Dr. Peter Rubinstein

How Your Teeth Change During the Aging Process

Your teeth enable you to bite, chew, and tear food upon consumption. However, as with every other part of your body, the strength and integrity of your teeth can change as you grow older. While your NYC dentist will typically offer a number of restorative dental treatments such as veneers or dental implants, it is important to educate yourself on the ways your teeth change throughout the aging process.

Wear and Tear
It is a common myth that your teeth become brittle as part of the natural aging process. However, early wear-and-tear is often the result of certain lifestyle habits or activities such as biting down on hard objects such as pens or pencils, chewing on ice or your fingernails, and eating hard nuts or seeds.  

Acid Erosion
Many age-related tooth changes are the result of poor oral hygiene habits. For example, individuals who fail to brush and floss their teeth regularly often develop tooth decay and/or gum disease, both of which can interfere with the stability of your teeth. Additionally, individuals who consume highly-acidic foods and drinks are more likely to suffer from acid erosion, in which the enamel of their teeth begins to wear away, leaving the underlying layers more susceptible to cracks, chips, and fractures.

Position Changes
Some older individuals experience changes in the position or alignment of their teeth. This may be caused by untreated oral malocclusions, as well as changes to the jawbone or nearby tooth-structures due to untreated periodontitis.

Whether you are looking for tips on preventing these age-related dental changes or you are interested in your restoration options, New York City cosmetic dentist Dr. Peter Rubinstein is here to help. Get on the road to a healthier, straighter smile by calling our office at (888) 375-3531.

What Problems Can Crooked Teeth Cause?

Did you know that approximately 74 percent of all American adults are affected by oral malocclusions? This video takes a closer look at how crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your overall health.

Untreated malocclusions, or “bad bites,” can put abnormal amounts of stress on your teeth, leading to flat or worn-down areas along the cusps or notches at the gum-line. This unnecessary pressure can also lead to chips, fractures, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint. 

Don’t let crooked teeth interfere with your oral health. Find out if you are a candidate for the Invisalign system by contacting New York City’s own Dr. Peter Rubinstein at (888) 375-3531. We also offer dental implants, veneers, and dental crowns. 

Why It's Never Too Late to Achieve a Straighter Smile

Many individuals associate orthodontic care with children and teens—however, individuals of nearly any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Whether you were unable to receive treatment as a child or simply failed to wear you retention device, it’s never too late to improve the condition of your smile. Continue reading to learn how your NYC cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign
A number of adults shy away from the thought of orthodontic treatment because they don’t want to deal with obtrusive metal appliances along their teeth and gums. New York City dentist Dr. Peter Rubinstein offers patients a less-noticeable approach to traditional braces in what is known as the Invisalign system. Unlike traditional braces, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition your teeth without the need for brackets, wires, or elastic bands. Each aligner is generally worn for 20 to 22 hours per day for a period of two-weeks before being exchanged for the next aligner in the series. In addition to providing a nearly-invisible treatment option, the Invisalign system enables you to brush and floss your teeth as normally, ultimately reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease during treatment.

Veneers and Crowns
Teeth that suffer from cracks, chips, or those that have become extremely worn down may change the overall look of your smile. Additionally, teeth that differ in size or shape may also interfere with the appearance of your smile and make your teeth appear crooked. In these instances, your cosmetic dentist may be able to improve your smile and make your teeth appear straight through the use of dental crowns or porcelain veneers.

The best way to determine which treatment option is right for you is to consult with your New York City dentist. Contact Dr. Peter Rubinstein by calling us at (888) 375-3531 to set up an appointment. We also offer dental implants and teeth whitening procedures.

Find More Oral Health Information At These Sites

While regular brushing and flossing is necessary for maintaining good oral hygiene, paying attention to your diet and teeth alignment can also help you improve your oral health. To schedule an appointment with an experienced New York City cosmetic dentist, call the office of Dr. Peter Rubinstein at (888) 375-3531. To learn more about the topics discussed in our recent blog posts, take a look at these resources from around the web:  

• WebMD lists a number of foods that can actually prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth.
• The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains how cosmetic dental treatment can help prevent gum disease and eliminate jaw strain.
• If you’re looking for food items that can protect tooth enamel and prevent gum disease, read this online article from Redbook magazine.
• Properly positioned teeth are much easier to clean than misaligned teeth. Learn how being able to effectively clean your teeth can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay with this information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• This Huffington Post article can help you improve your smile by listing which foods you should avoid and include in your diet.

Foods You Should Eat for a Healthier Smile

Bacteria in your mouth consume food that is high in sugar and starch. As bacteria feed on these substances, they produce an acid byproduct that can damage your tooth enamel and gum tissue. Fortunately, you can help remove mouth bacteria and strengthen your oral health by incorporating the following foods into your diet:

Citrus fruit
Even though citrus fruit is acidic, it can help protect your tooth enamel from decay. Water is a main component of citrus fruit and is very important for cleansing your mouth of any food that bacteria thrive on. Citrus fruit is also rich in vitamin C, which can help protect and strengthen your gums.

Sugar-free chewing gum
Your body produces saliva in order to rid your mouth of bacteria after eating. Chewing gum increases the saliva production in your mouth and can help your body remove bacteria quicker. If you decrease the amount of time bacteria is in contact with your teeth and gums, you can prevent bacteria from producing the acid that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Yogurt
Research shows that eating six ounces of plain, sugar-free yogurt each day can help remove bacteria caught in between your teeth and gums. Yogurt contains good bacteria that can eliminate the mouth bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay. Adding honey is a simple and healthy way to make plain yogurt taste sweeter.

Fish
If bacteria collect in gum pockets, your gum tissue can become irritated and swollen. Fish and fish oil contain Omega-3 fatty acids, an anti-inflammatory nutrient. By incorporating fish into your diet you may be able to prevent gum swelling and gum tissue damage.

Milk and cheese
Consuming dairy products like milk and cheese provides your body with calcium and vitamin D. Both of these nutrients can strengthen the minerals of your tooth enamel. Stronger tooth enamel is better able to withstand the effects of bacteria acid production.  

Dr. Peter Rubinstein provides a range of dental services in Manhattan and the greater New York City area. To learn about our basic dental care and superior cosmetic treatments, call (888) 375-3531. You can also learn more about our dental services by visiting our website.