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Water picks, sometimes called “oral irrigators,” make an excellent addition to your regular home care regimen of brushing and flossing. Especially helpful to those who suffer from periodontal disease and those patients of ours undergoing orthodontic treatment with full-bracketed braces, water picks use powerful tiny bursts of water to dislodge food scraps, bacteria, and other debris nestled in the crevices of your mouth. Children undergoing orthodontic treatment may find using a water pick is beneficial if their toothbrush bristles tend to get caught on their wires or brackets.

When you use a water pick, you’re not only dislodging any particles or debris and bacteria you might have missed when brushing, you are also gently massaging the gums, which helps promote blood flow in the gums and keeps them healthy. While water picks are an excellent addition to your daily fight against gingivitis and other periodontal diseases, they are incapable of fully removing plaque, which is why Dr. Schulman and our team at Robert Marc Dental want to remind you to keep brushing and flossing every day.

If you have sensitive teeth or gums and find it uncomfortable to floss daily, water picks are a good alternative to reduce discomfort while effectively cleaning between teeth. Diabetics sometimes prefer water picks to flossing because they don't cause bleeding of the gums, which can be a problem with floss. If you have a permanent bridge, crowns, or other dental restoration, you may find that a water pick helps you keep the area around the restorations clean.

So how do you choose the right water pick?

Water picks are available for home or portable use. The home versions tend to be larger and use standard electrical outlets, while portable models use batteries. Aside from the size difference, they work in the same manner, both using pulsating water streams. A more crucial difference between water picks is the ability to adjust the pressure. Most home models will let you choose from several pressure settings, depending on how sensitive your teeth and gums are. Most portable models have only one pressure setting. If you want to use mouthwash or a dental rinse in your water pick, check the label first; some models suggest using water only.

Please give us a call at our White Plains office if you have any questions about water picks, or ask Dr. Schulman during your next visit!

Have you ever looked in the mirror and didn’t like the color of your teeth? Do you cringe when looking at photos and notice your teeth are yellowed? Do you avoid smiling simply due to the discoloration of your teeth?

Have you ever considered teeth whitening?

Teeth Whitening is considered a short-term dental treatment that can produce long-lasting results for years. In fact, teeth whitening is the quickest and most comfortable cosmetic dental treatment. Depending on what whitening option you use, you can see results in hours or days!

And it’s actually easier to whiten than you may think! There are countless options to whiten your teeth that fit into your life and schedule. From in-office professional whitening and take-home whitening trays to whitening strips and whitening toothpaste, the choices are endless. Not only is it safe and effective, but here are Ten Sparkling Reasons to Whiten your Teeth!

#1 Boosts Self-Confidence

Let’s be honest—you’re not 100% yourself if there is something you’re insecure about. If your teeth are discolored, you’ll want to hide your smile rather than letting it shine for everyone to see. Teeth whitening can transform your smile and give you confidence back in yourself. If you’re confident, the world is yours! The ability to smile freely can change your entire life.

#2 Better Oral Health

You know how the story goes—you take care of things that have value, and you don’t care too much about the things that seem worthless. The same can hold true for your teeth. If you don’t like your smile, you’re not going to take care of it! Yellowed or discolored teeth can seem worthless at times. Whitening can improve your overall attitude towards oral care. In fact, most dentists find that patients who have a brighter smile end up taking better daily care of their teeth. Better oral care not only means less trips to the dentist chair, but better health overall!

#3 Erases the Stains from Food and Drinks

Most people eat or drink something on a daily basis that can stain their teeth. From daily cups of coffee to vinaigrette salad dressing—and all fruits or vegetables in-between—food and drink surface stains happen every day. Overtime, the surface stains become darker and more noticeable. This is why adults often have yellow or discolored teeth. Whitening can lift away surface stains caused by food and drinks, leaving you with a sparkling white smile!

#4 It will Help with Future Dental Procedures

Did you know that teeth whitening can be a benefit to future dental procedures? If you ever need to get fillings, crowns, bridges, or dental implants, it’s better to have your teeth an ideal shade of white. Dental material cannot be whitening, so they must match the current shade of your teeth. If your fillings and crowns are your current shade and then you try to whiten, you could end up with a mouth full of Indian corn. Overall, it’s better to stay on top of whitening!

#5 It’s Great for Special Occasions or Job Interviews

Life is always full of activities! From weddings and graduations to dinner dates and meetings with work clients, there’s always something going on. Make sure you keep your smile as up to date as your itinerary. Give others your best by being your best!

Teeth whitening can also aid in a job interview process. With a white, dazzling smile, you’ll be more inclined to try to smile throughout the awkward, painstaking interview. Your smile could seal-the-deal of being hired. In fact, more employers are willing to hire based on your first impression in the interview. By smiling, you’re showing friendliness and kindness. Employers usually hire employees that are sociable.

#6 Enhance your Appearance

Did you know that a whiter smile increases your attractiveness? A brighter, whiter smile reflects your overall health. Most people find that others who have a whiter smile practice good oral health habits. White teeth can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face. While it won’t make the wrinkles disappear, it will shift the focus away from your wrinkles and draw the attention to your youthful smile!

#7 It’s a Relatively Inexpensive Cosmetic Procedure

Teeth whitening is reasonably the most inexpensive cosmetic dental treatment. While the price varies widely on teeth whitening—from a cheap box of whitening strips to in-office professional whitening—whitening is inexpensive when compared to more invasive cosmetic dentistry like veneers or smile makeovers.

#8 Helps your Self Esteem

Let’s face it—if your teeth are stains or discolored, you’re going to be self-conscious about it! Not only does it inhibit your willingness to smile, but it causes you to feel less than yourself. Whitening can instantly boost your self-esteem by giving you a smile you’ve dreamed of. A brighter, whiter smile gives you something to be proud of. You’ll be more inclined to display your pearly whites for all to see!

#9 You Can Get Sparkling Teeth in Less an Hour

While some whitening procedures can take days or weeks to see results, professional in-office whitening can give you a sparkling smile in less than an hour! With Philips Zoom! Whitening, you’ll see instant results in a single session. Using specialized gel and light activated technology, it takes just three 15-minute applications to produce a beautiful sparkling smile!

#10 Keeps You Feeling Young!

As you age, your teeth naturally become less white and dazzling. When you’re young, your teeth have a strong, white exterior of enamel that gives your teeth a whiter appearance. Time often takes away the bright white appearance of teeth due to enamel stains. Whitening can lift away enamel stains and revive the appearance of the teeth. Whiter teeth will keep you feeling young!

At Robert Marc Dental, we offer a variety of whitening options such as in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits. From our 60-minutes sessions of Philips Zoom! to our take-home whitening trays of Opalescence® Gel, we have many options to fit your unique needs.

Call us today to schedule your next appointment to discuss teeth whitening. Our dentists will help you determine which whitening option is best for you!

An estimated 10 percent of people grind their teeth at night, most are unaware they are doing it. If uncorrected, bruxism can lead to tooth damage, poor sleep and other problems.

                             WebMD September 2021

Did you realize the problems associated with teeth grinding? While it is very common, and does not do much damage, excessive and forceful grinding can be harmful to your teeth and jaw.

Why do people grind their teeth?

Teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety. It often occurs during sleep and can also be caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth, as well as by a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. All of these reasons can lead to Bruxism.

What are the implications if not treated?

Teeth grinding can lead to a weakened immune system, headaches, jaw and facial pain, and even sleep disorders. Besides these, excessive, chronic teeth grinding can result in breaking, loosening, or even loss of teeth. Grinding causes the tooth to wear away and damage the enamel to a point where a crown, bridge, or dentures may be required. Additionally, severe grinding can affect your jaws, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ or even change your face appearance.

How can I stop teeth grinding?

Robert Marc Dental has some tips for you on ways to minimize or reduce teeth grinding

• Massage

An easy and quick help is to massage the sides of your jaw with your fingertips to help the muscles relax. Holding a warm towel around the jaw can also relax the muscles.

• Nutrition

Some substances can aggravate teeth grinding, like alcohol and caffeine. Reducing your intake will help relieve the tension. Also, try avoiding gum chewing and hard foods.

• Jaw Exercises

Try opening your mouth as wide as possible (but not painful!) and touch the tongue to the top front teeth. Repeat several times. During the day, be mindful of when your teeth touch, and what may be your triggers to grinding. Try to keep your tongue in the position it takes when pronouncing the letter ‘n’. This helps prevent clenching the teeth together.

• Meditation

Psychological methods can help, too, so try periodic meditating to relax, especially before bedtime. This can include still meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Focus on breathing your stress out of your body, and be mindful of how your jaw feels.

• Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are also an option. These provide a soft layer of material between the teeth to prevent them from grinding together and damaging the enamel.  At Robert Marc Dental, there are various alternatives that can be solutions for your specific situation. As seen in some of the photographs, our office offers a myriad of different mouthguards that are physiological, and customized to your needs (ie; full hard; mini-bite plate; soft; combination).

A critical first step is properly understanding the severity of your grinding and developing a plan to manage it properly. At Robert Marc Dental our goal is to provide a thorough understanding of your situation and developing a plan that is customized to your unique situation. Call us today for an appointment to help you determine the best course of action for your teeth and your overall health.

Oral Health During COVID-19:

Most families and communities have made staying healthy during the pandemic a priority; getting vaccinated and updating their immune system with booster shots. As such, your oral health is an essential component of your personal physiology and chemistry.

Here at Robert Marc Dental, our team understands your concerns, and are dedicated to supporting you stay on top of your health at home and at the dental practice.

Why You Must Maintain Your Oral Health During COVID-19

Individuals with pre-existing conditions or weakened immune systems are more at risk to contracting the virus, and experiencing its worst effects.  Therefore, its important to monitor the situation with your overall health, as well as your dental needs.

The following issues highlight the need for greater oral care, specifically under these stressful conditions:

• 1 out of 4 Americans have untreated tooth decay/cavities
• Poor oral health can impact the accuracy of testing for COVID-19
• One in three adults have not been to the dentist in the last 12 months
• Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are the most frequent underlying co-morbidity factors in COVID-19 patients
• 50% of 6-8 year olds have dental caries

Good Habits at Home to Help Your Oral Health

• Brush twice a day, preferably with an electronic toothbrush, for 2-3 minutes at a time
• Applying the correct toothpaste—depending your requirements; ie; sensodyne; periodontax
• Floss before going to bed and before brushing
• Wash your hands with anti-bacterial gels, and hot water routinely, and limit touching your mouth
• Use recommended mouthwashes and eat a balanced diet to level the pH balance for your mouth

Aside from the above tips, all of our patients at Robert Marc Dental should disinfect their toothbrushes daily. Everyone should rinse the brush head for a few minutes with a .5% Hydrogen Peroxide solution.  This application will combat the fact that the virus can live up to 3 days on surfaces, and reduce the risk of it spreading. Additionally, keeping the toothbrush covered, and changing the brush or head is also helpful.  The more attention to the above will help reduce risk, and help your overall oral health.

Dental Checkups During COVID-19?

Here at Robert Marc Dental all of the staff members are doubly vaccinated, and we incorporate all the necessary precautions for further protection from the virus. Whether it’s gum discomfort or dental calculus, ignoring the beginning phases of the problem will increase the risk of more serious results, and treatments.

If you are planning to schedule a dental checkup, know that we take your health and safety very seriously and thus we have incorporated the following procedures:

• Minimal time spent in the office, especially in common areas/waiting room.
• The presence of hand sanitizers.

• The use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by patients and staff.
• A contact-less credit card machine that minimizes touching surfaces and handling physical items.
• High-quality HVAC systems as well as filtration systems.

Here at Robert Marc Dental, we spent months making the necessary changes to keep you safe during your visits. Maintaining good oral health with dental cleaning procedures and oral screenings during COVID-19 has never looked better.

COVID-19 has impacted us all on some sort of level- socially, familial, financial, psychological etc., and oral care isn’t any different. However, with the right daily habits, and the correct approach with professional and emergency treatments, you can stay healthy.

For further tips on preventative and routine dental care during these odd times, Robert Marc Dental is here to help and answer any questions or concerns you or your family member may have.  Contact us to schedule an appointment today!!