Christmas is a time for cookies, candy canes, and eggnog. Unfortunately, it’s not just about sweet indulgences—Christmas cavities are a real thing! If you’re a regular consumer of holiday treats, the odds are decent that you’ll end up with a cavity or two this season. When you eat or drink anything with sugar in it, the bacteria in your mouth feed off the sugar and produce acid. The acid then breaks down tooth enamel and causes cavities.

You may be tempted to skip the toothbrush this holiday, but it’s important to take care of your mouth year-round. Cavities can be painful and can lead to other problems, but they don’t have to get in the way of your Christmas celebration. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to prevent tooth decay during the holidays.

Be mindful of what you eat

If you’re like most people, your favorite treats are also some of the worst for your teeth—the high sugar content in these foods creates an ideal environment for tooth decay to grow. The good news is that it’s easy to prevent tooth decay during the holidays by making some simple changes in your diet. The most important thing is to reduce the amount of sugar that you consume. This will help prevent cavities and give your teeth a chance to recover from any damage that may have already been done. If you can’t avoid pie and gingerbread men, try brushing immediately after eating them.

Limit your intake of sugary liquids and drink plenty of water

There’s no shortage of sweet drinks available around Christmas. It’s important to stay hydrated when you eat sweet foods. The water will help rinse away bacteria, which can cause damage to your enamel and leave you with a hole in your tooth.

If you’re trying to avoid cavities and stay healthy, you may want to consider other beverage options. For example, try adding some fresh mint leaves or slices of lemon or lime to your water. This will give it more flavor without adding sugar or artificial sweeteners.

There are plenty of sugar-free beverage options available, including:

• Sparkling water
• Tea
• Coffee
• Sugar-Free soda
• Sugar-Free juice

If you decide to drink something with sugar, use a straw and consume it relatively quickly—this will help prevent the sugar from adhering to your teeth for too long.

Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and crunchy, raw foods

There are some foods that can help keep teeth strong. Try adding some crunchy fruits and vegetables to your holiday meals—like carrots and celery sticks. This will not only make your taste buds happy, but it’ll also help keep your teeth clean and cavity-free. They’re a great way to get rid of food particles that may have stuck in your teeth after eating. This helps prevent plaque, which can cause cracks or chips in your enamel if left untreated.

If you’re looking for something more festive than traditional veggies and fruits, try bell peppers—they’re sweet like candy canes but won’t rot your enamel like the real thing!

Don’t snack all day long

No matter what kind of celebration you’re having, there are going to be plenty of options for snacking and eating—so make sure you don’t munch all day! Instead, eat at regular intervals. This will help prevent cavities from forming in your teeth and keep them strong enough to withstand all those delicious holiday treats.

When you snack all day long, your mouth stays acidic. The more acidic it is, the more likely it is that bacteria will grow in your mouth and start eating away at your teeth. It’s important to eat routinely so that your mouth has time to neutralize after eating. If you’re going to be indulging in the sweets, be sure to brush your teeth immediately after eating them. This will get rid of any remaining bits of food that could lead to decay. Make sure there’s plenty of room between each bite so that the food doesn’t have time to sit on top of other food on your teeth—this can cause build-up.

Avoid sticky foods and hard candies

Before you unwrap that candy cane, take a look at the ingredients label—you may be surprised to see how much sugar is in some of your favorite sweets. Many candies are high in sugar and acid, which can cause tooth decay when they’re left in the mouth for too long.

Sticky foods like caramel and gum can stay on your teeth much longer than other foods, giving them more time to create decay. Some of the worst foods for tooth enamel include:

• Gummies
• Dried fruits
• Caramels
• Lollipops
• Jelly beans
• Honeys
• Syrups
• Taffy

Carry a dental hygiene kit

When you’re enjoying Christmas get-togethers, be sure to have an oral care kit with you. The best way to prevent cavities is through good dental hygiene. Brush after drinking sugary liquids or eating tacky foods, and floss regularly to keep your teeth healthy and clean.

Brushing stimulates saliva flow and helps neutralize the acid in your mouth (which is produced when sugar interacts with bacteria in plaque on your teeth). If you don’t brush immediately after eating something sugary or acidic (like soda), it will sit on your tooth surface for hours without being neutralized by saliva before it starts breaking down enamel and causing cavities.

See your dentist regularly

There are steps you can take now to ensure that your teeth stay healthy during the festive season and beyond. It’s important to have regular dental visits. That way, your dentist can spot any issues before they become bigger problems—and if there is a cavity, they can treat it before it becomes more serious.

Remember to stay connected with your dentist for routine check-ups. It’s important to keep your smile healthy and bright all year round, not just during the Christmas season. Your teeth are always growing and changing (no matter how old you are). It’s important to stay in contact with your dentist, so they can track those changes and make sure everything is staying healthy and strong.

You can trust the team at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale to provide you with top-notch oral care. Our team of highly trained professionals will make sure that everyone in your family has the best possible smile this season—and every other!

When you think of orthodontics, you probably think about getting braces as a teenager. Although Dr. Celenza has extensive experience working with young patients, orthodontic care is also important for adults. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists reports that one out of every three orthodontic patients is over the age of 18. At Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, our dental team offers expert orthodontic care to adults of all ages.

Why Do Adults Need Orthodontic Care?

Many people are familiar with the cosmetic benefits of orthodontic treatment. Braces straighten the teeth and address a variety of spacing issues, giving you a more attractive smile. A good smile makes you feel more confident and can help you make a good impression when you meet new people. What many people don’t know is that braces do a lot more than just improve your appearance.

Improved Chewing Ability

Orthodontic treatment addresses several types of bite problems, including open bite, underbite and overbite. Not only do these bite issues change the appearance of your smile, but they also make it difficult to chew properly. If you can’t chew your food thoroughly, you may experience digestive problems caused by large pieces of food entering the stomach. Chewing difficulties may also make it difficult to absorb nutrients, leading to vitamin or mineral deficiencies in adults. Braces and other orthodontic treatments make it easier to chew your food thoroughly, which may help prevent these complications.

Reduced Damage to the Teeth and Cheeks

If you have an overbite or an underbite, you may accidentally bite the inside of your cheeks when you talk or chew food, causing sores to form. These sores are painful, and they can also get infected, increasing the risk of other oral health problems. Cheek biting may also cause hyperkeratosis, a thickening of the damaged tissue.

Bite issues also increase the risk of gum disease and tooth damage. For example, an overbite may cause the upper teeth to come into contact with gum tissue surrounding the lower teeth. In some people, repeated contact causes the gums to recede, increasing the risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment addresses bite issues, reducing the risk of damage to the cheeks, teeth and gums.

Better Oral Hygiene

Some orthodontic problems make it more difficult to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly. For example, crooked teeth often grow in behind other teeth, making it difficult to reach them with a toothbrush. Dental crowding is also an issue, as you may have trouble getting floss in between teeth that are extremely close together. Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems, making orthodontic treatment essential for maintaining a healthy mouth.

Reasons to Consider Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult

If you had braces as a teenager, that doesn’t mean you’ll never need orthodontic treatment again. It’s common for the teeth to shift over time, especially if you grind your teeth or have bite issues. As your teeth move, you may start biting the inside of your cheek more often or experiencing discomfort caused by the misalignment of your upper and lower jaws. These are good reasons to seek orthodontic treatment as an adult.

Advances in dentistry have also made it much easier for adults to get orthodontic treatment. Dr. Celenza offers traditional metal braces, but if you’re concerned about your appearance, you can request invisible brackets or tooth-colored brackets. These options make it possible to correct overcrowding, crooked teeth and other dental issues without having to worry about how you’ll be perceived in the workplace or in social situations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Orthodontic Care

Will braces change the shape of my face?

If you had braces as a child, you may have noticed that the shape and structure of your face changed during your treatment. This is because the jaws and face continue growing long after you’re born. In most people, this growth doesn’t stop until between the ages of 15 and 18. When you’re an adult, orthodontic treatment affects the shape of your face much less than it would if you got braces as a child or teenager.

Will I need a retainer?

Most people need to wear retainers after completing orthodontic treatment. A retainer prevents the teeth from shifting, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of orthodontic care long after you have your braces removed. Depending on your needs, Dr. Celenza may recommend a permanent retainer to keep your teeth in their new position.

Are you ever too old for orthodontic treatment?

No. Braces and other orthodontic treatments correct bite problems and overcrowding, making it easier to chew properly and keep your teeth and gums clean. That means you can benefit from orthodontic care at any age.

What’s the difference between pediatric orthodontic care and adult orthodontic care?

Many of the treatment options are the same, but adults may have jaw or gum issues requiring a different approach to their care. For example, if you have gingivitis—the mildest form of gum disease—you may need to take care of your gums before you can get braces or other orthodontic treatments. At your initial consultation, Dr. Celenza will examine your teeth and gums and put together a custom treatment plan designed to produce the best possible results.

Schedule an Orthodontic Consultation

Dr. Celenza is one of the few dentists in the Scarsdale area who has cross-training in both periodontic and orthodontic care. Periodontics deals with the prevention and treatment of gum disease, a condition that can lead to tooth decay or even tooth loss if it isn’t treated. If you’re experiencing gum issues and also need orthodontic care, you can save time by seeing Dr. Celenza and the Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale team instead of going to a separate periodontal office. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!

Losing teeth as a child can be fun and exciting, but it’s much different when you’re an adult. If you’ve lost one or more teeth through an accident or had them removed due to decay, you have options for replacement. Tooth replacement has come a long way over the past couple of decades, and the dentures of the past have been largely replaced by dental implants.

Dental implants offer the most natural form of tooth replacement, and once they’re complete, can feel just like a normal tooth. At Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, we feature implant dentistry as one of our services.

What Is Implant Dentistry?

Simply put, implant dentistry is the practice of implanting teeth into the mouth. Your teeth aren’t just there for chewing and biting – they’re also an integral part of the overall health of your mouth and jaws. The roots of the teeth grow deep into the jaw, stimulating the bone and providing stability to this active part of your body. Dental implants consist of a titanium “root” and a porcelain crown, replicating the structure of a real tooth.

Why Choose Implant Dentistry?

When you lose a tooth, you lose the root, as well. Missing teeth lead to other teeth shifting in the mouth, and the loss of stimulation of the jawbone can cause the bone to deteriorate, leading to painful thinning of the bone, and sometimes an irregular appearance. Dental implants also reduce the chances of decay and deterioration of the empty socket.

Beyond the health benefits of implant dentistry, there are cosmetic ones, as well. The crown portion of the dental implant can be colored to match your existing teeth, and custom-made to fit perfectly in the space. In fact, people won’t know that you have a dental implant unless you tell them! Dental implants, since they’re now a part of your body, can be cared for the same way that your normal teeth are, including brushing and flossing. You can also chew normally, even things like corn on the cob or taffy, things that many denture wearers have to avoid. With proper care, dental implants can last as long as your regular teeth.

The Dental Implants Process

Dental implants are often a two-step process, completed in phases to make sure that your mouth heals. It begins with an examination of your mouth, including an x-ray to determine if there is any deterioration of the jaw. If there’s thinning of the jaw, you’ll need bone grafts first, in order to give the implant enough stability. Once those heal, then your implant procedure begins.

First Visit

Your first visit will deal with implanting the new tooth root.

• Your dentist will carefully cut into the gum to reveal the jawbone
• Next, they will drill a small hole to screw the root directly into the jaw
• Once the root is at the correct depth, then the gum is repaired and sewn up

Once the titanium root is implanted into your jaw, it takes about four to six weeks to heal. During this time, follow all of your aftercare instructions.

Your Second Visit

Once the incisions from the tooth root placement have healed, then it’s time to complete the process. In between the first and second appointments, your dentist will have created a custom crown just for you. This includes shaping it to make sure that it fits correctly against the other teeth, as well as coloring it to match. Then, the crown will be attached to the root and checked to make sure it’s secure.

You may have a follow-up appointment after the dental implant is completed, to make sure that no problems occurred after the procedure.

How Long Do Dental Implants Take to Heal?

The healing process for the first phase of dental implant treatment is about four to six weeks, although if you have to have a bone graft prior to it, that can take longer. The bone grafting procedure is longer, and healing times can vary depending on the condition of your jaw. Once the implant is placed, though, you should be able to resume normal speaking, chewing, and oral hygiene habits within a week.

To ensure that you’ll have a successful implant procedure, and to prevent infection or other complications, make sure you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to the letter, including any kind of antibacterial mouthwash and what kinds of foods to eat. It’s also a good idea to avoid tobacco use and drinking alcohol while you heal.

Am I a Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

Dental implants may not be right for everyone, although each patient is different. Therefore it’s a good idea to have a conversation about implants with your dentist, first. Overall, however, good candidates for dental implants may be:

• People who already practice good oral hygiene, as they’ll have an easier time healing after the process. Plus dental implants require ongoing maintenance and care, including daily brushing and flossing
• You have adequate jawbone volume. Implants need a substantial amount of jawbone to be properly placed, and if there is too much deterioration, then the implant may damage your jaw. This is why bone grafting may be the first step for dental implants
• You have healthy gums. Infected gums and gingivitis prevent proper healing and can lead to tooth loss, both of which can significantly impair the success of dental implants
• Overall good health. If you’re in poor health, including if you have diabetes or a heart condition, then the procedure may not be right for you. Or, if you have a blood clotting disorder, you should seek other tooth replacement options

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

Replacing a missing tooth with an implant has both health and cosmetic benefits. However, each patient is different, so at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, we offer personalized consultations for every patient. When you’re looking for the right implant dentist, you don’t need to search any further than our experienced team. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form for more information about dental implants today!

Becoming more common in dental practices across the United States, laser dentistry is the use of lasers to treat and prevent a wide variety of dental conditions. Laser dentistry offers a wide variety of benefits to the patient. But what is laser dentistry, and how can it help with dental treatments?

What Is Laser Dentistry?

Standing for “light amplification by the stimulated emission of radiation,” laser dentistry consists of an instrument using a beam to create an incision, or a procedure relating to chipping or removing tissue.

Laser dentistry can be used for a multitude of reasons, including teeth whitening, in addition to treating various ailments relating to the teeth, like sensitivity and gum disease. Laser dentistry was declared by the FDA to be safe for patients back in 1990, and ever since then, the practice has gradually grown in popularity.

While laser dentistry may seem daunting, it is far more precise and less invasive than traditional dental treatments, making it an ideal option for patients looking to speed up their time in the dental chair.

How Are Laser Treatments Performed?

Typically done in one visit, the process of performing a laser treatment is quick and comfortable. Our dentists conduct a laser dentistry treatment by using a small device that creates a beam, which is the “laser” in question. You are provided with special glasses to protect your eyes from the laser. The beam comes into contact with your gums and teeth, which instantly causes a reaction from the teeth or tissue, so the desired result is achieved.

Many patients find it more comfortable than traditional treatments in comparison to something like a dental drill, which causes a lot of vibrations. In addition, there is no need to undergo anesthesia in many of the procedures. Initially, some patients can feel concerned about the idea of laser surgery. But laser surgery is safe and potentially safer than traditional methods for a variety of reasons.

What Conditions Can Laser Dentistry Treat?

Laser treatments are typically conducted for two types of dental procedures; hard tissue and soft tissue procedures.

Hard tissue refers to the teeth, and lasers can be used in the following areas:

• Detecting cavities and decay.
• Preparing teeth for dental fillings by using the laser to kill bacteria in a cavity.
• Treating tooth sensitivity by sealing the tubules on the tooth’s root.
• Lasers can help in the teeth whitening sessions. As lasers speed up the bleaching process, this greatly reduces time in the dentist’s chair.

Soft tissue treatments refer to the gums, and lasers can be used in the following areas:

• Reshaping gum tissue associated with a “gummy smile,” where the gum covers much of the teeth.
• Removing tissue folds, for example from dentures.
• To reshape the gum tissue as part of the restoration process, such as crown lengthening.
• Lasers can also be used to remove the fold of the skin under the teeth. If children experience what is known as being “tongue-tied,” a laser can be used as part of a laser frenectomy treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Laser Dentistry?

Laser dentistry provides a wide variety of benefits over traditional treatment:

• Minimal bleeding. As lasers promote blood clotting, this is an ideal practice for treating soft tissues.
• Soft tissue lasers may result in a decreased need for sutures.
• In many procedures, the use of anesthesia is not necessary as the patient is more comfortable and there is no need for invasive implements.
• Using laser treatments reduces the potential for bacterial infections. As the laser sterilizes the area, this removes any lingering bacteria.
• Laser treatments require less healing time for the patient. As the wounds can heal faster, and the recovery period doesn’t require healing like traditional gum surgery, there is immediate improvement, but it also allows the patient to get back to normal life quickly without having to worry about looking after the sensitive area.
• Improved results. As lasers can detect cavities at earlier stages in comparison to other technologies, this is a direct advantage for patients and the dentist.
• Less stress for the patient. All of these factors can mean a reduced time in the dentist’s chair. And with improved results, less healing time, and less time in the office overall, this gives the patient peace of mind. Many people do not like the idea of going for a dental procedure, predominantly due to the antiquated ideas behind old dental tools. Laser dentistry greatly reduces any anxiety from the patient’s perspective.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Laser Dentistry?

It is important to note that there are risks involved with any type of treatment. But risks associated with laser treatment are very minimal. Some potential risks and disadvantages can come from a slight risk of gum injury. Predominantly, the use of lasers cannot work with teeth that contain specific types of filling, and there are cases when anesthesia may still be used.

But when you compare laser treatment to traditional dentistry practices such as opening up a wound with a scalpel, the positives of laser dentistry greatly outweigh the negatives. However, here, at the Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale, we are a team that can provide you with sufficient advice throughout the process, so you are comfortable and ready.

Schedule an Appointment and Get Started With Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is one of the most exciting and up-to-date procedures in the field of dentistry. As laser dentistry provides improved results for the patient and dental practices, it is an ideal way to undergo a procedure with minimal invasion.

Whether you are experiencing discomfort and need to undergo a procedure, or you are concerned that you need to check for any damage to your teeth, laser dentistry can be incorporated into any preventative dentistry plan. As you can see, there are a significant number of benefits in using laser dentistry over traditional dentistry methods. If you are looking to learn more about laser dentistry, or you wish to use this pioneering treatment in your dental plan, schedule an appointment with Dr. Steven A. Brisman and his team at Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale.