Yorktown Braces

By now we all know that you’re supposed to be using dental floss on a regular basis. Flossing helps remove debris left behind by food, and helps clear out some of the plaque your toothbrush may miss when brushing. The bottom line is that Dr. Glaser recommends you floss on a daily basis in order to maintain your oral health.

There are different types of dental floss though, so you’ve probably found yourself wondering which one is best. The short answer is that there really isn’t one type of dental floss that’s drastically better than the other: the effectiveness of the floss is determined by whether or not you actually use it. The ADA agrees. However, there are differences in terms of which type of dental floss may be most comfortable for you or which has the most appealing flavor. Let’s review the different types of floss available.

Dental floss can be divided into two categories: multifilament and monofilament. Multifilament floss is the traditional type, and is usually made of nylon or silk. Nylon is the cheapest type, and is the most generic. It’s available in various flavors, such as mint, cinnamon or bubble gum, and various thicknesses.

Monofilament is a newer type of floss, and is usually made of rubber or a sort of plastic. Many users say that it slides between the teeth more easily than traditional nylon floss, and it’s also stronger. Like multifilament floss, monofilament floss comes in multiple flavors and thicknesses.

Now you’ve probably been at the store and seen both waxed and un-waxed floss. So what’s the difference? Well, waxed and un-waxed only refers to nylon floss. Many feel that waxed floss slides in-between the teeth easier and makes for a more comfortable flossing experience. It comes down to a matter of personal preference really, so give both a try and see which one feels better for you.

Finally, there’s dental tape. Dental tape is a wide ribbon of nylon, available in waxed or un-waxed, and essentially does the same thing as dental floss. It’s thinner than traditional floss, and some find it easier to use.

So now you know the difference between the various types of flosses. No one floss is superior to the other, and the most important thing is that you actually use whatever type you buy. It doesn’t hurt to try a couple different types, either, in order to find the one that works best for you. And if you have any questions, feel free to contact Glaser Orthodontics at their Cortlandt Manor office today!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

Braces can straighten and transform your teeth in dramatic ways, and can leave you with a stunning smile. Braces do take some time before the results will show, and there are certain steps you’ll need to take to maintain them during your orthodontic treatment. If you don’t take proper care of your braces, it could result in repairs and orthodontic setbacks, which cost time and money. Here are some helpful tips from Glaser Orthodontics on how to care for braces and your teeth.

Adhere to Food Guidelines

When undergoing an orthodontic treatment, such as braces, you need to be mindful of the type of foods you eat. Avoid foods that are particularly chewy or tough, like taffy and other candies.

Brush After Each Meal

When you have braces, brushing after every meal and before bedtime is a necessity. Try using an interdental toothbrush to get all the hard-to-reach spaces an ordinary toothbrush would miss, along with a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss Multiple Times Per Day

Even if you don’t have braces you should be flossing every day in order to clean in between the teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you have braces you should be flossing after you have your lunch and at night before bed. Try using a floss threader to help you get around the braces.

Deal with Damage Right Away

If any damage occurs to your braces, be sure to see an orthodontist right away to have the appliance repaired.

Yes, braces do require some work and maintenance on your part, but the result is ultimately worth it. Consider each of the suggestions above in order to ensure that your orthodontic treatment is as quick and successful as possible, and be sure to contact Dr. Glaser if you have any questions!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

We all have been told how important it is to brush our teeth regularly. Every day, there are naturally hundreds of microorganisms in our mouth. This is fine, as long as there doesn’t become an unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth. When you brush your teeth, the toothbrush’s job is to get rid of plaque and plaque is bacteria. So, you’re putting bacteria on your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.

Fortunately, the human body regularly fights bacteria and your body’s natural defenses make it highly unlikely that that you’ll catch something simply from brushing your teeth. But, there are ways to make sure your toothbrush stays as bacteria free as possible.

• Store it as far away as possible from the toilet — Every toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air. You don’t want the toilet spray anywhere near your open toothbrush. Better yet, store it in the medicine cabinet.
• Keep it rinsed — Rinse off your toothbrush thoroughly with water after using it.
• Keep it dry — Bacteria love a moist environment. Make sure your brush has a chance to dry thoroughly between brushings. Avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.
• Keep it upright — Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.
• Keep it to yourself – Don’t use other family members’ toothbrushes. Don’t even store your toothbrush side-by-side in the same cup with other people’s brushes. Toothbrushes can swap germs when they touch.

Caring for your teeth while wearing braces or Invisalign is very important. Doing a thorough job brushing your teeth, with a healthy toothbrush, should be at the top of the list. Contact Dr. Glaser at his Cortlandt Manor office if you have any additional questions about your toothbrush during your orthodontic treatment.

For a free consultation in our Northern Westchester Orthodontist Office, please call for an appointment today!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor
New York New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com

Periodontal Disease

If you have been diagnosed with periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease, ranging from simple gum inflammation to serious disease which results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Not only is gum disease a threat to your oral health that can lead to tooth loss, but research also points to health effects of periodontal disease that go well beyond your mouth.

The Correlation Between Misaligned Teeth and Periodontal Disease

Did you know that a major cause of periodontal disease is poorly-aligned teeth? This is because the bacteria living in the gums around crowded teeth are much more toxic and destructive than the normal bacteria found in healthy mouths! In fact, the misalignment that leads to periodontal disease continues to remain one of the most overlooked risk factors by the General Practitioner’s office.

Research has shown that mouth infections and inflammation caused by periodontal disease can play havoc throughout the body. There is a proven association between periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as:

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Diabetics who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.¹

• Stroke
  Additional studies have pointed to a relationship between periodontal disease and stroke. In one study that looked at the causal relationship of oral infection as a risk factor for stroke, people diagnosed with acute cerebrovascular ischemia were found more likely to have an oral infection when compared to those in the control group. PROVIDE LINK TO STUDY.
• Respiratory Infections
  Bacteria in your mouth can be aspirated into the lungs to cause respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, especially in people with gum disease.
• Severe Osteopenia
  Osteoporosis may lead to tooth loss because the density of the bone supporting the teeth may be decreased.
• Pre-term or Low Birthweight Babies
  Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that is born too early and too small. PROVIDE LINK TO STUDY.

Treatment is Key

If your teeth are misaligned, it could be more than a cosmetic issue. Undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth may be a critical part of ensuring your overall health.

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that allows doctors to straighten teeth using a series of clear, removable, nearly invisible, plastic appliances called aligners. Since Invisalign is removable, you can brush and floss normally, which helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay. In fact, clinical studies have shown that gingival health may improve with the use of Invisalign during orthodontic treatment.²

Straighter teeth are Healthier Teeth

Straight teeth are healthier teeth and can lead to:

Healthier Gums

Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced too far apart. Properly aligned teeth can help gums “fit” tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health³.

Easier Cleanings

With maintenance of good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and periodontal disease can be reduced.

If your teeth are misaligned, Invisalign should be considered to straighten your teeth and help prevent periodontal disease—all without the hassle of brackets and wires.

Straighten your teeth and protect your health with Invisalign!

1. Journal of Periodontology, November 1999, Vol. 70, No. 11, Pages 1313-1321. Heightened Gingival Inflammation and Attachment Loss in Type 2 Diabetics with Hyperlipidemia. Christopher W. Cutler, MD, Robert L. Machen, Ravi Jotwani, Anthony M. Iacopino.

2.   Presented at the AADR in San Antonio, Effect of Invisalign^® Aligners on Periodontal Tissues, Taylor, MG; McGorray, SP; Durrett, S; Pavlow, S; Downey, N; Lenk, M; Oxford, E; Dolce, C; Wheeler, TT.

3.   Ong et al., 1998 Boyd and Baumrind. 1992. Zachrisson and Zachrisson, 1972.

For a free consultation in our Northern Westchester Orthodontist Office, please call for an appointment today!

1983 Crompond Road
Cortlandt Manor
New York New York 10567
Phone: (914) 739-6400
info@glaserortho.com