Dental Healthcare

Oral Hygiene

Why Oral Hygiene Matters Adults over 35 are more likely to lose teeth due to gum disease than cavities. In fact, about 75% of adults experience gum issues at some point. The most powerful way to prevent both cavities and periodontal disease is by brushing and flossing thoroughly every day.

Plaque—a colorless, sticky film of bacteria—forms constantly along the gumline. If left undisturbed, it leads to decay and gum infections. Brushing and flossing daily helps remove this buildup and protects your teeth and gums.

Brushing the Right Way
If you feel any discomfort while brushing or aren’t sure if you’re doing it correctly, contact us at (718) 359-4433 for guidance.

To brush properly, use a soft or medium toothbrush and angle it at 45 degrees where your teeth and gums meet. Move the brush in small, circular motions with light pressure to clean the outer surfaces. Continue with the same gentle technique on the inside surfaces of your back teeth. For your front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use short back-and-forth strokes. Don’t forget to softly brush along the gumline.

When cleaning the biting surfaces, use short, gentle strokes, adjusting the brush’s position as needed to reach all areas. Watching yourself in the mirror helps ensure every surface is cleaned. Finish by rinsing vigorously to remove loosened plaque and debris.

Flossing: The Hidden Hero

Gum disease often starts between teeth where brushes can’t reach. Flossing removes plaque from these tight spaces and prevents infection, but it takes patience and practice to do it right.

Start with about 18 inches of waxed floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, using your thumbs and forefingers to guide it. For upper teeth, gently slide the floss between each tooth using a back-and-forth motion. Avoid snapping it into place. Once the floss reaches the gumline, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and slide it under the gum, moving it up and down to clean thoroughly. Repeat for both sides of each space. As the floss gets dirty, unwind a fresh section from one hand to the other.

When flossing your lower teeth, guide the floss with your forefingers. Be sure to reach the back side of your last molars on both the top and bottom. Rinse well afterward to remove loosened debris. Bleeding or soreness is normal during the first week. As plaque is removed, your gums will heal and stop bleeding. If they continue to hurt, you may be flossing too aggressively or pinching the gum tissue.

Caring for Sensitive Teeth
After dental treatments, some teeth may become temporarily sensitive to hot and cold. This usually fades if you keep your mouth clean. However, if the sensitivity continues, consult your dentist. They may suggest medicated toothpaste or a mouth rinse formulated for sensitive teeth.

Choosing the Right Oral Hygiene Products
With so many choices, picking the right dental products can feel overwhelming. Electronic toothbrushes, such as Rotadent and Interplak, are both safe and effective. Oral irrigators like Waterpik rinse your mouth thoroughly but do not remove plaque on their own—they should be used with brushing and flossing.

Some toothbrushes come with a rubber tip for massaging the gums, and small interproximal brushes are designed to clean between teeth. These can be helpful but must be used correctly to avoid injuring your gums, so ask your dentist for advice.

Fluoride toothpastes and rinses, when combined with brushing and flossing, can reduce tooth decay by as much as 40%, though they aren’t suitable for children under six. Tartar control pastes reduce buildup above the gumline but don’t prevent gum disease that begins below it. Anti-plaque rinses approved by the ADA may help manage early gum disease when used alongside daily brushing and flossing.

The Importance of Professional Cleanings
Even with excellent daily care, plaque can harden into calculus in areas your brush and floss can’t reach. Only professional cleanings can remove this buildup. Regular visits to the dentist are a critical part of preventing gum disease and keeping your teeth healthy for life.

Child Dentistry

Your Child’s First Dental Visit
Your child’s first dental appointment should take place shortly after their third birthday. This initial visit is usually quick, gentle, and focused on introducing your child to the dental environment in a positive way. You may be asked to sit in the dental chair with your child or wait in the reception area so your child and the dentist can start forming a bond.

During this visit, the dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth and gums. X-rays might be taken to check for cavities and to monitor the development of permanent teeth beneath the surface. We may clean your child’s teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to help guard against decay. We’ll also ensure your child is getting the right amount of fluoride at home and teach you how to properly care for their teeth.

Preparing Your Child for the Dentist
A child’s first visit to the dentist can feel like a big deal—but it doesn’t have to be. Prepare them just as you would for their first haircut or trip to the shoe store. Kids often surprise parents with how well they handle it.

To ease the process, let your child visit the office ahead of time, read stories together about going to the dentist, explain what to expect in simple, friendly terms, and share your own positive dental experiences.

At the first visit, the dentist will check your child’s mouth, teeth, and gums, evaluate habits like thumb sucking, assess fluoride needs, demonstrate proper cleaning techniques, and recommend a schedule for future visits.

Prevention First
Tooth decay doesn’t have to be part of childhood. Our priority is prevention, and we use the latest dental sealant technology to protect against decay. Sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the grooves of back teeth, which are most vulnerable to cavities. This simple step is one way we help lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Fighting Cavities Early
Cavities often develop when kids eat too much sugar and don’t brush regularly. Brushing, flossing, and reducing sugary snacks are the first line of defense. The longer food particles stay on the teeth, the higher the risk for decay. Each time your child eats, acid forms in the mouth as bacteria digest sugars—this acid can erode enamel for about 20 minutes after eating.

Saliva plays a role too. Thinner saliva helps rinse away food more easily. Diets high in carbs and sugar often lead to thicker saliva, which gives cavity-causing bacteria more time to do damage.

To help prevent cavities, limit how often your child eats throughout the day, promote brushing and flossing, offer water instead of sugary drinks, avoid sticky foods, serve treats with meals, and choose healthier snack options.

Understanding Tooth Development
The first teeth to appear are usually the lower front ones, around 6 to 8 months of age. Soon after, the upper front teeth come in, followed by the rest gradually, often in pairs, until your child is about 2½ years old. By then, they should have a full set of 20 baby teeth.

Between ages 5 and 6, the first permanent teeth begin to emerge. Some will replace baby teeth, while others grow in new spots. The timing can vary a bit from child to child, so don’t worry if things happen slightly early or late.

Baby teeth are essential. They help with chewing, speaking, appearance, and hold space for permanent teeth. That’s why good nutrition and daily dental hygiene matter from the very beginning.

Prophylaxis (Teeth Cleaning)

What Is Prophylaxis?
Prophylaxis is a professional dental cleaning that thoroughly removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. It plays a critical role in preventing and controlling gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Even with careful brushing and flossing at home, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all buildup—especially below the gumline—without the help of specialized dental tools and professional care.

Why It Matters
Routine prophylaxis helps preserve the health of your entire mouth. It prevents serious gum infections, removes hidden debris, and keeps bacteria under control. The result is not only healthier teeth and gums, but also protection against bone loss, inflammation, and infection that can spread to other parts of the body if untreated.

Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar (also known as calculus), which clings tightly to your enamel and beneath the gums. Tartar can’t be removed by brushing alone. During a cleaning, your hygienist uses precise tools to remove these stubborn deposits and help prevent periodontal issues from developing or worsening.

A Brighter Smile
Over time, teeth can become stained from foods, drinks, and habits like smoking. Prophylaxis removes many of these surface stains, leaving your teeth visibly cleaner and brighter. While it’s not a whitening treatment, regular cleanings can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.

Fresher Breath
Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is often linked to gum disease. Food particles, decaying bacteria, and infection trapped below the gumline all contribute to unpleasant odors. Regular cleanings eliminate these sources, making your breath noticeably fresher.

Other Types of Cleaning
For more advanced cleaning, we may use Prophy Jet technology—a high-pressure spray of water and air with baking soda—to remove soft deposits and surface stains. For hardened tartar and buildup beneath the gums, procedures like scaling and root planing may be necessary. Intrinsic stains, which occur inside the tooth due to factors like aging, trauma, or medication, may require cosmetic solutions such as whitening treatments or porcelain veneers.

How Often Should You Get Prophylaxis?
We recommend a professional cleaning every six months for patients with healthy gums. For those with a history of periodontal disease, cleanings should be done every 3 to 4 months to keep the condition under control. While gum disease can’t be fully reversed, consistent cleanings are key to managing and halting its progression.

Prophy-Jet Polishing

What Is Prophy-Jet Polishing?
Prophy-Jet polishing is a state-of-the-art dental cleaning technique that uses a pressurized spray of water, air, and specially processed powders like sodium bicarbonate or glycine to clean teeth. Unlike traditional polishing that relies on a rotating rubber cup and abrasive paste, Prophy-Jet provides a gentler yet highly effective alternative. The spray removes plaque, food particles, and surface stains while also helping neutralize acids in the mouth. It comes in pleasant mint or lemon flavors, enhancing the overall experience.

How It Works
The Prophy-Jet system delivers a steady stream that blasts away plaque and surface stains without direct contact with the tooth surface. The water removes soft deposits, while the baking soda or glycine particles act as a mild abrasive, polishing teeth and helping to prevent new buildup. This process also creates an alkaline environment that counters the acidity responsible for enamel erosion.

Advantages of Prophy-Jet
Prophy-Jet polishing is preferred by both patients and dental professionals for several reasons. It is more comfortable than traditional polishing because it eliminates the vibrations caused by rotary instruments. It is also quieter, and it doesn’t leave an unpleasant gritty aftertaste. Its superior stain removal ability makes it especially useful for patients with visible extrinsic stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, or tobacco. It also saves time during cleanings and provides a smoother, cleaner finish on tooth surfaces.

Additional Uses
In addition to regular cleanings, Prophy-Jet polishing is often used to prepare teeth before dental procedures such as bonding, orthodontic treatment, or whitening. Cleaning the teeth beforehand helps ensure better results and reduces the risk of bacteria becoming trapped under bonding materials or braces. By removing plaque and surface stains, it allows the natural tooth color to be more accurately evaluated before a whitening treatment, leading to more satisfying results.

Prophy-Jet can also be used to clean dental appliances such as retainers, dentures, mouthguards, and night guards. Over time, these devices accumulate stains and bacteria, which can affect their appearance and hygiene. A Prophy-Jet treatment can restore their cleanliness and extend their usable lifespan.

Considerations
While Prophy-Jet is safe and effective for most people, it may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, such as respiratory issues or sodium-restricted diets. Intrinsic stains, which occur within the tooth structure, won’t be removed with this method and may require cosmetic solutions like veneers or professional whitening.

Conclusion
Prophy-Jet polishing is a comfortable, efficient, and advanced alternative to traditional tooth polishing. It enhances oral hygiene by effectively removing plaque and stains, improves the appearance of teeth and appliances, and prepares the mouth for further dental procedures. For most patients, it makes routine cleanings more pleasant and results in a cleaner, brighter smile.

Glossary

Abscess: A localized collection of pus in a cavity formed by tissue disintegration, typically resulting from a bacterial infection.

Abutment: A natural tooth or dental implant that supports a dental prosthesis, such as a bridge or denture.

Amalgam: A durable alloy used for dental fillings, primarily composed of mercury, silver, tin, and copper.

Anesthetic: A substance that induces temporary loss of sensation or awareness, used to perform painless dental procedures.

Anterior: Refers to the front position; in dentistry, it pertains to the incisors and canines in both the upper and lower jaws.

Apex: The tip or terminal end of the root of a tooth.

Asepsis: A state of being free from disease-causing microorganisms.

Attrition: The gradual wearing down of tooth structure due to tooth-to-tooth contact, such as chewing or grinding.

Avulsed: Describes a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket due to trauma.

Bitewing: A type of dental X-ray that captures the crowns of the upper and lower teeth simultaneously, primarily used to detect cavities between teeth and assess bone levels.

Bleaching: A cosmetic dental procedure aimed at whitening teeth by removing stains and discoloration.

Bridge: A fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.

Bruxism: The involuntary or habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, often during sleep, which can lead to tooth wear and jaw discomfort.

Canine: The pointed tooth located between the lateral incisor and the first premolar; humans have four canines, known for their role in tearing food.

Canker Sore: A small, painful ulcer that appears inside the mouth, often with a white or yellow center and a red border; not contagious.

Caries: The scientific term for tooth decay or cavities, resulting from bacterial activity that demineralizes tooth enamel.

Cavity: A hole or structural damage in a tooth caused by decay.

Cast: A replica of a patient’s teeth and oral structures, created by pouring dental stone into an impression mold.

Cementation: The process of attaching a dental restoration, such as a crown or bridge, to a natural tooth using dental cement.

Chlorhexidine: An antimicrobial agent used in various forms (mouth rinses, gels) to reduce oral bacteria and treat gingivitis.

Clasp: A metal arm on a removable partial denture that grips a natural tooth to provide retention and stability.

Cold sore: An external blister, usually on the lips, caused by the herpes simplex virus. Often painful and contagious.

Composite: A tooth-colored filling material used to restore decayed or damaged teeth.

Cross-bite: A misalignment where upper teeth sit inside lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Crown (porcelain/plastic/metal): A cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and function.

Decay: Destruction of tooth structure from bacterial acids, leading to cavities.

Dentistry: The medical field focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating issues of the teeth, gums, and mouth.

Dentition: The arrangement and number of natural teeth in the upper and lower jaws.

Denture: A removable appliance replacing missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Types include complete, partial, temporary, and overdentures.

Denturist: A specialist who makes dentures but does not perform dental surgery or diagnosis.

Desensitization: A treatment to reduce tooth sensitivity, often by sealing exposed dentin or nerve pathways.

Diagnosis: The process of identifying a dental disease or condition.

Diastema: A space or gap between two adjacent teeth, usually front teeth.

Distal: Directional term indicating the surface of the tooth farthest from the midline of the face.

Edentulous: Lacking teeth; toothless.

Endodontics: The dental specialty dealing with the tooth pulp and root canals.

Eruption: The process of a tooth emerging through the gum into the mouth.

Excision: Surgical removal of tissue.

Extruded: A tooth that has been partially pushed out of its socket.

Filling: Material placed in a cavity to restore tooth shape and function.

Flipper: A temporary, removable denture used to replace one or more teeth.

Floss: A thin cord used to clean between teeth.

Fluoride: A mineral that strengthens enamel and helps prevent decay.

Fluoride treatment: Application of fluoride (gel, rinse, varnish) to help prevent cavities.

Fracture: A crack or break in a tooth, often involving enamel and sometimes the pulp.

Framework: The metal base that supports a removable partial denture.

Gingivitis: Early stage of gum disease, marked by red, swollen gums that bleed easily.

Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding.

Hemostasis: The process of stopping bleeding.

Impaction: A condition where a tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gums, often due to being blocked by another tooth or bone.

Implant: A screw-like device surgically placed in the jawbone to support a replacement tooth or bridge.

Impression: A mold of the teeth or mouth, usually made with a soft material, to create a replica for prosthetics or restorations.

Incisal: The biting edge of a front tooth.

Incisor: The four front teeth in the upper and lower jaws, primarily used for cutting food.

Inlay: A filling made in a dental lab that fits into a cavity on the chewing surface of a tooth.

Interproximal: The space between two adjacent teeth.

Lingual: The surface of the tooth facing the tongue.

Mesial: The surface of the tooth closest to the midline of the jaw.

Molar: The flat, back teeth used for grinding food, typically three on each side of the upper and lower jaws.

Mouthguard: A protective device worn in the mouth, often during sports or to prevent teeth grinding at night.

Nightguard: A type of mouthguard worn at night to prevent teeth grinding.

Occlusal: The chewing or biting surface of the back teeth.

Occlusion: The way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed.

Onlay: A dental restoration that covers one or more cusps of a tooth, extending over the biting surface.

Open bite: A condition where the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.

Orthodontics: A dental specialty focusing on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws.

Overbite: A condition where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively when the mouth is closed.

Overhang: Excess filling material that extends beyond the edge of a cavity, often leading to plaque buildup.

Palate: The roof of the mouth.

Panoramic radiograph: An x-ray that provides a broad view of the upper and lower jaws, including teeth, bones, and surrounding structures.

Perforation: An opening or hole in a tooth or other oral structure.

Periapical: The area surrounding the root tip of a tooth.

Periodontics: The dental specialty focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and related issues.

Permanent teeth: The adult set of teeth that replace primary (baby) teeth, typically starting to come in around age six.

Pin: A small metal post placed inside a tooth to secure a filling, often used for better retention.

Polish: A procedure that smooths and shines the surface of a tooth or dental material.

Pontic: A false tooth in a dental bridge that fills the space left by a missing tooth.

Post: A metal or carbon pin placed into the root of a tooth to support a crown or buildup.

Posterior: Located at the back of the mouth, typically referring to the molars and premolars.

Pre-authorization: Approval from an insurance company before certain dental treatments are performed.

Pre-medication: Medication taken before dental procedures to reduce anxiety or prevent infection.

Premolar: The two teeth located between the canines and molars, used for tearing and grinding food.

Prescription: A written order from a dentist for medication or dental appliances.

Primary teeth: The first set of teeth, also known as baby teeth, which eventually fall out to be replaced by permanent teeth.

Prophylaxis/prophy: A professional cleaning procedure to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth to prevent gum disease and cavities.

Prosthesis: An artificial replacement for a missing tooth or other oral structure.

Prosthodontics: A dental specialty focused on restoring and replacing teeth with prosthetics, such as dentures, crowns, or bridges.

Pulp: The soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

Pulpectomy: A procedure where the entire pulp inside a tooth is removed, typically to treat severe decay or infection.

Pulpotomy: The removal of the top portion of the pulp inside a tooth, often performed in children’s teeth to save the tooth.

Radiograph: An x-ray image used to view the internal structures of the teeth and mouth.

Recall: A routine dental check-up or cleaning appointment.

Recementation: The process of reapplying cement to a dental appliance or prosthesis that has come loose.

Restoration: A dental procedure that restores a tooth to its normal function, size, and shape. This can include fillings, crowns, or bridges.

Retainer: An appliance used in orthodontics to hold teeth in their corrected positions after braces.

Retreatment: The process of repeating a root canal procedure if the initial treatment fails or infection returns.

Root: The part of a tooth that anchors it in the jawbone.

Root canal: The central cavity inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.

Root canal treatment: A procedure to treat infection or damage inside the root canal, often involving cleaning and sealing the canal.

Root planing: A deep cleaning technique that involves smoothing the surface of the root to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline.

Rubber dam: A sheet of rubber placed around a tooth to isolate it during dental procedures, keeping it dry and clean.

Scaling: The process of removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, particularly below the gumline.

Sealant: A thin coating applied to the grooves of teeth to prevent cavities by sealing out food and bacteria.

Sedation: The use of medication to relax or calm a patient during a dental procedure.

Space Maintainer: An appliance used to keep the space open for a permanent tooth when a primary tooth is lost prematurely.

Splint: A device used to stabilize or immobilize a tooth or bone, often after injury.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The joint that connects the upper and lower jaw, allowing for chewing and speaking movements.

Torus: A bony growth that develops inside the mouth, often on the roof of the mouth or the lower jaw.

Veneer: A thin layer of tooth-colored material, often porcelain or composite, placed over the front of a tooth to improve appearance.

Wisdom tooth: The third molar, usually the last tooth on each side of the upper and lower jaws, often removed if impacted or causing problems.

Xerostomia: Dry mouth, a condition where the salivary glands do not produce enough saliva.