Teeth Cleaning Archives

How Regular Teeth Cleanings Help Prevent Systemic Diseases

Posted on September 15, 2025September 15, 2025 by alison volpe

When you think about a professional teeth cleaning, you likely picture a brighter smile and fresher breath. While those are certainly fantastic benefits, the value of routine dental visits extends far beyond your mouth. Your oral health is a window into your overall health, and maintaining a clean, healthy smile is a powerful way to protect your entire body from serious systemic diseases. At New Hyde Park Dental, we understand how vital regular teeth cleanings are and believe that a proactive approach to your oral health is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term well-being.

The Oral-Systemic Connection: A Closer Look

The mouth is a primary gateway to your body. When oral hygiene is neglected, a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth. If not removed, this plaque hardens into tartar, leading to gum inflammation, a condition known as gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets of infection.

This chronic inflammation doesn’t just stay in your mouth. The harmful bacteria and inflammatory proteins from your gums can enter your bloodstream through the bleeding tissue. Once in the bloodstream, they can travel to other parts of your body, contributing to inflammation and infection in distant organs and systems. This is the fundamental link between oral health and systemic diseases.

Key Systemic Diseases Linked to Poor Oral Health

Research has established strong connections between oral health and a surprising number of systemic conditions. Here are a few of the most significant:

Heart Disease: The link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease is well-documented. The same inflammation that affects your gums can also contribute to the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) and the formation of blood clots, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Bacteria from the mouth have even been found in the plaque of clogged arteries.
Diabetes: The relationship between gum disease and diabetes is bidirectional. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, but gum disease can also make it more difficult for a person to control their blood sugar levels. Effectively treating and preventing gum disease can lead to better glycemic control and improved overall health for diabetic patients.
Respiratory Infections: The bacteria that cause gum disease can be inhaled into the lungs, especially in vulnerable individuals like the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. This can increase the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
Other Conditions: The list doesn’t stop there. Poor oral health has also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis, certain types of cancer, and even pregnancy complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.

Your Best Defense: Professional Regular Teeth Cleanings

While daily brushing and flossing are essential, they simply aren’t enough to remove all the plaque and tartar buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This is where professional teeth cleanings become your most powerful tool.

During a cleaning at NHP Dental, our skilled hygienists use specialized instruments to meticulously remove all traces of plaque and tartar, both above and below the gumline. This process effectively removes the source of the inflammation and bacteria, helping to prevent gingivitis from ever developing and controlling periodontitis in its early stages. By eliminating these harmful elements, you are taking a crucial step in reducing systemic inflammation and lowering your risk for the diseases mentioned above.

Beyond just cleaning, your routine dental visit is also a vital check-up. Your dentist can spot early warning signs of systemic diseases that manifest in the mouth, such as lesions, chronic dry mouth, or changes in gum tissue. This makes your bi-annual visit not just a dental appointment, but a proactive health screening.

Prioritizing your oral health is one of the simplest and most effective ways to invest in your overall well-being. Don’t wait until a problem arises. Schedule your regular teeth cleanings with NHP Dental today and take control of your health—one smile at a time.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush for Your Dental Needs

Posted on June 30, 2025August 20, 2025 by alison volpe

Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene, but have you ever stopped to consider if you’re using the right toothbrush for your specific dental needs? With an overwhelming array of options available on the market – from manual to electric, soft to firm, and various head shapes – choosing the right toothbrush can feel daunting. At New Hyde Park Dental, serving the Hicksville, NY area, we believe that the right tools, combined with proper technique, are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Let’s explore how to choose the best toothbrush for you.

The Fundamental Rule: Always Go Soft

Regardless of whether you choose a manual or electric toothbrush, the most important characteristic is the bristle stiffness.

Soft Bristles are King: Always opt for a toothbrush with soft bristles. Medium and hard bristles can be too abrasive, potentially damaging your tooth enamel and causing gum recession over time. Soft bristles effectively remove plaque and food debris without harming your teeth or gums.
Why it Matters: Gentle brushing protects your gums from irritation and prevents the wearing away of enamel, which can lead to sensitivity and other dental problems.

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes: Which is Better?

Both manual and electric toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth, but each has distinct advantages.

Manual Toothbrushes:

Pros: Inexpensive, widely available, and require no charging. They are perfectly effective when used with proper technique (brushing at a 45-degree angle to the gum line, using gentle, circular motions).
Cons: Rely entirely on user technique. Many people tend to brush too hard or miss areas, leading to less effective plaque removal.
Ideal For: Individuals who have excellent brushing technique, are budget-conscious, or prefer the simplicity of a manual brush.

Electric Toothbrushes:

Pros:
- Superior Plaque Removal: Many studies show electric toothbrushes, particularly oscillating-rotating and sonic models, are more effective at removing plaque than manual brushes.
- Built-in Timers: Most come with a 2-minute timer, ensuring you brush for the recommended duration.
- Pressure Sensors: Many models have pressure sensors that alert you if you’re brushing too hard, protecting your gums and enamel.
- Ease of Use: They do most of the work for you, making them ideal for individuals with limited dexterity (e.g., arthritis), children, or those who simply want a more efficient clean.
Cons: More expensive upfront, require charging, and replacement brush heads can add to the cost.
Ideal For: Almost anyone, especially those looking for an easier, more effective clean, or those prone to brushing too hard.

Understanding Electric Toothbrush Types:

Oscillating-Rotating: These have small, round brush heads that rotate rapidly back and forth, often with pulsating movements to break up plaque.
Sonic: These brushes vibrate at high speeds, creating fluid dynamics that help clean beyond where the bristles actually touch.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush: Consider the Brush Head Size and Shape

Small Head: A smaller brush head is generally preferable as it can more easily reach all areas of your mouth, including molars and behind your front teeth.
Ergonomic Handle: Choose a handle that feels comfortable and secure in your hand, allowing for good control.

Special Considerations for Specific Dental Needs:

Sensitive Teeth/Gums: Absolutely stick to extra-soft bristles. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors can be very beneficial.
Braces: Small, compact brush heads (manual or electric) are crucial for navigating around brackets and wires. Interdental brushes are also essential.
Gum Recession: A soft-bristled electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor is highly recommended to prevent further damage.
Dental Implants/Restorations: Soft bristles are a must to protect the integrity of your implants, crowns, and veneers. Electric toothbrushes are generally safe and effective for these as well.

When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Regardless of the type, replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or splayed. Worn bristles are less effective at cleaning and can harbor more bacteria.

Choosing the right toothbrush is a simple yet impactful decision for your oral health. While soft bristles are non-negotiable, the choice between manual and electric often comes down to personal preference, technique, and specific needs. At NH Park Dental, we’re always here to provide personalized recommendations and demonstrate proper brushing techniques to ensure you’re getting the most out of your oral hygiene routine. Invest in the right toothbrush, and take a significant step towards a healthier, brighter smile!

How Long Should a Typical Dental Cleaning Take?

Posted on May 14, 2024May 14, 2024 by alison volpe

When it comes to maintaining optimal oral health, regular dental cleanings play a vital role in preventing cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. However, many patients may wonder, “How long is a dental cleaning appointment?” New Hyde Park Dental is your trusted source for comprehensive dental care, including veneers. As a dentist in Lake Success, NY, we understand the importance of transparency and clarity when it comes to dental procedures. Let’s delve into the factors that influence the duration of a typical dental cleaning appointment and what patients can expect.

Initial Assessment and Consultation

Before the actual cleaning begins, your dental hygienist will conduct an initial assessment and consultation to evaluate your oral health and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. This step typically includes reviewing your medical history, performing a visual examination of your teeth and gums, and assessing any signs of plaque, tartar, or other dental issues. Depending on the complexity of your oral health needs, this initial assessment may vary in duration but is essential for developing a personalized treatment plan.

Scaling and Debridement

The next phase of the dental cleaning appointment involves scaling and debridement to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. Using specialized dental instruments, your hygienist will carefully remove any buildup and debris, paying particular attention to hard-to-reach areas that are prone to plaque accumulation. The duration of this process depends on the extent of plaque and tartar present, as well as the overall condition of your oral health.

Polishing and Fluoride Treatment

Once the scaling and debridement are complete, your hygienist will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel for a clean and polished finish. This step helps enhance the appearance of your smile and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and refreshed. Additionally, some dental cleaning appointments may include a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel and protect against cavities. The duration of these final steps varies but typically adds a few minutes to the overall appointment time.

Patient Education and Oral Hygiene Tips

Throughout the dental cleaning appointment, your hygienist will provide valuable education and oral hygiene tips to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums between visits. This may include guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommendations for oral care products, and advice on lifestyle habits that can impact your oral health. Patient education is an integral part of the dental cleaning process and empowers patients to take an active role in their oral health.

Frequency and Follow-Up

The frequency of dental cleaning appointments may vary depending on individual factors such as oral health status, risk factors for dental issues, and personal preferences. For most patients, scheduling a dental cleaning every six months is recommended to maintain optimal oral health and prevent dental problems. However, patients with certain conditions or risk factors may require more frequent cleanings to address specific needs. Your dentist will discuss the recommended frequency of cleanings and follow-up appointments based on your individual circumstances.

In summary, the duration of a typical dental cleaning appointment can vary depending on factors such as the extent of plaque and tartar buildup, the complexity of oral health needs, and additional treatments or services provided. At New Hyde Park Dental, we prioritize patient comfort, convenience, and satisfaction, ensuring that each dental cleaning appointment is thorough, effective, and tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you’re seeking veneers in New Hyde Park or dental care in Lake Success, NY, trust NHP Dental for exceptional service and comprehensive care. Schedule your next dental cleaning appointment with us and experience the difference firsthand.

Deep Teeth Cleaning – Do You Need One?

Posted on March 17, 2020April 26, 2022 by nhpdental

Taking care of your teeth is sometimes the last thing on your mind. Between work, family and professional obligations, and other important life events, your teeth are out of sight out of mind; until you either feel a pain or notice that you’re no longer looking your best when you smile in pictures. For some, a regular cleaning will suffice but for others who have been out of a New Hyde Park dentist’s chair for a while, a deep cleaning is the way to go to restore dental health and get that winning smile that you can be proud of.

What is a deep cleaning?

A deep cleaning conducted by a Lake Success dentist at New Hyde Park Dental is a sometimes necessary procedure which involves going beyond a regular cleaning to tackle longer-term issues which may have grown and manifested themselves. Many of us are familiar with a regular cleaning where a dentist or dental hygienist works to remove plaque from your teeth, gums, and any other affected areas of your mouth which, through the normal course of use and brushing and/or flossing twice a day, are stained and plaque is built up.

However, if you have not been in a New Hyde Park dentist’s chair in a while or you do not follow a successful twice a day habit, then you may be a candidate for deep cleaning. Unlike a regular cleaning, a deep cleaning is designed to stop or otherwise slow the spread of Gingivitis, known by red, swollen gums that are quick to bleed when touched by a toothbrush or other dental implement. If nothing is done, this could lead to periodontal disease which infects your gums and bone and, apart from pain, could lead to gum and tooth decay or loss. Unlike the maintenance of a regular cleaning, a deep cleaning at New Hyde Park Dental works to stop a disease already in progress.

Do I need a deep cleaning?

Only by making an appointment with a Lake Success dentist at New Hyde Park Dental can you know if you need a deep cleaning. Our dental professionals will examine the condition of your teeth and mouth visually, with dental instruments, and, if need be, take X-rays and other diagnostic scans to ensure we have a full picture of what’s going on.

If your dentist in Lake Success, New York determines that you need a deep cleaning, he or she will consult with you to help ensure that you receive the quality care that you deserve. Usually, if you have deep pockets of plaque, which is usually defined as 4mm or more of thickness, then a deep cleaning is likely the way to go for you and your continued dental health through the years. While more intensive than a regular cleaning, a deep cleaning is a short-term investment in a very long term issue.

Are there any other reasons to get a deep cleaning?

Yes. Dental health is correlated to a wide variety of ailments including heart disease, dementia, diabetes and many other diseases which can impact long-term health in a variety of ways. Ensuring that your teeth are clean is just one of the ways in which you can maintain a healthy lifestyle which will increase your quality of life and, hopefully, your longevity as well.

How do I make an appointment to get a deep cleaning?

Contact our dental professionals at New Hyde Park Dental so you can get in a Lake Success dentist’s chair and get evaluated. From deep cleanings to other dental procedures, we’re here to help you.