Blog

Aug 25

Manhattan Endodontist, NYC Root Canal Specialist

Manhattan Endodontics: Improving Patient Care in 2 Important Ways

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Dental Technology, Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

Root canal therapy is an investment of time and money, but it is also an investment in your health. Avoiding root canal treatment can lead to a variety of health and dental problems—the most concerning being an active infection.

Having your root canal procedure done at a Manhattan Endodontics office may cost more than having it done at a general dental office, but the investment is totally worth it. Endodontic specialists have more experience, and one of their main focuses is on finding ways to improve patient care.

2 Ways a Root Canal Specialist in NYC Works to Improve Patient Care

There are 2 ways in particular that NYC root canal specialists are working hard to improve patient care.

Reducing Stress through Better Communication

Root canal procedures are stress-inducing enough. Add to that the anxiety a patient might have over the cost of the procedure and the likelihood for physical and emotional discomfort is high. A root canal specialist works hard to reduce the patient’s stress by openly communicating with them.

They do this by thoroughly explaining the procedure—verbally and with diagrams. At Fifth Avenue Endodontics, we even provide educational videos so that our patients understand what a root canal procedure is, why it’s needed and what will happen during their appointment. All of this contributes to a more comfortable patient experience.

The Utilization of New Technologies

Endodontists receive extra training to become a specialist. Their training doesn’t stop when they graduate, though. NYC root canal specialists are required to continue their education throughout their career, and a quality Endodontist will not just focus on the basic requirements. Fifth Avenue Endodontic in Manhattan have the latest, cutting edge technology. This technology improves the quality of their work and the patient’s comfort.

The latest technologies include:

Dental operating microscopes for improved vision
Piezoelectric ultrasonic energy for minimally invasive procedures
Nickel-titanium endodontic instruments for accuracy and predictability

In addition to these, science has provided us with better filling materials, CAD/CAM technology, and high-tech machines. These newest advances in Endodontics have helped Endodontic offices in Manhattan and elsewhere to practice with predictability. In addition, more teeth are being saved because of technology; whereas in the past the damage many have been too pervasive to save the tooth.

Fifth Avenue Endodontics—Working Hard to Care for Your Endodontic Needs

As a premier Manhattan Endodontics office, we at Fifth Avenue Endodontics work hard to educate ourselves on the best ways to care for our patients. We understand that people don’t want to deal with dental procedures, which is why it is so important to us to find ways to support our patients and keep them comfortable.

We also recognize that seeing a root canal specialist in NYC is an investment of time and money. Therefore, we continually educate ourselves on the latest treatments, techniques and equipment.

If you need root canal therapy, please call us today. At Fifth Avenue Endodontics you will receive the support and specialized care you need.

Aug 16

root canal specialist in NYC, Fifth Avenue Endodontics Rockefeller Center NY

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose a Root Canal Specialist in NYC

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Root Canal, Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding root canal treatments. One of the biggest mistaken beliefs that patients have is that any dentist can successfully perform root canal procedures.

As a root canal specialist in NYC, I can see how readers might think I’m biased when it comes to this issue. Let me assure you—there are a number of reasons why patients should have a NYC root canal specialist perform the needed treatment rather than going to a general dentist.

The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Choose an Endodontic Specialist

The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) published several Endodontic Facts about why patients should consider a root canal. These are the top 5:

General Dentists Perform 0-2 Root Canals on Average per Week

In comparison, Manhattan Endodontists, Dr. Kim and Dr. Iofin, perform around 25 treatments each week. Excellence comes from practice, so wouldn’t it make sense to have a procedure done from someone who has more experience?

Patients Who Have Experienced Endodontic Treatments Are Happy With the Results

Patients who decide to invest in treatment from a specialist are typically very happy with their decision. In fact, the AAE found that 89 percent of patients who had treatment done by an endodontic specialist were satisfied with their experience.

General Dentists Trust Endodontic Specialists

Typically, general dentists refer around half of their root canal patients to an Endodontist. And, 87 percent of general dentists say that the work root canal specialists do is worth the cost. Most likely this is due to two factors: experience-based excellence and having the knowledge and equipment to take care of difficult cases.

The Dental Community Has Good Things to Say about Endodontists

It’s not just general dentists that have good things to say about Endodontists. Within the dental community—which includes general dentists and specialists—94 percent had a very positive perception of the care provided by an Endodontist.

Dental Educators Would Prefer Treatment Done By a Root Canal Specialist

Those who train dentists have a high opinion of Endodontists as well. Ninety percent of educators would seek out an Endodontist if they needed a root canal, while 93 percent think they’re “an essential part of the dental health care team”. And, when it comes to dental technology and cutting edge techniques, 87 percent of dental educators believe Endodontists are one of the most reliable sources.

How Patients Feel About Fifth Avenue Endodontics

If you need endodontic treatment, why not consider a NYC root canal specialist? You will find some of the best endodontic care at Fifth Avenue Endodontics. I invite you to check out our online reviews. We have consistently received 5-star reviews from satisfied patients. If you would like more information about our office or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call. We look forward to helping you with your endodontic needs.

Jul 26

root canal nyc, endodontist nyc, is a root canal painful

The Dreaded Root Canal is a Piece of Cake

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

Well, maybe the piece of cake (or several pieces) caused the need for the root canal in the first place, but the point here is that no one needs to dread a root canal if one is needed. In NYC, doing a gentle, more or less pain-free root canal is a specialty of Fifth Avenue Endodontics.

Causes of the need for a root canal and common symptoms

The need for a root canal is often caused by:

A tooth that is cracked
A tooth that has a very deep cavity
A tooth that has had repeated dental procedures
A tooth that has undergone trauma.

Common symptoms that tell people they need to seek a root canal are:

A tooth that is very painful when a person is eating
Pressure on a tooth causing pain
When there is a little bump on the gum near the painful tooth that looks like a pimple
A tooth that gets dark-colored
An area of swelling, or an area that is tender to the touch near an aching tooth.

Not all tooth pain is indicative of an infection, but these are definitely signs of an infection, and a need for a root canal by an NYC endodontist.

What happens during a root canal?

root canal procedure First the endodontist will take X-rays and examine them thoroughly to determine exactly where the roots of the tooth are and wherein the decay lies. X-rays may require a person to hold an appliance in the mouth in a position that may be a tad uncomfortable, but there is no pain involved.

Once the endodontist has a picture of where he or she will be working, the endodontist will begin by applying a topical local anesthetic to numb the gum so there is no pain from the needle with the other anesthetic. This is the same type of anesthesia used in a regular filling.

Next, the endodontist makes one or more openings in the tooth to remove the pulp from the roots and cleans out the roots. Then the roots that have been opened and cleaned out are filled with gutta-percha, an inert material, and sealed off with a cement. The final part of the root canal is the finishing part where a temporary crown is used while the permanent crown is being made.

The finale to the root canal procedure is the piece of cake. The patient can now eat without pain, and undergoes minimal recovery time.

Root Canal NYC

Dr. Iofin and Dr. Kim at Fifth Avenue Endodontics stand ready to help you with all your root canal needs in New York City, call us at 212-757-1000 today.

Jul 12

root canal manhattan ny, dental implant nyc, endodontist nyc

Endodontic Treatment versus Dental Implants

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Dr. Kim, Root Canal, Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

While the ultimate recommendation of what to do with a tooth that needs repair is subject to a consultation with your NYC endodontist, it is important for everyone to understand what the options are and what the outcomes will be between endodontic treatments and implants.

How endodontic treatments differ from dental implants

Root canals are endodontic treatments that involve a sequence of treatments used to treat the infected pulp of a tooth. Root canals eliminate infection and protect the treated tooth from further infection. The root canals of a tooth are the hollows within the root of a tooth that house the nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues, altogether called pulp.

root canal myth, extraction vs. root canal In a root canal procedure, the endodontist cleans out these hollows and decontaminates them before filling them with an inert filling and a cement that is eugenol-based. Epoxy resin is sometimes used to bind the inert material, usually gutta-percha, to the tooth. The tooth will then get a temporary crown while awaiting a permanent crown.

A dental implant requires surgery to implant a dental prosthesis, so that it interfaces successfully with the jawbone or skull. In the implant, materials like titanium are used to form a bond with bone. This process is called osseointegration, and next (after a period of healing) a dental prosthesis is added. There are several factors involved with this process: the health of the bone and gums and the stress that will be place on the tooth implanted. The resulting implant may be either fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s circumstances.

Which is the better choice?

Last year, NYC Endodontists Mian K. Iqbal, DMD, MS and Syngcuk Kim, DDS, PhD undertook a scholarly systematic review of all the studies on that question that had been published. Their paper weighed all the study results to determine what the differences in outcomes of endodontically restored teeth are when compared with (single tooth) restorations that were supported by implants.

Their results showed that both methods of tooth restoration lasted well during the study periods (from 5 to 8 years). In situations where either method is viable, there were few studies to suggest which was the better approach. In creating a treatment plan, the NYC endodontist and the patient need to look at a wide variety of factors before choosing which method of restoration is best for the patient. Saving a tooth if at all possible, however is the preferred method of Fifth Avenue Endodontics

Endodontist NYC

Dr. Kim and Dr. Iofin believe in treating each patient with the therapy that is best for the patient. When you have tooth pain in New York City, there is no better place to go than to see them at Fifth Avenue Endodontics. You will be pain free in no time.

Jun 23

4 Ways to Reduce Anxiety During a Root Canal Procedure

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Root Canal Treatment New York City, Tooth Pain | No Comments

Just about anyone who has ever been to a dentist can attest to feeling anxiety while in the dental chair, especially if they’re getting ready for root canal treatment. In fact, this is a major reason why people avoid going to the dentist.

Fear and anxiety raise our blood pressure and pulse rates, and increase our breathing to the point of hyperventilation. Even the calmest person can feel a sense of anxiety during a dental visit.

Are we destined to live in constant fear of the dental office?

4 Ways a Patient Can Reduce Anxiety During a Root Canal Procedure

People who experience fear and anxiety during dental procedures, like a root canal or filling, don’t have to be slaves to these feelings. Here are three natural ways to reduce anxiety associated with root canals or other dental procedures.

Meditation and Visualization. Meditation can be practiced before and during a dental procedure. It can be as simple as spending 5-10 minutes in a quiet space and focusing on your breathing. Steady breathing has been shown to reduce heart rates dramatically.

Reduce anxiety about root canal, Endodontist NYC, Root Canal NYC, New York City root canal retreatment But it is important to avoid unreasonable expectations. If you are a fairly shallow breather to begin with, or easily hyperventilate in stressful situations, five minutes of deep, steady breathing before a dental procedure won’t help that much. Try a daily practice of deep, steady breathing for 5-10 minutes twice per day for a week before your dental procedure. By the time the scheduled appointment arrives, you’ll be better able to steady your breathing during the procedure.

Visualization can also be effective. Create a beautiful, happy place in your mind. Or, visualize going into the dental office and having a wonderful, serene experience. Imagine the procedure going smoothly and with little discomfort. And, most importantly, visualize yourself remaining calm the entire time.

Do this regularly before the procedure. You’ll be better able to reduce your anxiety and cope during your root canal.

Music. Music can soothe aggravated nerves. Not only is it able to calm, it can help drown out some of the noises of the dental procedure, which can contribute to emotional discomfort.

Find music that works for you. The “right music” varies from person to person. One may like New Age, another Classical, while another finds comfort in Classic Rock.

Scents. Aromatherapy is a great tool for reducing anxiety. Pure, essential oils generally work the best. Some oils that can reduce anxiety during a root canal include: lavender, rose geranium, chamomile, jasmine, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Gain knowledge. It may put your mind at ease to learn about the most common myths about root canal procedures. Most fears around pain and health risks have been debunked. Read our article about the most common myths to learn about how advancements in technology have reduced health risks and made modern root canal procedures painless.

The Importance of the Right Root Canal Specialist

One of the best ways to reduce dental anxiety is to find a dental office that is supportive and compassionate. A dentist and dental staff who exhibits these qualities—like those here at Fifth Avenue Endodontics—contributes to a calm and safe atmosphere in the dental office.

Choosing the right dental office, empowering yourself with knowledge, and employing anxiety reducing techniques will help make your dental procedure, even a root canal, a less stressful experience.

Jun 16

Endodontist NYC, Root Canal NYC, New York City root canal retreatment

2 Reasons Why Water Is Vital For Healthy Teeth and Gums

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Dental Care | No Comments

The concept of drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day has been a popular public message for decades. And, it’s not difficult to see why staying hydrated is important for a person’s overall health. But there’s an added benefit to drinking enough water—it promotes healthy teeth and gums!

2 Reasons Why Water is Vital for Healthy Teeth and Gums

We could go on and on about the benefits of water, because they are plentiful. It helps with energy, sleep, depression and weight regulation, to name a few. What about the dental benefits?

Here are just 2 reasons why water contributes to healthy teeth and gums.

Protecting against dehydration. Staying hydrated keeps our saliva in tip-top shape. Yes, there is healthy and unhealthy saliva. Warning signs of unhealthy saliva include little to no saliva (aka dry mouth) or very sticky saliva.

Dry mouth can be caused by not drinking enough water, a nutrient deficient diet, or medications. Sticky saliva can mean that there is a buildup of sugar and/or bacteria. The problem with unhealthy saliva is that it can’t do its jobs, which include keeping the tissues of the mouth well hydrated, to wash away food debris, and protecting against acids from sugars and bacteria which can lead to dental decay.

Another benefit of water is that it doesn’t contain any sugar like juices and sodas. Because the person is avoiding sugary beverages and opting for water instead, the risk for decay is reduced.

Preventing dental caries. If people are drinking fluoridated water, studies have shown the risk for tooth decay drops significantly. Of course, there is some controversy regarding adding fluoride to drinking water. As with everything, too much of a good thing can still be too much. Talk to your dentist for more information about water fluoridation.

Ways to Increase Your Water Intake for Healthy Teeth and Gums

increase water intake, New York City root canal treatment, New York City endodontist Many people don’t like water, so they assume they’re a lost cause when it comes to proper hydration.

This is definitely not the case. There are plenty of ways to improve the taste of water!

Add lemon, lime and orange slices to a jar of water. Refrigerate overnight. The oils in the skins of these fruits infuse the water with a nice, light flavor.
Add mint leaves to the water. Refrigerate overnight. This makes a healthy, incredibly refreshing “mint tea”, but doesn’t contain sugar or caffeine.
Add a little bit of fresh lemon or lime juice to water and a small amount of stevia powder. Stevia is a leaf that offers sweetness without the side effects of sugar.

Talk to Your Dentist for More Healthy Teeth and Gum Tips

For more information on how to get healthy teeth and gums, talk to your dentist. Even those in specialty professions, like Fifth Avenue Endodontics, have an abundance of knowledge when it comes to prevention of dental problems. They are happy to offer their recommendations for healthy teeth, gums and body.

Mar 31

Root Canal Awareness Week – How everything changes over time – Part 2

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | News, Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

root canal

Everything Changes Over Time and Root Canal Are No Exception

Advancements in training, equipment, technology and anesthesia are what make modern root canal treatments safe and painless. These days, Endodontists are successfully saving more than 17 million natural teeth each year. This is because the old days of archaic dental equipment, low quality x-rays, and unsafe restorative and extraction methods are gone.

Today, endodontists use digital image scanners that not only get a better view of your full jaw, but they expose patients to less radiation than traditional x-rays. The results are immediate and allow endodontists to zoom in on the digital scan to show you a much clearer picture of your jaw and teeth. We invite you to learn more about the following advanced technologies that we use to improve the safety, visibility, and effectiveness of x-ray:

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)
Digital Radiography

There have also been impressive advancements in technology that enhance visibility and magnification during treatment. Today, endodontics is viewed as a microscopic procedure. What this means is that there is a need for a clinician to perform the procedure under a magnified treatment field. The use of loupes, microscopes, and endoscopes in endodontic treatment has enabled endodontists to magnify a specified treatment field beyond that of older equipment. This means that we can now zoom in about 32 times more than we used to. Nowadays, the use of a microscope is considered the standard of care.

These magnification technologies, in turn, have led to the miniaturization of both endodontic non-surgical and surgical instruments. Today’s ultrasonic handheld instruments are one-quarter the size of traditional dental equipment, enabling more precise instrumentation. In root canal surgery (apicoectomy), surgical incisons can be much smaller because of the use of microinstruments. As a result, the success rate is higher and healing is quicker and more predictable. Tiny surgical mirrors allow endodontists to see each root channel with more clarity. And microsurgical irrigators provide precise directional control of air and water, allowing teeth to be completely rinsed, dried and inspected before filling material is placed in the tooth. We invite you to learn more about the following advanced technologies that we use to give you the best care during a root canal treatment:

Apex locators
Ultrasonics
Rotary Instruments
Obturation Equipment

As you can see, the techniques endodontists use today not only make root canal treatment less painful, they also result in teeth that can last a lifetime and overall improvement in the quality of life.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, or if a root canal treatment has been suggested by your dentist, call Fifth Avenue Endodontics for an immediate appointment. As your New York City root canal endodontist, we specialize in saving your natural teeth.

Mar 29

Root Canal Awareness Week – Pain, Illness & Extraction Myths – Part 1

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | News, Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

root canal myths

Root Canal Myths

Nothing looks like, feels like, or functions like a natural tooth. When the pulp of your tooth gets infected or diseased, a root canal provides you the opportunity to maintain your real tooth for a lifetime with no ill side effects. Yet many people are still concerned about several misconceptions and myths about root canals that were dispelled a long time ago. Since this week is the 10th Anniversary of Root Canal Awareness Week, an event that focuses on education and raising awareness about these misconceptions, we’d like to share with you the most common myths regarding root canal treatment.

Myth #1 – Root Canal Treatment is Painful

According to a recent survey by the American Association of Endodontists, 67% of Americans say fear of pain most concerns them about having root canal myths treatment. This is a common misconception because the majority of root canal procedures are performed pain-free. In fact, root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling placed, and it’s a beneficial treatment that eliminates pain and allows you to keep your real tooth.

Myth #2 – Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness

Most research that claims that illness or disease is caused by root canals actually dates back to the 1920s when sanitation was a concern and there were other factors that don’t exist anymore. More recent studies found that there are actually greater health risks, such as heart disease, associated with the loss of your real teeth and untreated root canal myths infections or endodontic disease.

Myth #3 – Tooth Extraction is a Good Alternative to Root Canal Treatment

root canal myth, extraction vs. root canal Research shows that saving your natural teeth has extensive health implications. The truth is that root canals myths are preferable over extraction for many reasons. Tooth extractions are a traumatic procedure and are known to cause a significantly higher incidence of bacteria entering the bloodstream, whereas root canals are less invasive. Most endodontically treated teeth last a lifetime, which ensures you maintain the ability to chew efficiently, and keep the natural appearance of your smile.

Often, the people who have had a root canal myths treatment are the first to tell you that they’re painless, safe, and a preferable procedure. Here’s what one of our root canal patients had to say:

“I needed to get a root canal and was recommend to Dr. Iofin… He is the best there is in nyc… no need to research any other dentist. The procedure was painless and his staff is extremely professional…Dr. Iofin use the latest cutting edge technology and is extremly knowledgeable and compassionate… He asked me several times during the procedure how I was feeling.. Dr. Iofin is a very talented and understanding Endodontist…you will be in great care with him.” – Al J. Mt. Kisco, NY

In our next article, we’ll discuss how advancements in technology have made root canals myths and endodontic procedures a safe, painless and highly effective treatment option for saving and preserving your real tooth for a lifetime.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, or if a root canal treatment has been suggested by your dentist, call Fifth Avenue Endodontics for an immediate appointment. As your New York City root canal endodontist, we specialize in saving your natural teeth.

REFERENCES:

*A study done in 2006 by the Journal of Dental Research found that a relationship between endodontic disease and coronary heart disease. An earlier study in 2005 by the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that tooth loss was associated with a greater risk of heart disease, with those who had lost the most teeth at the greatest risk. For more information, visit www.rootcanalspecialists.org

Mar 16

All About Dentures

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Dental Care, Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

About Dentures

Full dentures - Fifth Avenue Endodontics Dentures are an artificial replacement for natural teeth, made of acrylic (plastic) and metals (like stainless steel). They are custom designed to fit your mouth and designed to look just like your real teeth.

Dentures come in two main types and we’ve described the differences below. Your dentist will explain which option will best fit with your lifestyle.

Full dentures (upper and lower dentures): These are recommended when all natural teeth either in your upper or lower arch (or both) need replacing.
Partial dentures: These are recommended when multiple natural teeth need replacing. They also help maintain the alignment of your remaining teeth and keep them from shifting.

How are they made?

After a tooth is extracted or lost, the tooth socket starts to fill in with bone and the gum tissue heals and changes shape. This process takes a few months until the gums and bone reach a stable shape. After this time, a conventional full denture is made, preferably about 8 to 12 weeks after the teeth were extracted or lost from the mouth. The process starts by taking a series of impressions or molds of the oral tissues that will support the denture. A dental lab will use these impressions to make models of the patient’s mouth. The dentist and laboratory technician will then slowly start building the dentures on these models and transferring them to the patient’s mouth at each step to ensure proper fit, establish a proper bite, and ensure that the appearance and esthetics of the denture are desirable.

Senior woman with dentures - Fifth Avenue Endodontics The patient will generally need to be seen by the dentist once per week for about 4 to 5 weeks until the denture is complete. The patient will then need to return occasionally during the first month after the denture is delivered to have adjustments made. An immediate denture can often be made so that the patient has something to wear the same day the teeth are removed. This type of denture is made before the teeth are extracted and is put in place the day the teeth are removed. Sometimes the back teeth are taken out first and the front teeth are left in place until the day the denture is delivered. This type of denture doesn’t fit the bone and gum tissue as intimately as a conventional denture, so it requires more adjustments during the healing stage. An immediate denture is best used as a temporary appliance until a conventional denture can be made after all of the gum and bone healing is complete.

Are there alternatives?

Yes, there are bridges and implants. A bridge replaces missing teeth by placing crowns on the teeth next to the space and attaching a fake tooth to both of the crowns. Bridges are made from gold, porcelain fused to gold, all porcelain, or zirconium. Bridges can only replace about two to three missing teeth in a row, depending on the location. Since bridges are cemented in place, they are considered a “fixed, or permanent denture.”

An implant is a metal post that is inserted into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. This post is then used to replace a single tooth by attaching a crown to it, or multiple teeth by attaching a bridge to multiple implants. Implants are the most expensive option for tooth replacement, but implants simulate natural teeth better than any of the other options.

Fifth Avenue Endodontics welcomes your questions about tooth problems, repairs, and options. We are your New York City root canal specialists! Thank you for reading.

Feb 24

How to keep teeth healthy through diet and nutrition – Part 2

By Fifth Avenue Endodontics | Blog, Dental Care, Root Canal Treatment New York City | No Comments

New Yorkers like to eat. But have you ever thought about eating for your teeth? In Part 1 of this series we discussed foods that benefit your teeth — like celery and strawberries. We continue this helpful topic with more tips on keeping teeth healthy. If you already have had problems with decay and cavities, you want to pay special attention to what you eat. Some people have weaker teeth and weaker (thinner) enamel than others. Know your risk – speak to your dentist endodontist.

FOODS FOR HEALTHY TEETH

Sesame seeds are similar to celery in that they are also an abrasive food that can help “brush” the surface of teeth and remove bacteria causing debris. They are also high in calcium, which is important in bone and teeth formation, and are extremely easy to incorporate into the diet. Toss a handful of toasted sesame seeds on your next snack or meal, or sprinkle them in your salads.

Vitamin K is essential for bone growth and mineral absorption, it can help strengthen teeth enamel when paired with Vitamin D. Cruciferous vegetables, such as kale and broccoli, are very high in Vitamin K and other immune-boosting nutrients that can also contribute to healthier gums and teeth. Other great sources of this vitamin include egg yolks, hard cheese, pasteurized butter, fermented grains, and naturally-cured salami.

FIGHT BACTERIA WITH PARSLEY

Parsley has been used as a natural breath freshener for ages. This herb is known for its antibacterial properties and may help prevent bacteria that can lead to lose of tooth enamel. Next time, chew some parsley in place of sugary gum or breath mints; not only will it freshen your breath, it can also save your teeth from sugars that can deteriorate enamel.

Now consider having some tea. Naturally high in antioxidants for a healthier oral cavity, almost all leaves that brew tea also contains fluoride, which protects tooth enamel from decay. Green tea, in particular, also contains the antioxidant polyphenol, which protects the teeth by preventing plaque from adhering to its surface. As an added bonus, freshly brewed tea may also help eliminate bad breath for a more presentable smile.

WATER IS YOUR FRIEND

Drinking water can ensure a clean mouth, it washes away trapped debris between teeth that serve as a breeding ground for enamel harming bacteria. For the sake of your teeth, it is also advisable to swish and rinse the oral cavity with water after drinking or eating highly acidic or enamel-dissolving foods, such as alcohol, coffee, or lemons, to keep the harsh foods from dissolving teeth surface and enamel. By keeping yourself hydrated, your body can also have a stronger immune system to potentially help ward off gum disease, which in turn, can be detrimental to tooth enamel.

You’ve heard this from your dentist – but we’ll reiterate it – avoid soda and sugary drinks. Sodas and sweet juice drinks have high sugar levels. Enjoy them rarely, and stick to water and less acidic beverages. If you must have fruit juice, water it down. Your endodontist NYC at Fifth Avenue Endodontics wants you to have clean, healthy teeth! Contact us to learn more. Thanks for reading.