Emergency Dental Care

Woman Suffering From Dental Emergency

It’s natural to feel alarmed when you experience a toothache or get hit in the mouth. Is the pain a minor annoyance, or are you about to face a dental emergency? Understanding the difference between urgent and non-urgent dental scenarios helps you act quickly when necessary to maintain your radiant smile.

Deciding If it’s a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies come in many forms. Some issues require immediate attention to alleviate pain and improve the chances of saving a damaged tooth. Watch for these symptoms of a dental emergency:

• Intense toothache
• Excessive bleeding
• Trauma to the face
• Loose or knocked-out tooth
• Broken or chipped tooth with a large chunk missing

Other issues aren’t a major cause for concern and can wait for a regular appointment. Examples of non-urgent situations include:

• Lost filling or crown
• Cracked tooth without pain or sharp fragments
• Mild toothache with no other symptoms

The Crucial First Response

If you determine you’re having a dental emergency, knowing how to respond is crucial. Follow these tips until you can get to an emergency dentist:

• Treating a toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove trapped food. If the pain persists, take over-the-counter pain relievers. Then, book a dentist appointment to find out what’s wrong.
• Treating excessive bleeding: Rinse with a saltwater solution. Then, apply a clean, damp piece of gauze or a cool, used tea bag to the area. If bleeding continues after 15 to 20 minutes, seek medical help.
• Treating a loose tooth: A loose tooth in adults is not normal. Avoid wiggling it to prevent further damage, and contact your dentist for a professional evaluation.
• Treating a knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth carefully. Avoid touching the root, rinse it with water if dirty, and try reinserting it into its socket. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a container of milk or use a tooth preservation kit and go to the dentist immediately.
• Treating a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress. Over-the-counter pain relievers minimize discomfort. Contact your dentist right away, even if there’s no pain, because the tooth may be damaged internally.

The Role of an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist handles urgent cases with the proper tools and training. From antibiotics for infections to quick dental procedures for saving a knocked-out tooth, these professionals provide immediate relief and ensure long-term oral health.

Park 56 Dental is your go-to provider for same-day emergency dental care. We have served patients in the 10022 zip code and surrounding areas since 1997. We even boast the title of NYC’s best dentist. Our office feels more like a spa, and we focus on giving personalized, quality dental care to each patient. Our team has experience with everything from general dentistry and sedation dentistry to oral surgery and endodontics.

The next time a dental emergency strikes, you can count on us! Call Park 56 Dental at (212) 826-2322, and we’ll help you get your oral health back on track.

Sedation Dentistry

Happy Patient Waking Up From Sedation Dentistry

Does the thought of visiting the dentist make your heart race and your palms sweat? If so, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of people, causing them to avoid much-needed dental care. Fortunately, there’s a solution: sedation dentistry. Explore the benefits of sedation dentistry and how it can help you overcome your fears.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s especially beneficial for people with dental phobia, sensitive gag reflexes, or low pain tolerance. You may be familiar with some of the sedation techniques used in dentistry, ranging from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation to intravenous (IV) sedation for achieving deep unconsciousness. The chosen method depends on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure.

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Feeling anxious about the dentist is a significant barrier to receiving proper oral healthcare. The fear of needles, dental instruments, or the sounds and smells of a dentist’s office can be overwhelming for some. Sedation dentistry makes the experience calming and stress-free, allowing patients to receive needed treatment.

Pain Management

Dental procedures can be extremely uncomfortable for those with a low pain threshold, sensitive teeth and gums, or anesthetic resistance. Sedation dentistry minimizes discomfort during treatment, allowing the dentist to perform procedures more efficiently and with less strain on the patient.

Increased Efficiency for Complex Procedures

Certain dental care, such as wisdom teeth extractions or extensive restorative work, can be time-consuming and require multiple visits. With sedation dentistry, dentists can sometimes complete procedures in fewer appointments because patients are more relaxed and able to tolerate longer treatment sessions. This saves time and effort for both the patient and the dental team.

Gag Reflex Control

Some people have overly sensitive gag reflexes, making dental procedures like taking X-rays and impressions an uncomfortable and challenging affair. Sedation dentistry helps relax the gag reflex, enabling the dentist to perform necessary procedures without triggering discomfort or causing difficulties for the patient.

Improved Communication and Cooperation

Maintaining patient cooperation while receiving dental care is crucial for successful treatment. Patients with dental anxiety or developmental disabilities may struggle to communicate their needs or sit still during appointments. Sedation dentistry reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation to create a more cooperative environment, allowing the dental team to provide the best possible care.

Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Appointment in NYC

Sedation dentistry is a game-changer for anyone who struggles with dental anxiety. Park 56 Dental, located in the 10022 zip code of New York City, provides sedation solutions as part of our comprehensive dental services. We offer a wide range of treatments in addition to sedation dentistry, including general dentistry, smile restoration work, emergency dentistry, and more. Our experienced and caring team takes the time to treat each patient individually, ensuring that all their needs are met.

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Contact Park 56 Dental today at (212) 826-2322 to schedule a consultation and discover how sedation dentistry can transform your dental experience.

The Connection Between Your Dental Health and Vision

You care for your teeth to keep them healthy and strong, but, as you may know, poor dental health can negatively affect other systems in your body. There is a connection between diabetes and gum disease, for instance, and bacteria from tooth decay can impact your heart health. What you may not realize, though, is that there is a connection between your dental health and your vision. Could caring for your teeth actually protect your vision?

What is the connection between oral health and eye health? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, oral infections, including periodontal disease, cause an inflammatory response that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. Additionally, people who have old mercury fillings may be at risk for vision problems that include iritis, color-vision issues, retinitis pigmentosa, and the formation of cataracts.

Poor dental hygiene is also known to contribute to the development of open-angle glaucoma. A degenerative eye disease, open-angle glaucoma results from increased fluid build-up in the eye that places damaging pressure on the optic nerve. Left untreated, this condition can cause vision loss and even blindness. One recent study found that the number of natural teeth a person has, an indication of the person’s dental care, is related to the risk of developing glaucoma.

While seeing an eye doctor is important for keeping your eyes healthy, it seems to be just as important to practice good dental habits. These habits include brushing teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once, rinsing daily with an anti-bacterial mouthwash, having old fillings replaced with safer materials, and seeing a dentist for gingivitis treatment or a root canal for a badly diseased tooth. Eating a nutrient-dense diet and avoiding unhealthy practices like smoking and using your teeth for things unrelated to chewing food are also healthy habits. It is also a good practice to see a dentist twice a year for preventative cleanings and follow-up exams.

One of the most important factors when it comes to caring for your teeth is finding a good dentist. 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 to Choose Eco-Friendly Dental Care Products

You recycle, use LED lights, carry reusable bags to the grocery store and reusable coffee mugs to the coffee shop, and generally try to keep your carbon footprint to a minimum. You are doing what you can to be eco-conscious, but have you taken a good look at your dental care routine? Choosing eco-friendly dental care products is a great way to minimize your environmental impact, as long as you do it safely. Here, we offer suggestions for creating an eco-friendly dental routine that is also good for your oral health.

• Choose toothbrushes made of sustainable materials. It is important to replace worn out toothbrushes frequently, about every three months, but it is hard seeing those plastic toothbrushes go into the garbage can. Fortunately, there are some sustainable alternatives. One option is to look into recycling programs in your area that take plastic toothbrushes, and another is to repurpose your old toothbrushes, using them to clean things like jewelry, sneakers, kitchen appliances, and bathroom grout. You can also reduce the amount of toothbrush you are throwing away each time by using an electric toothbrush and simply disposing of the heads. Perhaps the simplest thing to do, though, is to use a bamboo toothbrush. Bamboo toothbrushes are renewable, sustainable, and fully biodegradable, making them a very eco-friendly option. To find the perfect bamboo toothbrush, look for one that is BPA free and cruelty free, ethically sourced, and soft-bristled so that you won’t cause tooth erosion when you brush.
• Switch out your toothpaste for an eco-friendly option. Look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride, xylitol, and perhaps calcium phosphate, and check to make sure it has the ADA seal of acceptance. Dry toothpaste, available in tablets or powders, is an excellent option because it requires far less packaging than toothpaste in tubes. Dry toothpaste is highly concentrated and does not contain water. It cleans teeth effectively, is typically sold in sustainable packaging, and is portable and resistant to changes in the weather.
• Toss your floss. Floss is great for your teeth, but most string floss is bad for the environment, because it is not biodegradable. Look for dental floss that does not contain plastic, but is made with natural materials like silk, beeswax, or bamboo, which are all 100 percent biodegradable. You could also invest in a water flosser, which does a good job and produces no waste whatsoever.
• Make your own mouthwash. Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can try out your mouth, and come in plastic bottles which may or may not be recyclable. It is easy to make your own mouthwash, however, and you can store it in a reusable glass container. DIY mouthwash is made from ingredients like apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and coconut or peppermint oil. Just be aware that you shouldn’t swallow mouthwash, commercial or homemade.
• Be water wise. Did you know that turning off your tap when you brush your teeth can save up to four gallons of water every time you brush? Fill a cup with water to rinse your mouth and then your brush, and turn off the water while you are brushing.

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.

Does menopause affect your oral health?

Menopause is a time of life that brings many unpleasant surprises. Hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings are some of the commonly known symptoms that affect women going through this stage. Less known is the impact of fluctuating hormone levels on the mouth, but there definitely seems to be a link. As estrogen levels decrease during perimenopause and menopause, many women notice sensitive teeth, painful gums, dry mouth, and other issues.

• Hormonal fluctuations can cause tooth sensitivity. If you often find that your teeth hurt after you eat or drink hot or cold things, you may have sensitive teeth. This condition happens when the inner part of the teeth, the dentin, lose their enamel and cementum coatings, leaving the nerves inside vulnerable.
• Gum inflammation is another side effect of menopause. Women going through menopause might experience gingivostomatitis, an oral health condition that causes gum inflammation and canker sores. Periodontal disease can also develop due to low estrogen levels, leading to gum inflammation, bright red or purple gums, gum tenderness and bleeding, receding gums, pus formation, bad breath, bite issues, and loose teeth or gaps between the teeth. Interestingly, another problem that often occurs with menopause is lowered bone density, which can cause bone loss in the jawbone. The treatment for this condition often includes bisphosphonate drugs, which also help prevent the progression, of periodontal disease. Your dentist or periodontist can also treat periodontal disease by scaling to remove tarter, prescribing antimicrobial oral rinses or oral antibiotics, or performing flap surgery. For severe disease, bone or tissue grafts may be necessary. Practicing impeccable oral hygiene is a major part of controlling periodontal disease, and so is quitting smoking.
• Changes in hormone levels can change the way food tastes. Salty, sour, or peppery foods bother some women, and food can sometimes taste unusually bitter or metallic. Sometimes, these menopause-related taste changes are accompanied by a condition known as burning mouth. As the name implies, burning mouth causes burning, pain, and tenderness around the mouth, including the lips tongue, and cheeks.
• Tooth pain can be caused by menopausal changes. For example, declining estrogen levels can decrease the thickness of the oral mucosal epithelium, leading to greater sensitivity to pain and higher vulnerability to mouth infections.
• Dropping hormones can cause dry mouth. Hormones help support saliva production and maintain the consistency of the saliva, but lower levels of estrogen can decrease your mouth’s ability to produce saliva. Dry mouth makes it uncomfortable to eat, but it can also cause gum sensitivity, mouth ulcers, sore gums, an increase in infections, and cavities.

Often, doctors prescribe hormone replacement therapy to help combat the signs of menopause. However, it’s also important to work with your dentist to keep your oral health in good shape. Regular cleanings and check-ups, brushing and flossing daily, taking supplements like calcium and vitamin D, and using products to treat sensitive  teeth and dry mouth can all be part of maintaining oral health during menopause. It’s also important to have a good dentist.

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 Staying Hydrated Can Help Improve Your Dental Health

You hear it from everyone: drink more water. Experts advise drinking about eight glasses of water each day to help improve your health. Water is good for you for many reasons; it helps you detox, keeps your skin plump, youthful, and clear, and may even reduce your risk of certain cancers. It helps just about every system in the body, from your circulation to your muscles, and it’s no wonder, because we’re made of about 60 percent water. What you may not know, though, is that in addition to all those benefits, remaining well hydrated can improve your dental health. Let’s take a closer look at why that’s true.

• Water strengthens teeth. Water, especially fluoridated water, contains fluoride and other minerals that help restore the calcium and phosphorous levels in dental enamel. Did you know that in communities with fluoridated water, each dollar spent on fluoridation saves about $38 in dental healthcare costs? Drinking water is especially important for young children because it strengthens teeth as they are forming, making them more cavity-resistant throughout the child’s life.
• Drinking water helps clean the mouth. Drinking sugary beverages like soda, sports drinks, and juice can cause sugars to remain on the surface of the teeth. This leads to growth of the bacteria in plaque, which release harmful acids that degrade tooth enamel and cause decay. Drinking water, on the other hand, washes away food residue and discourages bacterial growth. Because food residue and bacteria cause bad breath, people who drink a lot of water have better smelling breath. Drinking water isn’t a substitute for brushing and flossing, but it can be an important part of your dental care routine.
• Dry mouth can be alleviated by drinking water. This makes sense, because saliva is 99 percent water. Dry mouth is a condition in which the mouth does not produce enough saliva, making it harder to chew and swallow, and causing an elevated risk of tooth decay. Drinking water hydrates the mouth and stimulates saliva production, making it a powerful weapon against dry mouth.
• Water can help prevent stains on the teeth. Foods and beverages like coffee, tomato sauce, wine, curry, and citrus fruits can leave behind stains, but drinking water in between bites or sips can quickly rinse away residue before it has the chance to settle into a stain.
• Water is a calorie free beverage. Consumption of sugary beverages contributes to the rising obesity rate in the United States, and people who drink more than one sugary beverage per day are nearly 30 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Water has no calories and no sugar, making it a much healthier option.

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 to Care for Dental Veneers

If you’re looking to improve your smile, dental veneers are a great way to do it. But like anything else, proper care is essential to get the most out of your dental veneers. Park 56 Dental in New York can help you understand how best to take care of them so that they look their best and last as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your dental veneers.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are small pieces of porcelain or composite material that are custom-made to fit over the front surfaces of your teeth. They can be used to cover chips, discoloration, gaps between teeth, or other minor issues with your smile. Veneers can also help improve the alignment and shape of your teeth while providing a natural-looking result.

Avoid Grinding and Clenching Teeth

Veneer-related tooth damage is most often caused by grinding or clenching the teeth excessively. This type of wear-and-tear is often caused by stress and can cause damage to both natural and veneered teeth if left unchecked. If you have been grinding or clenching your teeth, it’s important to visit Park 56 so one of our dentists can assess the situation and come up with a plan for treatment.

Use Veneer-Friendly Toothpaste

It’s also important that you use toothpaste that’s specifically designed for people who have veneers on their teeth—these products are specially formulated not to damage dental work like composites or porcelain restorations. Our team at Park 56 can recommend specific products that won’t damage your veneers while still delivering excellent cleaning power!

Daily Maintenance

The best way to extend the life of your dental veneers is to practice good oral hygiene every day. This means brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing at least once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash when needed. Make sure to use gentle strokes when brushing and avoid hard-bristled toothbrushes that may scratch the surface of your veneers.

Regular Checkups

It’s important to visit Park 56 Dental regularly for checkups, cleaning, and maintenance—at least twice a year—to ensure that your teeth are healthy and that your veneers look their best. During these visits, our professionals will check for signs of decay or damage and provide advice on how you can continue caring for your dental veneer investment.  In addition, they can also repair or replace any damaged or worn-out veneers if necessary.

Avoid Certain Foods

You may still be able to enjoy some unhealthy foods such as candy or chips after getting dental veneers, but there are some foods that should still be avoided whenever possible to protect them from staining or cracking. Hard foods like nuts and apples should be chopped into smaller pieces before eating; sticky treats like chewing gum should be avoided altogether; acidic drinks such as coffee or soda should be consumed with caution; and darkly pigmented foods like blueberries can leave stains behind if not properly rinsed away afterwards.

Schedule an Appointment with Park 56 Dental Today!

With proper maintenance and regular checkups at Park 56 Dental in New York City, your dental veneers will stay looking beautiful for years to come! Taking just a few simple steps each day can extend the life of your investment significantly while helping you maintain a healthy smile overall. So don’t hesitate—contact us today if you have any questions about taking care of your dental veneers!

The Most Common Dental Problems

Good dental hygiene is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, but even the most diligent brushers and flossers are still prone to common dental problems. At Park 56 Dental in New York, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your teeth and gums. Read on to learn more about the most common dental issues, as well as tips for preventing them.

Cavities

Cavities occur when bacteria build up on teeth and produce acid that breaks down enamel, leading to a hole in the tooth. Many people mistakenly believe that only children get cavities, but adults can suffer from them as well. The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss regularly, use mouthwash after meals, eat healthy foods low in sugar and starch, and maintain regular check-ups with your dentist.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by an accumulation of plaque at the gum line. It can lead to redness or swelling of the gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, bad breath, and receding gums. To prevent gingivitis, make sure you’re brushing twice a day for two minutes each time using proper technique; use interdental cleaners such as picks or brushes; rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash; avoid smoking; and schedule regular dental cleanings every 6 months at Park 56 Dental in NYC.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria builds up on tooth enamel due to poor oral hygiene habits or diet. It can cause sensitivity in cold or hot foods/drinks, pain when chewing food or biting down on hard objects like ice cubes or pens, discoloration of teeth (brown spots), visible holes in teeth (cavities), and bad breath. To reduce your risk of tooth decay, make sure you are:

• Brushing twice a day for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste.
• Flossing daily.
• Eating healthy foods low in sugar/starch.
• Avoiding sugary drinks like soda.
• Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist.
• Rinsing your mouth out with water after consuming any sugary snacks/drinks.

Stained Teeth

Stained teeth are often caused by drinking coffee, tea, or wine, smoking cigarettes, or cigars, or eating brightly colored foods like blueberries. They may also be caused by aging; as we get older, our enamel thins out and our teeth become more yellow or grayish in color.

Chipped Tooth

Chipped teeth occur when something hits your tooth hard enough for it to break off. This can lead to pain and swelling around the affected area if the nerve endings are exposed. A dentist at Park 56 Dental can fix it using bonding materials or a crown.

Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth is one that doesn’t have enough room to grow properly due to overcrowding or misalignment of the other teeth in your mouth. Impacted teeth often appear crooked or stuck in place and may cause pain while eating or talking. If this happens, it’s best to see your dentist right away so they can assess the situation and recommend a treatment plan for you.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth occurs when something hard hits your tooth with enough force to cause it to crack or break into pieces. This type of damage can range from extremely small cracks that don’t cause any pain but still need attention from your dentist at Park 56 Dental, all the way up to large cracks that require an emergency visit and possibly even root canal therapy.

Schedule an Appointment with Park 56 Dental Today!

Taking good care of your teeth is essential for maintaining good oral health over the long term and preventing more serious problems from developing down the road. By following these tips—and scheduling regular check-ups with Park 56 Dental in NYC—you can help ensure that your smile stays healthy now and into the future!

Issues That Can Cause Tooth Pain

Does your tooth hurt? You’re not alone. Millions of people suffer from tooth pain every year, and it can be a challenge to figure out the cause. Park 56 Dental in New York is here to help you sort through the possibilities. Let’s examine some of the common issues that can cause tooth pain.

Tooth Decay

One of the most common causes of toothache is decay or cavities in the teeth. When food particles remain on the teeth, they are broken down by bacteria which produce acids that erode away at tooth enamel. This eroding action causes holes in the teeth (cavities) which can be quite painful when exposed to hot or cold temperatures or when pressure is applied to them. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings can help prevent this type of pain by catching any cavities early and treating them before they become too severe.

Gum Disease

Gum disease occurs when poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to build up on your teeth and gums, leading to inflammation and infection in the area around your teeth. Gum disease can lead to receding gums, loose teeth, bad breath, and even tooth loss if left untreated — not to mention plenty of painful symptoms! A good preventive measure for avoiding gum disease is to brush two times a day for two minutes each time, flossing once per day as well as seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

Infection

A dental infection occurs when bacteria enter an area inside or around a tooth where it doesn’t belong – such as an abscessed tooth/root canal or wisdom teeth coming through improperly – leading to swelling and pain. If an infection has reached this point, it will likely require professional treatment by a dentist such as antibiotics or even extraction in some cases. Regular visits with your dentist will help keep infections at bay by identifying any potential issues early on before they have a chance to escalate into something more serious requiring more intervention from your dental team.

How to Avoid Tooth Pain

One of the worst sensations is tooth pain; it’s sharp, agonizing, and often comes out of nowhere. Most tooth pain is caused by tooth decay or an abscessed tooth, but there are several steps people can take to help avoid toothaches. Brushing twice daily for two minutes, as well as flossing every day can help ensure that food does not get stuck in between teeth and cause issues. Additionally, remember to use toothpaste with fluoride; this helps protect the enamel on our teeth, which is the protective outer coating to the tooth. Also, be sure to rinse the mouth after meals, and stay away from sugary drinks and snacks. Too much sugar can erode tooth enamel over time. Taking these simple steps can help you prevent tooth pain in the long run.

Visit Park 56 Dental Today!

No one likes dealing with tooth pain, but unfortunately, it’s something that many people experience at some point in their lives. At Park 56 Dental in New York, we understand how difficult it can be when trying to identify what might be causing the discomfort. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or book online!

Simple Ways to Motivate You to Floss Every Day

Good oral hygiene is important for a healthy mouth, and one of the most effective ways to achieve it? That’s right—flossing! Flossing is one of the most important habits you can adopt to maintain good oral health. According to research, only 4 out of 10 adults floss daily and only 1 in 3 actually flosses correctly. Daily flossing helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. But sometimes it’s hard to remember to do it every day. So here are some simple motivators that might help you get into the habit of regular flossing.

Find a Flossing Product That Works for You

The type of floss you use matters! Many people don’t realize that different types of floss work differently for different types of teeth and mouth needs. Waxed, non-waxed, disposable floss sticks, electric or water flossers—there are so many options available! If one type of product isn’t working well with your teeth and gums, try another! Experiment with different products until you find the perfect one for your personal oral hygiene routine.

Keep Your Floss in Sight

If you have your dental floss handy, you are more likely to remember to use it every day! Try keeping an extra package at the office or even in your pocket or purse wherever you go. You should also keep a container on the sink or bathroom countertop as a constant reminder that it’s time to floss every day!

Set A Goal

One of the best ways to make sure you stick with something is to set a goal. Make a goal that you can realistically achieve, like “I will floss at least twice a week for the next month.” Once you reach that goal, reward yourself by doing something special or purchasing something nice! This will help motivate you to keep going and eventually make daily flossing part of your routine.

Create A Chart

If setting goals isn’t quite your thing, another way to motivate yourself is by creating a chart or calendar that tracks your progress. Every day after you floss, mark it off in your chart or on your calendar as a reminder that you achieved your goal for the day. Seeing this progress can give you an added boost of motivation and encouragement!

Use A Reminder App

If neither of these methods seem like they’d work for you, consider downloading a reminder app onto your phone or laptop. With this type of app, all you have to do is set the time when you want it to remind you each day–it could be right before bedtime, so it becomes part of your nighttime routine–and then just follow through with the action when the reminder goes off!

Get Flossing!

Flossing every day is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. And while remembering to do it can be difficult at times, there are several easy strategies available that can help motivate and remind us so that we don’t forget! Whether it’s setting goals and rewarding yourself for reaching them, using visuals like charts and calendars, or using apps on our phones for reminders—these simple strategies can help ensure we stick with our daily flossing routine.

If any questions remain about flossing or other dental-related topics such as teeth whitening services offered at Park 56 Dental in New York City, please contact us today!