Diabetes and Your Mouth

Upper East Side Veneers | Manhattan Dentist

Diabetes is a serious disease which can affect many parts of your body. Your mouth, teeth, and gums should not be ignored if you have high blood sugar. Diabetes can impair your body’s ability to fight infections, so it is imperative to pay attention to any signs of dental issues. These can include:

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10 of the Worst Things You Can Do for Your Teeth

Manhattan Unhealthy Dental Habits | Upper West Side Dentist

We all know that we’re supposed to brush twice a day, floss, and visit the dentist regularly for checkups, but we like to remind our patients of all the things that are important to avoid as well! Here are ten of the worst things you can do for your teeth:

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Discover the Cause of a Loose Tooth

Manhattan Loose Teeth Causes | Upper West Side Dentist

After you have lost your baby teeth, you assume your days of having loose teeth are over. So when an adult tooth becomes loose, it is a reason to worry. Having loose adult teeth can mean that a ligament, which normally suspends the tooth, isn't functioning properly. There might also be damage to your gums or jaw bone, according to Dear Doctor.

So how does this damage happen? Why do teeth become loose? Dear Doctor claims there are three reasons for ligament damage.

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How Coffee Affects Your Mouth

Tribeca Coffee & Your Teeth | Upper East Side Dental Office

The alarm buzzes, you apprehensively hit snooze and with effort bring yourself out of bed and onto your feet. Your day does not begin until you have that much-needed cup of coffee in the morning. You have your cup at home, take it on the go with you, stop at your local coffee shop on the way to work or brew it at the office. And so your Daily Grind begins. So what happens to your dental heath with each cup?

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As a coffee drinker, you could receive unpleasant effects from drinking coffee. Effects such as teeth stains, enamel erosion, and bad breath A.K.A coffee breath. Drinking a high caffeinated black cup of coffee can destroy the bacteria in your mouth that is responsible for plaque build-up. There’s a positive!

One of the most noticeable and common impacts on the mouth that drinking coffee can cause is staining. Because your teeth enamel is porous, that dark-colored coffee can penetrate and create stains. Having regular dental cleanings will help eliminate some of these surface stains.

Another not so great effect coffee has on your mouth is enamel erosion. Over time, your enamel can begin to have erosion due to the acid in your coffee. A way to help prevent or lessen the amount of erosion is to drink your coffee through a straw and swish your mouth with water after drinking coffee. You may want to brush but because your enamel will be vulnerable after drinking the coffee, it is best to wait at least one hour prior to brushing. This will help prevent any damage that brushing could cause while your enamel is weak.

The caffeine in coffee can dry out saliva in your mouth. The result is bad breath. Bacteria grows more quickly in the mouth when there is no saliva to cleanse the bacteria. This can lead to that unpleasant coffee-breath. Chewing a sugar-free gum can help get rid of that unwanted lingering bacteria.

On the plus side, coffee high in caffeine may actually help destroy certain bacteria that causes dental plaques. But only if you drink it black.

As with anything there are pros and cons. You can still enjoy your coffee and have a healthy smile.

Visiting Dr. Lattinelli and Associates for routine dental office check-ups will ensure you have a healthy mouth and happy smile while still being able to enjoy your daily cup of coffee. We have an experienced team to treat all of your individual dental needs. Give us a call to schedule your check-up today!

Detecting Oral Cancer

Lenox Hill Oral Cancer | Upper West Side Cosmetic Dentistry

Our dentist is interested in more than just your teeth. Your entire mouth is under our care. That’s why, during your checkups, our dentist will check for any signs of oral cancer. The American Dental Association has recommendations to help your dentist check for signs of oral cancer. If any symptoms are present, you will probably be seen again in a few weeks and if symptoms persist, be referred to a specialist.
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Our dentist look for:

Be sure to tell our dentist about any of these symptoms right away.

You can avoid many of the risk factors associated with oral cancer. Smoking puts you at risk, as does drinking more than two drinks a day. Even smokeless tobacco products can increase the risk of oral lesions. A diet low in fruits and vegetables also seems to increase the chances of oral cancer. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause lip cancer. It’s best to avoid these behaviors to decrease your risk, and be sure to visit our dental office regularly.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tribeca Tooth Decay | Murray Hill Cosmetic Dentistry

No one wants cavities, or to have to have their teeth drilled and filled. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria and acids, which cause plaque that clings to the teeth. The acid in the plaque dissolves tooth enamel, leading to cavities. They are unsightly, painful, and expensive, so the best method to prevent cavities is by preventing tooth decay with regular visits to our dental office.

Midtown East Dental OfficeOne great way to start preventing tooth decay is by avoiding sugary and starchy foods, like cereals, soda, fruits, cakes or candy. Carbohydrates such as pretzels and chips can remain on the tooth surfaces. Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks. Make sure you brush your teeth regularly, at least twice a day. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoride toothpaste while brushing after each meal and before going to bed. You also should clean between your teeth using floss or interdental cleaners.

Visiting our dentist regularly for professional cleanings is essential in preventing tooth decay. You should see our cosmetic dentist Hygienists at least twice a year. After your oral exam, your dentist might recommend a dental sealant to prevent tooth decay. This is a plastic protective coating that is applied to your chewing teeth. Your dentist may also recommend the use of supplemental fluoride, or a fluoride rinse. Taking these easy steps will help you prevent tooth decay, and keep you in good oral health!

Maintaining Good Dental Care Habits

Manhattan Good Dental Habits | Upper East Side Dentist Office

Oral health begins with the most basic of good habits - clean teeth through proper daily care. Your parents and our dentist were right all along; brushing your teeth two times a day, for at least two minutes each session, goes a long way toward keeping your mouth and smile healthy. Cavities can be averted by keeping tooth surfaces clean, while gum disease is prevented by keeping the area where teeth and gums meet clean.

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The ADA – and our dentist – recommend that you utilize a soft-bristled tooth brush that fits your mouth properly. You should be able to reach every area of your mouth comfortably so as to leave no surface untouched. Electric or battery-operated toothbrushes may minimize plaque and gingivitis more so than brushing manually. Good technique includes holding the brush at a slight angle, with the bristles aimed at the base of the tooth and the gum line. Move the brush with short back-and-forth movements. No area of the mouth should be neglected, so be sure to clean all surfaces of the tooth, including the outside and inside surfaces. Brushing your tongue is also a key element to a clean mouth that is often overlooked.

In order to keep your brush in its most effective condition, rinse with water after every brushing and store upright as it air-dries. Closed containers can promote the growth of bacteria and should be avoided on a daily basis. A new toothbrush (or replacement head for an electronic brush) should be purchased when bristles become frayed or worn down, which is usually about every three to four months.

While brushing goes a long way towards good oral health, there are many areas of the mouth that are only reached by flossing. Tight spaces between the teeth and areas along the gum line can harbor bacteria and particles of food, making daily flossing important. Make sure you have a gentle touch, rubbing the floss against the teeth and not cutting towards the gum. You can also choose to use an inter-dental cleaner — such as a special wooden or plastic pick, stick or brush – to clean besides teeth as an alternative to conventional floss. Some people may also choose to utilize an oral irrigator — a device that targets a concentrated flow of water at the teeth. Take note, an oral irrigator doesn't replace daily brushing and flossing, since it will not remove plaque.

Finally, to avoid gum disease, cavities and other oral health problems, visit our cosmetic dentistry office regularly for cleanings and exams. Remember, early detection and treatment of problems with your gums, teeth and mouth will help guarantee a healthy mouth and smile for years to come. Dr. Lattinelli provides superior dental care to the Upper East side of Manhattan, as well as a full array of dental services to gain and maintain a beautiful smile!

What is Gum Disease?

Manhattan Gum Disease | Upper East Side Dental Office

West Village Cosmetic DentistWe hear a lot about gum disease, but what is it, really? The truth is the signs of periodontal disease can be very subtle, so it's important to see our Manhattan cosmetic dentist regularly for check ups. If you have red, swollen or tender gums, you should definitely make an appointment. Other noticeable symptoms include gums that bleed when you brush, bad breath, receding gums, loose or shifting teeth, or pockets between gums. These may be signs that you have gingivitis or periodontitis.

Gingivitis is gum inflammation, where bacteria in plaque build up, causing the gums to be inflamed and irritated. Left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. At this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets where debris can collect. It can become infected, and the body’s immune system starts to fight the bacteria as it grows beneath the gum line. Toxins start to break down the bone, and the teeth are no longer anchored in place. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

In addition to regular visits to your dentist, proper plaque control can prevent and reverse gum disease. Proper habits include professional cleanings at least twice a year, and daily brushing and flossing. The American Dental Association also recommends antibacterial mouth rinses that can reduce bacteria that cause plaque. Visit our dental office if you see any of the signs of gingivitis or gum disease.

Daily Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Midtown West Dental Health | Upper East Side Dentist Office

Basic dental care is extremely important to your overall health and well being. It prevents tooth decay and gum disease, prevents bad breath, and saves money by reducing the need for fillings and other costly procedures.

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You want your teeth to last a lifetime, so here are some habits that you can add to your daily routine to help care for your teeth and gums in the best way possible.

Oral health begins with keeping your teeth clean. Brush your teeth twice a day, and be sure to use the proper technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle, aiming the bristles where tooth meets gum. Then gently brush with short back and forth motions. You should also use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, and you should ask our Manhattan dentist if you need a mouthwash that contains fluoride. An electric or battery-operated toothbrush can reduce plaque and gingivitis.

Flossing at least once a day is also extremely important. Flossing reaches the tight spaces between your teeth and under the gumline. To do it properly, break off about 18 inches of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger, and grip the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers with the other hand. Gently guide the floss between your teeth until it reaches the gum line, then rub the tooth back and forth. Do this one tooth at a time through the rest of the mouth. Other tips include avoiding sugar and tobacco, and of course, scheduling regular trips to our Tribeca dental office for checkups and cleanings.

The Long Term Effects of Thumbsucking

Tribeca Thumbsucking Effects | Upper East Side Dentist

Upper East Side DentistThumbsucking is a natural and comforting reflex for children. It’s something that starts while they are still in the womb, and can continue through toddlerhood. When a baby puts its fingers or thumb in their mouth, it gives them a sense of security and happiness. During times of stress, in goes the thumb as a built in comfort device that is always on hand. Thumbsucking also helps kids fall asleep, and offers comfort when tired or in an unfamiliar environment.

If the situation persists, however, it can have long-term consequences to your child’s oral health. It can have an effect on teeth, gums, jaws, and even facial form. It can cause what is known as a skeletal open bite. This can sometimes self-correct, but it also can lead to expensive orthodontic work to correct the teeth and align the jaws. The problem should be corrected while the child is growing, otherwise jaw surgery could be required in the future.

If your child hasn’t stopped sucking their thumb by ages two to four years old, there are steps you can take to help him or her kick the habit. Giving plenty of praise for not sucking, taking away the source of the child’s anxiety, and having your dentist talk to your child about the effects of thumb sucking can help. You can also put a bandage on the thumb or sock on the hand at night. Your dentist or doctor can also prescribe a medication that has a bitter taste to help them stop. If you are concerned about thumbsucking, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with our Upper East Side Dental Office today.