How Your Teeth Can Affect Your Breathing

Do you ever feel like you can’t catch your breath? Or that your mouth is always dry? These could be signs that your teeth are affecting your breathing.

When you breathe through your nose, the air goes down your throat and into your lungs. But if you have a blockage in your nose, such as from a cold or allergies, it can make it hard to breathe. This can also happen if your teeth are crowding your mouth and blocking your nasal passages.

Your teeth can also affect how well you can take deep breaths. If they’re misaligned, it can make it harder for your lungs to expand fully. And if you have an overbite or underbite, it can restrict airflow and make it difficult to get enough oxygen.

If you’re experiencing teeth-related breathing issues, read on for more information and tips for treatment.

Misaligned Teeth and Your Airway

If you have misaligned teeth, it can affect your airway. This is because your tongue may not be able to rest properly in your mouth, which can cause obstruction of your airway. In some cases, this can lead to sleep apnea.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep. People with sleep apnea often snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods of time. This can cause irregular heartbeats, low blood oxygen levels, and other health problems.

There are several treatments available for obstructive sleep apnea, including lifestyle changes, mouthpieces, and surgery. If you think that your misaligned teeth may be affecting your airway, you should talk to your dentist about getting braces or other corrective treatment.

Gaps in Your Teeth

If you have gaps in your teeth, it can also make it difficult to close your lips, which can also cause snoring. Gaps in your teeth can also affect the shape of your airway. This can also lead to sleep apnea. If you have gaps in your teeth and think you might have sleep apnea, it’s important to see a doctor so you can get treated.

Missing Teeth

When you lose teeth, it can influence how you breathe. This is because your teeth help to support the structure of your mouth and jaw. Without them, your mouth may collapse inward, which can cause problems with breathing. Additionally, missing teeth can make it difficult to correctly close your lips, which can also lead to breathing difficulties. If you are missing teeth and are having trouble breathing, be sure to talk to your dentist so he can help you find a solution.

The Consequences of Mouth Breathing

In some cases, teeth may also affect how you breathe by causing mouth breathing. Mouth breathing can be caused by several different factors, including teeth that are too far forward in the mouth (known as an overbite), or by a blockage in the nasal passages.

Mouth breathing can lead to several different problems, including dry mouth, bad breath, and even difficulty swallowing. If you think you may be mouth breathing, it is important to see a dentist or doctor so that they can determine the cause and help you find a solution.

What to Do

If you are experiencing any of these problems, it’s important to see your dentist at Park 56 Dental to find out if there is anything that can be done to improve the way you breathe. In some cases, simple dental treatments can make a big difference.

In other cases, more extensive dental work may be necessary. But in all cases, it’s important to talk to your dentist about your breathing problems so that you can get the treatment you need to improve your overall health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start getting your z’s!

Debunking Dental Myths

There are many reasons dental myths exist. Sometimes, they are perpetuated by people who want to sell a product or service. Other times, they are simply the result of misinformation. And still other times, they may be based on outdated information or folk beliefs.

Whatever the reason, dental myths can be harmful if they lead people to make decisions about their oral health that are not in their best interests. That’s why it’s important to be aware of some of the most common dental myths and to know the facts behind them.

Myth 1: Hard Toothbrushing Damages the Enamel

One common myth is that brushing your teeth too hard will damage your enamel. The truth is that while aggressive brushing can cause wear and tear on your tooth enamel, it is not likely to damage it. However, brushing too hard can irritate your gums and cause other problems.

Myth 2: You Don’t Need to Floss If You Brush Regularly

Another myth is that flossing is not necessary if you brush regularly. This is simply not true. Brushing alone cannot remove all the plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. Flossing is an important part of oral hygiene because it helps to remove these things and can prevent gum disease.

Myth 3: Mouthwashes Don’t Really Work

A third myth is that mouthwashes are not effective at reducing plaque or preventing gum disease. Again, this is false. Mouthwashes can help to reduce plaque and keep your gums healthy. Just be sure to a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as this will help to protect your teeth from cavities.

Myth 4: You Should Brush Your Teeth After Every Meal

You don’t need to brush your teeth immediately after eating. It’s actually more important to wait 30 minutes to an hour before brushing, so that the acids from your food have time to dissipate.

Myth 5: Whitening Products Will Damage Your Teeth

Professional whitening treatments performed by your dentist are safe and will not damage your teeth. Over-the-counter whitening products may cause some sensitivity, but this is usually temporary.

Myth 6: Dental Visits Are Only Necessary When You Have Problems with Your Teeth

It’s important to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, even if you’re not experiencing any problems with your teeth. This way, your dentist can catch any problems early and prevent them from getting worse.

We hope this has helped clear up some of the myths surrounding dental care! Remember, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly are the best ways to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Choose Park 56 Dental in New York for Your Dental Needs!

If you’re looking for a dentist in New York, look no further than Park 56 Dental. Our experienced dentists and staff provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, from routine cleanings and exams to more complex procedures like root canals, tooth extractions, and dental implants. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.

Call us today at 646-679-3989 to schedule an appointment!

Why Should You Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports?

When you picture protective sports equipment, what comes to mind? Helmets, gloves, shin guards, and face masks are easy to think of, but what about mouthguards?

All sporting activities have a risk of orofacial injuries due to collisions, falls, and contact with hard surfaces. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), about 32% of children who need maxillofacial surgery are injured playing sports. Wearing a mouthguard is the easiest way to prevent such injuries.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

Sports that require or highly recommend mouthguards include football, lacrosse, rugby, ice hockey, boxing, and martial arts. Other sports—such as baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, wrestling, volleyball, and gymnastics—do not require mouthguards, but young athletes are encouraged to wear them. Kids, teens, and others participating in physically active pastimes—including skateboarding, roller skating, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and jumping on a trampoline—also benefit from wearing a mouthguard.

Reasons to Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports

Whether your child’s coach demands it or not, consider having a custom mouthguard made for your young athlete. Here are five examples of sports injuries mouthguards can prevent:

• Broken teeth: Taking an elbow to the face can be enough to chip a tooth. Mouthguards offer a simple solution, shielding every tooth and reducing the chance of them breaking on impact.
• Knocked-out teeth: A chipped tooth is one thing, but teeth are liable to be knocked out entirely while playing sports. Mouthguards act as a protective shield, absorbing the impact and significantly lowering the risk of dislodged teeth.
• Tooth root damage: When teeth are bumped hard enough to displace them, blood flow to the roots may be cut off, causing the tooth to die. The tooth becomes discolored, but what’s more, bacteria may spread from the dead tooth to the surrounding teeth, gums, and jawbone. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent this irreversible harm.
• Soft tissue injuries: As if damaged teeth weren’t enough, injuries to the tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums are also likely when an athlete is hit in the face. By encasing the upper teeth in a soft, rubbery material, mouthguards limit the ability to bite down on anything but the guard itself, protecting surrounding soft tissues from injuries that could require stitches or surgery to correct.
• Concussions: Head injuries are a great concern for every parent whose child plays contact sports. And while helmets have come a long way, they aren’t the only tool that can keep athletes safe. Mouthguards cushion the blow and limit jaw movement during a collision, reducing the chance of a concussion when coupled with a properly fitted helmet.

Park 56 Dental is proud to be an authorized dealer of Under Armour® mouthguards and mouthpieces designed for full-contact and non-contact sports. Made from the highest quality materials and powered by premium Armourbite™ technology, athletes of all ages enjoy maximum protection while wearing these custom mouthguards. If you or your child is an athlete, call us at (212) 826-2322 today to schedule a 20-minute custom mouthguard fitting.

How Dental Implants Can Improve Your Confidence

Everyone wants a beautiful smile, which is why you strive to take good care of your teeth. However, if you’ve lost a tooth due to injury or decay, your smile may now embarrass you rather than boosting your confidence. Sure, dentures are a temporary fix, but they’re sometimes uncomfortable and frustrating to wear. They could even become a source of embarrassment themselves if your false teeth shift as you talk or eat.

Dental implants are the superior choice for replacing a lost tooth. This dental advancement has come a long way in recent years and is now considered the most permanent and effective treatment for tooth loss. Learn how dental implants can improve your confidence as you decide whether this restorative treatment is right for you.

Natural Appearance

The first thing most people notice about you is your smile. If you have a gap from a missing tooth, this becomes the focal point of your appearance.

The biggest reason to choose implants is that they restore a natural-looking smile. They are expertly crafted to match the shape, color, and sheen of your surrounding natural teeth, so no one will know you have implants. This knowledge gives you the confidence to talk and laugh freely.

Fully Functional

The biggest problem with dentures is that they don’t allow you to eat your favorite foods comfortably or at all. People with dentures may learn this the hard way after an embarrassing incident during lunch with friends.

Implants don’t just look like your natural teeth—they act like them. Expect to regain up to 70% of your biting force, and feel free to chew the stickiest foods without worry.

Preserved Oral Health

A beautiful smile relies on healthy gum tissue and strong jaw bones. If you’re missing one or more teeth, your oral health may suffer. Gums recede, bone deteriorates, and surrounding teeth shift and weaken, putting your whole smile at risk. If left untreated long enough, your entire face shape may change, making you look older.

Implants are the solution to these problems. They include a titanium post that mimics a tooth root, giving your jaws and gums the structure they need to retain youthful vibrancy. No other tooth replacement option offers this benefit.

Long-Lasting Results

Dental implants have over a 95% success rate and are considered a permanent solution. This means you don’t need to pay to replace them every few years like traditional dentures. Best of all, caring for implants is easy—simply brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly to get the most out of them. With good oral hygiene habits, implants can last a lifetime!

The NYC dentists at Park 56 Dental have years of experience performing dental implants. Our skilled team uses the most advanced technology to ensure you’re thrilled with your new smile. So don’t go another day hiding the gap between your teeth—call Park 56 Dental at (212) 826-2322 or contact us online to ask the best dentist in New York all your implant-related questions.

How Water Plays a Role in Dental Health

You probably already know that drinking enough water is essential for good health. After all, it keeps your skin radiant, encourages proper organ function, and helps distribute nutrients around the body. But have you considered how water plays a role in dental health? Dentists promote drinking water as one of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do to promote a healthy smile, especially if the water contains fluoride. Here’s why.

Strengthen Your Pearly Whites

Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter. When added to drinking water, the optimal fluoride level strengthens teeth and makes them less prone to decay. Most municipal water supplies around the US have fluoridated water, including New York City. The American Medical Association, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention commend fluoridation as one of the top 10 most important public health measures of the 20th century.

Wash Away Particles and Debris

Water cleans your mouth with every sip, washing away leftover particles and residue that cavity-causing bacteria love to eat. Water also dilutes the acids produced by oral bacteria and helps your breath stay fresh. Of course, you still need to brush and floss daily to deep-clean your teeth and gums, but drinking water throughout the day goes a long way.

Prevent Dry Mouth

Saliva, which is 99% water, is your mouth’s first line of defense against cavities. One of the most important roles of saliva is to remineralize your teeth with calcium, phosphate, and fluoride. A depleted saliva level, also known as dry mouth, interrupts the remineralization process, increasing your risk for tooth decay. While certain underlying diseases and medications can cause dry mouth, drinking water is an easy way to keep this condition at bay.

Avoid Excess Sugar Consumption

Juice, soda, and sports drinks may wash down your meal, but they leave unwanted sugar and acid behind. Sugar feeds harmful oral bacteria, which can lead to cavities. At the same time, acid erodes the outer layer of your teeth, known as enamel, leaving the underlying dentin more vulnerable to decay. Drinking water causes none of these problems. In fact, it rinses away residue to achieve a healthy equilibrium in your mouth.

Protect Your Overall Health

Have you heard of the mouth-body connection? Cavities and gum disease can send harmful inflammation-causing bacteria to other parts of the body through your bloodstream. This increases your risk for heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, respiratory infections, kidney disease, and other health complications. By drinking more water and adopting other good oral hygiene habits, you can protect your overall health for years to come.

If you make only one change regarding your oral health, have it be to drink more water! Then, remember to visit Park 56 Dental for a checkup twice a year. We’ll help your smile stay healthy and bright with routine cleaning and restorative services when you need them. Call us at (212) 826-2322 or contact us online today to schedule your next visit with NYC’s best dentist.

Natural Remedies for Toothaches

Pain, swelling, redness, and other symptoms around your teeth and jaws could indicate an oral health problem. If your pain is severe or persists for more than a day or two, call an emergency dentist in NYC and request a same-day appointment. A dental professional can recommend personalized ways to treat your toothache and perform any necessary interventions. In the meantime, try these seven natural remedies for toothaches to relieve your pain at home.

1. Rinse with saltwater: This simple tip is the first treatment most people try. It’s fast, easy, and effective for minor toothaches. Simply mix 1/2 teaspoon into a small glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth to reduce inflammation and help oral wounds heal faster.
2. Apply a cold compress: If your cheek feels hot and swollen, wrap an ice pack or bag of frozen peas with a towel and hold it to the achy area for 20 minutes at a time. Repeat every few hours throughout the day to help reduce the swelling.
3. Rinse with diluted hydrogen peroxide: This mild antiseptic kills bacteria and can help bleeding gums heal faster. A safe, effective rinse consists of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide and one part water. Alternatively, you can buy hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash at a drugstore or pharmacy.
4. Apply peppermint tea bags: After steeping a bag of peppermint tea, place the used bag in the freezer for a few minutes. Then, apply the wet, chilled bag to your achy tooth to soothe and numb the affected area.
5. Apply vanilla extract: The antioxidants and alcohol in vanilla can help relieve your pain. Dampen a cotton swab with vanilla extract (not imitation vanilla) and apply it to the sore area a few times per day.
6. Chew garlic: The antibacterial and pain-relieving properties of garlic make it an effective toothache remedy. Slowly chew on a clove of garlic with your achy tooth or apply a crushed garlic paste around the affected area.
7. Apply diluted clove or thyme: These essential oils have healing properties that may help your toothache. For a safe, effective remedy, dilute the clove or thyme oil with a carrier oil, such as sunflower or jojoba oil, at a ratio of 15 drops of clove or thyme oil to one ounce of carrier oil. Dip a cotton swab into this mixture and apply it to the affected area a few times per day. Alternatively, you can add a drop of clove or thyme oil to a small glass of water and use it as a mouthwash.

A severe toothache could indicate an abscess, dental decay, teeth grinding, or periodontal disease, so don’t ignore your symptoms if the above natural remedies prove ineffective. Park 56 Dental is your emergency dentist in NYC, serving the 10022 zip code area since 1997. Call us at (212) 826-2322 to schedule your same-day appointment with the best dentist in New York. We’ll diagnose the source of your toothache and begin the proper treatment without delay.

Can regular dental cleanings help with your lungs?

You’ve no doubt heard that seeing your dentist regularly is important for your health. Not only do twice yearly dental cleanings reduce your risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis, but they also protect against problems like cardiovascular disease. But what do dental cleanings have to do with your lungs? According to a recent study, your trips to the dentist could have a major impact on your respiratory system.

What’s the connection between dental cleanings and the lungs? When bacteria spreads to your lungs, this can result in lung infections. There are two ways bacteria can enter the lungs. The first is through inhalation. Saliva droplets are carried in and out of the mouth as we breathe, and bacteria in the saliva can enter your lungs. Most of the time, this isn’t a problem, because the immune system can protect you against becoming ill. However, if your oral health is poor and your immune system is overworked because of it, the lungs can become inflamed. The other route for bacteria to enter the lungs is through the bloodstream. If your mouth is unhealthy and gum disease is breaking down your gum tissues, the damaged tissue can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout the body.

The study was authored by Dr. Michelle Doll, assistant professor of internal medicine in the infectious disease division at Virginia Commonwealth University. In the course of the research, the records of over 26,000 people were reviewed. Researchers found that, of the subjects studied, those who never sought dental care were 86 percent more likely to contract bacterial pneumonia than people who had twice yearly dental checkups. Routine preventive dental care, including caring for teeth at home through brushing and flossing as well as having regular dental exams and cleanings, is an important part of protecting against this kind of infection.

About one million Americans contract pneumonia each year, and about 50,000 of those people die from it. Pneumonia can affect anyone, but it’s more common- and more dangerous- in older people and people with lung conditions or autoimmune disease. While it’s impossible to keep all bacteria out of the lungs, it’s good to know that you can help protect yourself from pneumonia and other diseases by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist regularly.

Whether you need a cleaning, specialty oral healthcare, or just good dental advice, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

Is your bite affecting your dental health?

If your teeth are misaligned, you might not like your smile. On the other hand, you might find your slightly crooked smile charming! After all, it makes you look unique, and it’s not hurting anything, right? Actually, crooked teeth can have a negative impact on your dental health. Read on to learn more about how your bite affects your mouth and why crooked teeth are not just a cosmetic issue.

Crooked teeth come in all sorts of variations, for many different reasons. Some people have mouths that are too small for their teeth, so the teeth become crowded and shift out of position. Other people have jaws that aren’t the same size or are misaligned, causing an overbite or underbite. The shape of your mouth and configuration of your teeth can be inherited traits or they can be the result of factors like improperly fitting dental restorations, misalignment of the jaw from an injury, or even thumb, sucking, tongue thrusting, or extended pacifier use as a young child.

• Sometimes, misaligned teeth can interfere with eating and speaking. If you’ve got an overbite, for example, you might struggle to eat or experience discomfort while chewing. Trying to compensate for your misalignment can put stress on your jaw. You might also have trouble articulating your words, or you might speak with a lisp.
• Crooked teeth can cause problems with your jaw. You might have pain or stiffness, or even temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Your jaw might hurt when you chew, or you might experience pain in your ears or face. Clicking or popping of the jaw is another sign of TMD, as is fatigue of the facial muscles. In severe cases, misaligned teeth can cause lockjaw, making it impossible to fully open or shut the mouth.
• It can be hard to breathe if you have crooked teeth. This is because misaligned jaws cause the tongue to be improperly positioned. When it’s not resting in the right place, it can block your airways. This can prevent proper breathing and disrupt your sleep.
• Misaligned teeth can become damaged. It can be challenging to clean teeth that are incorrectly aligned, so they’re at higher risk of cavities, gingivitis, and tooth decay. An overbite can cause cracked or broken teeth, and loss of enamel from grinding, and misalignment can strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, which can also result in broken teeth.

If your teeth are crooked or your bite is misaligned, your dentist can diagnose it by checking for abnormal alignment or abnormal appearance of your face. The dentist will also ask if you have difficulty chewing or biting, and will evaluate you for speech difficulties like a lisp. If the dentist believes your mouth needs correction, you’ll be referred to an orthodontist for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, surgery may be recommended, but often, misalignment can be corrected with braces or Invisalign.

Whether you need simple cleaning or a specialty service like Invisalign®, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

How Acid Reflux Can Ruin Your Teeth

Heartburn is a common complaint, but if you’re experiencing heartburn or acid indigestion on a daily basis, you may be suffering from Acid Reflux, also known as GERD, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. GERD happens when the muscles of the esophagus relax and let stomach acids flow upward, sometimes into the mouth. As the condition progresses, the esophageal lining becomes corroded. It’s very uncomfortable, causing the burning sensation of heartburn. But have you ever considered that acid reflux could be damaging your teeth?

Some of the symptoms of GERD include not only heartburn, but also difficulty swallowing, a burning sensation in the mouth, a sore throat and regurgitation. A person with GERD may experience nausea, vomiting, belching, and chronic coughing. Stomach acid that reaches the mouth can also cause erosion of tooth enamel, tooth sensitivity, chipping and discoloration of teeth, and bad breath.

You probably already know that acid is bad for your tooth enamel. Oral acid, which is usually produced by bacteria, foods, and beverages, can dissolve the minerals in enamel, causing erosion and decay. Stomach acid is extremely strong, with a pH of 2.0 or less, so it can cause even worse damage to the enamel, leaving teeth yellowed, pitted, and sensitive.

What can you do to keep GERD from ruining your teeth? Talk to your doctor about managing your symptoms. You might need medication, and your doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes. These include:

• Avoiding trigger foods like chocolate, tomato-based foods, alcohol, coffee, and spicy or greasy foods.
• Quitting smoking.
• Not eating for several hours before bed.
• Losing weight.
• Not wearing tight clothing.

You can also lessen the effects of acid in your mouth. This can be done by stimulating saliva production by drinking water, taking a saliva booster, or chewing gum. You can also help neutralize acid by rinsing with plain water or a cup of water mixed with ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Antacid tablets can also help balance the pH of your mouth.

Your dentist can also help. Fluoride can strengthen your enamel, and your doctor can apply topical fluoride or prescribe a special rinse that has a higher fluoride concentration than you can get over the counter. Seeing your dentist twice a year allows the condition of your enamel to be evaluated, and your dentist can catch and treat problems while they’re still minor.

If you’re looking for a dentist in New York, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Premature Birth

It’s long been known that periodontal disease is a serious health problem. Beyond causing tooth loss and bleeding gums, periodontal disease can be detrimental to the whole body when bacteria from infected gums enters the bloodstream. Now, new research has revealed a link between periodontal disease and pre-term birth, showing that women with gum disease are substantially more likely to go into early labor than women with healthy gums.

The study, conducted by University Hospital Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, and led by Dr Vladimíra Radochová, from the department of dentistry, was published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. According to the Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, Dr. Nigel Carter OBE, the research underscores the affect of oral health on a person’s overall health. The study showed that, of women who went into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy, 45 percent had gum disease. By contrast, only 29 percent of women who experienced a perfect pregnancy had gum disease.

Worldwide, premature labor is the result of about 10 percent of all pregnancies. In the UK, the rate is about seven percent, and about 10 percent of babies in the United States arrive early, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Premature birth can be the result of changes in the cervix or premature rupture of membranes, also known as “waters breaking.” So, what’s the link to periodontal disease?

It’s thought that bacteria in plaque traveling through the bloodstream to the placenta causes inflammation. Part of the problem is that it can be difficult for women to maintain good oral health while pregnant. Hormonal changes can make the gums more likely to be sore, swollen, and even bleed, because they’re more vulnerable to plaque. The women involved in the study who went into early labor were found to have eight times more plaque than the women with more favorable outcomes, and dental health that was four times lower. In addition to gum disease, women who had premature labor were more likely to have untreated tooth decay or fillings.

The takeaway from the study is that it’s important for a woman to care for her mouth to help ensure a healthy pregnancy. Brushing twice a day and flossing can help maintain oral health, and refraining from smoking and alcohol consumption can also reduce the chance of gum disease. Most important are regular dental appointments, to stay on top of oral health issues and keep periodontal disease at bay.

During pregnancy and every other stage of life, when you’re looking for excellent dental care and advice you can trust, choose the practice that was voted best dentist in NYC! At Park 56 Dental Group, we offer pediatric, prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, Invisalign®, emergency, and sedation dentistry, all at the highest level of treatment. We serve the Midtown, Central Park, Upper East Side, Park Avenue, and all surrounding Manhattan and New York areas, with a patient-centered practice that has hours to fit your schedule. Schedule your complimentary consultation today by contacting us online or calling us at (212) 826-2322.