In a contributed article for The New York Times, Dr. Tammy Chen, a prosthodontist and the owner of Central Park Dental Aesthetics in Midtown Manhattan, recounted how she has seen an uptick in the number of patients with cracked teeth since early June. As Dr. Chen shares, one obvious answer is stress. From COVID-induced nightmares to “doomsurfing” to “coronaphobia,” it’s no secret that pandemic-related anxiety is affecting our collective mental health. That stress, in turn, leads to clenching and grinding, which can damage the teeth.
Click open the article linked below to learn why more patients are fracturing their teeth and how to prevent this from happening. If you haven’t already done so, make an appointment with your dentist to stay up on your six-month screening and cleaning schedule.
NYTIMES.COM
A Dentist Sees More Cracked Teeth. What’s Going On?
If you don’t take proper care of your gums, your inaction may lead to gum disease. As we mentioned in our previous gum care post, gum disease occurs when bacteria and plaque buildup around the tooth, damaging the supporting soft tissue and bone. Swollen and bright red gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing teeth, and bad breath are tell-tale signs of gum disease. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
Gum disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and, if not properly treated, may end with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. In extreme cases, the disease’s bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and increase your risk for heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and other complications.
Luckily, gum disease is preventable by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using mouthwash and visiting your dentist regularly. Though it may feel like a chore, the upkeep is worth it to ensure a beautiful smile and healthy gums!
In addition to #flossing, another way to keep your gums in tip-top shape is with a #HealthyDiet. Do your best to avoid starchy and sugary foods like candy, which are common culprits of plaque. Instead, opt for a healthy, balanced meal plan that includes a range of colors and nutrients. Did you know eating crisp fruits and raw vegetables, such as apples and carrots, help clean plaque from teeth? You get a snack and a polish all in one!
Dental hygiene means more than just a pretty smile – it also means pretty gums! In honor of National Gum Care Month, we’ll be sharing information over the next few days on how to keep your gums healthy.
We’re kicking things off by highlighting the importance of #flossing. Flossing is central to healthy gums because it removes plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach, helping you avoid cavities and gum disease. Make sure to clean around your gums as well as between your teeth to remove all particles.
As #pregnancy alters hormones, the body responds to oral bacteria differently. Some pregnant women report having sore teeth and gums, which may be a result of increased blood flow or gingivitis. You can reduce oral discomfort during pregnancy by taking the following precautions:
• Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles that won’t irritate your sore teeth or gums.
• Avoid foods that trigger discomfort, including hard foods, hot foods and very cold foods.
• See your dentist to make sure your soreness isn’t stemming from periodontal disease.
Just because we’re wearing masks doesn’t mean your smile isn’t important. Keeping up your oral hygiene is still essential even if fewer people are seeing your mouth nowadays. 😷 Remember to brush twice per day, and floss and use mouthwash daily. Think of it as preparation for a dazzling smile when it’s safe to socialize mask-free.
If you’re thinking of skipping your New Year dental checkup, we advise you to reconsider. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to make sure you’re engaging in routine dental wellness to maintain your overall health, including coming in for regular dental cleanings and check-ups at least twice per year. Here are our top 5 reasons why you should make your next check-up and cleaning appointment (if you haven’t already!):
New year, new smile! Now is the time to address the aspects of your smile you’d like to improve. Whether you want to brighten your teeth, fix a chip or crack, or get rid of that pesky toothache, we’re here to help you. You know what to do – give us a call to schedule an appointment and get closer to your dream smile.
We continue to monitor the latest updates and recommendations from the CDC, American Dental Association and our state and local governments to ensure our protocols support you having a safe and comfortable dental visit. We’ve put the following safety features in place to protect our patients, doctors, staff and community:
• Pre-screenings before entering our clinic
• Reinforced infection control
• Ongoing staff training
• PPE for all staff
• Masks required for dental staff and patients
The good news is that these protocols are working! The CDC recently reported that there hasn’t been a single documented transmission of COVID-19 in a clinical dental setting anywhere in the country. We look forward to safely seeing you – and your mask – in our office soon!
Regular dental appointments are an important part of taking care of your overall health. While it can be tempting to put off your checkup until things feel more “normal” again, we advise against it. Routine appointments give us an opportunity to check for a number of health conditions and catch them early. Some conditions, like tooth decay, can be more difficult, painful and expensive to treat if left undetected.
Your health and safety is, and has always been, our top priority. Please know, our office is taking every precaution to limit the risk of COVID-19 transmission at your visit.
