Articles
Did you know that plaque constantly forms on your teeth? When you eat or drink anything with with sugars or starches, leftover bacteria release acids that attack your tooth enamel. The resulting plaque is so sticky that it keeps the acids in contact with your teeth, and over time breaks down the enamel and leads to tooth decay. Plaque…
Oral cancer kills one American every hour of every day, according to the National Cancer Institute. The death is higher than many better known cancers such as melanoma. Only 50 percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer will survive more than five years. Early detection of oral cancer offers the best chance of survival, yet…
What Causes Bad Breath? There are a number of reasons you might have dragon breath. While many causes are harmless, bad breath can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. Bacteria Bad breath can happen anytime thanks to the hundreds of types of bad breath-causing bacteria that naturally lives in your mouth. Your mouth…
People may be able to avoid — or at the very least, delay — Alzheimer’s by avoiding gum (periodontal) disease, among other healthy lifestyle measures such as increasing exercise and drinking fruit and vegetable juice. According to a recent Washington Post article, new research suggests that even though family history may predispose a person to developing…
Endentulism is tooth loss that typically affects adults and seniors. . Twenty-five percent of seniors older than 60 are completely toothless, according to a study in the International Journal of Dentistry. Roughly 40 million Americans do not have any teeth, and 120 million people in the U.S. are missing at least one tooth. These numbers are…
Dry mouth—also called xerostomia—results from an inadequate flow of saliva. It is not a disease, but a symptom of a medical disorder or a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics and many others. Saliva is the mouth’s primary defense against tooth decay and maintains the health of the soft…
Info obtained from www.worldoralhealthday.org World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated globally every year on 20 March. It is organized by FDI World Dental Federation and is the largest global awareness campaign on oral health. WOHD spreads messages about good oral hygiene practices to adults and children alike and demonstrates the importance of optimal oral health in…
Generally, if a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, your dentist will try to fix it with a filling, crown or other dental treatment. But when there’s too much damage for the tooth to be repaired, the tooth may need to be extracted — or removed — from its socket in the bone.…
Live Your Life Full of Smiles! Compared to dentures and bridges, patients who turn to dental implants to restore their smile discover that they feel, look, fit and function like healthy, natural teeth. They can brush and floss just like they did with their natural teeth. In addition, dental implants that are properly cared for…
Dental health is an important part of our overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving our health. Why not incorporate taking care of your teeth and gums as we start the New Year? Daily toothbrushing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For…
Dental Tips to make it through Halloween: Time It Right Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles. Stay Away from Sweet Snacks Snacking can increase your risk of…
Good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. It also helps to prevent bad breath. Using the right toothpaste can play a critical role in oral health, but it can be difficult to know what product is best. About Fluoride The American Dental Association considers fluoride to be an essential ingredient in toothpaste.…
As dentists we know that foods we eat can either have a positive or negative effect on our dental health. Like the rest of your body, your mouth depends on overall good nutrition to stay healthy. In fact, your mouth is highly sensitive to poor nutrition. At Commack Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons we believe it’s…
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), an estimated 100 million Americans don’t go to the dentist on a yearly basis. This is concerning. Regular oral care, like brushing and flossing frequently and going to the dentist at least two times per year, can prevent most severe dental conditions. Lingering tooth pain or gum swelling can contribute…
Smile because smiles are free, they’re contagious, relieve stress, boost our immune systems, and smiling considered is a universal sign of happiness. Oral Health America designates May 14 – June 14 as National Smile Month, a long standing campaign to educate and emphasize the importance of regular preventative dental care. How do you maintain a healthy…
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and dental associations urge the public to get regular oral cancer screenings, and to self-check between examinations. It is recommended to regularly self-check for signs and symptoms of oral cancer between dental visits, and to see a dental professional if you have symptoms that do not improve or disappear…
David Miller DDS reminds parents that their children can avoid cavities. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily, eating a healthy diet that limits sugary beverage and snacks, and seeing your dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease are the keys to a lifetime of…
Dental Erosion is the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack. Enamel is the hard, protective coating of the tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain and sensitivity. Every time you eat or drink anything acidic, the enamel…
Thought on why we have wisdom teeth. Our ancestors had a different diet than us mostly consuming coarse food such as nuts, raw meat, leaves and roots which required extensive mastication force. They had larger jaws and three pairs of molar teeth. Since we now boil, steam, bake, chop and cook our food, the extra…
Do you have dentures? Consider tooth replacement with dental implants. They can give you a beautiful, natural smile. Dental implants are fixed in place, so they won’t move, click or shift. A dental implant feels, fits and functions like a natural tooth. In addition, dental implants allow you to bite naturally, eat virtually anything, and brush…