What Would Really Happen if You Stopped Brushing Your Teeth?

Nearly everyone has done it—expect maybe your dentist. You’ve had a late night, you want to get to bed, and you don’t feel like brushing your teeth, so decide to skip it. Maybe you can skate by without major damage after one night, but what would happen if you actually stopped brushing your teeth for an extended period of time?

Watch this video to learn more about the effects of not brushing your teeth. Not just your oral health is on the line, but your heart, lungs, and other parts of your body could be impacted as well.

At Park 56 Dental, we provide everything from general dentistry to root canals, Invisalign, and dental implants. Make a dentist appointment near NYC by calling (646) 783-3529.

Don’t Fall for These Common Myths About Oral Health

Your oral health plays a central role in your overall health, but there are many persistent myths about how to care for your teeth and gums that could actually have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing. Are myths about oral health having a negative impact on the way that you care for your teeth? Before you try any new oral care regime, vet the information with your dentist to make sure you have the facts. These are some of the common myths about oral health that could be putting your teeth and gums on the line.

Myth: You should scrub your teeth to get them clean.

Brushing your teeth is a cornerstone of good oral health, but scrubbing with all of your might is not necessary. When you brush, use gentle, circular or back-and-forth motions across the surfaces of your teeth, but resist the urge to dig in and scrub. Scrubbing your teeth too hard will actually cause the enamel to erode, which will lead to tooth sensitivity and leave your teeth more vulnerable to cavities. Treat your teeth with care by selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush and easing up on your pressure you use to brush.

Myth: You should stop flossing if it makes your gums bleed.

Bleeding gums are a sign that you have gum disease. This occurs when plaque and bacteria build up on the gums, causing inflammation and leading to gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease can be treated by focusing on your oral hygiene routine, but in more advanced stages, you may need professional care. If gum disease isn’t treated, it can lead to tooth loss, so see your dentist as soon as possible. Most importantly, don’t stop flossing if you see this early sign of gum disease emerge.

Myth: If your teeth are white, they are healthy.

The color of your teeth is not a clear indicator of their health. Thanks to whitening treatments, teeth can look bright and white and still be hiding decay, enamel erosion, and more. The only way to ensure your teeth are healthy is to see your dentist on a regular basis for checkups.

Cut through the myths and get on the right road to good oral health with the help of the dentists at Park 56 Dental. For checkups, teeth cleanings, root canals, and Invisalign in NYC, call us at (646) 783-3529.

Are You a Good Candidate for Deep Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows patients who are nervous about dental care get the treatments they need comfortably. There are several levels of sedation, from mild oral medications to help to feel relaxed to deep sedation with which you may sleep through your procedure. Should you consider undergoing deep sedation dentistry?

Deep sedation could be right for you if you have intense anxiety about your dental care or if you need multiple treatments and wish to have them in a single visit. You must have someone with you to drive you home after the appointment, and you will likely need to take the rest of the day off from work. Our dentists are IV certified and licensed practitioners of sedation dentistry, so they can help you choose the safest, most appropriate kind of sedation for your needs.

Get the dental care you need without anxiety with sedation dentistry in NYC at Park 56 Dental. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (646) 783-3529.

Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Cavities

Cavities occur when teeth become decayed. Left untreated, the decay can spread throughout the tooth and eventually infect the root, nerves, and bone around the tooth, triggering the need for a root canal or even causing the loss of the tooth. Fortunately, there are multiple things you can do to prevent cavities that are simple and easy enough to do every day. Protect your oral health can reduce the need for time-consuming dental treatments with these steps.

Brush and Floss

Brushing and flossing are the easiest—and most effective—things you can do to reduce the risk of cavities. Brush and floss twice per day to remove the build-up of plaque and bacteria on the surfaces of your teeth and your gum line, and you will drastically cut your chances of getting a cavity. In addition to your daily teeth-cleaning regime, see your dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning, to remove any build-up on your teeth that cannot be addressed through brushing and flossing alone.

Cut Sugar

Your sugar intake is directly linked to your risk of cavities, since sugar feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Cutting your sugar intake overall will help to control your risk of cavities, but pay especially close attention to things that expose your teeth to sugar for an extended period of time. For example, sucking on a lollipop or slowly drinking a sugared beverage over a long period of time bathes your teeth in sugar, whereas eating a piece of candy causes a shorter exposure time. The longer the exposure, the worse it is for your teeth.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Not only does sugar-free gum help to remove some debris from eating from your teeth, but it can also stop the growth of bacteria. Xylitol, the artificial sweetener used in most sugar-free gum stops bacteria growth, protecting your teeth from decay.

Talk to your dentist in NYC at Park 56 Dental to find out about other ways you can keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free. Schedule your appointment for a teeth cleaning or other dental care by calling (646) 783-3529.