Make Sure You Are Brushing For Two Minutes!

Brushing your teeth is a standard part of your day by now. However, could it be so mundane in your daily activities, that you aren’t really aware of what you’re doing. It’s sort of like being on auto-pilot. At Maiden Lane Dental of New York, NY we want to remind our patients that brushing should be performed for about two minutes to ensure you are brushing properly. Take these tips we have gathered for making sure you spend about two minutes brushing!

The simplest way to keep track of time, of course, is to count. This can be made easy by just counting to thirty, four times. In addition, for each thirty seconds, brush one-quarter of your mouth.

Because most music players have a timer on them, another great way to keep track of your time is to listen to your favorite song while brushing. Not only will you enjoy your time brushing, but the time will seem to go by quicker! Just be sure you are hitting all the surfaces of your mouth!

For an interesting (and decorative) way to track two minutes, purchase an hour glass! For this purpose, you would really get a minute glass and flip it over twice. It’s nifty décor at its finest!

If all else fails, just set a timer on your phone, a kitchen timer, or a stopwatch. Any way that you’re aware of how long you spend brushing is great! To schedule a cleaning and examination with Maiden Lane Dental of New York, NY, call our office at (212) 509-4585 or visit our website, www.maidenlanedental.com.

Infant Tooth Care

Your child’s gums act as placeholders for permanent teeth, which is why it’s important to take care of them during infancy. Daily dental cleaning should start as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. To help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay, our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental highly recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria in the plaque that forms on teeth. While infants may not have teeth yet, one common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar, such as formula. Bacteria can also be passed through saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby. The good news is that decay is preventable.

If you have further questions about infant tooth care, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, 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.

Causes and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

If you’ve ever eaten a spoonful of ice cream and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, you’re likely experiencing the result of sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin, which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, the result is the pain you feel. To treat these sensitive teeth, our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental may suggest switching to desensitizing toothpaste or completing fluoride treatment.

Because sensitivity may mean different things to a patient and dental professional, be sure to clarify exactly what you feel when you discuss the condition with your dentist. Sensitive teeth can be treated, but the type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity in the first place. Other things that cause sensitive teeth are tooth decay near the gum line, gum disease, as well as tooth-grinding. If you have tooth discomfort, it’s important to talk to us about it.

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, 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.

Cavity Basics

There are two main factors that contribute to cavities. One is bacteria in the mouth and the other is a diet that is high in sugar. It’s no surprise that cavities are common among children, but changes that occur with aging, make cavities an adult problem, too. To prevent cavities from occurring you should brush and floss on a daily basis, in addition to scheduling professional cleanings at Maiden Lane Dental twice a year.

Cavities, or tooth decay, are the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of our teeth, and the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste. Only your dentist can tell for sure if you have one because sometimes cavities cause little to no pain at all. Regardless of how and where they occur, the best way to spot them and treat them before they become serious is by visiting our doctors at Maiden Lane Dental for checkups.

If you have a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, 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.