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What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and one of the most common oral health problems worldwide. It occurs when plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds up along the gumline. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious forms of periodontal disease, which may damage your teeth, gums, and jawbone. The good news? Gingivitis is treatable and reversible with proper dental care. Common Symptoms of Gingivitis Many people don’t realize they have gingivitis because the early signs can be subtle. Watch for: Red, swollen, or tender gums Bleeding while brushing or flossing Bad breath that doesn’t go away Gum recession or a change in gum shape If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule a dental checkup right away. What Causes Gingivitis? The primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, irritating the gums. Other contributing factors include: Smoking or tobacco use Poor nutrition (especially low vitamin C) Certain medications that affect saliva flow Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause) Health conditions like diabetes How to Treat Gingivitis The first step to treating gingivitis is a professional dental cleaning. Your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t eliminate. Afterward, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential. Treatment may include: Regular dental cleanings every 6 months Improved brushing and flossing habits Antibacterial mouth rinses Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking Preventing Gingivitis Preventing gingivitis is simple with consistent oral care: Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth Schedule routine checkups with your dentist Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco Gingivitis Treatment in Garden City, NY At Long Island Dental Group, our skilled dentists and hygienists provide gentle, effective care to treat gingivitis and prevent gum disease from progressing. We use advanced technology to keep your smile healthy and your gums strong. 📍 Located in Garden City, NY, we proudly serve patients across Long Island. 601 Franklin Avenue, Suite 100, Garden City, NY 11530 Call to Action Don’t wait until gum disease causes permanent damage. If you’re experiencing symptoms of gingivitis, contact Long Island Dental Group today at (516) 579-0330 or book your appointment online at www.longislanddental.com.

October 1, 2022 Youngsters like to participate in a variety of activities. Unfortunately, brushing their teeth probably isn’t one of them. But a change in attitude can make a world of difference. Parents can help their offspring by drumming up enthusiasm for it in them. When you need the services of a top-notch dentist, rely on LI Dental Group. All of our patients recognize the quality of our care from the moment they enter our office. We consider every patient to be unique regarding his/her wants, needs and preferences. Turn each session into two minutes of fun. In other words, don’t make kids just stand there performing a dull routine. Create an engaging two-minute event twice a day. Turn up the volume on your kid’s favorite songs and transform it into a dance party. They’ll be shocked by how quickly the time passes. Young children might be more amused if you use funny hand gestures and dance moves. Whatever tactic you employ, switch things up so brushing time is always an entertaining time. Make it a routine from which they won’t stray. Have brushing their teeth in the morning and before bedtime be a no-big-deal standard practice. If your kids make an adverse fuss about their oral care and consider it an unnecessary inconvenience, tell them about all consequences—cavities, fillings, bad breath, loose teeth—that can result from dental neglect. Use positive reinforcement. Who doesn’t like praise and reward for excellent work? If your child is big on stickers, create a chart and add one each time he brushes. If he likes bedtime stories, let him pick one out or read one to you. Or, you can simply tell him he did a great job and you’re proud of him. The family that brushes together… Parents are their children’s biggest influencers. You and/or your spouse (and any other youngsters at home) can make it a group effort in the morning or at night—or both. It will instill a sense of camaraderie and not make your child’s brushing a solitary task. At the office of LI Dental Group, our team of dental professionals has the cutting-edge equipment and expertise to provide our patients with unmatched care. We welcome people of all ages and look forward to establishing long-lasting relationships. Please call us today for an appointment.

September 1, 2022 How many times have you brushed your teeth? If you’ve done it twice a day every day, then that’s a lot of times! And because brushing your teeth plays a crucial part in your oral health as well as the health of the rest of your body, you want to get the most out of it. Beautiful smiles start with the professionals at LI Dental Group. We provide comprehensive treatment options for your dental needs and those of your whole family. We possess the skills and experience to give all of you your best smiles. Here’s how to make each cleaning a thorough cleaning. Use the proper technique. Tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and start at the gum line. Brush each tooth’s surface: the outside, the inside and the top. Establish a pattern so you don’t miss an area. For example, begin with the outer surfaces of your top teeth, then do the outer surfaces of your bottom teeth. Then move on to the inner surfaces of your top teeth and the inner surfaces of your bottom teeth. Finish it off by attending to every top surface. Don’t rush it. Have each session last for at least two minutes. Pick the brush that’s best for you. If you can’t decide on bristle firmness, the head size, or between a manual or powered brush, talk about it with your dentist. Use the best toothpaste. That means any brand that has the American Dental Association seal on its packaging. The ADA’s approval means that the toothpaste is safe and effective, and it will fight plaque and tooth decay. Floss the right way. Every time you do it, use about 18 inches. Wind the strand tightly around your middle fingers, leaving 2 inches to work with. Gently slide the floss between your teeth and under their gum lines, using a clean section as you progress from tooth to tooth. Keep your brush in good shape. That means keeping it clean by rinsing it off and letting it air dry. Use a new toothbrush every three to four months, when bristles start to fray and become less effective. It’s also important to toss your toothbrush after you recover from an illness. Put your tongue in the mix. Use a tongue scraper to put the kibosh on bacteria and food particles that like to hang out in its nooks and crannies. Some toothbrushes come with scrapers on their backs. At the office of LI Dental Group, our highly skilled, knowledgeable professionals are at the forefront of new technologies to make your dental treatment efficient and effective. For more information about our office and our many services, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment today.

July 1, 2022 If you’ve become a bit lax about taking good care of your oral health, there’s no time like the present to reevaluate your cleaning routine. As with many other important tasks in life, a focus on oral care is all about turning it into a new habit that you’ll stick to. The office of LI Dental Group emphasizes preventive dental care. We’re dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful smile. We provide a comprehensive program of treatments designed to protect your teeth and reduce the risk of dental disease. Even if your current oral care habits aren’t stellar, it’s never too late to start a new regime. Try these tactics. Don’t leave home without it, with “it” being a clean mouth. Greeting the day (and anyone with whom you have a close encounter!) with a pleasant kisser is a terrific way to build your confidence. It’s also great for scrubbing away your breakfast’s leftovers, freshening your breath, preventing coffee stains and dispatching bacteria that have formed overnight. If you have never been or have stopped being a flosser, holy cow! Using dental floss is key to ridding your teeth and gums of damaging plaque, which can lead to periodontal disease. Ask your dentist to demonstrate the proper technique. Give it time—at least 2 minutes. Many people are good about the frequency with which they brush but not with how much time they spend doing it, which reduces how effectively they remove plaque. Set a timer for 2 minutes to ensure that you’re brushing for the recommended amount of time. Use a tongue scraper. They’re easily found at drug stores and pharmacies, and some toothbrushes come with a scraping pad that’s on the other side of the bristles. Gently scrubbing your tongue helps clear away damaging bacteria and food particles, as well as to stave away bad breath. Stick to straws. If you insist on not giving up beverages with copious amounts of sugar and acids (soda, energy drinks and fruit juice), use a straw to prevent their destructive elements from making contact with your pearly whites. Make it easy for yourself by keeping straws readily accessible. Stockpile them in your kitchen, desk drawer at work, purse, backpack and car. When you’re searching for a dental practice that’s dedicated to providing the topmost standard of personalized care, look no further than the office of LI Dental Group. We offer an extensive menu of high-quality dental services for people of all ages. To learn more about our many services, please contact us today.

March 1, 2022 There are right ways and wrong ways to execute certain tasks. Using dental floss is one of those tasks. At the office of LI Dental Group, our skilled professionals are experts at diagnosing dental issues as well as providing the treatment needed to maintain excellent oral health. Your care and comfort are our top priorities. We take as much time as you need to address your every concern and explain your options in care. An 18-inch strip of floss provides you with the best benefits and control of the floss. Wind the strip around each of your index fingers until you can hold a few inches of it tautly between each index finger and thumb. Softly slip the floss between two teeth and glide it gently in a “C” shape from the top of each tooth to its gum line. Then move the floss back and forth along each tooth’s gum line. Release clean floss from one hand while winding the used floss around the forefinger of the other hand. Progress around your mouth until you’ve flossed between all of your teeth. And remember to go behind each back tooth. To prevent missing an area, it’s helpful to establish a method. In other words, start with your upper right teeth and proceed around the arch; then do the same with your bottom teeth. If you’re unsure about your technique, your dentist or hygienist can demonstrate. You can also discuss if you should use waxed or unwaxed. Dental floss comes in several varieties. Which one you decide on is usually a matter of personal choice. In certain cases, however, one may be better than another. Waxed floss works well between teeth that are tightly spaced. Dental tape (broader and flatter than standard floss) or super floss (spongy with a stiffened end to guide it) is good for teeth with a more-than-usual amount of space between them. Other folks prefer disposable flossers with a plastic handle. LI Dental Group’s professional team is made up of friendly, highly trained specialists who are eager to help you feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving the very best in dental care. We will scrupulously evaluate your total oral health and patiently answer any questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to call us to schedule an appointment.

November 1, 2022 Third molars are called “wisdom teeth” because they usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 21. That’s when we’re supposed to be maturing and, in the process, gaining insight and intelligence. Those four choppers came in handy when our predecessors needed them to pulverize their diets of nuts, twigs and raw meat, but those days are long gone. Wisdom teeth are usually nuisances if they erupt in the wrong position or if your mouth can’t accommodate them. A dentist might have to remove them. The office of LI Dental Group is an expert in the field of dentistry. We will gladly take as much time as needed to tell you about the health of your teeth, explain to you in detail any issues you have, and offer clear explanations of your treatment options. Wisdom teeth are impacted if they’re trapped under your gums or in your jaw, which invites a host of problems. An impacted tooth can cause a cyst to form on or near it, which could damage the roots of nearby teeth or injure the supporting bone. Wisdoms that erupt in incorrect positions hinder effective flossing between them and the molars in front of them. Food can get stuck, grow bacteria and lead to cavities. Even worse, partial eruptions give bacteria entries into gums and subsequent invitations for infections. Wisdoms without enough room to come through can misalign and damage nearby teeth. Though each patient is unique, there are particular conditions in which wisdom teeth must be extracted. Those conditions include pain, infection, tumors, damage to nearby teeth, cysts, gum disease, tooth decay and preparation for orthodontic treatment. (Fun fact: Some people, for genetic reasons, develop no or only two wisdom teeth.) Before deciding on a course of action (if needed), a dentist will X-ray the area and monitor the wisdoms’ development. You and she (or he) will talk over the best treatment approach. The dentist will continue to monitor the wisdoms that stay in place because issues could crop up down the road. LI Dental Group is dedicated to providing excellent and considerate care. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us today for an appointment. We look forward to finding out how we can help you.

August 1, 2022 A full set of upper and lower dentures can be a godsend for people who have lost all of their natural teeth. Tooth loss is frequently the result of decay, injury or severe gum disease. Wearing dentures enables people to speak and eat much more efficiently than they would without dentures. The office of LI Dental Group is an excellent one-stop solution for the oral healthcare needs of your whole family. We’re experienced in treating patients of all ages. Whether it’s time for the kids’ back-to-school checkup or you have a toothache, we will provide the expert service you need and expect. Without the support from all of your teeth, the muscles in your face will sag and sink into your mouth. But, as with natural teeth, dentures fill out your face and improve your appearance. And they will undoubtedly enhance your smile. Traditional dentures are removable and custom-fit to your mouth. If some teeth had to first be extracted, the gum tissue will have to be healed, which could take a few months. Immediate dentures are put in your mouth the same day that your remaining teeth were removed. Before that appointment, a dentist will measure and make models of your jaw. You won’t be without dentures while your gums heal, but your dentures may have to be relined or reconstructed after your jaw has healed. If you have a few remaining healthy teeth, a dentist will prepare them for an overdenture, which will be placed over them and serve as anchors. Your new dentures will likely feel awkward for a few weeks while your cheek and tongue muscles acclimate to them. Minor irritation or soreness and increased saliva flow are also not out of the ordinary. You’ll need to have follow-up visits with your dentist so he (or she) can check and adjust the dentures’ fits. People who wear full dentures need to practice excellent dental hygiene. They must use a soft-bristled brush to clean their gums, tongue and roof of their mouth to remove plaque and particles of food. And as with their natural teeth, they must brush their dentures to remove plaque, food particles and stains. Your dentist will answer all of your questions about your adjustment period and cleaning technique. LI Dental Group has a solid reputation for providing excellent care and compassionate service. New patients are always welcome to our state-of-the-art facility, your resource for the best in modern dentistry. Please call us to schedule an appointment.

June 1, 2022 Have you ever considered how much your teeth do for you every day? Not only do they help you chew and digest your food, but they help you speak and provide the centerpiece of a smile that shapes your face. But how much do you know about these small, hard-working pearly whites? Our dentist at LI Dental Group wants patients to understand how important their teeth are to their general health. We promote a strong oral hygiene routine for our patients that includes regular checkups and cleanings to keep plaque, tartar, and bacteria from making themselves at home in your mouth. Here’s a brief primer on the four different types of teeth and their functions: Those eight thin, straight teeth in the front of your mouth are the incisors. There are four in the upper jaw and four in the lower jaw. Your incisors help cut your food into chewable pieces that are easier to swallow and digest. The canines are those four teeth on each side of your incisors. These sharp, pointy teeth — which dentists call cuspids — are the longest teeth and help tearing our food. Canines may also play a role in guiding our other teeth into position. In an adult set of teeth, there are eight premolars, behind the canines — four in the upper and four in the lower jaw. These bicuspids are flat on top and good for crushing and tearing food. A dozen molars — behind those premolars and evenly distributed between your top and bottom teeth — are the flattest, widest teeth. These are primarily for grinding and crushing our food. So-called wisdom teeth are also molars, and are the last to erupt in adulthood. Our friendly dentist at LI Dental Group hopes this brief primer will help our patients appreciate the importance of those pearly whites. Let’s work together to keep them healthy for years to come! Please contact our office today for an appointment.

June 26, 2023 The human body is a complex system in which everything is interconnected. From head to toe, what affects one area of your body influences one or more other areas. The well-being of your whole mouth is just one example. It’s a component of your whole physical being, which is why taking excellent care of it is crucial. When receiving care from a dentist, you want a thoughtful and detailed provider who makes you feel at ease, listens to any of your concerns, offers excellent service and works with you throughout your treatment. LI Dental Group is proud to possess all of those qualities. Here are examples of how gum disease, gum infections and untreated cavities can trigger health issues elsewhere. Some may surprise you! Cardiovascular disease is an overall term for heart and blood vessel disorders. Coronary artery disease can bring on heart failure and heart attacks. It’s the primary cause of death in the U.S. People with periodontitis are quite prone to atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels that run oxygen and blood out from the heart). There’s a strong connection between periodontal disease and strokes (when part of your brain loses its blood supply), especially strokes linked to atherosclerosis. Endocarditis is a bacterial infection in a heart’s valves—and sometimes its chambers. Unhealthy hearts can acquire endocarditis during a highly invasive procedure, such as a tooth extraction. Untreated cavities have been known to cause bacterial, viral and fungal types of pneumonia when oral bacteria travel into the lungs through the nose, pharynx or larynx. Oral bacteria have also been associated with pregnancy and birth complications. The bacteria can make its way into the bloodstream and harm the woman and/or the fetus. Detriments include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, stunted growth, low birth weight, stillbirth and miscarriage. Now that you know of the significant connections between oral health and systemic health, it’s time to evaluate your dental routine. It should include brushing at least twice a day, flossing and using an oral irrigator once a day, and visiting a dentist every six months. We here at LI Dental Group are dental experts. Please call us today to learn how we can serve you.

February 9, 2023 It’s important to take excellent care of your teeth and gums no matter how old you are. But as with the rest of your body parts, age can take a toll on them. Due to natural wear and tear, senior citizens need to pay extra attention to their oral health. At the office of LI Dental Group, our skilled professionals are experts at treating patients of all ages. We provide all of our patients with treatments needed to maintain excellent oral health. Your care and comfort are our top priorities. Older adults should monitor these dental concerns. Tooth decay Even toddlers can get cavities, but seniors are particularly at risk because decades of use weakens tooth enamel, which promotes cavities. Gum disease At the same time, gum recession leaves root surfaces vulnerable to decay. Left untreated, the decay infects the tissues and bones that encircle the teeth. It starts as gingivitis (swollen, red or bleeding gums) and progresses to periodontitis (receded gums and worn away bone). Still left untreated, teeth might loosen or fall out. About 66 percent of adults who are 65 and older have gum disease. And here’s a disturbing statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 34 percent of Americans 65 and older have lost six or more teeth to gum disease and tooth decay. Dry mouth Reduced saliva production, specific medications or certain persistent conditions can lead to dry mouth, which ups the risk of cavities. Talk to your dentist for ways to replenish moisture in your mouth and your physician to find a medication or dosage that won’t dry up your saliva. Oral cancer It’s always more treatable when found in its early stages, before it’s had a chance to metastasize. Pain isn’t a common early symptom, so regular dental checkups are crucial. Learn about oral health issues as you age, and talk to your dentist about how to keep your teeth strong and healthy. LI Dental Group provides premium care. For more information, please don’t hesitate to call us today for an appointment. We look forward to finding out how we can help you.

January 1, 2022 Everyone knows about teeth, but does everyone know all there is to know about teeth? No way! One reason is that there are so many aspects of the pearly whites. Though it may not seem like it, they are complicated components and play significant roles in the health of the entire body rather than just the mouths in which they “live.” We at the office of LI Dental Group are oral healthcare experts and know “all things dental.” In emphasizing the importance of preventive dental care, we are dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the benefits of a healthy and beautiful smile. We provide a comprehensive program of preventive care designed to protect your teeth and reduce your risk of dental disease. Read on for six fun facts! A tooth is like an iceberg in that its visible portion is only 25 to 33 percent of its whole structure. The remainder of the tooth is firmly ensconced in the surrounding gum and bone. Baby teeth, also known as milk teeth, deciduous teeth and primary teeth, act as placeholders for your permanent teeth. That’s why it’s essential that each of these 20 teeth stay in place for as long as possible, until the permanent 32 are ready to present themselves. Not all teeth have a good sense of direction. One or more can grow in backwards, sideways or upside down. Teeth don’t always debut in flawless condition. Some erupt already dinged with a cavity. Your body is great at healing itself—except when it comes to a cavity. This divot of decay grows only worse until a dentist drills away the corrosion and replaces it with a filling. Some folks get a raw dental deal when one of their baby teeth doesn’t have a permanent tooth under it. Attribute your genes for this regrettable rip-off. But not every genetic trait is disadvantagous. People are sometimes born with only either upper-jaw or lower-jaw wisdom teeth. Now that you’re armed with these fun facts, you’re ready to bedazzle your friends and family with your extensive knowledge. When searching for a dental practice that’s dedicated to providing the topmost standard of personalized care, look no further than the office of LI Dental Group. We offer an extensive menu of high-quality dental services for people of all ages. Our skilled team has your needs in mind. For more information about our many services, please call to schedule an appointment.

August 24, 2023 A mouth’s many components team up to perform imperative tasks. This valuable orifice is a very busy place, which, unfortunately, makes it susceptible to glitches and the occasional misfortune. The office of LI Dental Group treats a wide spectrum of issues. Keeping your mouth healthy is as important to us as it is to you. We give all of our patients as much time and attention as they need. Here are some dental problems and conditions with which a dentist can be of great assistance. A tooth can ache for a variety of reasons, some serious, others not so much. But until you get to a dentist, use dental floss to make sure the hurt isn’t due to simply a stuck piece of food. If necessary, take an OTC pain reliever. If the tooth’s surrounding gum is swollen or oozes pus, it could have an abscess. Call a dentist for an emergency visit. You may require antibiotics and in-depth treatment. Cavities wreak havoc. Left untreated, these dents due to decay can put you on the road to eating and speaking problems, as well as gum disease and tooth loss. A dentist can fill them, and twice-yearly checkups can prevent more-serious consequences of cavities. A chipped tooth is the most prevalent dental injury. How it’s treated depends on its severity. A small chip can be filled in with a bonding material, and a larger piece might have to be crowned. Fragmentations that involve the pulp will likely need a root canal. Gingivitis brings sore gums that bleed easily and pull away from teeth because plaque (sticky bacteria) has accumulated under the gumline. Ignoring it can bring bone loss, shifted teeth and teeth that fall out. Thus, your need for an excellent daily oral regimen and cleanings by a dentist twice a year. Some people don’t like that they have a gap between their two front teeth, while some famous folk (Lauren Hutton, Madonna, Anna Paquin and Michael Strahan) rock them with pride. But if you’re not gaga about your gap, be like Zac Efron, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Keith Urban, who opted to get their hole closed. A dentist can do the same for you using veneers or bonding material. The office of LI Dental Group is passionate about treating your dental health. Please call us today to make an appointment.