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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.

How Chewing Gum Can Help Your Smile

May 26, 2014

shutterstock_110783549There are many habits that people have that they perform without even thinking about it. Biting nails, playing with hair- both of these are examples of habits people do unconsciously. Another habit may be chewing gum. Chewing gum is a simple yet effective habit that can ease your stress, keep you occupied, or simply cure a simple sweet tooth. What you may not know, however, is that chewing gum could be good for your teeth!

Since ancient times, the Greeks, Mayans, and Native Americans all enjoyed in some form of gum chewing, and today in the 21st century, we are no different. With so many options of chewable delights to choose from, sometimes the options can be overwhelming, but they all work to deliver a healthier smile. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva in your mouth, and that increase can neutralize and eliminate the acids and leftover food particles in your mouth after you eat. This also leads to a lower risk of plaque and tartar buildup, as the bacteria will not have enough time to stay in your mouth and attach themselves to your teeth.

Also, chewing gum, along with the increased saliva production, carries more calcium and phosphate, both of which help build stronger tooth enamel, meaning a healthier smile. Studies have shown that chewing gum for at least twenty minutes after eating a meal helps prevent tooth decay, which can really make a difference down the road in regards to your smile.

So the next time you put a piece of gum in your mouth, you will be able to relish in the fact that it is doing wonders for your smile!

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.

Crowns Made Simple with CEREC

May 12, 2014

CEREC crownOne of the amazing things about living in such a hi-tech age is the ability to improve the lives of others, including the world of dentistry. At South Shore Dental Care, we make it a priority to be aware with the modern technology to benefit our patients. Because of that, we offer CEREC same-day crowns, a machine that makes the idea of getting crowns a thing of the past.

CEREC same-day crowns give our experienced doctors the ability to create a crown made specifically for you in a single appointment, beginning to end. The course of action starts with routinely preparing your natural tooth for crown placement. A scanner then examines your natural tooth and the adjacent area, and that information is sent to a computer. After the computer analyzes the information, it presents a picture of the crown that will be initiated. The computer communicates with the milling machine in our office, the machine that makes your custom crown. Your CEREC crown is then chiseled from a solitary block of porcelain. The machine makes your crown in about 10-20 minutes, and uses porcelain that exactly matches your natural tooth color. Once your crown is finished, it is cemented onto your prepared tooth. After all is done, you’re left with nothing but a beautiful, flawless smile you can be proud of.

One of the perks of CEREC one-day crowns is the fact the crown is metal and mercury free, giving you a natural look to your smile. Another benefit is that CEREC crowns offer a more durable security than traditional crowns, ideal for teeth toward the back of the mouth. There are no impressions that need to be made for CEREC crowns, erasing the mess and discomfort associated with impression making. Having over 25 years of analysis and elated patients, there is no doubt CEREC same-day crowns will change the way you look at crowns and cosmetic dentistry forever!

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.

Erase Your Fears with Sedation Dentistry

April 30, 2014

shutterstock_100163522It is no secret that having a fear of the dentist is quite common. For some people, the fear is slight, only a feeling of discomfort. For others, however, the fear is severe, causing them to delay, or avoid altogether, getting the much needed dental work they need done. If you are someone who suffers from severe dental anxiety, you may feel as though there is no helping you. Fortunately, the doctors at South Shore Dental Care are able to alleviate your fears with the use of sedation dentistry!

Sedation dentistry can be beneficial to many people, not just those who have a fear of the dentist. Those with TMJ, a sensitive gag reflex, or people who are embarrassed by the condition their smile is in can all reap the benefits of sedation dentistry.

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a small pill one hour prior to your appointment. During the appointment, you will feel relaxed, and we will cover you with a warm blanket, making you feel as comfortable as possible. Be sure to have a friend bring you to your appointment and home, that way you will be able fully recover from your appointment.

IV sedation is where we administer an IV line in your arm, and deliver the sedative right into your bloodstream. This form of sedation is for those patients that experience moderate to severe dental anxiety. We will be able to administer you the right about of sedation, offering you a customized dental experience. With both forms of sedation, you will be free of pain and be able to experience a wonderful, relaxing dental appointment.

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.

Just How Important is Fluoride?

March 31, 2014

shutterstock_44483749Though many people may not know this, fluoride is a key mineral that helps keep your teeth nice and strong. Especially important in children’s dentistry, fluoride treatments can begin a healthy foundation for your smile to thrive and take life’s knocks. In case you have forgotten, or do not know, about the many benefits fluoride can give, let South Shore Dental Care inform you!

One of the benefits to fluoride is the fact that it naturally makes your teeth resistant to cavities. The mineral acts as a shield, not allowing harmful bacteria to ruin your smile. Fluoride also strengthens teeth, making them resilient to the end! Fluoride treatments are common practice in children’s dentistry, as studies show that children who receive them are 40% less likely to get cavities.

Another great way to get fluoride is through tap water, as well as certain toothpastes and mouthwashes. Fluoride is also beneficial to those who suffer from constant dry mouth, people with crowns and bridges, people with braces, gum disease, and those who have a history of having continual cavities. Everyone young and old and benefit from fluoride, and we encourage you to find a source! So, as you see, though fluoride may be in the back of some people’s minds, it really should be at the forefront. It’s a wonderful way to protect your teeth, keeping them beautiful and healthy for years go come! If you have any questions about fluoride treatments, call our office and we will be happy 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.

Mouthguards Can Save Your Smile!

March 18, 2014

shutterstock_43949293Throughout the day, your smile is in danger of getting damaged. Whether it’s a stain, a chip, or a crack, your smile goes through the daily rigors of life just like you, and without proper protection, the consequences could be detrimental. Drs. Khalida Stutman and Dr. William Rubino wants to make sure your smile stays as protected as possible, which is why he offers custom mouth guards to his patients!

Mouthguards can be useful in many different ways for our patients. One way mouthguards are beneficial are those who suffer from TMJ. TMJ is where one experiences pain in their jaw due to, most commonly, teeth grinding. The symptoms of TMJ include not being able to open your mouth all the way, clicking or popping noise of the jaw, incessant headaches, and achiness in the neck and shoulder area. The custom mouthguard is able to help by preventing your jaw from clenching and your teeth from grinding.

Custom mouthguards are also beneficial when it comes to sports. If you, or know someone, who plays a sport, you are aware of the many dental injuries associated with it. With sports-related dental injuries being one of the most common, athletes can really benefit from having a custom mouthguard made for them. Though sporting goods stores carry mouthguards, they will not offer the same protection as our mouthguards, as we do not believe in a one-size-fits-all product. When a product is custom made for you and your mouth, it will be able to deliver more protection, preventing accidents from happening or being worse than they could have been.

If you have any questions on how our doctors can help with the creation of your custom mouthguard, contact our office and we will be glad 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.

Straighten Your Smile with Invisalign!

February 25, 2014

She's so pretty!If you have gapped or misaligned teeth, you may find it difficult to be one hundred percent confident in your smile. Though many people may not think it is a big deal, having spaces between your teeth can really make someone insecure. You may have considered braces, but perhaps the image of having a mouth full of metal is not appealing. Luckily, you are able to straighten your smile seamlessly with the help of Invisalign.

Completely revolutionary, Invisalign gives you the opportunity to straighten your smile without the annoying and painful wires and brackets associated with traditional braces. Invisalign straightens your smile through a series of aligners, all custom made to fit your mouth and your mouth only. Each aligner signifies a phase in your straightening process. When you are finished with one phase, simply apply the next aligner in the series to continue to straightening process. At the end of the series of aligners, you are left with a beautifully straight smile you can be proud of!

One of the benefits of Invisalign is the fact it allows you to be discreet about your straightening process. Because they are barely noticeable, if at all, on your teeth, you are able to avoid the judgment you may have been worried about. Also, you are able to have better oral hygiene with Invisalign. When you need to eat, drink, floss, or brush, simply remove the retainer, and reapply it when you are done! If you are curious about how we can help you straighten your smile with Invisalign, contact our office and we will be more than happy 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.

Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening!

February 18, 2014

This chick is excited.There are many reasons why someone would be insecure about their smile. For some, it may be the size of their teeth, some may have a chip or two that they are not happy about. For a lot of people, however, their insecurities lie in the color of their smile. Stained teeth can be a difficult thing to deal with, and our doctors understand it fully, which is why they offer teeth whitening to their patients.

We offer our patients Zoom! teeth whitening, being able to take their smile several shades whiter in a matter of an hour or less. We use a special bleaching gel and a special light to take your smile up to eight shades lighter. With this as our in-office whitening solution, you will not have to take a significant amount of time out of your day to transform your smile. Simple and convenient, you and your smile can really benefit from having this procedure done.

For those who would prefer a more gradual change in their smile, we also offer at-home whitening to our patients. We will provide you with the bleaching gel and custom mouth trays. We will also provide you with instructions on how and when to use your whitening system, and in about four days, you will see the results!

If you have any questions on how our practice can help transform your smile with the help of teeth whitening, contact us and we will be glad 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.

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