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.

The Link Between Your Oral Health and Alzheimer’s

It seems far-fetched to say that your oral health and Alzheimer’s disease could possibly be connected.  However, this is exactly the claim that research is beginning to suggest.

As research has been done to compare the brains of people with and without Alzheimer’s disease, scientists have discovered that individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease have an increase in levels of certain bacteria that are also responsible for the cause of gum disease, such as porphyromonas gingivalis and a toxic enzyme that it creates called gingipains. Gingipains is secreted from this bacteria and has been found to destroy the brain’s neurons. This similarity between gum disease and Alzheimer’s is enough to suggest that the prevention of gum disease may also be connected to the possible prevention of Alzheimer’s

In a different study led by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, baselines were taken and individuals were tracked with follow-up data kept for up to 26 years. Up to 19 antibodies were found that are associated with Alzheimer’s with the most fatal being, again,  porphyromonas gingivalis and its production of the toxic enzyme gingipains.

So, it makes sense to work hard to prevent gum disease and, therefore, reduce the risk of MANY other problems!!

 What do I do if I already have gum disease?

Healthy oral hygiene habits can decrease the risk of gum disease. Continue to improve and maintain healthy habits, including:

• flossing daily
• brushing your teeth 2-3 times a day
• using antibacterial mouthwash
• changing your toothbrush every 3 months
• being intentional about what foods and drinks you comsume

Remember, also, to visit your dentist at least 2 times a year for cleanings.  If your teeth are showing signs of plaque build-up, there is a procedure for deeper cleaning of the teeth and gums that may be right for you.  Continuing to care for your teeth is of the utmost importance.  Your health and wellbeing are so valuable, especially to those whom you love!

How can I protect myself?

 Keep learning and researching!  Education is the key to making informed and improved decisions. Some of your health journey is genetic, but some is left up to you and the choices that you make for taking care of yourself.  You may not be able to change past decisions but you can certainly work toward staying the healthiest you can possibly be. Whether you have always been on top of your oral health and hygiene or you have room for improvement, remember that your teeth and gums impact your whole body’s wellness.

While this research is still undergo, you have the ability to be proactive.  Clean teeth make for a healthier you!  Stay informed and maintain that amazing smile! Schedule a cleaning today so that you can maintain healthy teeth, heart, and mind!

You are worth the time, energy, and expense of a happy, healthy smile!  So, go ahead and take some much needed time to invest in yourself and your future!  You’ll be so very glad that you did!!! Call Park 56 Dental today at

Healthy Dental Habits

Your smile says it all! But what exactly does it say?  Dental hygiene is not just important for a great smile, it also contributes to your body’s overall health. Caring for your teeth can decrease risks of gum disease, heart disease, dementia, respiratory problems, and even cancer. Risk prevention is easier than you think if you follow these simple habits to develop healthy hygiene.

Brush Your Teeth 2-3 Times Daily

Using the right toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will prevent food from getting stuck between your teeth as well as plaque build-up, which can lead to bad breath, cavities and gum disease. Brushing morning and night are common habits, but brushing after each meal may also help with build-up, preventing gum disease and bad breath. It is recommended to brush in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes and cover each section of your mouth so that each tooth has been properly noticed.

In addition to brushing, choosing the right toothbrush is also important.  Whether you are choosing an electronic toothbrush or a regular tooth brush, make sure that you are replacing it (or the head, with an electronic toothbrush) every 3 months to reduce the amount of bacteria growing and potentially causing harm.

Flossing

Be honest!  It is easy to answer your dentist or hygienist with a false and emphatic, “Yes!” when asked if you’ve been flossing.  However, you know the truth and your body does, too.  It is a beneficial habit to floss your teeth daily.  This routine cleaning provides even more care for removing food from between your teeth and prohibiting harmful growth of plaque or allowing cavities to form.  Bleeding gums when you floss can indicate gingivitis or even a lack of healthy gums but this can improve over time, so stick with it!  If flossing is something that your sensitive teeth have difficulty tolerating, try a water pick instead.

Whether you are choosing floss or a water pick, make sure that you are working to dedicate time to developing healthy dental hygiene habits so that your next dental visit can be an honest one!

What More Should You Do?

Other suggestions for healthy oral hygiene include brushing your tongue and even using an antibacterial mouth wash. Tongue scrapers can be purchased and can help with removing bacteria from your tongue and improving your breath.  Antibacterial mouth wash can be the final touch to your daily routines and can help remove any bacteria that may have been able to hide from your toothbrush or floss.

Now your daily oral hygiene habits are off to a sparkly, fresh start.  What other habits should you let go of?

There are some bad habits that are actually more than just indulgences.  What you put into your mouth and body impacts your whole body’s health. So, take care of you and your mouth!

• Limit coffee, tea and coke and drink with a straw to prevent the harmful acids from settling onto your teeth.
• Say NO to tobacco! No smoking or chewing tobacco!
• Eat a nutritious diet of fruits, vegetables, fish, and chicken to encourage healthy teeth but also a healthy body overall!
• Limit sugary foods! The harmful bacteria in your mouth gets fuel from sugary foods and drinks. By limiting what you eat you are promoting a healthier mouth.

Now that you are ready to focus on a more complete oral hygiene regiment, make sure that you also schedule dental appointments regularly to assist with preventative care and a positive care plan that will impact your whole body! At Park 56 Dental, we are here to serve you!  Give us a call at (646) 679-3989.

Why it’s Important to Replace a Lost Tooth

Many people assume that a missing tooth only has cosmetic consequences. But while having a gap in your smile is enough to make anyone self-conscious, there are also numerous health-related reasons not to ignore a missing tooth. Whether you opt for a bridge, removable partial dentures, or a dental implant, here’s a look at why it’s important to replace a lost tooth.

• Your teeth may shift and loosen: Every tooth helps maintain the stability of the one next to it. If you lose a permanent tooth, the surrounding teeth may begin shifting to fill the gap, undoing years of orthodontic work.
• Chewing may be more difficult: The sensitive gum tissue where your tooth is missing can make it painful to chew in that part of your mouth. Then, if your teeth drift out of place, your bite may suffer, making chewing even more uncomfortable. Over time, you may find it cumbersome to eat solid, healthy food like fruits and vegetables, which can lead to poor nutrition.
• You could develop TMJ disorder: To avoid discomfort, you may start chewing food on only one side of your mouth. However, this can strain your jaw muscles and lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, resulting in jaw pain, chronic headaches, and other symptoms. Lopsided chewing can also wear down your teeth unevenly and affect their appearance.
• You may be more prone to cavities and gum disease. A shifting smile and altered bite can make your teeth harder to clean. This means you’re more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease, both of which may lead to further tooth loss.
• Your jaw bone could deteriorate: A healthy jaw is only possible if you have healthy teeth to stimulate the production of new cells. If you lose one or more teeth, this stimulation disappears, which can lead to bone loss.
• Your appearance could change: When your opposing teeth have nothing to make contact with, your muscles and bone structure may begin to change. This problem is most apparent if you lose several teeth, which can lead to sunken cheeks and an aged appearance.
• Your self-esteem could suffer: Losing baby teeth may have been fun as a kid, but having a gap in your smile as an adult can drain your confidence level. First, you become concerned with your appearance and cover your mouth when you smile. Then, you may avoid talking too much if you develop a speech issue. Depression and anxiety can set in as a result.

If you recently lost a tooth in a traumatic incident or had a decayed tooth extracted, visit Park 56 Dental to explore your tooth-restoration options. We recommend dental implants to many of our patients because they provide a hassle-free, long-lasting way to replace a lost tooth. Even if you didn’t qualify for an implant in the past, you may now be eligible. To find out what makes us the best dentist in New York, please call us at (212) 826-2322 and schedule a consultation.

Why Do Dentists Encourage You to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

The human mouth goes through numerous changes over the years. For many people, one of the most memorable milestones is the appearance of the third molars around ages 17 to 21. “Wisdom teeth” are so named because they are the final teeth to appear and come in at a mature age.

When wisdom teeth erupt through the gums correctly, they can help with chewing. However, while there’s no definitive rule, most people have their wisdom teeth removed. Why is this? And how do you know if you should keep your wisdom teeth or not?

Many situations warrant having your wisdom teeth removed. Here are the most common reasons your dentist may encourage you to make this choice.

Fully Impacted Wisdom Teeth

An impacted tooth fails to erupt through the gums, meaning it remains covered by gum tissue. This may occur if your mouth is too small for the tooth to emerge. Dentists usually recommend removing impacted wisdom teeth because trapped bacteria could cause painful cysts or abscesses to form.

Partially Impacted Wisdom Teeth

A partially impacted tooth erupts partway through the gums. Dentists almost always advise removing wisdom teeth in situations like this. After all, the partial eruption makes it easy for bacteria to get inside, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the jaw. Tooth decay is also more likely because it’s difficult to clean a partially impacted tooth.

Overcrowding

Some willful wisdom teeth erupt fully, even if there isn’t room in the jaw. This can overcrowd your mouth and damage neighboring teeth. Your entire smile may even shift, throwing off your bite and causing jaw pain.

Necessary for Your Dental Care Plan

Your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth extraction as part of your overall oral care plan. For instance, if you’re planning to get braces soon, it’s wise (pun intended) to remove problematic wisdom teeth before you begin straightening your smile. And if your wisdom teeth come in after having braces, prompt removal prevents them from undoing all your hard work.

Other Problems

If you decide to keep your wisdom teeth for now, continue to monitor them for signs of trouble. It may become necessary to remove them if issues develop near your wisdom teeth, such as:

• Tooth, jaw, or cheek pain
• Repeated infections
• Gum disease
• Extensive tooth decay

The decision to remove your wisdom teeth isn’t always straightforward. That’s why it’s important to visit the dentist regularly. Routine oral exams and X-rays reveal what’s happening in your mouth so you can take the best course of action for your oral health.

If your wisdom teeth are giving you trouble, visit Park 56 Dental for a consultation. We offer compassionate, high-quality dentistry in the 10022 zip code area of NYC, and we’re confident we can help you make the right choice regarding your wisdom teeth. If you decide to have them extracted, rest assured that we offer sedation dentistry to make you feel more comfortable. Call us at (212) 826-2322 to set an appointment today.

How Teeth Crowding Can Impact your Dental Health

If your teeth are overcrowded, it can make you feel less confident in your smile. What you may not realize, though, is that it also has serious implications for the health of your mouth. Here are some reasons why, along with some tips to help you improve your dental health.

• It’s harder to clean overcrowded teeth. If your teeth are incorrectly spaced, you won’t be able to effectively brush and floss them. You’ll be unable to get the floss in between some of your teeth, and you won’t be able to brush every surface of your teeth. This can lead to bad breath, cavities, and health problems that occur when an overgrowth of bacteria in your mouth makes its way to other parts of the body.
• Crowded teeth can increase your risk of gingivitis. When you don’t completely remove the plaque from your mouth, it can cause gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. The symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, irritated, and sometimes bleeding gums, along with bad breath.
• If your teeth are overcrowded, you may experience pain. Sometimes, when you have a crowded mouth, a tooth becomes impacted because it has no room to erupt from the gums. This impaction can also cause overcrowding, by pushing other teeth into a problematic position, which can lead to pain when you bite or chew.
• Bite problems happen when crowding causes misalignment. If your teeth aren’t lining up correctly because they’re too crowded, you won’t bite properly. This can lead to cracking, chipping, and otherwise damaging your teeth.
• Allergies may be connected to teeth crowding. This goes back to the oral care component: when you can’t properly clean your teeth, it leads to poor oral health. In turn, poor oral health has been linked to allergic rhinitis, asthma, and skin allergies.
• You’re more likely to grind or clench overcrowded teeth. This grinding and clenching, also called bruxism, can cause headaches, face pain, damage to your teeth, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

So, what can you do about crowded teeth? In some cases, especially with impacted teeth, you may need an extraction. Often, however, your crowded mouth can be greatly improved using orthodontia. One of the simplest and most effective ways to move teeth into the correct placement in your mouth is using Invisalign®. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about the options that are available to you.

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.

Does Coconut Oil Pulling Actually Work?

Have you heard of oil pulling? Essentially, it’s the practice of swirling oil around your mouth and then spitting it out. Why do people do this, and is it actually a good idea?

The practice of oil pulling originated as a folk remedy, part of traditional Ayurvedic medicine in ancient India. People practicing oil pulling use sunflower oil, sesame seed oil, or, most frequently, coconut oil. This oil is swirled around the mouth for somewhere between five and twenty minutes, long enough to be swished all over the teeth and mouth, and then it is spit out into the sink or trash can.

Proponents of oil pulling claim that it removes toxins and bacteria from the body, pulling them out through the gums and mouth. Many different benefits are attributed to oil pulling, and advocates claim it can whiten teeth, treat tooth decay, eliminate bad breath, heal bleeding gums, prevent cavities, heal the sinuses, and even prevent heart disease. Some go even further, saying it can help with allergies and asthma, chronic fatigue, diabetes, migraine headaches, and acne.

If these claims seem a little over the top to you, you have good instincts. From a scientific standpoint, there’s very little evidence to back up these claims. The ADA (American Dental Association) doesn’t recommend it because of a lack of science; there just haven’t been an adequate number of properly conducted studies to confirm its efficacy.

On the other hand, there is research to show that oil pulling can have one particular benefit for your oral health. Some studies have indicated that oil pulling with coconut oil can significantly reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in your mouth. This is good news, because S. mutans is one of the primary factors in plaque buildup and tooth decay. So, while oil pulling is unlikely to be the cure-all some claim it to be, by removing some bacteria from your mouth it can reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Does this mean you should try it? It’s up to you. There’s very little risk involved in oil pulling, as long as you use a reputable oil and then spit it out and don’t inhale it. Here’s the most important thing to remember, though: oil pulling is no substitute for good dental hygiene. Try it if you’re interested, but don’t stop brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once.

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.

What to Look for When Buying Toothpaste

Buying toothpaste seems like it would be a simple process. When confronted by shelves and shelves of options, though, it can quickly become complicated. Add in some social media ads about alternative toothpastes and it’s understandable that you might be completely confused. Not to worry! We’ve got some tips to make buying your next tube of toothpaste simple.

• Make sure the toothpaste you pick is ADA approved. Toothpastes with the ADA seal of approval are safe to use and guaranteed to be effective.
• Check for fluoride. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening your tooth enamel. When you use toothpaste with fluoride, you can maintain and, in some cases, improve your oral health. There are two types of fluoride found in toothpastes, stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride, with stannous being the more effective type.
• Take a close look at the ingredients. Sodium laurel sulphate (SLS), for example is a controversial ingredient. While it’s useful for cleaning the teeth, removing bacteria, plaque, and food particles, there is also evidence that it can contribute to sensitivity and cause mouth ulcers for some people. If your teeth are sensitive, avoid SLS. If you do use it, don’t swallow it, because it can negatively impact your health. People with sensitive teeth might wish to look for potassium nitrate and strontium chloride, which can help desensitize teeth. Be wary of triclosan because this common bacteria-fighting ingredient may actually contribute to bacterial resistance.
• Consider your specific needs in dental care. Are you looking for better tartar control? Tooth whitening? Desensitizing? Gum health? Think about what you’re hoping to achieve with your oral care and that will help inform your toothpaste decision.
• Think about flavor and texture. While it may seem frivolous to choose a toothpaste based on the way it feels and tastes, it’s actually an important piece of the puzzle when you’re shopping for the right toothpaste for you. If you don’t like the way your toothpaste tastes, brushing your teeth will be less appealing.
• What about alternatives to traditional toothpaste? There are some toothpastes that use unconventional ingredients and are somewhat trendy, but are they as effective as traditional toothpaste? Probably not. For instance, toothpastes that use aloe vera aren’t likely to fight plaque or gingivitis any more effectively than other toothpastes, and most aloe vera toothpastes lack fluoride. Charcoal is another trendy toothpaste ingredient, but it may do more harm than good, because it is abrasive and can damage your tooth enamel.
• Ask your dentist for recommendations. When in doubt, ask a professional! Your dentist is an expert not only on tooth care but also on your unique oral health history.

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.