Whether it’s a broken tooth or injured gums, a dental emergency can interfere with eating, speaking, or other day-to-day activities. According to the American Dental Association , you can sometimes prevent dental emergencies like these by avoiding the use of your teeth as tools or by giving up hard foods and candies.

Even if you take excellent care of your mouth, however, unexpected dental problems can still arise. Our team at Bronxville Dental Care is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to assess and resolve your individual situation. When an emergency arises, you should immediately make an appointment with our office so we can put you at ease, give you the best possible care, and help you return quickly to your regular routine.

Damaged Teeth

For tooth damage in particular, don’t hesitate to call and schedule an emergency dental appointment. You should come in as soon as possible. However, if you have some time before your appointment there are a few things you can do to avoid further injury. If you break your tooth, clean the area well by rinsing it with warm water. To ease any discomfort, put a cold compress against your skin near the area with the affected tooth.

Injured Soft Tissues

For other problems, such as bleeding gums or an injured tongue, cheek, or lip, we recommends gently rinsing your mouth with salt water. If you’re also experiencing some discomfort, you can put a cold compress on your cheek near the area of the bleeding. If the bleeding continues, don’t hesitate to contact our office so you can receive further help.

A dental emergency may catch you off guard, but Dr. Jenny A. Kanganis can provide fast, pain-free treatment. Follow the advice above and set up an appointment with us as soon as possible so you can put your teeth and mouth on the road to recovery.

Cancer has become a common word, and it seems like there is new research about it every day. We know antioxidants are important. We know some cancers are more treatable than others. We know some lifestyles and habits contribute to our cancer risk.

Smoking increases our risk of cancer, as does walking through a radioactive power plant. But there is a direct link to oral cancer that you many may not know about—the link between HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and oral cancer.

This may come as a shock because it has been almost a taboo subject for some time. A person with HPV is at an extremely high risk of developing oral cancer. In fact, smoking is now second to HPV in causing oral cancer!

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, “The human papilloma virus, particularly version 16, has now been shown to be sexually transmitted between partners, and is conclusively implicated in the increasing incidence of young non-smoking oral cancer patients. This is the same virus that is the causative agent, along with other versions of the virus, in more than 90% of all cervical cancers. It is the foundation’s belief, based on recent revelations in peer reviewed published data in the last few years, that in people under the age of 50, HPV16 may even be replacing tobacco as the primary causative agent in the initiation of the disease process.” [http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/]

There is a test and a vaccine for HPV; please discuss it with your physician.

There are some devices that help detect oral cancer in its earliest forms. We all know that the survival rate for someone with cancer depends greatly on what stage the cancer is diagnosed. Talk to Dr. Jenny A. Kanganis if you have any concerns.

Please be aware and remember that when it comes to your own health, knowledge is power. When you have the knowledge to make an informed decision, you can make positive changes in your life. The mouth is an entry point for your body. Care for your mouth and it will care for you!

by Jenny A. Kanganis, D.D.S.

Bronxville Dental Care

Have you ever walked down the oral hygiene aisle overwhelmed by all of the choices of toothpastes, toothbrushes, and floss? Add all the countless varieties of mouthwashes, and it’s enough to make your head spin! Should you be using a daily mouthwash; and if so, which one? We thought we would try to simplify things a bit so that you can make the best choice for you and for your family.

First off, should you even consider using a mouthwash if you are brushing and flossing? The answer depends on your current oral condition and healthcare needs.  Almost all adults, teens, and children over the age of six can benefit from the use of a daily mouthwash as an aid to improving their oral health. Using a mouthwash however, is not a substitute for brushing or flossing; but rather, it is one more tool in your oral healthcare prevention toolbox.

Let’s start with the two general categories of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic. As the name implies, cosmetic mouthwashes are considered to be temporary solutions as they don’t contain any ingredients that will chemically or biologically control or prevent disease. For example, a cosmetic mouthwash may control bad breath for a short time by making the mouth taste and feel fresh, but it won’t actually control or kill the bacteria which cause the bad breath. Another type of cosmetic mouthwash may help to temporarily whiten stains on teeth without actually bleaching the teeth. In contrast, a therapeutic mouthwash contains active ingredients (such as alcohol, fluoride, peroxide and essential oils) which can help control oral diseases and conditions like gingivitis, halitosis, cavities and dry mouth by targeting the bacteria responsible for these harmful conditions.  Most therapeutic mouthwashes can be found over-the-counter, although there are several that can be obtained by prescription only from your dentist.

If you suffer from gingivitis, then a mouthwash specifically formulated for that condition would be most appropriate. Children and adults alike who live in areas without fluoridated water, or who drink filtered water that removes the fluoride ion, and those who suffer from an increased risk of cavities due to poor nutrition or oral hygiene would benefit from using a daily fluoride rinse. If you suffer from dry mouth, then look for a mouthwash that is free from alcohol, as alcohol can further dry the mouth.  In addition, dry mouth also poses an increased risk of cavities, so using one mouthwash that targets both conditions is ideal. There are even mouthwashes that help to clean and to heal mouth sores.

When looking for the appropriate mouthwash, always make sure that it has the Seal of Acceptance form the American Dental Association.  This seal means that the claims on the label have been tested and are accurate, and that the ingredients are safe and effective. There are also a few all-natural brands that have earned this seal, as well. And remember, it is always best to check with your own dentist to see which mouthwash is best for you!

The sounds of the season are filling the air—falling leaves rustling along the sidewalk, football cheers, holiday greetings—and the coughs and sneezes of your fellow sufferers. Yes, it’s cold and flu season, and you’re one of the unfortunate people who’s caught whatever it is that’s been going around. While you’re recuperating, here are some tips for looking after yourself and your dental health.

• Keep Hydrated

Fevers, sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting can all lead to dehydration. You know how serious that can be for your overall health, but it also leads to problems for your oral health. Lowered saliva production puts you at an increased risk for cavities, since saliva washes away food particles and bacteria, neutralizes cavity-causing acids, and helps strengthen tooth enamel. In addition to the dehydration illness can cause, many over the counter medications leave your mouth dry as well. Be sure to drink fluids throughout your illness, and, as always, try to avoid sugary beverages and acidic drinks.

• Keep Up Your Dental Hygiene

You may feel like you never want to get out of bed again, but it’s important to maintain your dental routine. Brushing and flossing are still necessary to protect your teeth and gums. And try gargling with warm saltwater or a mouth rinse. You’ll not only soothe a sore throat and help prevent the bad breath that sinus problems can cause, but you’ll also reduce oral bacteria and plaque.

• Keep Away from Your Toothbrush after Vomiting

Even though cleaning your mouth and teeth might be the first thing you want do to after throwing up, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth. Cavities occur over time when tooth enamel is weakened by the acids oral bacteria produce. When you vomit, your teeth are exposed to much stronger stomach acids, and immediate brushing simply brushes these acids on to your enamel. One common recommendation is to mix a teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water, swish it around your mouth, and spit it out. Or simply use a glass of plain water, and repeat if needed.

• Keep Your Cough under Control

Here’s a tip your family, friends, co-workers, and fellow public transportation users will thank you for: If you are sick, stay home. If you do find yourself coughing while around others, cover your mouth. Cough into a tissue instead of your hands or the open air. If you don’t have a tissue available, cough into your upper sleeve.  And while you’re protecting others, protect your tooth enamel. Replace overly sweet cough syrups with tablets, and, if you are using cough drops, remember that sucking on a sugary cough drop is like sucking on candy. Look for the sugar-free variety and use only as directed.

• Don’t Keep Your Toothbrush

Now that you’re feeling better, it might be time to throw out your toothbrush. The chances of re-infection are low (unless you have a compromised immune system), but we often hang on to our toothbrushes long after their effective days are past. A toothbrush should only last around three to four months. If yours is older than that, this is a perfect opportunity to replace a brush that might be getting a bit long in the tooth with a fresh, germ-free model.

Above all, be good to yourself when you are ill. Drink healthy fluids, maintain your dental routine, and treat your teeth and your body with care. Here’s wishing you a speedy recovery, continuing dental health, and a season filled with beautiful smiles.