Flossing with Bridges

Patients at Dr. Joseph Dallessandro’s Midtown practice can count on receiving helpful instructions for maintaining their oral hygiene. As patients get different kinds of restorations, their hygienic needs will change, and we want to make sure our patients with fixed bridges understand how to floss correctly.

There is no space in between teeth on a bridge that requires flossing, but there is a space between the bridge and the gum. This area must be kept clean in order to prevent plaque build-up, inflammation, and bad breath. Most commonly, patients use a threader (a device similar to a big, floppy needle) to loop a strand of floss around the bridge, and then floss normally. Some companies also manufacture stiffened floss which can be pushed through the gap.

Patients whose fixed bridges rest on implants instead of on reshaped natural teeth may have some more space to work with. If so, they can use proxy brushes to push debris out of the gap. Manufacturers are now making toothbrush and water pick heads that are specially shaped for use on implants, and these tools are useful for structures supported by multiple implants, as well.

Joseph S. Dallessandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity in Children

Dr. Dallessandro’s Midtown office is fully equipped to diagnose the causes of tooth sensitivity in all our patients, including the youngest. In adults, sensitive teeth are usually due to enamel erosion, and while that is possible in children, there are a few other reasons why children get tooth aches which need to be investigated.

Children are the people most likely to get cavities (also known as caries), which is why regular brushing is the focus of most dental education materials aimed at them. But it is possible to overdo it; people who brush too hard bruise their gums, and as the gum line recedes, the teeth’s sensitive roots are exposed to air as well as hot and cold. Likewise, permanent teeth that are newly erupted from the gums will be sensitive for a little while.

It is possible for tooth sensitivity to indicate a problem elsewhere. Sinus infections often cause children’s upper teeth to feel sore. If a child clenches or grinds their jaws in their sleep in response to stress, sleep apnea, or tooth misalignment, they may also feel aches throughout their head and neck area.

Joseph S. Dallesandro, DDS, and Jiah Choi, DDS, operate at 360 E 72^nd St, Ste B, New York, New York, 10021. To set up an appointment, call 212-988-1089, or visit JosephDallessandroDDS.com, and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Wisdom Teeth

With age come wisdom teeth, also known as the third and last set of molars that appear during our late teens and early twenties. If your wisdom teeth are perfectly aligned, then there will probably be no reason to remove them, however, the chances of this happening are very unlikely. Healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew your food better, but if they are impacted – trapped under the gums – then Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro may need to discuss extraction.

The condition of a person’s wisdom teeth usually changes between the ages of 16-23. Though every patient is unique, extraction may be necessary if the person experiences pain or infection.  Wisdom teeth can additionally lead to problems if they don’t have room to grow because they can cause damage to neighboring teeth. Before making the decision to extract a patient’s wisdom teeth, Dr. Dallessandro will make sure that the teeth are functional and not problematic to your bite.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the status of your wisdom teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.

Gum Disease: Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease that can develop if the first stage of gum disease – gingivitis – is left untreated. Unlike gingivitis which leaves a little bit of blood behind when you brush, periodontitis causes gums to pull away from the teeth. This action leaves deep pockets where plaque and bacteria can build up a lot faster. Periodontitis can progress until the teeth are loose and the bones that support the teeth are damaged. This is why it’s important to visit Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro twice a year for professional cleanings to prevent all stages of periodontal disease.

Periodontitis not only destroys the bones that support the teeth, this condition is critical to your oral health. Your mouth is the window to your overall health and long-term periodontitis may lead to increased blood sugar levels, as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Like any other form of periodontal disease, periodontitis begins with plaque. Therefore, the more frequently your teeth are plaque-free, the less likely you are to succumb to periodontal problems. It’s important to prevent periodontal disease with a rigorous oral hygiene routine. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro for dental health exams at least twice a year.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.josephdallessandro.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph S Dallessandro in our New York, NY office, call 212-988-1089.