FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), your child should visit the dentist by his/her 1st birthday. The first visit allows the dentist to educate parents about their child’s oral health and also to evaluate the child for early dental issues.
You can make the first visit to the dentist enjoyable and positive. Your child should be informed of the visit and told that the dentist and their staff will explain all procedures and answer any questions. It is best if you refrain from using words around your child that might cause unnecessary fear, such as “don’t be scared”, needle, pull, drill or hurt. We let them see the office, ride up and down in the dental chair, and give them a prize so they go home with a happy memory. Once they become used to coming in and feel comfortable with us, they can be treated without fear.

We provide a 24 hour emergency service that connects directly to the dentist, so help is always available. Call or text us at 212-619-4070.

If you would like to whiten your teeth quickly, we offer an in-office professional teeth whitening system that provides amazing results during your office visit. For those patients who would like to whiten their teeth at home, we offer a professional-quality home bleaching system with custom bleaching trays that is superior and less irritating than bleaching systems you might find at the grocery store.

This is of primary importance to us. We adhere to the strictest standards of sterilization and infection control procedures. You’ll find our operating environment to be spotless and uncluttered. We are eager to answer any questions or concerns and we would love to show you our facilities with a tour of the office on your initial visit.

Yes, bleeding is usually an early sign of gum disease. Make an appointment as soon as possible to have your gums and teeth examined.

Buy toothbrushes with soft bristles. Medium and firm ones can damage teeth and gums. Use soft pressure, for 2 minutes, two times a day.

Both powered and manual toothbrushes clean teeth well. Manual brushes with mixed bristle heights or angled bristles clean better than those with all flat, even bristles. Powered toothbrushes may be easier if you have trouble using your hands.

Set a reminder to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toss it sooner if the bristles look bent or splayed out. Bent bristles don’t clean as well. (They’re also a sign you may be brushing too hard.)

Most toothpastes will clear away bacteria growth and acids from food and drinks. Toothpastes with the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance always have fluoride, which strengthens and protects teeth. If you want a non-fluoride option, stores carry toothpastes and powders made with natural ingredients that don’t have ADA testing and approval.

If cold or hot food or drinks make you cringe, pick a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and let your dentist know.

Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.

Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc.  Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.

Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth.

Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.

Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.

Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.

Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.

Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.

Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.

Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush. Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas. Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months. If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.

See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year. If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.

Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.

Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.

Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor. Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath. If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

We accept all in and out of network insurance plans in which patients can choose their dentist (not HMOs). If you are not sure what kind of dental plan you have, please feel free to call our office, and we will be happy to verify your insurance for you.

We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards. We offer convenient monthly payment plans through Care Credit. Click on the image below or visit www.carecredit.com for further information.