Do You Need a Dental Implant?

Tooth loss is a common problem. Whether we’ve experienced losing baby teeth as children, or lost a tooth due to decay or injury as an adult, we all face this issue at various times throughout our lives. The loss of a single tooth or multiple teeth can have dramatic and lasting effects on your pearly whites if not dealt with in a timely manner and although we offer a wide variety of options to replace them at Maiden Lane Dental, here we are going to discuss dental implants.

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction or oral surgery can be considered for a dental implant. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots that provide a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. There are many benefits of dental implants, such as improved appearance, improved speech and improved comfort overall. However, patients who request implants need to have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant in place.

If you are missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about dental implants as well as other services we provide, visit www.maidenlanedental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, call 212-509-4585.

Making Dental Care Fun for Kids

Getting kids to consistently complete tasks like putting their laundry away or brushing and flossing can sometimes be difficult. But when it comes to oral care, consistency should always be a priority. Here at Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, we want to give parents tips for making dental care fun for kids!

Kids respond well to rewards. If it helps, you can create a star chart to keep track of their progress. If they brush and floss correctly for the day, let them choose a bedtime story or let them have extra time playing outside the next day. If they brush and floss the correct amount of times for a week, take them to a park.

Brush and floss with them. Kids really like to imitate, so this will make brushing and flossing fun for them. This will also show them the correct way to do things. Remember that small children may need help flossing until they are older.

Turn on some music! To make sure that kids are brushing for a full two minutes each time, turn on one of their favorite songs to time it. Ask them to brush to the beat or dance while they brush. Before they know it, the two minutes will be up.

Home oral care and dental visits work hand-in-hand for a healthy mouth. To schedule your family’s cleaning and examination appointments, call Maiden Lane Dental of New York, NY at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com. 

Do Not Forget to Brush Your Tongue!

Ever seen someone or heard of someone who brushes their tongue? Well, it is less talked about but just as important as brushing and flossing your teeth! At Maiden Lane Dental in New York, NY, we want our patients to know why brushing their tongue is important and how they can do it!

You should brush your tongue at least once per day. It does not matter if you brush it in the morning or at night, but just be sure to clean it at least once. It is good to do right after you brush your teeth, so it becomes part of your habit. Your tongue is able to hold millions of bacteria. Within the hair-like taste buds, bacteria can become trapped. See, a bacterial film forms on your tongue, just like plaque forms on your teeth. These bacteria can contribute to plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease. One majorly noticeable effect of the build-up on your tongue is bad breath. Foul-smelling breath is due to bacteria, mostly on the tongue. So if you struggle with bad breath, brushing your tongue can help in a big way!

To clean your tongue, you can buy a tongue scraper or just use your toothbrush. Start at the way back of your tongue and brush forward to the tip. Use force but do not hurt your tongue. Brush it three to four times, or until you notice it becoming clean.  Rinse your toothbrush in between strokes.

For more dental hygiene info, be sure to contact us or visit our website! Our New York, NY office can be reached by phone at (212) 509-4585 or through our Maiden Lane Dental website, www.maidenlanedental.com. 

How to Calm Dental Fear in Kids

Dental phobia is quite common and it almost always begins out of a childhood fear. There are, however, ways to make kids feel more relaxed when going to the dentist. At Maiden Lane Dental here in New York, NY, we aim for all of our patients to have a positive and comfortable experience. That is why we want to give some tips to parents about easing their kids’ dental fears.

The earlier you start, the more familiar kids are with dental visits. Kids should start seeing the dentist when they grow in their first tooth, or by the age of one if that hasn’t happened yet. Regular cleaning and examinations from that point forward will help your kids feel at ease, since they know what to expect for each appointment.

For young kids who have never been to the dentist before or who do not remember going, you can play a “pretend dentist” game at home. Have them lean back in a recliner chair or a couch. Have them open wide and “examine” their teeth by counting each one. Explain that this is what the dentist will be doing and then when they leave, they will have very strong and healthy teeth.

Reward kids for good behavior at the dentist. Take them to a park afterwards, make their favorite dinner, or play a game with them. Be careful not to mention the reward before the visit though; this will make them think there is something to be afraid of that will require them to be good, which is not the case.

Kids and adults alike can actually begin to look forward to dental appointments! To schedule your child’s cleaning and examination, call Maiden Lane Dental of New York, NY at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com.