Author: nhpdental

Many people feel that having whiter teeth boosts their confidence. Sometimes, they are embarrassed about their smile because of the darkness or yellowness of their teeth. Other times, their teeth are stained from drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes.

If you feel self-conscious about the color of your teeth, know that you’re not alone—and that there are options for getting whiter teeth. Here are five Hyde Park teeth whitening procedures to help you achieve a brighter smile.

The 5 Most Effective Teeth Whitening Procedures:

At New Hyde Park Dental practice, we offer a variety of teeth whitening procedures to suit your individual needs.

1. In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is one of the most popular and effective ways to achieve whiter teeth. This procedure involves using a bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth. The bleaching agent is then activated with a special light. This process usually takes about an hour, and the results are immediate.

Here’s how it works:

a) Expect about 1-3 sessions in the dental chair, depending on how white you want your teeth.

b) Your teeth will be isolated with a protective barrier to keep your gums safe.

c) A whitening gel will be applied to your teeth and then activated with a special light.

d) The gel will be removed, and your teeth will be rinsed.

e) You may need to have a second or third session to achieve your desired level of whiteness.

2. Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Take-home teeth whitening kits are a popular choice for those who want to whiten their teeth in their own home. These kits have everything you need to achieve whiter teeth, including bleaching gel, custom-fitted mouth trays, and instructions.

Take-home teeth whitening kits are an excellent option for those who want to:

a) Whiten their teeth at their own pace

b) Save money on teeth whitening procedures

c) Achieve long-lasting results

3. Custom Gel Whitening Trays

For this procedure of teeth whitening in New Hyde Park, your dentist will place custom-made trays in your mouth that contain peroxide gel. These trays will need to be worn for a certain amount of time each day, depending on the severity of your staining. Also, remember that it may take a few weeks to see results.

4. Laser Teeth Whitening

Laser teeth whitening is one of the most popular and effective procedures. It involves using a laser to activate the bleaching agent, which helps break down the stains on your teeth. The results are immediate, and you will see a significant difference in the whiteness of your teeth.

5. Whitening Tooth Strips

Whitening strips are a popular choice for those who want to achieve subtle results. These strips contain a peroxide-based bleaching agent that helps remove the stains on your teeth. The strips are placed on your teeth and left on for a certain time. You will see results after a few weeks of using the strips.

While there are several over-the-counter teeth whitening products available, it’s best to consult with a dentist before using them. Some of these products can damage your teeth and gums if used incorrectly.

At New Hyde Park Dental, we offer a variety of teeth whitening procedures, including veneers in New Hyde Park, to suit your individual needs. We understand that every patient is different, so we will work with you to find the best solution for you. Please schedule a consultation today to learn more about our teeth whitening services.

Oral health is an integral part of your overall health. Poor oral health can lead to several health problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even heart disease. Save your teeth and improve your overall health by regularly practicing good oral hygiene habits and seeing a trusted New Hyde Park dentist.

How Does Oral Health Affect Overall Health?

Since your mouth is the entry point for many germs that can cause infection and disease elsewhere in your body, keeping your oral health in good condition is imperative. Poor eating and brushing leads to tooth decay, and allows harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream and cause other health problems.

Gum disease is another common oral health problem that can affect your overall health. Gum disease occurs when bacteria accumulate in the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. If left untreated, gum disease can spread to other parts of the body, including the heart and lungs.

What Can I Do to Maintain Good Oral Health?

The best way to maintain good oral health is to practice good hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and visit our Hyde Park Dental office for a check-up every six months. 

The Benefits of Regular Brushing and Flossing

Brushing removes plaque and bacteria from your teeth, while flossing helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and gums.

If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque will build up on your teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Why Should You See a Dentist Regularly?

Your dentist can help you maintain your oral health by providing preventive care, such as regular teeth cleanings and fluoride treatments. They can also identify and treat any problems early on, which can help prevent more severe health problems from developing.

When to Seek Help from a Dentist?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should see your dentist at our Lake Success Dental Care clinic:

-Swelling or redness in the gums

-Gums that bleed when you brush or floss

-Bad breath that doesn’t go away

-Pain in the mouth or jaw

-Toothache

-Loose or missing teeth

-Swollen tonsils or lymph nodes in the neck

Preventative Measures for Better Oral Care

Oral hygiene is one of the most critical aspects of overall health. However, even if you practice excellent oral hygiene habits, you may still be at risk for tooth decay if you eat foods high in sugar or carbohydrates.

You can take several preventative measures to help protect your teeth against tooth decay. First, try to limit the sugary and starchy foods you eat. Also, make sure to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. Finally, schedule a check-up with your dentist as soon as you feel any pain or discomfort in your teeth or gums. Following these simple steps can help keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.

New Hyde Park Dental provides quality dental care to patients of all ages. Our services include but are not limited to teeth cleaning, fillings, crowns, and dentures. Schedule an appointment today and see how we can help you achieve and maintain good oral health. Contact us for more information at (516)-219-8192. 

Tonsil stones or tonsilloliths are calcified formations that can occur in the tonsils. They are often small, but they can grow to be quite large. Though they are not always painful, they can cause discomfort and lead to bad breath. If you have tonsil stones, your dentist can remove them surgically.

What are Tonsil Stones?

Tonsil stones are calcified lumps that form in the crypts of the tonsils. They are made up of dead white blood cells, bacteria, mucus, and other debris.

There are several reasons why you might get tonsil stones:

1. Poor oral hygiene – If you don’t brush your teeth and tongue regularly, bacteria and plaque will build up and create a perfect environment for tonsil stones to form.

2. Smoking or chewing tobacco – Tobacco products create a moist environment where bacteria can thrive.

3. Frequent alcohol consumption – Alcohol can also increase saliva production and lead to an increase in bacteria.

4. Eating dairy products – Dairy products can increase the formation of mucus, which can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.

5. Genetic disposition – Some people are simply more prone to developing tonsil stones due to their genetics.

When Do You Need to see a Dentist?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with your dentist:

1. Difficulty swallowing or breathing – If the stones are large enough, they can block the airway and cause difficulty breathing.

2. A sore throat that doesn’t go away – If you have a sore throat and it doesn’t improve after a few days, it could be a sign of tonsil stones.

3. White patches on the tonsils – Tonsil stones can cause white patches to form on the tonsils.

4. Excessive mucus – If you produce a lot of mucus, it could be a sign that you have tonsil stones.

5. Bad breath – Tonsil stones often cause bad breath.

6. Pain in the throat – You might experience pain in your throat if you have tonsil stones.

What Will the Dentist Do?

If you have tonsil stones, your dentist will likely do one of two things:

1. Remove the stones manually – Your dentist will use a special tool to remove the stones from your tonsils.

2. Treat the underlying cause – If your dentist determines that the cause of your tonsil stones is poor oral hygiene, they might recommend a course of treatment to improve your oral hygiene.

Tonsil Stones: Care Instructions

After seeing a dentist, what you can do at home:

Once you’ve seen the dentist and had the stones removed, there are a few things you can do at home to help prevent them from coming back:

1. Practice good oral hygiene – Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, and floss regularly.

2. Quit smoking and chewing tobacco – Tobacco products can increase the production of saliva and lead to an increase in bacteria.

3. Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated will help keep your mouth moist and discourage the growth of bacteria.

4. Avoid dairy products – Dairy products can increase the production of mucus, which can contribute to the formation of tonsil stones.

5. Use a mouthwash – Mouthwashes that contain chlorhexidine can help kill bacteria and reduce the risk of tonsil stones.

6. See your dentist regularly – Regular dental checkups can help identify and treat any problems that might lead to the formation of tonsil stones.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us. Our team at New Hyde Park Dental is always happy to help.

Teeth are amazing. They help you chew food, they let out a laugh, and even form your smile. But did you know that teeth change with age? As you grow older, your teeth will change in shape and color.

So how do teeth change with age? This transition begins in your teens and early twenties. At this point in your life, teeth are growing to their final shape. Once they have reached this point, you will never eat the same way again.

The adult set is somewhat different from your baby teeth in a few key ways:

The number of teeth: You will lose your baby teeth, but you’ll never lose all of your adult teeth. Adults develop about six more permanent teeth than babies do. In total, you get 32.

The color: Baby teeth are usually whiter than adult teeth, especially molars. Adult teeth may not grow in white because they don’t come in contact with food as often.

Stronger enamel: Baby teeth have high mineral content, but as you age, your enamel hardens, and the structure of your teeth becomes stronger.

The placement: Adult teeth can shift slightly, so be sure to re-evaluate the color and shape of your teeth every six months.

The Edges: Baby teeth don’t have grooves for your tongue to grip. Adult teeth will have these grooves, so it’s essential to maintain healthy gums.

Thicker dentin: Dentin is the layer that gives your teeth strength. It is thicker in adults, so they can handle the forces of grinding and chewing with less risk of fracture.

By adulthood, your teeth will take on the shape you have created for them with repeated biting and chewing. They are affected by everyday habits such as drinking coffee, tea or red wine. They are also affected by smoking and other habits.

With the arrival of wisdom teeth, this is the last addition of teeth you will get to replace a set of baby teeth.

Teeth in Old Age: Changes in Adulthood

Starting in your late 30s or early 40s, teeth begin to change in shape and color. Cavities (tooth decay) increase with the weakening of gums, often caused by lack of brushing. At the same time, there is a noticeable loss of mineral content in teeth because of increased consumption of sugar and processed foods.

You’ll probably notice these other adult changes:

The enamel will lose its gloss and become more transparent. The enamel can be easily chipped because of the loss of gloss.

The dentin layer will become thinner. A thinner dentin can result in more sensitivity to hot and cold foods, particularly the liquids that create those sensations.

The gum line can recede, exposing more of the tooth’s root. This increases the risk of cavities and infection.

The crowns of adult teeth are more likely to become discolored. A common culprit is root canal therapy, which can cause the tooth’s crown to take on a gray hue. The crown of the tooth may also lose its color because of damage from injuries or decay.

If you are concerned about changes in your teeth, you should connect with our doctors at New Hyde Park Dental. We can either monitor the condition of your teeth or provide treatment to restore them back to their natural color and shape.

Contact us to schedule an examination. We look forward to hearing from you!

Teeth can become sensitive for various reasons. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), sensitive teeth are the most common dental problem reported by adults in the U.S.

So, the first step to taking care of your teeth is understanding why they’re sensitive.

What’s the difference between teeth sensitivity and tooth decay?

Tooth sensitivity is not the same as tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth consume carbohydrates (sugar) and produce acid.

Sensitive teeth can be seen on x-rays, but tooth decay cannot. The two don’t imply the same thing.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Any number of things can sensitize your teeth, including:

Gum disease

Gums are the thin, soft tissue that encloses your teeth. When gums pull away from the crown of a tooth or become inflamed, they can expose the tooth root, making your teeth sensitive.

Chewing ice, chips, or hard candy

These can wear away the enamel on teeth and dentin (the dense, hard substance beneath the enamel.) Dentin contains nerve endings.

Chemicals in tooth-whitening products and mouthwash

In some cases, chemicals in these products can thin the enamel or cause irritation in or around your gums.

Tobacco use

Tobacco use can irritate your gums, causing them to pull away from your teeth.

Cracked fillings or dentures

Cracks in old fillings and worn-out dentures can expose the nerves inside teeth, making them sensitive to hot, cold, or sweets.

Cavities

A cavity is simply a hole in your tooth caused by decay. Cavities can expose the nerves inside your teeth, making them sensitive.

Tooth grinding

Grinding down your teeth over time can cause sensitivity.

Sinus issues

Allergies, colds, and sinus infections can all cause swollen tissues in your face, including around your teeth. Swollen tissues can make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold.

What are the symptoms of sensitive teeth?

In addition to being sensitive when you eat cold or hot foods, you may have these additional symptoms:

• Tooth pain or aching
• You may have a tingling or prickly sensation in your teeth.
• You may experience tooth sensitivity and other symptoms at night.

What should I do?

To deal with your sensitive teeth, try these tips:

Use desensitizing toothpaste: These are specifically formulated to reduce the effects of irritants on your teeth.

Use a cold/hot mouth rinse: Mouth rinses that contain potassium nitrate can help relieve pain by providing temporary relief.

Eliminate irritating foods and beverages: Ditch the ice cream, hard candies, dark-colored sodas, and energy drinks, which can all be tooth-wearying.

Try a healing rinse: A saltwater solution from your dentist or hygienist can soothe irritated gums.

Consider wearing a nightguard: This splint will protect teeth from grinding.

Ask your dentist about other treatments

New Hyde Park Dental is a full-service, family dental practice offering comprehensive treatment for patients of all ages. We pride ourselves on being a patient-focused practice, with our patients receiving the personal care they deserve. Our commitment to excellence entails providing extensive treatment options in a compassionate, ethical manner.

We’re here to assist you with all of your dental treatment needs. Call (516) 219-8918 for an appointment.

A canker sore is a shallow, ulcer-like lesion that typically surrounds the mucous membranes of the mouth. They are very common and usually appear as red or white lesions on the soft tissues inside of the mouth. 

Canker sores are not contagious, but it is important to note if you experience multiple occurrences over time, you should be referred for further examination by an oral surgeon or otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor).

How Can You Tell If You Have Canker Sores?

There are a few telltale signs of canker sores. Here are the common symptoms:

• small round or oval lesions that appear inside the mouth without a clear cause
• pain and/or swelling in affected areas
• lesions which eventually rupture and crust over leaving an open sore behind which will heal on its own

When Do Canker Sores Appear?

Canker sores can be triggered by stress, fatigue, menstruation, injury or illness, certain foods (like nuts), acidic food/liquids, or excess caffeine intake.

What Can You Do for Your Canker Sores?

To begin with, in addition to brushing and flossing your teeth daily, it is highly recommended that you rinse out your mouth with salt water at least two times per day. Eating yogurt with live cultures or taking Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements may also help in alleviating canker sores effects.

Another good remedy for canker sores is to rub an ice cube directly on the sore area. Although, at first it will cause temporary discomfort, in a few minutes you should feel relief from pain and inflammation if applied consistently.

Additionally, there are also other remedies that people have used in the past with mixed results. If you would like to try them out just remember that the effects may not bring instant relief. 

When to Talk to a Dentist 

When your canker sores do not heal within a few weeks, it is time to visit your dentist. In some cases, they may need to administer a biopsy to determine the underlying cause of the ulcerations and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

In case you have multiple canker sores, make sure that you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. Also, avoid foods that increase mouth acidity, like candy, citrus fruits, or tomatoes.

A New Hyde Park dentist can also help by performing a thorough oral examination and assessing the overall health of your teeth and gums. They may also discuss certain dietary changes or other possible factors that contribute to recurring sores.

A Lake Success dentist can usually help by providing pain relief for the sores or lesions with topical anesthetics or prescription medication. They may also recommend using desensitizing agents to reduce the amount of pain experienced when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods and drink.

In extreme cases, dentists may prescribe stronger medications to help speed up the healing process by fighting the infection or inflammation. 

If you would like more information on canker sores and what a New Hyde Park dentist can do for them, please contact us today!

The biggest problem with treating TMJ is that most of the pain in the joint does not come from a structural problem within the joint, but rather it comes from surrounding areas. These surrounding areas include muscle spasms around the jaw and neck, or tension pains in any one of these muscles. 

A New Hyde Park dentist can help by identifying where the tension originates and the best treatment to reduce the pressure. This would be done by identifying if muscles are causing the problem or an actual joint issue (such as arthritis or a disc.)

Here, we will give you examples of various treatments that could help with TMJ issues.

1. Dental Orthodontics

These are any treatments that straighten teeth, such as braces or retainers. This would help people who clench or grind their teeth at night in their sleep. This works because the muscle tension from grinding and clenching will be spread over a wider surface of your teeth, so any pain should reduce.

2. Teeth Repositioning

Teeth repositioning is the process of moving teeth into a different position that reduces painful areas of your mouth. For example, if you have an upper front tooth that is sticking out too far but has caused TMJ in the past, it can be trimmed down to where it isn’t poking your cheek anymore and doesn’t cause pain.

3. Orthodontic Retainers

Orthodontic retainers are used to hold teeth in place after braces, so if you have had braces before and still got TMJ afterward, it may be worth looking into getting an orthodontic retainer. The retainers work because they keep the teeth in the right place and prevent them from shifting back to where they were before. 

4. Jaw Stabilization

Jaw stabilization is a treatment that stabilizes the jaw joints to spread muscle tension around, so it isn’t just focused on one specific joint. This will reduce the amount of stress put onto one fixed point so it can reduce pain. This is usually done by wearing a splint at night as you sleep.

5. Invisalign

Invisalign is a product that helps straighten teeth but is not as noticeable as regular braces. This is especially useful if you have to wear your retainers all the time because it will be easier to hide them from others and they won’t notice anything different in your appearance.

If you are experiencing pain in the jaw or neck, contact us at New Hyde Park Dental about which of these treatments may be best for you.

We hope this article has been helpful to you and we look forward to seeing you at our office soon!