My Blog

Archive:
- 2019
- February (5)
- Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
- Test You're Brushing and Flossing Success with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
- Conscious Sedation Eases Treatment Anxiety for Young Dental Patients
- Legal or Not, Marijuana Poses a Health Risk to Your Gums
- January (7)
- 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
- A New Resolution - Floss!
- How Fillings Make Your Smile Healthy Again
- 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable Going to the Dentist
- You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
- Flossing Daily Around Implants will Help Prevent Losing Your Bridge
- 'Get Rid' of Those Unattractive Teeth with Porcelain Veneers
- 2018
- December (6)
- NSAIDs Could be Just as Effective as Narcotics Managing Dental Pain
- What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
- Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
- Protecting Primary Teeth from Decay Helps Ensure Future Dental Health
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Sealants Provide a Little Extra Protection for Children at High Risk for Decay
- November (6)
- Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- The Connection Between GERD and Oral Health
- 4 Things to Know About Diabetes and Gum Health
- Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
- Don't Wait - Seek Out Treatment for Gum Recession Now
- October (6)
- Mild Pain Relievers may be all you need for Discomfort after Dental Work
- Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
- Watch for These Developing Bite Problems with Your Child's Teeth
- A Topical Fluoride Treatment Could Protect Your Child from Tooth Decay
- 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
- Sedation Can Help Create a More Positive Dental Experience for a Child
- September (7)
- Managing Diabetes and Gum Disease Together will Lessen the Effect of Both
- What You Should Know About a Home Teeth Whitening Kit
- Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
- A Low Sugar, High Fiber Diet will Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
- Have Your Child's Chronic Mouth Breathing Checked to Avoid Bite Problems
- Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Gets Started with Daily Oral Hygiene
- August (7)
- Have Your Loose Tooth Examined as Soon as Possible
- Take Years off Your Smile by Treating Age-Related Dental Problems
- Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
- Replacing a Tooth or Saving it - Which Should you do?
- 5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!
- 3 Reasons You Should Consider Tooth Whitening
- Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
- July (7)
- Need an Effective but Affordable Tooth Replacement? Look at a Flexible RPD
- Don't Take a Vacation From Oral Hygiene This Summer!
- Keep Alert for this Extreme Form of Gingivitis
- Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- The Importance of Baby Teeth
- What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
- What's So Special About Dental Implants?
- June (6)
- Make Efforts to Protect Your Teeth from Disease While Wearing Braces
- Pediatric Dentists Specialize in Dental Care for Children and Teens
- 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
- Bone Grafting Might be Necessary Before You Obtain an Implant
- Gum Disease is Still a Threat to Your Dental Implants
- RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
- May (7)
- Taking the Right Steps to Prevent Early Tooth Decay in Children
- Mouthguards Reduce Risk of Concussion as well as Dental Injuries
- Your Denture Options
- Bone Loss at the Roots can Put Your Tooth in Danger of Loss
- 3 Possible Timing Scenarios for Getting Your New Implant
- Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
- 4 Things You Should Focus on During Pregnancy for Optimal Dental Health
- April (6)
- Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
- Don't Let Sports or Energy Drinks Rob you of Your Teeth's Enamel
- Stay Ahead of Gum Disease Re-Infection with Periodontal Maintenance
- Bad Breath in Children
- Instill Good Dental Habits in Your Child as Early as Possible
- Advances in Porcelain Veneers Improve Both Strength and Appearance
- February (5)
- Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
- Dentures Require Planning and Attention to Detail to Look Natural
- You may Need Orthodontic Work Before Getting a Dental Implant
- We can Rid You of that Lump in Your Mouth you Keep Biting
- Find out What Kind of Tooth Staining you Have Before Seeking a Solution
- 2017
- November (5)
- Paying Attention to Certain Factors Helps Ensure Successful Implant Outcomes
- Tooth Decay can be Less of a Problem with Minimally Invasive Dentistry
- How Effective is Your Oral Hygiene? Find Out with a Plaque Disclosing Agent
- Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
- Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
- July (6)
- The Simple Bitewing X-Ray is a Game Changer for Maintaining Dental Health
- Porcelain Veneers: A Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- 5 Things you can do to Improve Your Child's Future Dental Health
- Loose Adult Teeth Require Immediate Attention and Treatment
- The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
- You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
- May (5)
- Protect Your Child's Long-Term Dental Health with Regular Office Visits
- Could Dentures Be Right for Me?
- Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
- Look at Your Options for Saving a Tooth First Before Replacing it
- Artificial Sweeteners are By and Large a Safe Alternative to Sugar
- March (6)
- Attention to Detail Crucial to a Beautiful Smile Supported by Dental Implants
- Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
- Why Are Porcelain Veneers Effective?
- Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
- Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
- All Gum Disease Treatments Have the Same Goal - Removing Bacterial Plaque
- 2016
- November (6)
- Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
- Ensure the Best Outcome with the Right Care for a Teen's Missing Tooth
- Dental Implants can Replace Your Whole Tooth, Not Just What You See
- Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
- Teaching Your Child Good Oral Hygiene Habits
- Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
- July (5)
- Though not Always Seen, it's Still Important to Replace a Missing Back Tooth
- 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
- Antibiotic Resistance Requires Action - and a Change of Attitude
- Thumb Sucking And Your Child's Developing Smile
- Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
- March (6)
- 4 Advantages to Using Composite Resins for Restoring Teeth
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
- Support Your Child's Teeth Development with Proper Hygiene and Dental Care
- 3 Ways Your Dental Hygienist Improves Your Oral Health
- The Benefits of Dental Implants
- 2015
- December (5)
- Sleep Apnea and Behavioral Problems in Children: How Your Dentist Can Help
- Did You Know? February Is National Children's Dental Health Month!
- Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
- Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- 2014
- September (6)
- New Partial Dentures More Comfortable and Durable Than Older Models
- New Guidelines Issued for Administering Antibiotics Before a Dental Procedure
- Bone Grafting can put Implants Back on Your Options List
- 5 Oral Health Care Tips To Remember This Summer
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- Early Detection is Critical to Surviving Oral Cancer
- August (5)
- Our Arsenal of Weapons in the War Against Gum Disease
- Overcome Oral Cancer With Screenings and Lifestyle Changes
- Taking Precautions Before, During and After Implants Will Help Ensure Success
- Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening - Weighing Your Options
- Preserving or Restoring Teeth - Both Paths Lead to Better Oral Health
- 2013
- October (6)
- Health Risks of Oral Piercings
- Cancer Treatment and Oral Health: What You Should Know
- Treating Thumb Sucking Now Could Reduce Orthodontic Treatment Later
- Patients in Syracuse Seek Veneers to Mask Dental Blemishes
- Loose Teeth - A Sign of Trouble That Requires Quick Action
- Implant Overdentures: a Marriage of Options for Lower Jaw Tooth Replacement
- 2012
- August (7)
- Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
- Testing Your Knowledge: Do Your Children Have Good Oral Health?
- Enhance Your Smile Through Teeth Whitening
- How Do Dental Implants Help Preserve Your Youthful Appearance?
- Are Dental Implants Okay For Teenagers?
- Questions You Should Ask Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
- Your Dentist May Be Able To Help You Stop Snoring
Tags
- celebrity smiles (2)
- oral hygiene (48)
- oral health (84)
- dentures (13)
- common symptoms (9)
- dental hygiene (2)
- tooth decay (17)
- root canal (4)
- smile makeover (7)
- veneers (9)
- cosmetic dentistry (23)
- teeth grinding (2)
- night guards (1)
- floss (1)
- snoring (3)
- sleep apnea (3)
- tooth wear (2)
- pediatric dentistry (44)
- fluoride (4)
- prepless veneers (2)
- sensitive teeth (5)
- bleeding gums (2)
- periodontal disease (14)
- gum disease (41)
- sinus pain (1)
- baby teeth (4)
- medication (3)
- aspirin (1)
- thumb sucking (7)
- dry mouth (3)
- tongue scraper (1)
- bad breath (5)
- snoring and sleep apnea (4)
- dental implants (41)
- power bleaching (1)
- teeth whitening (12)
- fun dental facts (1)
- nutrition (11)
- local anesthesia (2)
- age one dental visit (2)
- first dental appointment (1)
- x-rays (3)
- periodontal (gum) disease (4)
- diabetes (7)
- gingivitis (1)
- inflammation (1)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- oral sedation (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- oral cancer (8)
- sealants (1)
- tooth colored fillings (2)
- fillings (4)
- dental health tips (1)
- dental emergencies (1)
- dental injury (8)
- dental emergency (7)
- mouthguard (4)
- mouthguards (5)
- chipped tooth (2)
- bonding (1)
- tooth bleaching (1)
- tmj (2)
- tmd (3)
- dental fillings (1)
- braces (2)
- orthodontics (3)
- bridgework (2)
- toothache (4)
- overdentures (1)
- loose teeth (5)
- Syracuse (2)
- Dental Veneers (1)
- crown (2)
- blood pressure medication (1)
- cracked mouth (1)
- bleaching (1)
- discolored teeth (1)
- stained teeth (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- gum recession (5)
- tooth sensitivity (1)
- plastic surgery (1)
- brushing teeth (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- smoking (2)
- partial denture (4)
- tmj disorders (3)
- mouthrinse (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- air abrasion (1)
- Child Health Care (1)
- blood pressure medications (1)
- medicine (2)
- pregnancy (4)
- teething (1)
- blood thinners (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- wisdom teeth (1)
- crowns (5)
- gluten (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- tooth pain (4)
- infection control (1)
- bridge (1)
- cold sore (2)
- root planing (1)
- medications (1)
- restorative dentistry (3)
- jaw pain (3)
- composite resins (1)
- dental care (2)
- chewing tobacco (1)
- dentistry (1)
- mouth sores (1)
- antibiotics (2)
- tooth replacement (2)
- missing teeth (1)
- facial pain (2)
- artificial sweeteners (2)
- oral appliance (2)
- night guard (1)
- Oral Hygiene Routine (1)
- Brushing (1)
- Flossing (2)
- missing tooth (1)
- x-ray (1)
- toothpaste (1)
- pain management (1)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- Dental Procedures (1)
- root canal treatment (3)
- dental exam (1)
- canker sore (2)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- removable partial denture (2)
- cancer (1)
- cracked tooth (1)
- tooth staining (1)
- lump (1)
- orthodontic treatment (3)
- oral heath (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- bone loss (1)
- Denture (1)
- partial dentures (1)
- bone graft (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- Baby Bottles (1)
- sugar (1)
- topical fluoride (1)
- GERD (2)
- dental sealants (1)
- Dental Filling (1)
- Caries (1)
- marijuana (1)
- oral-health (1)
- composite resin (1)
Categories:
Dentist Blog
Posts for: April, 2015

The proliferation of drugs to treat all manner of diseases and conditions has heightened concerns not only about general side effects, but also how a particular drug may affect treatments for other conditions. There are indications, for example, that drugs classified as blood thinners could cause complications for patients undergoing oral surgery.
Blood thinners like Warfarin are typically prescribed to patients with artificial heart valves or who are at significant risk for stroke, heart attack, or the formation of clots that could potentially damage the heart and lungs. The drug reduces the coagulation (clotting) mechanism in blood; aspirin taken regularly should also be considered a blood thinner.
As with any invasive procedure, blood thinners can complicate oral surgery. Blood doesn’t clot normally and so bleeding during a procedure is more difficult to stop. This doesn’t necessarily mean the surgery can’t be performed. For one thing, many oral procedures like tooth removal involve little trauma to tissues and bleeding in the hands of a careful and experienced surgeon. The surgeon can also use hemostatic agents during surgery that will stabilize blood clotting, as well as suturing the incision in such a way as to reduce bleeding from surface capillaries. In the case of a tooth extraction, a bone graft placed within the empty socket not only reduces bone loss from a missing tooth, but can also enhance bleeding control.
In consultation with your medical doctor, it’s also possible to temporarily stop or reduce your medication dosage in anticipation of a pending oral surgery. While it may not be safe to stop the drug altogether, a reduced dosage can ease the anti-coagulant effect and reduce any complications from bleeding that might occur during the surgery. You can then resume normal dosage soon after the procedure.
During your pre-op examination, it’s important to let your surgeon know about any drugs you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs like aspirin. The oral surgeon will then be able to take the necessary steps, including working with your medical doctor, to ensure your surgical procedure is safe and uneventful.
If you would like more information on oral surgery precautions while taking blood thinners and other medication, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Oral Surgery & Blood Thinners.”

The arrival of your child’s first set of teeth is a natural and expected process. But that doesn’t mean this period of development, commonly known as teething, is an easy time: your baby will endure a fair amount of discomfort, and you, perhaps, a bit of anxiety.
Knowing the facts about teething can help you reduce your child’s discomfort — as well as your own concern — to a minimum. Here are a few things you need to know.
Teething duration varies from child to child. Most children’s teeth begin to erupt (appear in the mouth) between six and nine months of age — however, some children may begin at three months and some as late as a year. The full eruption sequence is usually complete by age 3.
Symptoms and their intensity may also vary. As teeth gradually break through the gum line, your baby will exhibit some or all normal teething symptoms like gum swelling, drooling and chin rash (from increased saliva flow), biting or gnawing, ear rubbing, or irritability. You may also notice behavior changes like decreased appetite or disrupted sleep. These symptoms may be a minimal bother during some teething episodes, while at other times the pain and discomfort may seem intense. Symptoms tend to increase about four days before a tooth emerges through the gums and about three days afterward.
Diarrhea, rashes or fever aren’t normal. These symptoms indicate some other sickness or condition, which can easily be masked during a teething episode. If your child exhibits any of these symptoms you should call us for an exam to rule out a more serious issue.
Keep things cool to reduce discomfort. There are a few things you can do to reduce your child’s discomfort during a teething episode. Let your child chew on chilled (but not frozen) soft items like teething rings, wet washcloths or pacifiers to reduce swelling and pain. Gum massage with your clean finger may help counteract the pressure from the erupting tooth. And, if your doctor advises it, pain relievers in the proper dosage may also help alleviate discomfort. On the other hand, don’t use rubbing alcohol to soothe painful gums, or products with the numbing agent Benzocaine in children younger than two unless advised by a healthcare professional.
If you would like more information on dealing with teething issues, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Teething Troubles.”

Periodontal (gum) disease is an infectious condition that if left untreated could lead to tooth loss. While gum disease is primarily caused by a thin layer of bacterial plaque and calculus left on the teeth due to poor hygiene, you may also have extenuating factors that may make you more susceptible to the disease.
Gum disease is actually a group of infectious diseases in which some forms are more difficult to control than others. All these forms arise from interactions between the bacteria in the dental plaque and your body’s immune system. Depending on both your body’s individual response and the disease form, your resistance to the resulting bacterial infection may be low.
That low resistance to certain strains of bacteria may be genetic — something you’ve inherited from your parents. Your stress level, particularly when it’s high, can also diminish your body’s ability to resist disease. There are also numerous strains of bacteria that could lead to gum disease — your body may not be able to effectively resist the particular “mix” of strains contained in your dental plaque.
Aside from lifestyle issues like stress or oral hygiene, we can at least test and verify any susceptibility you may have due to uncontrollable factors like genetics or the particular bacterial makeup within your plaque. Unfortunately, a minority of people will continue to deal with gum disease even after treatment and adopting a more effective hygiene regimen. Although we can’t cure the disease, we can certainly control it with regular monitoring and treatment when necessary.
The key is to adopt a long-term strategy that will seek to preserve the teeth for as long as possible. In some cases, the best treatment approach is to prolong the life of the affected teeth for as long as possible to give you time to prepare emotionally and financially for eventual tooth replacement.
Indeed, any patient experiencing some form of gum disease should seek professional treatment, followed by a daily oral hygiene program and regular checkups and office cleanings. Taking the right steps in consultation with your dentist will assure you’ll preserve your teeth for as long as possible.
If you would like more information on treatment for periodontal disease, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Periodontal (Gum) Treatment and Expectations.”

Like a shadowy figure hovering at the edge of the movie frame, cancer may be scariest when you can't see it clearly. That's why, instead of looking away, many people have chosen to take a proactive attitude toward the disease. They're learning about the benefits of prevention, early detection and treatment — and so can you. How much do you know about oral cancer? Here are five fast facts.
Oral cancer isn't just an older person's disease.
In the past, people over 40 years of age were the main population group in which oral cancer was found. But in recent years, a growing number of young people have also been diagnosed with the disease. The sexually transmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV16) is thought to be responsible for the increase in oral cancer among younger people.
Oral cancer can de deadly.
While it accounts for just 2-3% of all cancers, its survival rate is far lower than lots of cancers you've heard more about. Why? Because its symptoms can be hard to tell from more benign mouth sores, and isn't caught in the early stage often enough. When discovered in its later stages, the 5-year survival rate for this disease is just 58%.
There are several risk factors for oral cancer.
Moderate to heavy drinkers and users of tobacco products — whether smoked or smokeless — are at far greater risk than non-users. Chronic exposure to the sun, besides leading to skin cancer, is also clearly associated with cancers of the lip. And, because of HPV, the same risk factors for other sexually transmitted diseases apply to oral cancer as well. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, as it does in many other diseases.
Lifestyle choices can decrease the odds of getting oral cancer.
Obviously, giving up tobacco, moderating alcohol consumption and avoiding risky sexual behavior will mitigate these risk factors. But you can also lessen your chances of getting the disease by eating a healthy diet. Studies have shown that a high intake of fruits and vegetables is protective against oral cancer — and other cancers as well.
Early detection boosts the survival rate for oral cancer above 80%.
Yet the earliest symptoms of oral cancer are hard for many people to distinguish from common maladies like cold sores. What's the best way to detect it? Do something you should be doing anyway — get regular dental checkups! We're trained to find the signs of a potential problem via a quick, painless screening that can be done at your routine checkup. We can also schedule biopsies or other diagnostic tests if they're needed.
If you have concerns about oral cancer, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Oral Cancer” and “Diet and Prevention of Oral Cancer.”