Everything You Need to Know About Canker Sores

Canker sores are small ulcers that form inside the mouth. They can be very painful and make it difficult to eat or drink. Most canker sores heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about canker sores.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, there are several things that may contribute to their formation, including:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes (e.g., during puberty or menopause)
• Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin B12, or folic acid)
• Trauma to the mouth (e.g., from toothpaste that is too abrasive or braces that rub against the inside of the mouth)
• Use of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners or drugs that contain sulfur)
• Infections (e.g., viral infections such as herpes simplex virus type 1 or bacterial infections such as strep throat)

How Are Canker Sores Treated?

Most canker sores heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve the pain and speed up the healing process. These include:

• Eating soft foods and avoiding spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that might irritate the sore
• Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution
• Applying a topical numbing agent
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Applying a topical steroid cream
• Undergoing laser treatment (this is usually done by a dentist or doctor)

How Can Canker Sores Be Prevented?

Canker sores are most common in teens and young adults, and can be caused by stress, hormonal changes, or a lack of certain nutrients. While canker sores are not contagious, they can be difficult to get rid of once they form. However, there are some things that can be done to prevent canker sores from forming in the first place:

• Reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation
• Avoiding foods that you know trigger canker sores
• Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily
• Using a soft toothbrush and toothpaste without fluoride
• Wearing mouthguards when playing sports

If you experience frequent or severe canker sores, you should see a dentist or doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Contact Park 56 Dental Today for Canker Sores Treatment and Advice

If you’re dealing with canker sores, Park 56 Dental can help. We can provide you with tips on how to prevent canker sores from forming in the first place, and we can also provide you with treatment options if you do develop one. Don’t suffer in silence–contact Park 56 Dental today. We’ll be happy to help you get your mouth back to feeling healthy and comfortable again.

Tips on How to Save Money on Your Oral Health

When it comes to saving money, few people think about their oral health care routine. However, there are several ways that you can save money on your oral health care without skimping on the quality of products that you receive. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Buy Products at Larger Supermarkets for Lower Prices

You can find good quality oral health products at your local supermarket for a fraction of the price you would pay at smaller stores. Look for brands that you trust and be sure to read the labels to make sure you are getting what you need.

Buy products from your dentist.

Sometimes it is worth it to buy directly from your dentist because they will be able to tell you exactly what you need so you don’t waste money on things you don’t. Dentists often have special deals or package pricing that can save you money in the long run.

Look at Your Local Pharmacy

Pharmacies stock oral health products and often have discounts and multibuys available. Many people don’t realize that pharmacies carry a wide variety of oral health products, and they are often very reasonably priced. Be sure to check the sale flyer before you shop so you know what deals are available.

Don’t Forget About Discount Stores

Discount shops such as dollar stores or discount department stores often have good deals on oral health products as well. Be sure to check the expiration date before you buy to make sure you are getting a good deal.

Practice Prevention

Preventive dentistry saves you time, money, and aggravation in the long run. Tips to avoid expensive dental treatments include brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

Consider Your Diet to Safeguard Your Teeth

Eating sugary and acidic foods can damage your teeth over time and lead to cavities and other problems. Limiting these foods in your diet can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent costly dental treatment down the road.

Use Dental Insurance If You Have It

If you have dental insurance, be sure to use it! Most insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost of preventive care, such as teeth cleanings and X-rays. Regular preventive care can help you avoid more expensive dental problems down the road.

Look Into Dental Payment Plans When Needed

If you need dental work that is not covered by insurance, or if you don’t have insurance, ask your dentist about payment plans. Many dentists offer financing options that can make dental care more affordable.

Learn About the Child Dental Benefits Schedule

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) is a government-funded program that provides free or low-cost dental care for eligible children aged 2-17 years old. If you have kids, see if they qualify for the CDBS.

Why Choose Park 56 Dental in New York?

The team at Park 56 Dental is proud to offer our patients high quality, affordable dental care in New York in a comfortable and convenient setting. Our experienced staff is devoted to providing each patient with individualized attention and care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! We look forward to meeting you soon!

What is Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes burning pain in the mouth. Approximately 3% of people suffer from burning mouth syndrome. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be related to changes in nerve function.

Treatment typically involves managing symptoms with oral hygiene, dietary changes, and medications. In some cases, behavioral therapy may also be recommended. If you are suffering from burning mouth syndrome, you are not alone. Read on to learn more about BMS and how you can manage your symptoms to feel better.

An Overview of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a condition that causes burning pain in the mouth. It can affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of the cheeks, and roof of the mouth. The pain may be constant, or it may come and go. BMS is also known as glossodynia, stomatodynia, orodynia, and burning tongue syndrome.

Are There Different Types?

There are two types of burning mouth syndrome: primary and secondary. Primary BMS has no known cause. Secondary BMS is caused by an underlying medical condition or medications.

Is Burning Mouth Syndrome More Common in Certain People?

Burning mouth syndrome is more common in women than men. It is also more common in people over the age of 50.

What Are the Symptoms of Burning Mouth Syndrome?

The main symptom of burning mouth syndrome is burning pain in the mouth. Other symptoms include dry mouth, bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.

What Are the Causes?

The cause of primary BMS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to nerve damage. Secondary BMS can be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, nutritional deficiencies, or viral infections. It can also be caused by medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or high blood pressure medications.

Do Medications Cause Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Medications are a common cause of secondary BMS. Antidepressants, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications are the most common medications that cause BMS.

How Do You Diagnose Burning Mouth Syndrome?

Burning mouth syndrome is diagnosed based on the symptoms. A physical exam and medical history are also done to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. Blood tests may also be done to check for underlying medical conditions.

What Treatments Are Available for Burning Mouth Syndrome?

There is no cure for burning mouth syndrome, but there are treatments that can help relieve the symptoms. Treatment options include mouthwashes, lozenges, and topical creams. In some cases, antidepressant or anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed.

How Do I Prevent Burning Mouth Syndrome?

There is no known way to prevent burning mouth syndrome. However, if you have an underlying medical condition that is thought to be a cause of BMS, treating the condition may help reduce the symptoms of BMS.

How Long Does It Take for Burning Mouth Syndrome to Resolve?

The duration of burning mouth syndrome varies from person to person. In some cases, BMS may go away on its own. In other cases, it may be a chronic condition that requires treatment.

While there is no cure for BMS, there are treatments that can help lessen the symptoms. Park 56 Dental can work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. We may recommend changes to your diet, medications to help with pain or dryness, and behavioral therapies to help reduce stress or anxiety. Contact us today for a free consultation!

8 Bad Habits That Ruin Your Dental Health

Are you looking for ways to take better care of your smile? It’s easy to focus on things you should do, like brush morning and night, floss once a day, and visit your dentist for a professional cleaning every six months. But what about the things you shouldn’t do? Here are eight bad dental health habits that you need to break right now.

1. Chewing on ice or hard candy: Munching on the ice cubes at the bottom of your drink may seem harmless, but this habit can damage your teeth if you bite down wrong. Chill your beverage before serving it to avoid needing ice, or drink from a straw to reduce the temptation to chew.
2. Biting your nails or chewing on pens: These bad habits introduce harmful germs into your mouth, damage your teeth, and lead to jaw dysfunction. If you want to stop biting your nails, try wearing bitter-tasting nail polish.
3. Using your teeth as tools: Never use your teeth to open packages, undo knots, tear tape, or open bottles. Instead, find the right tool for the job, such as scissors or a bottle opener.
4. Constantly snacking or sipping on sugary drinks: Eating nonstop keeps your teeth in constant contact with food particles, increasing the risk of cavities. This habit is even more problematic if your snacks or drinks have high sugar content. The solution is to eat balanced meals so you aren’t tempted to snack all day. Then, reach for water instead of juice, soda, or sports drinks.
5. Brushing too hard: Aggressive brushing can wear down tooth enamel and irritate your gums. To avoid these problems, choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and focus on gently massaging your teeth, not scrubbing them raw.
6. Playing contact sports without a mouthguard: It only takes one hit to the mouth to chip, break, or even lose a tooth. You might also bite your cheek or tongue. To protect your teeth and soft tissues, ask your dentist about creating a custom mouthguard.
7. Grinding your teeth: Stress can cause nighttime tooth grinding, or bruxism, a habit you have little control over. If you think you grind your teeth in your sleep, the best solution is to wear a special nighttime mouthguard your dentist makes just for you.
8. Smoking or chewing tobacco: Using tobacco products of any kind stains your teeth, causes gum disease, and increases the risk of oral cancer. Save your dental health—talk to your dentist for tips to quit smoking

At Park 56 Dental, we know it can be hard to break bad oral health habits. But just a few small changes can go a long way toward preserving your smile! For more tips or to schedule your next dentist visit, feel free to get in touch. We’ve been voted the best dentist in New York, with over 20 years of experience serving the 10022 zip code area. Call us at (212) 826-2322 or contact us online to speak with our NYC dentist today.

Why You May Still Have Bad Breath Even After Brushing and Flossing

You brush, you floss, you rinse, and you may even chew gum. So why do you still have bad breath? Bad breath, also called halitosis, is an embarrassing condition. It commonly comes from different parts of the oral cavity, but can sometimes be caused by an underlying health issue. How can you identify the cause and get rid of bad breath? Let’s look at some common scenarios that lead to halitosis.

• The most straightforward cause of bad breath is a dirty mouth. You’ve probably already tried brushing and flossing, but let’s discuss it just to cover all the bases. Bacteria, food particles, and mucosal cells your body sheds in your mouth can all lead to bad odors, so brushing thoroughly is your first line of defense against halitosis. You have to really get into every nook and cranny of the mouth, and if you have crooked teeth this can be difficult. If it seems like your crooked teeth are harboring odors, consider braces to improve your oral hygiene. And here’s something you may not know: the tongue is the most common place for bad breath to originate, because people often forget to brush their tongues. If you think your tongue may be the culprit, you can brush it with your toothbrush or get a tongue scraper.
• Gum (periodontal) disease can cause bad breath. If you’ve been lax with your dental hygiene, allowing plaque to accumulate around the teeth, you may end up with a tartar build up. This can cause gum disease, known in the early stages as gingivitis. This is an infection of the gums, but as it advances, it can cause the bone around your teeth to deteriorate and decay. As you can guess, this smells unpleasant. Regular dentist appointments are the only way to identify and stop the progress of periodontal disease.
• A dry mouth can have a bad odor. Saliva flow is necessary to keep the mouth free from debris, so if your mouth is dry, it can lead not just to bad breath but also to cavities and gum disease. Some medications can cause dry mouth, as can alcohol and tobacco products. Talk to your dentist about dry mouth treatment if this seems to be your problem.
• Health problems can cause halitosis. Post-nasal drip from a sinus infection, cold, flu or strep throat can attract odor-causing bacteria. Acid reflux and chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney failure, liver failure, peptic ulcer, or intestinal blockage can all be the root of bad breath.

To keep your mouth healthy, clean, and smelling good, regular dental appointments are important. 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.

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