Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro
Many patients at our Lower Manhattan cosmetic dental practice adhere to a low-carb diet, avoiding bread and other carbohydrate-heavy foods to shed pounds or maintain their weight while also reaping various health benefits. Interestingly, recent research from the University of Freiburg in Germany links a restricted carbohydrate diet to improved gum health. The 4-week study involved 15 participants, with 10 in the experimental group and 5 in the control group. While the control group continued with their regular diets, the experimental group followed a menu rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins C & D, and low in carbohydrates.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro
It’s that time of year that sweets are everywhere–at the office, in the coffee room, on a co-worker’s desk, and at every special event. Here are our NY cosmetic dental office, we see thousands of patients a year and, to a one, they want to keep cavities and dental erosion at bay. Here are some tips to foster a happy holiday season that will keep you smiling!
Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro
OK, you’re brushing your teeth as usual but this time, when you spit, you notice a bit of pink in the spittle. While it might not seem like a big deal, it actually is. One of the first signs of early gum disease, called gingivitis, is bleeding in the gums, often noticed during brushing. Other signs include consistent bad breath and receding gums.
We all have heard people telling us that it is nothing to worry about if you spit a bit of pink after brushing your teeth. Without doing any research of our own or meeting a dentist, we take their words as the truth and continue with our lives. The real problem starts when gums swell or they start to bleed, more than usual.
The problem of not taking timely action is that you’d have to suffer more pain and of course go through the costly treatments. From booking an appointment to getting to the root cause and finally getting rid of it, it takes a lot of time and dollars!
So our recommendation? Please do not take it lightly.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro
I don’t have exact numbers, but among our patients who gave up smoking are those who took up the hookah as a substitute, in hopes of enjoying tobacco in a less lethal form. Because waterpipes often use flavored tobacco (spiced chai, strawberry and cotton candy are apparently national favorites), and uses water in the pipe, it’s easy to think that a hookah exposes one to less tobacco and, therefore, lowers the risk of tobacco-related diseases. Truth is, that’s far from the truth.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro
I’m willing to posit that over 99% of patients in my New York dental practice use toothpaste. The rest may use other dentifrices, such as baking soda, but most of us are “all in” for the tubes of cleansing agents known as toothpaste. Ever wonder where toothpaste comes from? Who suddenly thought, “Hey, I need something tasty that will clean my teeth”? To answer that question, here’s a short history on the development of toothpaste!
Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro
Occasionally one of our Manhattan cosmetic dentists are asked about dental implants. Most individuals know what dental bridges and removable dentures look like, and the pros and cons of those, but few are familiar with dental implants.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Shapiro
About 50% of Americans have gum disease. Gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, is also called periodontal disease. What causes it, what are the symptoms, why is it a problem, and how can you eliminate it?