributing to your overall well-being. Dr. Lattinelli's expertise and personalized approach ensure that you receive the highest quality of care for your gum health. Schedule your next checkup with Dr. Lattinelli in Manhattan and invest in a lifetime of healthy gums and a radiant smile.

Do Electric Toothbrushes Help Whiten Your Teeth?

Many of our Manhattan clients want to know more about teeth-whitening techniques, an instrumental way to achieve a more perfect smile. Fortunately, most of the best oral-care practices, geared toward fighting bacteria, also help whiten teeth.

Since we know brushing our teeth is so essential for cleanliness AND aesthetics, what should we do to select the right brush? Is there any extra advantage to using an electric toothbrush?

Electric Toothbrushes vs. Traditional Toothbrushes

So, again, the best way to enhance the appearance of one’s teeth would be to address plaque accumulation, which can turn into tartar if it gets out on hand. This involves using whatever will get your teeth the cleanest.

According to newer PubMed research, there may be advantages to going the electrical toothbrush route. That’s because the electrical brushes have built-in oscillating, which facilitates vibrating bristles and a more circular motion, per most dentists’ recommendation. Plus, there’s something to be said about a brush that does most of the work for you.

Perhaps especially for children, if this would ensure effective brushing every morning and evening, then it can’t be all bad. However, since there's not a clear-cut difference between electrical and non-electrical brushes, let’s look at other ways to achieve whiter teeth.

Other Teeth-Whitening Strategies

  1. Focus on Consistent Teeth Cleanings - This is perhaps the most rudimentary general dentistry service we offer, and it's entirely affordable. The research has been clear for quite some time: regular teeth cleanings are a terrific way to whiten teeth, prevent dental caries, protect gums, and more.
  2. Use the Best Toothpaste - Select a brand with adequate fluoride, but pay attention to any other dental issues you may have. If you’re struggling with tartar, then it’s more important to focus on tartar control toothpastes to both clean and whiten your teeth.
  3. Try Whitening Strips - The effectiveness of these strips (or trays) varies from one person to the next, but they have been shown to work sometimes.
  4. Consider Professional Teeth Whitening Services - Dr. Lattinelli’s office specializes in teeth whitening service, which goes even further than conventional tactics. Dentists have access to lots of state-of-the-art tools that can safely clean tooth enamel. This goes even further than basic teeth cleaning to include even specialized light treatments.

If you wish to receive professional teeth whitening, teeth cleaning, or almost any other dental procedure, then JCL Dental is your preferred resource in Manhattan. We look forward to helping you finally achieve those pearly white teeth you had as a child. Contact us anytime to learn more by calling 212-752-7188.

Will Drinking Coffee Stain your Veneers?

Keeping your veneers bright and shiny can seem like a difficult task.  Certain foods and drinks are known to stain, diminishing your white, beaming smile.  Many veneer wearers are concerned that they’ll never be able to drink coffee again.  The good news is that there’s no need to forego your favorite cup of joe!  Here at Dr. Latinelli’s we can help with whitening your veneers even if they do become stained!

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Veneers are made of high-quality porcelain, which is even more stain-resistant than your natural teeth.  While they are harder to stain, they can become discolored over time from exposure to drinks like coffee.  There are several things you can do to keep your teeth as white as possible!  Try using a straw with all beverages other than water so that the liquid doesn’t touch your teeth.  You can also sip on water between sips of coffee to rinse your teeth.  Brushing your teeth about 20 minutes after consuming coffee with a soft-bristled toothbrush will also wash away the coffee and prevent discoloration.

You may only have one veneer, or you may have a full smile of them.  Either way, it’s important to keep an eye on their color.  While they are stain-resistant, they are not stain-proof.  There are some habits you should adopt to keep your teeth as white as possible, especially if you do drink coffee and other dark drinks like tea, wine, or soda, regularly.  First, brush your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day!  Follow it up with flossing and rinse with mouthwash.  This will not only help to scrub away staining substances, but it will keep your teeth and gums healthy by eliminating bacteria.  Quitting unhealthy habits like smoking will also greatly reduce the risk of discoloration.  Try to avoid eating sugar to prevent cavities, and while you can certainly have coffee, keep the consumption of dark beverages to a minimum.  Finally, come visit us at the office for a checkup and cleaning every six months.

At JCL Dental, Dr. Lattinelli and our entire team are dedicated to working with you and your smile’s individual needs!  For any questions, please give us a call at (212) 752-7188.  We are conveniently located at 121 East 60th Street, 10th Floor, in New York, New York.  We can assist with your veneers as well as general dentistry, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, treatment of TMJ disorders, snoring and sleep apnea, and emergencies!  

Can You Get Cavities With Porcelain Veneers?

The process of undergoing porcelain veneers is a spectacular solution available to patients for correcting unsightly teeth. People often ask if it is possible to still get cavities if they decide to obtain porcelain veneers. Dr. Lattinelli answers this common inquiry and also discusses how to keep veneers in optimal condition. 

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Porcelain veneers do not suffer from cavities, but be aware that the teeth underneath the veneers are vulnerable to decay. Veneers or no veneers, your oral health regimen must be followed consistently to prevent cavities from manifesting. If decay occurs, you will need to have the corrosion removed by a dentist and then go through the veneer adhesion procedure once again.  

Maintain your veneers properly…

To reap the best possible appearance and lifespan from your veneers, it is crucial to treat them with great care. Thankfully, veneers can be properly cleaned exactly just as you would for your natural teeth. Brush your teeth for two whole minutes two times per day to get rid of food particles, bacteria, and any other harmful debris. Floss every day to remove plaque that can accumulate between your teeth which creates the perfect breeding ground for cavities. Never use toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients since they can scrape the sleek surfaces of your veneers. Swish and gargle with mouthwash on a routine basis to destroy unhealthy germs, prevent plaque buildup, and ward off gingivitis. You should use a new toothbrush every three or four months to guarantee that your teeth and gums are afforded quality cleaning. It is beneficial to drink an adequate amount of water each day and develop a diet that is loaded with nutrients to keep your teeth, mind, and body at peak health. Try to consume foods and drinks that are particularly high in sugar only on rare occasions.

See your dentist regularly…

Individuals who fail to stick with an effective daily oral care routine leave their teeth and gums vulnerable to unfavorable dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. When you add visiting your dentist regularly for examinations and cleanings to up-to-par oral hygiene at home, you then have a winning combination. Your dentist has the opportunity to nip concerning issues in the bud so that they do not become huge dental nightmares, can remove unyielding tartar, and can verify that your porcelain veneers have remained in perfect shape.

Dr. Lattinelli is a trusted dentist who expertly performs a host of dental services from routine examinations to cosmetic enhancements. JCL Dental is located at 121 East 60th Street in Manhattan and you may call the office at (212) 752-7188 to schedule an appointment.

Gingivitis & Alzheimer's

Gingivitis and Alzheimer’s may seem unlikely to be related if only given a passing thought. However, could there be a link between gingivitis and Alzheimer’s disease? Dr. Lattinelli provides alarming information that addresses this very question.

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In recent years, scientists have been researching a bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly referred to as P. gingivalis, as a potential contributing agent of Alzheimer’s disease. This devastating pathogen triggers gum disease and is responsible for causing gingivitis in its early stages. It is possible that insufficient oral hygiene can not only often result in gingivitis, but may ultimately contribute to Alzheimer’s disease if left untreated. Medical experts have found that Alzheimer’s patients have a significantly increased rate of gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease compared to their non-gingivitis counterparts.

It is believed that the “bad” bacteria that lead to gum disease eventually travel to the tissue of the brain. The bacteria may have a point of entry by way of the empty spaces of missing teeth. The prevalence of dementia rises in correlation with the more teeth that are lost in patients. Tooth loss is commonly a result of periodontal disease which seems to link infected gums to Alzheimer’s disease. At least one study has shown that people with the least number of teeth remaining in their mouths had the highest threat of developing dementia.

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, causes inflammation to occur. Scientists have connected this disease to inflammation of the brain, usually noted in Alzheimer’s disease. The P. gingivalis, or gum disease bacteria, travel to the brain and multiply over time. The inflammation causes dementia and Alzheimer’s-like manifestations.

In conclusion, maintaining good dental health has numerous advantages that go way beyond the integrity of your mouth. Benefits range from being able to showcase a beautiful smile and preventing tooth loss to perhaps even preventing Alzheimer’s disease. You can do your part by staying on course by sticking to routine checkups and undergoing treatment if diagnosed with any conditions including periodontal disease or gingivitis. Your mouth, body, and mind will all thank you for adhering to proper oral care.

Dr. Lattinelli is a renowned medical professional in the community. His trusted dental practice provides a thorough scope of services, from conducting routine examinations, diagnosing and correcting oral health concerns, to performing various cosmetic procedures. Dr. Lattinelli’s office is located at 121 East 60th Street in Manhattan and you may schedule an appointment by calling (212) 752-7188. Optimum patient care and comfort are always our most important goals. Together, we can make sure that your oral health is the very best it can be.

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Dental Myths about Kids Dental Care

Dental care is an important aspect of a child's overall health and well-being. However, there are many myths surrounding children's dental care that can lead parents astray. In this article, we will explore some of the most common dental myths about kid’s dental care.

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Baby teeth don't matter, so it's not important to take care of them.

This is a common misconception that can lead to serious dental problems for children. Baby teeth are crucial to a child's oral health because they help with speech development, and chewing, and guide permanent teeth into place. Neglecting baby teeth can lead to tooth decay and infection, which can cause pain and discomfort for children.

Children should start brushing their teeth as soon as they get their first tooth.

While it's important to start good dental habits early, it's not necessary to brush a child's teeth as soon as they get their first tooth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents start brushing their child's teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when the child is two years old.

Children don't need to floss.

Flossing is an essential part of good dental hygiene, and children should start flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch. Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth, which can prevent cavities and gum disease.

Sugar is the only cause of cavities.

While sugar can contribute to cavities, it's not the only cause. Cavities can also be caused by poor oral hygiene, acid from bacteria in the mouth, and even some medications. It's important for children to brush and floss regularly and to visit their dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

If you feel like taking the plunge and finally fixing your smile, and looking into veneers, be sure to call Dr. Latinelli for a consultation at 212 -752 -7188. We're also located at 121 EAST 60TH ST., 10TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10022.

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What is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums. This is a more intensive cleaning than regular dental cleaning and is often recommended for patients who have gum disease or other dental issues.

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Cleaning the teeth and gums 

During deep teeth cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist will use specialized tools to clean the teeth and gums. They will start by scraping away the plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the surface of the teeth. This is usually done with a hand-held scraper or an ultrasonic scaler, which uses high-frequency vibrations to loosen the plaque and tartar.

Root planing 

After the plaque and tartar have been removed, the dentist or hygienist will move on to root planing. This involves smoothing out the surfaces of the tooth roots to remove any rough spots or irregularities that may have accumulated bacteria or plaque. This is an important step because it helps to prevent further buildup and allows the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Who should get a deep teeth cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning is often recommended for patients who have gum disease or other dental issues. This is because gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque around the teeth and gums. If left untreated, it can cause inflammation, infection, and even tooth loss. Deep teeth cleaning can help to prevent or treat gum disease by removing the bacteria and plaque that are contributing to the problem.

Some other benefits 

In addition to preventing gum disease, deep teeth cleaning has other benefits as well. It can help to improve the overall health of the mouth by removing harmful bacteria and preventing tooth decay. It can also improve the appearance of the teeth by removing stains and discoloration caused by plaque and tartar buildup.

Speak with your dentist 

If you are considering deep teeth cleaning, it is important to talk to your dentist or dental hygienist to determine if it is the right choice for you. They will be able to assess your dental health and recommend the best course of treatment based on your individual needs. In some cases, deep teeth cleaning may be performed in conjunction with other dental procedures, such as periodontal therapy or laser treatment, to achieve the best possible results.

If you feel like taking the plunge and finally fixing your smile, and looking into veneers, be sure to call Dr. Latinelli for a consultation at 212 -752 -7188. We're also located at 121 EAST 60TH ST., 10TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10022.

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Everything You Need to Know about Invisalign

In today's world, there are a lot of options when it comes to teeth. What we mean by that is, when you want to get your teeth corrected, going on the days where you have to settle for braces. Today. We're going to tell you all about Invisalign. Because Invisalign is one option that a lot of people are opting for and there are plenty of reasons why that's the case. And if you're interested in Invisalign, then this is going to be for you. Because today we're going to tell you all about it.

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What exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an alternative to braces. It's a clear alternative that uses a specialized plastic to correct your teeth without any unsightly chunks of metal or other outdated ways of teeth correction. People are opting for this style just for that reason and also because they can be a little bit more comfortable than braces as well. Not only that, but the maintenance of it, it's a lot easier.

How's it work

It's a simple process. You have a consultation with your dentist and this is when they'll mold your teeth to make sure that they get the right Invisalign fitted for you. Because it's not one size fits all. And then after a few sessions, you'll have your new Invisalign and the rest of the world won't even know it.

Why choose Invisalign?

People choose Invisalign for many reasons. The biggest one is the cosmetic reason. Gone on the days when people want to be seen with braces. When there is a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing option. It can also be a big confidence booster when you know that you're getting your teeth corrected and at the same time you're not inhibiting your life or changing your appearance in any major way. They are a bit pricier than braces and other options, but, for the peace of mind and added confidence boost, many people overlook the price for the increased quality of life. And this may be the option for you. If you are considering it, always consult with a dentist first. Because at the end of the day, everyone's situation can be different. But, Invisalign has proven to be universally liked.

If you feel like taking the plunge, finally fixing your smile, and looking into veneers, be sure to call Dr. Latinelli for a consultation at 212 -752 -7188. We're also located at 121 EAST 60TH ST., 10TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10022.

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Your Body & Teeth Infections

There are a lot of things when it comes to the dental world that we tend to brush off and not think are serious. Things like flossing, brushing your teeth a certain way, and so much more. It's understandable because life is busy and when your teeth aren't bothering you right away, you tend to blow off those little things. But the truth of the matter is, those little things can become big problems. Not flossing can lead to cavities. Not taking care of the cavities can lead to gum disease. Gum disease can lead to something called tooth infection.

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Complete Guide for Receding Gums

When you think of going to the dentist, oftentimes you may think about the dentist telling you to floss. For many, that's an on-running joke because of how often we hear the dentist say things like that. But the truth of the matter is, flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth along with taking care of your teeth in general. Because if you don't, there can be some negative outcomes such as receding gums. There's a big misconception that we only have to take care of our teeth but, as a result of not taking care of our teeth, our gums can suffer as well. Today we're going to tell you all you need to know about receding gums.

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