209 NYC Dentist

4 Benefits of Routine Dental Check Ups and Cleanings

It’s important to schedule dental checkups on a regular basis, even if you practice excellent at-home dental care. The cleanings and preventative care you receive through a quality dentist are unparalleled. Read through these 4 benefits for reminders on you why you should schedule your next dental checkup:

Healthier Teeth & Gums 
Just as it’s important to brush your teeth twice daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy, it’s also crucial to make regular dental visits. Studies show that those who schedule routine cleanings are more likely to have healthier bones and gums. During a cleaning, your dentists uses special tools to eliminate all the plaque that you may not be able to remove with a toothbrush.

Disease Detection
While your dentist is examining and cleaning your teeth, he or she will also be looking for signs of oral complications or disease. Often you may not know that a problem even exists until a dentist detects the disease. Neglecting dental cleanings lets the condition or disease develop, which can become time-consuming, costly, and dangerous. If a condition is detected early, you and your dentist can immediately begin a treatment plan.

Open Discussion 
Visiting the dentist allows you to have an open and honest discussion about your oral health. A dental checkup is your opportunity to express your interest and ask questions about teeth whitening, crowns, implants, Invisalign, and other general and cosmetic dentistry services. Your dentist can also recommend preventative care strategies to improve your dental habits. Walking out of an appointment with clean, beautiful teeth can improve your appearance and your self-esteem.

Overall Health Benefits 
Maintaining your teeth and gums with regular checkups and cleanings is not only beneficial for your oral health, but also your entire body. Research shows that poor oral health can have a systemic effect on your cardiovascular and general wellbeing. Oral complications can also negatively affect your chewing and digestion, which can lead to digestive problems. Regular visits protect you from the health problems that can affect your overall physical condition.

Don’t neglect your health by forgetting to make routine dental checkups. Call (877) 378-2864 to schedule your checkup and cleaning appointment today at Kafko, Kaminsky & Kaufman DDS. Visit us online to learn more about our other dental services.

Are You Considering Invisalign? Learn How To Clean Them!

Many people prefer the aesthetic benefits of the invisible Invisalign braces to traditional metal braces. Although Invisalign is much easier than traditional alternatives, it’s important to regularly clean Invisalign braces in order to prevent the clear plastic tray from becoming discolored.

This video shows techniques you can follow to clean Invisalign braces. The most effective method of removing stains and debris is placing the trays in a small plastic bag with some mild detergent and water and immersing the entire bag into an ultrasonic machine. If you’re unable to obtain this at-home equipment, you can also brush the trays with a soft toothbrush. The best way to prevent stains is to simply brush immediately after every meal.

Learn more about Invisalign with the premier Manhattan cosmetic dentists at Kafko, Kaminsky & Kaufman DDS. From Invisalign to teeth whitening, we’ll help you get the smile you desire. Call (212) 355-2290 and visit us online to learn more today!

Surprising Factors That Contribute to Periodontal Disease

• 
• 

Periodontal diseases are some of the most common and potentially devastating oral diseases. Periodontal disease occurs when chronic bacterial infections affect the gums and the bones that support the teeth. Learn more about the factors that contribute to periodontal disease in this disease overview.

Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria begin infecting the gums and surrounding dental materials. Forgoing daily brushing and flossing allows the bacteria to form a sticky network of plaque. Eventually, bacteria can create an infection in the gums and underlying bone structure, causing periodontal disease. Poor nutrition can also be a risk factor for gum disease.

Smoking and Tobacco Use 
Not only are tobacco products hazardous to your lungs and other parts of your body, smokers are also at a higher risk for periodontal disease. Smoking lowers your immune system and makes you more susceptible to the infections that cause periodontal disease. The stains that accumulate because of smoking also increase plaque accumulation. Smoking also dries out your mouth, which reduces the saliva your mouth needs to remove bacteria.

Pregnancy 
Female hormones affect the gums and can exacerbate existing gingivitis. Many women find that the hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause or worsen gum disease. The disease often begins around the second month and peaks around the eighth month, though it usually abates in the months after birth.

Genetics 
Approximately 30% of the population has a genetic predisposition for gum disease. Studies also show that children with parents with periodontal disease are 12 times more likely to have the bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gum disease.

Other Factors
While bacteria growth is the main cause of periodontal disease, other periodontal disease risk factors include:

• Stress
• Certain medications
• Diabetes
• Systemic diseases
• Vitamin deficiencies

Reduce your risk of periodontal disease by practicing healthy oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental appointments at Kafko, Kaminsky & Kaufman DDS. Specializing in general and cosmetic dentistry, we help our Manhattan patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Call (212) 355-2290 and visit our website to learn more about our NYC practice. 

Want to Learn More About Dental Health and Hygiene?

Keeping your teeth healthy and looking great can boost your confidence and encourage you to smile more often. These helpful resources will keep you stay informed about important topics in dental health and hygiene. For even more information or to schedule an appointment, contact 209 NYC Dentists at (877) 378-2864.

• If you play a contact sport and are in need of a mouth guard, this WebMD guide can offer insight into what types are available.

• Are you not quite sure which mouth guard is right for you? This article gives advice on the mouth guards that offer the most protection.

• Many people wish they could change their smile. One option to achieve this is cosmetic periodontal procedures. If you’d like to learn more about these options, explore this resource, which offers insight into what’s available today.

• A receding gum line doesn’t always require surgical intervention. This resource offers tips on how to start treating this issue at home.

• Everyone strives to keep their teeth healthy, but regular brushing and flossing aren’t the only activities you can do. This article takes a look at three surprising things you can do to keep your teeth healthy. 

Don't miss out on our current offer of a Complimentary Perio Exam! 

The Importance of Wearing a Mouth Guard During Contact Sports

Sports are a great way to have fun, stay in shape, and blow off steam, but it is essential that you wear a mouth guard when participating in any full-contact activity. A simple mouth guard can be the difference between a painful dental emergency and a good game!

Protection 
The main reason that you should wear a mouth guard when participating in contact sports, like football and hockey, is to prevent trauma to the teeth. When you’re taking hard hits, a mouth guard can absorb shock that would otherwise damage teeth. Without a guard, you risk cracking, chipping, or losing teeth all together. This type of trauma can cause painful dental problems that are costly and uncomfortable to deal with. By simply putting on a guard, you’re saving yourself time, money, and pain in the long run.

Types of Guards 
Many people complain that mouth guards are unnecessary, but you never see an NFL or NBA player on the field or court without one.  There are different types of mouth guards available, and selecting the right one for you can prevent discomfort and dental disaster.

• Custom made: A custom-fitted mouth guard is made just for you. Each custom-made mouth guard has depressions that fit your teeth exactly. This is the most comfortable guard available and it offers the most protection.

• Stock Mouth Protectors: You can find these at most sporting goods stores; however, they’re not guaranteed to fit and may be uncomfortable. They are less expansive than other options and easy to replace.

• Boil-and-Bite: This type of mouth guard is semi-formed to your teeth. These can also be purchased as most sporting goods stores and are reasonably priced. When placed in hot water, the plastic softens, allowing you to bite down to form the guard to your teeth.

Mouth guards are an essential part of your uniform when playing contact sports. A dental emergency that may require surgery and results in lost teeth can easily be avoided by always wearing your mouth guard. For more information, contact 209 NYC Dentist at (877) 378-2864.