A Guide to Understanding Dental Insurance

Man using his dental benefits to visit dentist

Understanding Dental Insurance

Dental insurance is a critical component of healthcare that often goes underappreciated until the need arises for routine cleanings, unexpected fillings, or more significant procedures like crowns and bridges. Understanding the intricacies of dental insurance can save you from unexpected expenses and help you maximize the benefits you’re entitled to. This guide, drawing from a comprehensive overview of dental insurance basics, aims to clarify the subject and provide practical advice for navigating dental insurance plans effectively.

Understanding the Basics

Dental insurance functions similarly to health insurance but is specifically designed to cover dental care. Plans typically cover preventive services such as exams and cleanings, basic procedures like fillings, and more complex treatments including root canals and crowns. Understanding your plan’s structure—monthly premiums, annual maximums, deductibles, and copays or coinsurance—is essential for making informed decisions about your dental care.

Key Terms Explained

Navigating dental insurance requires familiarity with several key terms:

In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Choosing in-network providers can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, thanks to negotiated rates.

Coverage Tiers: Dental services are often categorized into preventive, basic, and major services, each with varying levels of coverage.

Waiting Periods: Some plans impose waiting periods before certain benefits can be utilized, affecting when you can receive specific treatments.

Maximizing Your Benefits

To get the most out of your dental insurance:

Stay In-Network: Opt for providers within your plan’s network to enjoy lower rates.

Regular Preventive Care: Leverage your plan’s coverage for preventive care to maintain oral health and detect issues early.

Understand Your Plan: Familiarize yourself with the details of your coverage, including limitations and exclusions, to avoid surprises.

Choosing the Right Plan

Picking the right dental insurance plan requires consideration of your dental health needs, budget, and the plan’s coverage specifics. Plans vary in terms of monthly premiums, deductibles, annual maximums, and coverage details for different types of dental care. Whether it’s a PPO, which offers flexibility in choosing providers, or a DMO, which typically offers lower costs but requires you to stay within a network, understanding the differences is crucial.

Practical Considerations

Costs: Dental insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses for dental care, but it’s important to compare the costs of premiums against potential out-of-pocket savings.

Eligibility: Dental insurance is accessible to individuals regardless of employment status, with options available for students, part-time workers, and those in transition.

Timing: Unlike health insurance, dental insurance can often be purchased at any time, providing flexibility for those needing immediate coverage.

Stay Informed

A thorough understanding of dental insurance not only helps in selecting the right plan but also ensures that you can make the most of your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. Regular reviews of your dental insurance plan, staying informed about the coverage and exclusions, and making strategic decisions about dental care can lead to significant savings and a healthier smile.

Park 56 Dental is here for you in New York, delivering top-quality care since 1997. Our expert team offers a wide range of treatments from pediatric to sedation dentistry, ensuring personalized care for every patient. Experience the difference with a complimentary consultation where we’ll address your sensitivity concerns and guide you toward the best treatment options. Enjoy a comfortable dental visit with our modern practice and diverse insurance plan acceptance. Schedule with us today online or at 646-679-3973 and take the first step toward tackling tooth sensitivity with confidence!

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.

Oral Hygiene Tips for Busy Professionals

Woman travelling

A Busy Schedule Can Get in the Way of Self-Care

When you’re a busy professional, keeping up with a hectic, fast-paced schedule, it’s easy to put self-care on the back burner. So many things demand your time and attention, whether you’re traveling or just living your life, that you may have trouble keeping up with things that are important to your health. One thing you should never neglect, though, no matter how busy life gets, is your oral health. Here, we offer some tips for busy professionals, to help you keep up with your oral hygiene.

Caring for Your Teeth at Home

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, for a minimum of two minutes each time. Using a soft-bristled brush with a small head and flexible neck, brush your teeth gently in a circular motion, with your brush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line. Start at the back of the mouth, working systematically and taking care to brush along the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria from your mouth, and don’t forget to floss at least once a day. Wait for a few seconds after brushing to rinse so that fluoride has a chance to sit on your teeth. Limit in-between meal snacking, watch your sugar intake, and choose water over fruit juice or sweetened drinks.

Dental Care on the Go

Whether you’re traveling or just racing between appointments, prepare ahead of time to care for your teeth on a busy day. Carry a floss travel pack in your bag or wallet, and bring along some fresh, crunchy, fibrous vegetables like celery, carrots, and cucumbers. These foods have a high water content, which helps to balance the pH level of your mouth, and eating them helps scrape debris from your teeth in the middle of a hectic day when you don’t have time to brush. If you are traveling, clean the inside of your toiletries bag before packing your toothbrush, and let your toothbrush air dry whenever possible, to prevent the growth of microbes. Alternately, consider using disposable toothbrushes so that you know you always have a clean one. If you’re visiting a location where the water isn’t trustworthy, brush your teeth using bottled water.

Amping Up Your Efforts

If being pressed for time is a frequent problem for you, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes have smaller heads, to get into tight spaces more easily, and the rotating brush effectively removes plaque from your teeth. Some can elan your teeth thoroughly in as little as 15 seconds, so that can shave a few minutes off of your daily routine. No matter which kind of toothbrush you use, replace it every two to three months, or immediately after you’ve been ill. If you find you need to replace your toothbrush more frequently than that, you may be applying too much pressure when you brush. Talk to your dentist about improving your technique so that you can keep your mouth clean without damaging your gums and tooth enamel.

Finding the Very Best Dentist

Perhaps the most important part of caring for your dental health is finding a dentist and keeping regular dental appointments to keep your mouth clean and catch any issues before they become serious- and time consuming. If you’re looking for a dentist in New York, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? 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 the Right Toothpaste for Your Unique Dental Needs

Picking the right toothpaste

How hard can it be to choose a toothpaste?

How do you go about choosing a toothpaste? It seems like it should be easy! Once you get to the store, though, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the options. With so many toothpastes from which to choose, how do you pick the right one? Here, we offer some helpful tips for choosing the right toothpaste for your unique dental needs.

Know the Basics

Toothpastes contain abrasive agents, flavoring agents, detergents, humectants, and detergents, and are available in gel, paste, powder, or tablet forms. There are two important things to look for in a toothpaste: fluoride and the ADA seal of approval. Fluoride has been proven to protect against tooth decay and help to remineralize teeth, and the ADA (American Dental Association) must verify that a product is effective before that product can display the seal of approval.

Evaluate Your Dental Needs

Think about what you want a toothpaste to accomplish for you beyond just cleaning your teeth. Some common concerns include bad breath, sensitive teeth, plaque, gum disease, tartar, and yellowing teeth.  Once you have assessed what you need, look for a toothpaste that fits with your concerns.

• Preventing cavities: Fluoride is a major factor in preventing cavities and strengthening enamel. Choose a toothpaste with mild abrasives, like hydrated silica or calcium carbonate, to remove plaque and surface stains without damaging enamel.
• Tartar control: Bacteria can cause biofilm on the teeth, and this can lead to plaque. When biofilm traps salivary calcium and phosphate, it crystallizes into tartar, also called calculus. While this is removed by the dental hygienist during your cleanings, it can be helpful to use a tartar control toothpaste in between visits. These toothpastes typically contain ingredients like zinc citrate and triclosan.
• Sensitivity: Dental pain is typically due to dentin hypersensitivity. Toothpastes with potassium and fluoride can help with sensitivity, as can toothpastes with strontium chloride, calcium carbonate, or arginine. Using desensitizing toothpaste for at least eight weeks can help reduce dental pain.
• Gum disease prevention: Toothpaste with ingredients that have antibacterial properties, like triclosan or stannous fluoride, can help prevent gum disease by reducing plaque and gum inflammation.
• Controlling bad breath: Brush your teeth for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with a fluoride toothpaste. Brush your tongue from back to front, or use a tongue scraper. Baking soda can be effective for eliminating halitosis (bad breath), either in a baking soda toothpaste or on its own.
• Whitening teeth: There are several whitening toothpastes on the market, with bleaching ingredients like silica, pyrophosphates, and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a good option because it is gentle and won’t cause irritation in your mouth. If you do experience any uncomfortable symptoms, contact your dentist.

Choosing a Toothpaste for Children

Children over age six typically use adult toothpaste. Before that, as long as the toothpaste meets the fluoride and ADA seal requirements, you can choose a fun toothpaste for your children, to encourage them to brush frequently. Look for fun flavors, sparkles and swirls, or toothpaste in a container decorated with fun characters or superheroes. Make sure, though, that you teach children to spit out the toothpaste instead of swallowing it, because ingesting toothpaste can lead to chronic fluorosis for kids.

Partner with the Dentist Voted Best in New York

If you’re looking for a dentist in New York, why not choose the dentist voted best in the city? 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. For more dental advice, check out our other blogs!

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.

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.

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!

Foods That are Secretly Ruining Your Teeth

There are certain foods that everyone knows are bad for your teeth, like sticky candy and sugary sodas. Other foods, though, are a little sneakier. In fact, you may be eating a healthy diet and still be damaging your teeth. Don’t worry, if your favorite foods are on this list, you don’t have to give them up forever. Just make sure that you’re aware of the damage they can do, eat them in moderation, and keep up with your oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

• It might surprise you to learn that fresh fruit can damage your teeth. It’s a healthy choice for a snack, but some fruit is also high in enamel-eroding acid and cavity-causing sugar. Apples, citrus fruits, and strawberries all fall into this category, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat them. Just make sure to rinse your mouth with water to help clean the sugars and acid from your teeth.
• Dried fruit is worse than fresh fruit when it comes to oral health. They’re a great source of fiber, but they contain a lot of sugar and they’re sticky enough to cling to your teeth. All that sugar stuck to your teeth creates the perfect environment to welcome bacteria and cause cavities.
• Popcorn is a nearly irresistible snack, but it’s not great for your teeth. First, it’s high in carbs, which turn into sugars and feed bacteria. Then, the kernels and other particles can get stuck in your teeth or lodged in your gums. Popcorn bits between the teeth help bacteria grow, and when you pull kernels from under your gums, they leave gaps where bacteria can invade. If you can’t resist snacking on popcorn, make sure to brush and floss afterwards.
• What you drink can be just as damaging as the things you eat. Diet soda may seem like a good alternative to regular soda, but the acid in the soda can damage your enamel, and the artificial sweeteners promote the growth of bacteria. Fizzy waters with natural flavors are a better option because they don’t have sugar or sweeteners. Wine, coffee, and tea can all stain your teeth, and sports drinks tend to be loaded with sugar. Limit these beverages, and when you do drink them, make sure to follow up with a glass of water to rinse your teeth.
• Watch how you eat nuts. When choosing a nut butter, pick one without added sugars. If you’re eating almonds, choose slivered almonds to reduce the risk of cracking your teeth.
• Pickles can wear down your tooth enamel. Sweet pickles are especially bad for your teeth because of the added sugar, but even dill pickles have acid that’s very damaging. To cut the acidity, enjoy pickles in moderation and rinse your mouth with water after eating them. Eating cheese with your pickles can also help neutralize the acid.
• Beware of bread. Bread may seem harmless enough, but when your saliva breaks down the starch in bread, it converts it to sugar. White bread is the worst, because it sticks to your teeth, so choose whole grain bread for your sandwiches.
• Water is great for your teeth, unless it’s frozen. When you chew on ice, you can chip away your tooth enamel and even break your teeth. Instead of chewing on ice, reach for celery sticks or baby carrots for that satisfying crunch.

No matter what you eat, regular dental appointments are the key to keeping your teeth healthy. When it’s time for a check-up, 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 Your Oral Health Affects Your Mental Health

Your oral health is important for more than just your teeth and gums. It can also affect your mental health. Poor oral health can make your mental health worse. For example, if you have gum disease, you may be more likely to develop depression. And if you have tooth pain, it can lead to anxiety and stress. Read on to learn the ways that your oral health can affect your mental health.

Gum Disease and Depression

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause inflammation, bleeding, and pain. If you have gum disease, you may be more likely to develop depression. This is because the inflammation from gum disease can affect the brain’s chemistry and increase the levels of stress hormones in the body.

Tooth Pain and Anxiety

Tooth pain is a common problem that can lead to anxiety and stress. If you have tooth pain, it can be difficult to concentrate on work or other activities. And the pain can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep. This can lead to fatigue and irritability.

Bad Breath and Social Anxiety

Bad breath (halitosis) is another oral health problem that can cause social anxiety. If you’re worried about your breath, you may avoid social situations where you have to talk to people. This can affect your work, school, and personal relationships.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s important to see a dentist or other healthcare provider. They can help you manage your oral health and treat any problems that you may have.

Poor Oral Health and Sleep Problems

There is a strong connection between oral health and sleep quality. Poor oral health can lead to sleep problems, which can in turn worsen mental health symptoms.

Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease, which can lead to inflammation and pain. This can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. In addition, tooth pain can also disrupt sleep.

Sleep deprivation can worsen mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It can also make it difficult to concentrate and make good decisions. Poor sleep can also lead to irritability and moodiness.

If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to take care of your oral health. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist

Oral Health and Self-Esteem

It’s no secret that your oral health can have a big impact on your confidence and self-esteem. If you’re not happy with the way your teeth look, it can be hard to feel good about yourself when you smile or talk.

What to Do

There are a few ways that you can improve your oral health and reduce the impact it has on your mental health:

• Make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly. This will help to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, which can cause infections.
• Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will help to identify any problems early on and prevent them from getting worse.
• Eat a healthy diet and avoid sugary drinks. This will help to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

If you are struggling with your oral health, make sure to talk to a dentist at Park 56 Dental in New York. Our team can help you find the best way to improve your oral health and reduce the impact it has on your mental health.