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South Shore Dental Care Blog

Avoid Tooth Decay This Halloween with a Dental Check-Up

October 24, 2014

What’s even scarier than ghosts, ghouls and goblins? Tooth decay! Or at least it should be. Unlike these characters, tooth decay and the pain and discomfort it can cause is all too real. But you don’t have to fall victim to tooth decay this Halloween. You can protect the health of your teeth and the health of your family’s teeth by being proactive about your dental care. A visit to the dentist can get you the dental sealants and fluoride treatments that protect against cavities. You can also take care of any lingering dental issues to ensure that your holiday season isn’t interrupted by a dental emergency. Cross dental check-up off your holiday preparations list today and make an appointment with the experienced dentists at South Shore Dental Care. They want to help you and your family have a healthy holiday. South Shore Dental Care proudly serves patients throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and surrounding areas.

For a Healthier Halloween, Try:

  • Switching To- Sugar-free treats and dark chocolate
  • Eating Dinner Before Going Trick Or Treating- If kids are full before they go trick-or-treating, then they will eat fewer pieces of candy afterward
  • Washing Away the Sugar- Try chewing sugar-free gum or drinking a glass of milk after meals
  • Giving Out Non-Food Treats- Try stickers, toys, temporary tattoos, false teeth, little bottles of bubbles and small games like tiny decks of cards
  • Providing Healthy Snacks- Try small bags of pretzels, sugar-free gum, trail mix, small boxes of raisins, popcorn, and small boxes of cereal
  • Donating Uneaten Treats- Allow your kids a set amount of sweet treats and then get rid of the rest. Having a stash of sugary treats is too much temptation for anyone.Consider donating the leftover candy to a local senior citizens home, food pantry, Ronald McDonald House, or children’s hospital.

Dental Check-Up Appointments in Massapequa Park, NY

Now you can step confidently into the New Year knowing that your teeth didn’t suffer over the holidays. Give your family the gift of good dental health by making an appointment with the compassionate dentists of South Shore Dental Care. They’re available throughout the holiday season to help you with your dental check-up needs. South Shore Dental Care proudly serves patients throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and surrounding cities.

Have You Tried (And Failed) With At Home Teeth Whitening?

October 10, 2014

187872302Lisa loathed the idea of going on a blind date. But a good friend finally convinced her to go on one with a smart and classy dentist from her hometown. With a few more days to go before the big date, Lisa was starting to get a little worried. In her opinion, she was looking better than she ever had, except for her smile. Lisa loved her coffee, and indulged in a cigarette or two here and there. She also enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner. Over the years, she noticed that these habits had begun to take a toll in her teeth. Instead of the bright white color they were in high school, now they had a yellowish hue and some brown spots near her gum line.

Lisa had a long standing fear of the dentist so she hadn’t had any dental care in a few years. Lisa tried switching to a teeth whitening toothpaste a few months ago, but hadn’t noticed any difference in the color of her enamel. So with only two days to go before her date, she decided to try an at-home teeth whitening system from her local drug store. She followed the directions correctly, or so she thought, but soon began to regret this decision. Not only did the harsh bleaches irritate her gums, but they failed to whiten her teeth any better than the whitening toothpaste and did nothing to affect the brown spots. That was the last straw. Lisa decided it was time to make an appointment with a dentist and get her teeth whitened professionally. She only hoped she’d be able to get an appointment in time for her date. Don’t waste time with inferior whitening treatments like Lisa. Make an appointment with the experienced dentists of South Shore Dental Care. They help patients like you everyday achieve the teeth whitening results they expect and deserve. South Shore Dental proudly serves patients throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and surrounding areas.

Do It Yourself Teeth Whitening Treatments

  • Whitening Toothpaste- Whitening toothpaste can polish away shallow surface stains but can’t change the actual color of your teeth or lighten a stain that goes deeper than the tooth’s surface. Typically, whitening toothpaste takes two to six weeks to produce any results. Whitening toothpaste is probably most useful for maintaining the results of professional teeth whitening treatment.

 

  • Store-Bought At- Home Whitening- Over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain much lower concentrations of whitening agents than the professional products used by a dentist. In most cases, you need to use them over and over again for many weeks before you will see any change in the whiteness of your teeth. This type of teeth whitening treatment can also irritate your gums or be completely ineffective if you have worn tooth enamel, gum disease, sensitive teeth or tooth-colored fillings and crowns.

Professional Teeth Whitening Solutions in Massapequa Park, NY

South Shore Dental offers Zoom Whitening. Zoom can whiten your teeth up to eight shades in just in hour. You can also try their take-home teeth whitening option. This includes custom bleaching trays and teeth whitening bleaching gel to protect your gums from irritation. You may not have a date with a dentist, but you probably care just as much as Lisa does about how your teeth look. Remember that your teeth may have stains that require professional teeth whitening, or even more permanent cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers, bonding or dental crowns. Get the teeth whitening results you want the first time by making an appointment with the teeth whitening experts of South Shore Dental Care. They help people like you and Lisa achieve brighter, whiter smiles every day. South Shore Dental proudly serves patients throughout Massapequa, NY, Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and surrounding communities.

Align Your Smile with Ease Using Invisalign

September 24, 2014

177000598Having a smile that you are unhappy with is not an easy thing to live with, and can definitely affect the way you feel about yourself. Feeling confident in your smile has a lot to deal with the way you feel about yourself overall, and if you feel as though you are simply settling for the smile you were given, you may feel discouraged. Having a gapped or misaligned smile is something that many people do not want, but having a mouth full of metal associated with traditional braces does not seem appealing either. If you want to straighten your smile without compromising the way you look, Dr. Rubino is able to achieve that by offering Invisalign to his patients.

One of the biggest reasons why Invisalign is appealing to many people is because the aligning trays used sit nearly invisibly on your smile. Invisalign works by straightening your smile via a chain of aligning trays, each one custom made for you and representing a different stage in your treatment. You will not wear the same tray on day one as you will on your last day, as your smile will have straightened by then, and the tray will be representative of that fact. Also, by having your trays made for you, it makes your treatment personalized, ensuring amazing results. All you have to do is wear each tray for a certain amount of time, and when it is time to begin the next stage of your treatment, simply apply the next tray in the set!

Another big advantage to Invisalign is the fact that you are not restricted from any foods or drinks while receiving your treatment. You will be able to experience freedom in that aspect of your treatment, as nothing will get caught in the wires and brackets traditional metal braces have. Also, any time you need to brush, eat, floss, or drink, all you have to do is remove and reapply the trays when necessary, allowing you to have better oral care while receiving your treatment! If you would like Dr. Rubino’s help aligning your smile with Invisalign, contact our office today!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Tips On How To Handle Bad Breath

September 10, 2014

493881585Something that nobody wants is bad breath. It can be embarrassing, especially when you interact with others. When you want to make a memorable first impression, having bad breath is a way to do so, but not in a positive way. Though you may have tried conventional methods to tackle your bad breath, also known as halitosis, you may have found that nothing seemed to work. Dr. Khalida Stutman, Dr. Dory Stutman, and Dr. William Rubino want you to feel confident in all aspects of your smile, and they have some advice for those living with halitosis.

One of the simplest things someone can do to handle their halitosis is following an effective oral care routine. People may underestimate the importance and benefits of brushing and flossing their teeth every day, and not doing so can definitely affect the way your breath smells. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and when they are able to multiply and grow, they can wreak havoc on your smile, affecting your breath. Brushing your teeth and tongue, as well as flossing your teeth every day can definitely contribute to having fresher breath. Also, investing in a reliable antibacterial mouthwash can help with your halitosis, ensuring your breath stays fresh.

Another simple thing you can do to ensure fresh breath is visit our office every six months for your dental checkup. During your checkup, it allows our doctors to look for any problems, such as tooth decay, that can affect the way your breath smells. With our doctors taking the time to clean your smile and remove the harmful bacteria, you are able to have a healthy smile and clean breath! If you are not sure if you are living with halitosis, a couple of signs are a constant bad taste in your mouth and continuous dry mouth. Keeping these tips in mind, there is no doubt you will be headed down a road to having a healthier smile and fresher breath!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Have A Healthier Smile with Gum Disease Therapy

August 22, 2014

472315273Though many people pay a lot of attention to their teeth, making sure that they are bright and straight, they may forget about the most important aspect of having a healthy smile. Your gums are essential to a healthy smile, and if they are compromised in any way, the results are never positive. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects approximately 80 percent of Americans, and many of them do not even know. Fortunately, our doctors are able to treat your gum disease with gum disease therapy at their Massapequa Park, NY dental office.

If left to its own devices, gum disease has the potential to cause many negative oral and bodily ailments, such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, tooth loss, bone loss, and much more. It is very important to make sure you tackle your gum disease in the early stages, as it is able to be reversed. A few signs of gum disease include red and swollen gums, gums that are sensitive to the touch, and gums that bleed when you brush or floss.

One of the ways we are able to treat your gum disease is by scaling and root planing. This allows for us to remove the harmful bacterium from below the gum line, making sure your smile is restored to a healthy state. This also lets us smooth out the rough areas on your tooth’s root. We will also be able to give you instructions and advice that you can put into practice at home, ensuring your gums are as healthy as possible. If you are suffering from gum disease and would like the help of our doctors, contact our office, and we would love to help!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Have A Fuller Smile with Dental Implants

August 8, 2014

480753457One thing that many people strive for is a beautiful, full smile. Though it may not be important to some, there are those who spend a lot of time and effort into making sure their smiles are in excellent condition, and if their smiles are compromised in any way, it can have negative effects on the way they feel about yourself and the way they interact with the people around you. Not having a complete smile can be detrimental to your oral and bodily health, and our doctors are able to give you the comprehensive smile of your dreams by offering dental implants to their patients.

When you have teeth missing from your smile, there are many negative side effects that can take place. Some of them being a greater risk at gum disease, a misaligned bite, TMJ, and your teeth shifting in order to make up for the extra space. It is important to replace any missing teeth in your smile, and dental implants are an excellent and permanent way to accomplish that goal.

The journey to your dental implants begins with a consultation with our doctors. They will be able to assess your smile in its current condition, ask you about your future smile goals, and determine whether or not dental implants are right for you. You will also have that opportunity to ask questions or bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. We want you to be as informed as possible throughout the entire process, making sure you feel comfortable.

If you are deemed a candidate for dental implants, a titanium screw will be embedded into your jaw bone, replacing the missing tooth root. Over time, the screw will fuse with your jaw bone, creating a strong and solid foundation. After the proper amount of healing time has passed, the abutment is added, which is essentially a support system for the implant itself as well as the crown. Last, the tooth-resembling crown is added placed, completing your new look. At the end of the procedure, you have a flawless, full smile you have always wanted! If you would like our doctors’ help restoring your smile using dental implants, contact our office today!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Achieve a Seamless Smile with Tooth-Colored Fillings

July 14, 2014

shutterstock_95473189Now that summer is here, many people are doing everything they can to make sure they look as wonderful as possible for the season. Whether it is visiting your favorite gym more often or making sure you hair and nails are done, the summer season is all about having fun and letting your hair down. There is no doubt you will be reconnecting with old friends and meeting many new people, and making an excellent first impression is important. What people may be forgetting, however, are their smiles. Many people consider a smile a first impression, and having a flawless smile is something many people want. With tooth-colored fillings, Dr. Dory Stutman and Dr. Khalida Stutman are able to give you the perfect smile you have always wanted.

One of the amazing benefits to tooth-colored fillings is the fact that they give you a natural looking smile. With amalgam fillings, or metal fillings, you are left with a mouth full of metal, making it displeasing to some. Also, there are toxins associated with metal fillings, and when it is put in your smile, those toxins are able to spread throughout your entire body, which is something no one wants. Also, with tooth-colored fillings, you are able to keep much more of your original tooth structure. When you have dental work done, such as fixing a cavity or having a root canal performed, using tooth-colored fillings allows us to retain more of your original tooth than we would using metal fillings. We will create a special composite that matches your tooth color exactly, so your smile looks seamless.

Another benefit to tooth-colored fillings is the fact that it gives you your confidence back. When you are happy and secure in your smile, that security can affect many aspects of your life, bringing out positive changes. If you would like to know how our doctors can give you an amazing smile, please contact our office, and we would love to help.

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

The Importance of Dental Checkups

July 1, 2014

shutterstock_149625803Many people underestimate the importance of a routine dental checkup. Though many people think they should see their dentist only when there is a problem with their smile, going to see your dentist every six months can actually save your life. With summer here, many people want to make sure that their smiles are in tip top shape in order to fully enjoy the summer season. With a general dental checkup with Dr. Dory Stutman and Dr. Khalida Stutman, you are sure to have the healthiest smile you have ever had.

Having your dental checkup performed by Drs. Stutman means thorough and quality care. One of the things our doctors will look for during your dental checkup is signs of gum disease. Gum disease affects millions of Americans, and if left untreated, has the potential to lead to many negative effects in different areas of your body. Our doctors will be able to halt the progress of your gum disease and get your gums back to where they should be.

Another thing our doctors will look for is signs of oral cancer. With over 30,000 people diagnosed with oral cancer every year, and most patients get this disease via tobacco or alcohol consumption. With early detection, we can greatly reduce the amount of deaths associated with oral cancer, and Drs. Stutman use VizLite to accomplish this. VizLite makes early detection of oral cancer possible, and saves lives every day.

We will also be able to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, erasing the bad bacterium that infects your smile. Inspecting each and every tooth, making sure everything is well and looking for any signs of decay is also a part of our dental checkup. If we do find any signs of tooth decay, we will address the situation immediately, making sure your smile is as healthy as it can be. If you are due for your dental checkup, make an appointment at our office, and we would love to help!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

Answering the Question, “What Do My Teeth Do?”

June 18, 2014

shutterstock_153698357It is very important to stay well informed with anything you put your mind to. Whether it is buying a car or changing your hair color, a lot of research and information can go into figuring out exactly what you want and how things are supposed to work. The wonderful thing is that your smile is no different. Sure, we all know that we have teeth, but the different functions of our teeth play a big role in our smile. The doctors at South Shore Dental Care are big believers in patient education, and they want you to be as informed as possible with it comes to your teeth.

One type of tooth that resides in your mouth is the incisors. These teeth are the eight that are in the front and center of your mouth, and they are the teeth you use when you take bites of your food. Canines are another type of tooth in your mouth, and these appear between sixteen and twenty months of age. These are the sharpest teeth in your mouth, and they are generally used to tear your food apart.

Premolars are used for chewing and grinding food, and you have four on either side of your mouth. Your premolars start to appear when you are around the age of ten or eleven. Your molars are also used for chewing and grinding food, and these start to appear between twelve and fifteen months of age. The molars erupt around the age of six years old. Lastly, the third molars, also known as your wisdom teeth, are the last teeth to develop and do not erupt until the age of about eighteen to twenty years old. Some people do not even develop their third molars, which eliminates the need to remove them should they cause crowding.

So the next time you find yourself eating something or brushing your teeth, take note of the amazing power your teeth have, and appreciate them for all the hard work they do!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

How To Make Oral Care Fun For Your Kids!

June 4, 2014

shutterstock_158016329Many parents may find it difficult to make oral care exciting and fun for their children. Getting your child to brush their teeth may be a hassle, every morning and night being a feat to overcome. Although some parents have come up with creative ways to make sure brushing teeth is fun, some parents still may be wondering how they can get their children to be excited about good oral care. The doctors at South Shore Dental Care are avid believers in establishing good oral care routines early on, and we have some suggestions for parents who want to make brushing teeth time into fun time!

One of the things parents can do to make brushing teeth time fun for their children is to join them in the fun! Brush your teeth with your children, and it will become a wonderful bonding moment between you.  Show your child how you brush your teeth, and let them mimic you. Fun toothbrushes are also a wonderful way to make oral care fun! If your child has a favorite cartoon movie or superheroes, having their toothbrushes match is a wonderful way to get them excited about brushing their teeth.

Another great way to get kids excited about brushing their teeth is to have tasty toothpaste! There are many flavors of toothpastes made especially for children, helping them enjoy the experience much, much more. Making up a song is another wonderful way to get children excited about brushing their teeth. Kids usually respond more to song rather than words, so making the experience a fun, musical one is definitely a way to get the on the right track of wanting to take care of their smile. No matter how you choose to make brushing teeth a fun experience, make sure your child’s smile is the top priority, and accomplishing great oral care will be a breeze!

At South Shore Dental Care, we’re committed to providing our patients with a wide array of dental services, high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and up to the minute dental technology. Our Massapequa dental office serves patients from Long Island, Merrick, Bellmore, and Wantagh. Call us today to schedule your appointment.

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