Dr. Peter Rubinstein

Oral Health Diet: Eating for Your Teeth

The foods and beverages you consume all have an effect on your teeth and can either promote your oral health or jeopardize it. Your cosmetic dentist can give you some excellent suggestions regarding healthy food choices for your teeth and warn of those that can harm your oral health. Keep reading for a quick overview of foods that are good for your teeth and others that are bad.

Harmful Foods for Teeth

Any foods or beverages that are sticky, sugary, acidic, or starchy can promote tooth decay. Some common offenders include:

• Soda, sweetened fruit drinks, and fruit juice.
• Citrus fruits.
• Candy bars, caramels, and hard candies.
• White breads and crackers.

Some of these foods and beverages cause tooth discoloration, which can necessitate whitening treatments. Additionally, these items encourage plaque buildup, enamel erosion, and decay. These problems can lead to the need for veneers, dental crowns, and, in severe cases, dental implants after tooth loss. Indulge in these foods and beverages in moderation and be sure to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after consumption.

Beneficial Foods for Teeth

While there are certainly some foods and beverages that you should avoid, there are others that can actually encourage oral health. Some of these include:

• Crunchy fruits and vegetables.
• Low-fat dairy products with plenty of calcium.
• Wholegrain foods.
• Water.

Citrus fruits, while on the harmful list, do offer valuable vitamin C. Kiwis are an excellent non-citrus source of vitamin C. Calcium and the minerals found in wholegrain foods can help you maintain strong teeth, while water is essential for balanced saliva.

If you are looking for a New York City dentist who offers comprehensive dental treatment and advice, contact the office of Dr. Peter Rubinstein. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry services to keep your smile beautiful and healthy. Call us today at (888) 375-3531 to schedule your next dental appointment.Water

Lifestyle and Oral Health

The lifestyle you lead plays a major role in how you feel and how well different parts of your body function. Unhealthy habits, such as smoking, can be detrimental to both your oral health and your overall health.

Watch this video to learn about the chronic diseases you can avoid by choosing to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The clip also provides additional information about the link that exists between your oral health and your general health.

If you are looking for a dentist in New York City who can help you maintain your oral health, contact the office of Dr. Peter Rubinstein. We offer teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and more. Call (888) 375-3531 today for more information.

Learn About Keeping Your Mouth In Tip-Top Shape

A healthy, happy smile reflects a healthy lifestyle and brings you greater confidence. To learn more about keeping your teeth looking great, check out the links below:

• Find out about braces options for adults in this informative article on WebMD.com.
• Learn how the American Dental Association recommends keeping your teeth and gums clean and disease-free on this page on their website.
• Read how plaque causes tooth and gum decay on the website of the Greater St. Louis Dental Hygienists' Association.
• The American Academy of Periodontology presents information linking healthy gums with a healthy heart in this interesting article.

The practice of Dr. Peter Rubinstein is dedicated to providing patients with attractive, confidence-building smiles. We provide quality cosmetic and general dentistry services to residents of NYC. To learn more about us, visit our website or call us at (888) 375-3531!

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

A straight smile is a confident smile, but traditional metal braces are no longer your only option for improving the alignment of your teeth. If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth for medical or cosmetic reasons, ask your dentist about the Invisalign system. To see how this new, state-of-the-art system compares with traditional braces, read on:

Treatment Mechanism

Traditional metal braces use brackets and wires to move your teeth into the proper position, which feels cumbersome and takes a great deal of time. Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays that fit over the teeth and efficiently guide them into the correct positions.

Appearance

Not only is the Invisalign system more comfortable to use, but the clear plastic trays are virtually invisible as opposed to shiny metal brackets and wires. This makes Invisalign an ideal choice for those concerned about their appearance during the procedure or adults who do not want to undergo many months spent in metal braces for cosmetic changes.

Dentist Visits

When calculating the cost of different types of braces, you should include not only money spent, but also time spent in the dentist’s chair. Traditional braces must be adjusted by your dentist in the office, who will tighten or change the wire alignments during what can sometimes be lengthy appointments. All the Invisalign system requires is picking up a new alignment tray from your dentist and switching it out with the old one approximately every two weeks, a fast and painless process.

Oral Care Requirements

Because of its innovative design, Invisalign can be removed for normal care of teeth, while traditional braces are fixed, requiring alternate methods of caring for your teeth. Additionally, there are no dietary restrictions while using Invisalign, but patients with traditional braces must avoid certain foods that may break or dislodge brackets.

The dental practice of Dr. Peter Rubinstein offers personalized, professional cosmetic and general dentistry care in the NYC area. Whether you’re looking to improve your smile or just keep it healthy, stop by our website or give us a call today at (888) 375-3531.

A Patient's Guide to Gum Disease

A healthy smile is a beautiful smile—but healthy teeth are only half of the equation. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can cause or exacerbate tooth decay and lead to general health issues. Keeping your gums healthy is as important as maintaining any other aspect of your health, so read on to find out more about gum disease and how you can prevent and treat it.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a form of non-destructive periodontal disease which causes the gums to become red, swell, and bleed easily. The condition is caused by the buildup of food, mucus, and bacterial byproducts that stick to teeth and are known collectively as plaque, which hardens over time into tartar and irritates the gums. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums, gums that are bright red or purple, tender or swollen gums that appear shiny, and mouth sores.

Periodontitis

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more destructive forms of periodontal disease, such as periodontitis. Periodontitis refers to a range of inflammatory gum diseases which affect the tissues surrounding teeth. In cases of periodontitis, the gums start to recede from the teeth, forming pockets that collect bacteria and become infected. This condition causes destruction of both the bone and the connective tissues holding teeth in place. Without proper treatment, periodontitis can result in loose teeth that may require extraction.

Treatment

The treatment of gum disease depends on the type and severity of the condition. Gingivitis can be easily treated with daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental cleanings. More advanced or serious cases of periodontitis can be treated by removing plaque and tartar with deep-cleaning methods used by your dentist. For serious cases, medication or surgical solutions may be recommended by your dentist.

The NYC-based dental practice of Dr. Peter Rubinstein focuses on keeping your teeth beautiful and healthy, giving you the self-confidence to smile brightly. For more information about our office or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (888) 375-3531.