Why it’s Important to Maintain your Gum Health

Woman flossing teeth.

Welcome to the Park 56 Dental blog, where we believe that a healthy smile starts with healthy gums! As specialists in dental care, we understand the vital role that gum health plays in maintaining overall oral health. While often overlooked, your gums provide the foundation for your teeth, ensuring they stay securely in place and function properly. In this blog post, we will be delving into why it is so crucial to prioritize gum health and the various steps you can take to keep your gums in excellent condition. No matter your age or current oral health status, we hope you find the information shared here helpful and empowering to take charge of your gum health. Let’s get started on this journey towards a vibrant and healthy smile that starts from within!

Warning Signs of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common problem that results from bacteria in your mouth producing harmful acids that erode your enamel. But did you know that one of the earliest warning signs of tooth decay is actually gum problems? As the bacteria spreads, it can cause your gums to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. This is a sign that you should schedule a cleaning with your dentist as soon as possible.

Dental Care for Seniors: Addressing Age-specific Oral Health Challenges

As we age, our dental needs change. Seniors are more likely to suffer from gum problems due to some of these common problems/triggers:

1. Dry Mouth: One of the most common oral health issues that seniors face is dry mouth. This is often caused by medications that reduce salivary flow or medical conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome. Dry mouth can cause a range of problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections.
2. Gum Disease: Seniors are at an increased risk of developing gum disease, which is caused by a buildup of bacteria in the mouth. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems, including heart disease and stroke.

3. Tooth Loss: As we age, our teeth may begin to wear down, crack, or decay. Eventually, tooth loss may occur. Missing teeth can cause difficulty eating and speaking and may even lead to bone loss in the jaw.

4. Oral Cancer: Seniors are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer, particularly if they smoke or use tobacco products. Oral cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages, which is why it is important for seniors to receive regular oral cancer screenings.

5. Medication Side Effects: Seniors may take a range of medications to manage medical conditions, and some of these medications can cause side effects that affect their oral health. For example, some medications can cause dry mouth, while others can cause gum inflammation or mouth sores.

The Hidden Dangers of Not Addressing Dental Problems

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth. Studies have found that people with gum problems are more likely to develop heart disease, stroke, and other systemic conditions. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body, including your heart and lungs. That’s why it’s crucial to address gum problems early on to avoid these serious health risks.

Simple Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

Preventing gum disease doesn’t have to be difficult. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile bright. First, make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Second, floss each day to remove plaque and bacteria from between teeth and along the gumline. Finally, make sure to visit your dentist regularly for cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Taking these steps can go a long way toward avoiding gum disease and other dental problems.

Reach Out to Park 56 Dental Today with Any Questions

Keeping your gums healthy is a vital part of maintaining good oral health and avoiding serious medical problems. If you’re experiencing gum disease symptoms such as bleeding, redness or swelling, consult your dentist right away. At Park 56 Dental, we offer a full range of preventative and restorative services designed to keep your gums and teeth healthy for life. To schedule an appointment, call us at (212) 826-2322 today.

Tips and Advice for Flossing in Recognition of National Flossing Day

Man taking care of teeth by making sure to floss.

National Flossing Day is right around the corner, and whereas it might be slightly overshadowed by Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Day, it’s still a great time to give three cheers for the unsung hero of dental hygiene, the modest waxed string we know as dental floss.

Why Should You Floss?

Most of the daily emphasis on toothcare is on brushing, which removes bacteria, food, and grime from the surface of the teeth. But where flossing truly shines is in getting into those hard-to-reach spaces in between teeth and close to the gum line, where regular toothbrushes can’t reach. Flossing helps fight gingivitis and periodontitis, reducing the risk of gum inflammation and cavities. Flossing also helps promote fresh breath by removing the food and bacteria that collects between your teeth.

Tips for Effective Flossing

1. Choose the Right Floss:

• There are various types of dental floss available, including waxed, unwaxed, flavored, and wider tape-style floss. Choose the one that feels most comfortable and effective for you.

1. Establish a Routine:

Make flossing a daily habit. Aim to floss at least once a day, ideally before bedtime, to remove accumulated plaque and food particles.

1. Proper Technique:

1. • Start with an 18-inch (45 cm) length of floss. Wind most of it around one finger on each hand, leaving about 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) of floss to work with.

1. • Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a sawing motion. Avoid snapping it into place, which can harm your gums.

1. • Curve the floss around the base of each tooth, forming a C-shape, and gently glide it up and down. Be gentle to avoid damaging your gums.

1. • Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria.

1. Be Patient:

1. • Take your time when flossing to ensure thorough cleaning. Rushing can lead to incomplete removal of plaque and debris.
2. Keep Flossing Agents Handy:
   • Keep floss in your purse, briefcase, backpack or satchel. Floss picks are also a convenient minimal device for a quick cleaning when out and about.

1. Use Flossing Aids:

1. • If traditional flossing is challenging, consider using floss picks, interdental brushes, or water flossers. These tools can make the process more accessible and convenient.

1. Teach Children Early:

1. • Encourage good oral hygiene habits in children by teaching them to floss as soon as part of your family culture. Child-friendly floss and flossers are available.

1. Avoid “Bleeding Gums” as an Excuse:

1. • If your gums bleed when you first start flossing or after a break, don’t be discouraged. This is a sign of gum inflammation and indicates the need for regular flossing to improve gum health.

1. Set Reminders:

1. • Use phone alarms or other reminders to ensure you don’t forget to floss daily, especially if you’re establishing a new habit.

Call Park 56 Dentistry to Celebrate

Our dental professionals are always available to celebrate National Flossing Day with you, to help you analyze your flossing technique, or to offer advice on the best type of floss for you. November is also a great time to contact us and schedule your end-of-year cleaning or get on the schedule after the new year.

Why Your Gum Line Recedes

Gum recession.

How is your gum health? About half of all people over 30 suffer from periodontal disease, and this is the leading cause of gum recession. Gum recession is a problem, because when your gums recede too far, they can allow your teeth to fall out! Further, receding gums create pockets between the teeth and gums, and this can allow bacteria to grow and cause infections. In this way, even if your gum recession is not caused by periodontal disease, it can create an ideal environment for periodontal disease to progress. Once gums have receded, they don’t grow back, but there are some strategies you can employ to slow the recession. First, you need to know what is causing your gum line to recede.

• As mentioned, periodontal disease is a major cause of receding gums. The bacterial gum infections of periodontal disease can destroy not only gum tissue, but also the bone that holds the teeth in place. Catching periodontal disease in the early stage, called gingivitis, when the gums are simply inflamed, can help forestall its progression.
• It could be your genes. Sometimes, genetics just don’t work in your favor when it comes to your gums. About 30 percent of people have receding gums, leading to periodontal disease, no matter how well they care for their teeth.
• You might not be taking good care of your teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tartar build-up, and when this happens, it can cause your gums to recede.
• On the other hand, you might be brushing too enthusiastically. Aggressive brushing can wear away your enamel and damage your gum tissue.
• Your teeth may be crooked. Believe it or not, misaligned teeth can wear on your gums. Teeth that don’t come together properly put too much force on the gums, causing them to recede.
• It might be hormones. Hormonal fluctuations, like the ones experienced during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can cause your gums to recede.
• Mouth trauma can damage your gums. If you get punched in the mouth or fall on your face, your teeth can be knocked loose, and your gums can sustain damage that causes recession.
• Your orthodontia may be the issue. It makes sense that using constant force to reposition your teeth could cause your gums to become inflamed and recede.
• If you grind your teeth, your gums might recede. In fact, receding gums may be your first warning sign that you grind your teeth at night.
• Tobacco use can lead to receding gums. Smoking and chewing tobacco are bad for your oral health in such a variety of ways that if you use tobacco, you really need to stop.

You might notice your gums receding, or you might notice some other warning signs. Your teeth may become sensitive to heat, cold, and sweets, or they may be sensitive when you’re brushing, flossing, or getting dental cleanings. You may also experience pain or discomfort near the gum line. Without treatment, gum recession could cause your teeth to feel loose. Fortunately, while receding gums won’t grow back, your dentist can help you slow the recession, as well as offering non-surgical and surgical treatments to improve the condition.

When you’re looking for a dentist to help with your teeth and gums, trust the dentist voted best in New York. 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.

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!

Understanding Your Gums

You know about cavities, and tooth decay, and how important it is to brush and keep your teeth healthy. But how much do you know about the health of your gums? The gums are an important part of your mouth, and if they’re not in good shape, your whole mouth can suffer. What do you need to know about your gums?

You might have noticed that your oral hygienist or dentist probes your gums during your regular check-ups. This is to determine if your gums are fitting snugly against your teeth. Unhealthy gums have pockets of space, and the deeper the pocket, the worse your gum health. It may feel like your gums are just being poked, but what the dentist is actually doing is measuring them. The tool used to probe gums is called a periodontal probe, and it’s essentially a tiny ruler. It is inserted into pockets in your gums, and the depth is recorded in millimeters.

Your dentist will keep track of these numbers as a preventive measure against periodontal disease (gum disease). Only your dentist can diagnose gum disease, but in general, 1 to 3 mm means the gums are generally healthy, 4 mm means you need to pay more attention to your oral care, 5 to 6 mm indicates gum disease, and anything over 6 means advanced gym disease. By regularly checking gum pocket depth, your dental team can catch periodontal disease early, when it’s still relatively easy to treat.

You can look for signs of gum disease at home, too. Swollen, sore, or bleeding gums could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, and it happens when plaque builds up at the gumline. Once it progresses to periodontitis, it can affect the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and even vitamin deficiencies. Hormonal changes like pregnancy, illnesses like diabetes, infections, and vitamin C deficiency can all be responsible for gum problems, so you will want to see your dentist to get the right diagnosis.

What can you do to keep your gums healthy? First, pay attention to your oral care routine. Brush twice a day and floss once a day, brushing gently so that you don’t injure your gums. Consider using a water flosser, to clean below the gumline. Eat a nutritious diet, don’t use tobacco products, drink alcohol only in moderation, and take supplements, especially if you think you are not getting enough vitamin C. See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, but in between visits, pay attention to your gums so that you can make a dental appointment if you notice signs of gum disease.

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

Why Your Gums Itch

You know that feeling when your gums start to itch? The sensation can be annoying, and it might even make you a little self-conscious. But did you know that gum itchiness is actually a sign of something else going on in your mouth? There are a few different things that can cause your gums to itch. Read on to learn more about common causes of itchy gums and what you can do about it!

What Causes Gums to Itch and What Are Symptoms?

The most common cause of itchy gums is plaque build-up. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. When plaque isn’t removed, it can harden into tartar. Tartar can irritate your gums and cause them to itch. Other causes of itchy gums include:

• Gum disease – Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. It can cause swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums.

• Allergies – Allergies to food, medication, or other substances can cause itching and swelling of the gums.

• Dry mouth – Dry mouth can occur due to certain medications, medical conditions, or treatments. It can cause the gums to become irritated and itch.

Symptoms of itchy gums include:

• itching

• redness

• swelling

• tenderness

• bleeding

Are Itchy Gums a Warning Sign for a More Serious Issue?

Itchy gums are usually not a sign of a more serious condition. However, in rare cases, they may be a sign of gum disease or another oral health problem. If you have any concerns, see your dentist or oral healthcare provider.

What Are My Options for Treatment and Relief?

The best way to treat itchy gums is to remove the plaque and tartar with professional dental cleanings. Your dentist or oral healthcare provider can also recommend other treatments, such as:

• Fluoride mouth rinse – This can help prevent plaque build-up.

• Soft toothbrush – A soft-bristled toothbrush can be less irritating to your gums.

• Medications – If your itchy gums are caused by an allergy, your doctor may prescribe medication.

When Should I See a Doctor for My Itching Gums?

You should see a dentist or oral healthcare provider if your itchy gums are severe or don’t improve with home treatment. You should also see a healthcare provider if you have any other symptoms, such as:

• fever

• swelling of the face or lips

• difficulty breathing

How Can I Prevent Itchy Gums?

You can help prevent itchy gums by practicing good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using a fluoride mouth rinse. You should also see your dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings and check-ups.

How Can Park 56 Dental in NYC Help Me Treat My Itchy Gums?

If you have itchy gums, the team at Park 56 Dental in New York can help. We offer professional dental cleanings and a variety of other treatments to help relieve your symptoms. We also offer preventative care services to help you avoid itchy gums in the future. To learn more, contact us today or schedule an appointment online.

Why Your Gums Hurt When Brushing Your Teeth

Do your gums hurt when you brush and floss? Is there blood in your toothpaste when you spit into the sink? This usually means one of two things—either you’re being too rough when you brush and floss, or you’re developing gum disease. To rule out other more serious problems, be sure to visit your dentist. Otherwise, explore these solutions to help prevent your gums from hurting when you brush your teeth.

When Your Gums Hurt Because of Rough Brushing and Flossing

It’s easy to brush too hard when you’re trying to be thorough. However, you can easily irritate your sensitive gum tissue if you scrub aggressively. Here’s how to clean your teeth while protecting your gums:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Brush in gentle, circular motions.
• Consider switching to an electric toothbrush.
• When flossing, follow the curve of your teeth and avoid snapping the floss against your gums or using a sawing motion.

When Your Gums Hurt Because of Gum Disease

Mild gum disease, known as gingivitis, starts when a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up along the gum line. Ignoring gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease and, eventually, severe periodontitis. If your gums are swollen, red, irritated, and hurt when you brush, talk to your dentist about starting treatment.

Other Reasons Why Your Gums Hurt

There are many other potential causes of painful gums, including:

• Canker sores
• Tooth abscesses
• Tobacco use, including cigarettes, vaporizers, and chewing tobacco
• Hormonal changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause
• Thrush, a type of yeast infection
• Ill-fitting oral devices, including braces, retainers, dentures, and mouthguards
• Chemotherapy drugs

How to Sooth Sore Gums

In addition to brushing and flossing more gently, treating gum disease, and tackling other causes of painful gums at the source, try these tips to soothe your sore gums:

• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
• Rinse with mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Apply numbing gel to the tender area.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods to avoid further irritation.
• Eat yogurt with live cultures to balance the bacteria in your mouth.

Discuss Your Symptoms with Your Dentist

If your gums hurt or bleed for over a week, and your attempts to treat the problem at home aren’t working, it’s time to contact your dentist. A professional teeth cleaning can remove the stubborn plaque irritating your gums. Your oral hygienist may also perform a deep-clean called root planing and scaling if you have gum disease.

Don’t ignore painful gums—stop by Park 56 Dental in NYC to discuss your symptoms with our dentist. We can examine your gums and teeth and recommend the proper treatment. Our office has been voted the best dentist in New York, with over 20 years of experience serving the 10022 zip code area, so you can trust us to take great care of your smile! Call us at (212) 826-2322 to set an appointment today.