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How Chewing Gum Can Help Your Smile

May 26, 2014

shutterstock_110783549There are many habits that people have that they perform without even thinking about it. Biting nails, playing with hair- both of these are examples of habits people do unconsciously. Another habit may be chewing gum. Chewing gum is a simple yet effective habit that can ease your stress, keep you occupied, or simply cure a simple sweet tooth. What you may not know, however, is that chewing gum could be good for your teeth!

Since ancient times, the Greeks, Mayans, and Native Americans all enjoyed in some form of gum chewing, and today in the 21st century, we are no different. With so many options of chewable delights to choose from, sometimes the options can be overwhelming, but they all work to deliver a healthier smile. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva in your mouth, and that increase can neutralize and eliminate the acids and leftover food particles in your mouth after you eat. This also leads to a lower risk of plaque and tartar buildup, as the bacteria will not have enough time to stay in your mouth and attach themselves to your teeth.

Also, chewing gum, along with the increased saliva production, carries more calcium and phosphate, both of which help build stronger tooth enamel, meaning a healthier smile. Studies have shown that chewing gum for at least twenty minutes after eating a meal helps prevent tooth decay, which can really make a difference down the road in regards to your smile.

So the next time you put a piece of gum in your mouth, you will be able to relish in the fact that it is doing wonders for your smile!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Crowns Made Simple with CEREC

May 12, 2014

CEREC crownOne of the amazing things about living in such a hi-tech age is the ability to improve the lives of others, including the world of dentistry. At South Shore Dental Care, we make it a priority to be aware with the modern technology to benefit our patients. Because of that, we offer CEREC same-day crowns, a machine that makes the idea of getting crowns a thing of the past.

CEREC same-day crowns give our experienced doctors the ability to create a crown made specifically for you in a single appointment, beginning to end. The course of action starts with routinely preparing your natural tooth for crown placement. A scanner then examines your natural tooth and the adjacent area, and that information is sent to a computer. After the computer analyzes the information, it presents a picture of the crown that will be initiated. The computer communicates with the milling machine in our office, the machine that makes your custom crown. Your CEREC crown is then chiseled from a solitary block of porcelain. The machine makes your crown in about 10-20 minutes, and uses porcelain that exactly matches your natural tooth color. Once your crown is finished, it is cemented onto your prepared tooth. After all is done, you’re left with nothing but a beautiful, flawless smile you can be proud of.

One of the perks of CEREC one-day crowns is the fact the crown is metal and mercury free, giving you a natural look to your smile. Another benefit is that CEREC crowns offer a more durable security than traditional crowns, ideal for teeth toward the back of the mouth. There are no impressions that need to be made for CEREC crowns, erasing the mess and discomfort associated with impression making. Having over 25 years of analysis and elated patients, there is no doubt CEREC same-day crowns will change the way you look at crowns and cosmetic dentistry forever!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Erase Your Fears with Sedation Dentistry

April 30, 2014

shutterstock_100163522It is no secret that having a fear of the dentist is quite common. For some people, the fear is slight, only a feeling of discomfort. For others, however, the fear is severe, causing them to delay, or avoid altogether, getting the much needed dental work they need done. If you are someone who suffers from severe dental anxiety, you may feel as though there is no helping you. Fortunately, the doctors at South Shore Dental Care are able to alleviate your fears with the use of sedation dentistry!

Sedation dentistry can be beneficial to many people, not just those who have a fear of the dentist. Those with TMJ, a sensitive gag reflex, or people who are embarrassed by the condition their smile is in can all reap the benefits of sedation dentistry.

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a small pill one hour prior to your appointment. During the appointment, you will feel relaxed, and we will cover you with a warm blanket, making you feel as comfortable as possible. Be sure to have a friend bring you to your appointment and home, that way you will be able fully recover from your appointment.

IV sedation is where we administer an IV line in your arm, and deliver the sedative right into your bloodstream. This form of sedation is for those patients that experience moderate to severe dental anxiety. We will be able to administer you the right about of sedation, offering you a customized dental experience. With both forms of sedation, you will be free of pain and be able to experience a wonderful, relaxing dental appointment.

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Just How Important is Fluoride?

March 31, 2014

shutterstock_44483749Though many people may not know this, fluoride is a key mineral that helps keep your teeth nice and strong. Especially important in children’s dentistry, fluoride treatments can begin a healthy foundation for your smile to thrive and take life’s knocks. In case you have forgotten, or do not know, about the many benefits fluoride can give, let South Shore Dental Care inform you!

One of the benefits to fluoride is the fact that it naturally makes your teeth resistant to cavities. The mineral acts as a shield, not allowing harmful bacteria to ruin your smile. Fluoride also strengthens teeth, making them resilient to the end! Fluoride treatments are common practice in children’s dentistry, as studies show that children who receive them are 40% less likely to get cavities.

Another great way to get fluoride is through tap water, as well as certain toothpastes and mouthwashes. Fluoride is also beneficial to those who suffer from constant dry mouth, people with crowns and bridges, people with braces, gum disease, and those who have a history of having continual cavities. Everyone young and old and benefit from fluoride, and we encourage you to find a source! So, as you see, though fluoride may be in the back of some people’s minds, it really should be at the forefront. It’s a wonderful way to protect your teeth, keeping them beautiful and healthy for years go come! If you have any questions about fluoride treatments, call our office and we will be happy to help!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Mouthguards Can Save Your Smile!

March 18, 2014

shutterstock_43949293Throughout the day, your smile is in danger of getting damaged. Whether it’s a stain, a chip, or a crack, your smile goes through the daily rigors of life just like you, and without proper protection, the consequences could be detrimental. Drs. Khalida Stutman and Dr. William Rubino wants to make sure your smile stays as protected as possible, which is why he offers custom mouth guards to his patients!

Mouthguards can be useful in many different ways for our patients. One way mouthguards are beneficial are those who suffer from TMJ. TMJ is where one experiences pain in their jaw due to, most commonly, teeth grinding. The symptoms of TMJ include not being able to open your mouth all the way, clicking or popping noise of the jaw, incessant headaches, and achiness in the neck and shoulder area. The custom mouthguard is able to help by preventing your jaw from clenching and your teeth from grinding.

Custom mouthguards are also beneficial when it comes to sports. If you, or know someone, who plays a sport, you are aware of the many dental injuries associated with it. With sports-related dental injuries being one of the most common, athletes can really benefit from having a custom mouthguard made for them. Though sporting goods stores carry mouthguards, they will not offer the same protection as our mouthguards, as we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all product. When a product is custom made for you and your mouth, it will be able to deliver more protection, preventing accidents from happening or being worse than they could have been.

If you have any questions on how our doctors can help with the creation of your custom mouthguard, contact our office and we will be glad to help!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Straighten Your Smile with Invisalign!

February 25, 2014

She's so pretty!If you have gapped or misaligned teeth, you may find it difficult to be one hundred percent confident in your smile. Though many people may not think it is a big deal, having spaces between your teeth can really make someone insecure. You may have considered braces, but perhaps the image of having a mouth full of metal is not appealing. Luckily, you are able to straighten your smile seamlessly with the help of Invisalign.

Completely revolutionary, Invisalign gives you the opportunity to straighten your smile without the annoying and painful wires and brackets associated with traditional braces. Invisalign straightens your smile through a series of aligners, all custom made to fit your mouth and your mouth only. Each aligner signifies a phase in your straightening process. When you are finished with one phase, simply apply the next aligner in the series to continue to straightening process. At the end of the series of aligners, you are left with a beautifully straight smile you can be proud of!

One of the benefits of Invisalign is the fact it allows you to be discreet about your straightening process. Because they are barely noticeable, if at all, on your teeth, you are able to avoid the judgment you may have been worried about. Also, you are able to have better oral hygiene with Invisalign. When you need to eat, drink, floss, or brush, simply remove the retainer, and reapply it when you are done! If you are curious about how we can help you straighten your smile with Invisalign, contact our office and we will be more than happy to help!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening!

February 18, 2014

This chick is excited.There are many reasons why someone would be insecure about their smile. For some, it may be the size of their teeth, some may have a chip or two that they are not happy about. For a lot of people, however, their insecurities lie in the color of their smile. Stained teeth can be a difficult thing to deal with, and our doctors understand it fully, which is why they offer teeth whitening to their patients.

We offer our patients Zoom! teeth whitening, being able to take their smile several shades whiter in a matter of an hour or less. We use a special bleaching gel and a special light to take your smile up to eight shades lighter. With this as our in-office whitening solution, you will not have to take a significant amount of time out of your day to transform your smile. Simple and convenient, you and your smile can really benefit from having this procedure done.

For those who would prefer a more gradual change in their smile, we also offer at-home whitening to our patients. We will provide you with the bleaching gel and custom mouth trays. We will also provide you with instructions on how and when to use your whitening system, and in about four days, you will see the results!

If you have any questions on how our practice can help transform your smile with the help of teeth whitening, contact us and we will be glad to help!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Children’s Dentistry at South Shore Dental Care!

January 22, 2014

shutterstock_118749670The wonderful thing about children is that they’re carefree and easily made happy. Unfortunately, one of the things they can’t be lighthearted about is taking care of their teeth. At our office, we realize the importance of your child’s teeth, and we are ready and able to start your child off in the right direction. We understand that a dentist’s office may not necessarily your child’s favorite place in the world, which is why knowledgeable team is ready to welcome them with open arms and friendly smiles.

Children’s dentistry is very important because it plays a crucial role in preventing dental problems before they arise, as well as sets up your child for success in the future. Common practices in children’s dentistry are dental sealants. Because a child’s tooth is more susceptible to cavities and decay, sealants grant protection by having a plastic covering painted in the grooves of the tooth to save from harm in the future. Sealants are primarily applied to the teeth toward the back of the mouth because the grooves are deeper than the other teeth, therefore more susceptible to deterioration.

Coinciding with sealants, fluoride treatments are also involved in children’s dentistry frequently. Fluoride plays a crucial role in preventing decay as well as acting as an agent for attracting other minerals, like Calcium and Phosphate, to build strong teeth. Granted, fluoride does not prevent cavities from emerging, but it may delay their arrival, giving your child a better chance to have beautiful, healthy teeth and a glorious smile.

We recommend you bring your child for their first visit by their first birthday. That way, we can see how their teeth are progressing, and give us an idea of what kind of treatment they may need in the future. Beginning routine brushing and flossing habits early on is a sure way of having your child’s smile be as stunning as possible, and our doctors as well as the rest of the team are here to make sure your child has an awesome experience.

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants

January 8, 2014

shutterstock_100424281For many people, having concerns about their smile can prevent them from doing a lot of things. It may be the color of your teeth, the misalignment, or the obvious gaps; either way, insecurities about your smile make you cautious to make a joke, smile, or even tell someone hello. A lot of people, though, are less than confident in their smile because they have teeth missing. Though there are a couple ways to tackle the issue, dental implants  at South Shore Dental Care may be a great option!

A consultation with our doctors is the first step in dental implanting. They will be able to get a closer look at your smile, as well as speak with you about your long term goals. Once you are considered to be a candidate, the process begins. A metal implant, looking nearly identical to a screw, is rooted into your jaw bone. This screw-like metal implant will be able to give your new teeth security and immovability. Then the abutment is added, which is in essence a support system for the metal implant as well as the crown to be placed on top. After that, the tooth-resembling crown is cemented to the abutment, finishing your new look!

With a nearly perfect success rate, dental implants will give you back the sense of security may have lost. It can even improve your speech and ability to eat. Another plus point with getting dental implants is the fact they look exactly like your real teeth. Smoothly blending in with your natural teeth, implants are a sure way for you to look as natural as possible. Contact our office to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants, and be prepared to smile from all day, every day!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Root Canals Can Save Your Teeth

December 27, 2013

shutterstock_160305989Regardless of what you may have heard, root canals get rid of your pain; they do not cause pain. An infected tooth not only causes an immense amount of pain, but can be more of an expensive investment down the road if nothing is done. At South Shore Dental Care, we want to make sure we take care of all of your dental needs, and our very experienced doctors are able help you along that journey!

Having a root canal done not only helps in getting rid of your pain, but it also benefits your teeth. A root canal is performed when there is an infected or decayed tooth, and the decomposition has to be removed before it gets any worse. The doctors commence your root canal by accessing the infected tooth, and removing the pulp. When the tooth is infected, it also infects the pulp of the tooth, causing it to exacerbate. Once the pulp of the tooth is removed, our doctors will fill the tooth with a tooth-colored filling, and top it with a crown to prevent any further corruption. In the end, you’re left feeling refreshed and in better oral health!

When you leave your teeth infected, not only can your mouth get worse, but it can affect you in other areas of your body. By delaying getting a root canal, the bacteria infecting your teeth can enter your blood stream, possibly causing destruction to the rest of your body. It’s better to take care of your oral issues sooner rather than later or it may get worse! If you’re wondering how our team can help you by performing a root canal, contact our office and make an appointment!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

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