After the past two years, we have become all too familiar with certain precautions that we can take to help our immune systems ward off any unwanted germs, for instance frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer when out and about, not touching your face, and so on. Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try to avoid an illness, our bodies are not indestructible, and sometimes we succumb and fall ill. If you have ever been extremely sick, you know it can be difficult to take care of yourself when all you want to do is stay in your warm, cozy bed. No matter how terrible you may feel, it is important to maintain your oral hygiene routine. Not caring for your teeth when you don’t feel your best can lead to serious complications in the future. We want to share some simple ways to take care of your teeth and oral health when you are under the weather:

Do you constantly hear from loved ones that you snore too loudly? Or do you often awake in the morning feeling unrested and grumpy? If you answered yes, or this sounds like a family member, sleep apnea may be a concern for you. Sleep apnea is a common yet very dangerous sleeping condition in which patients stop breathing during times of sleep. Typically, sleep apnea is caused by a restricted airway while sleeping. It can be caused by the placement of the tongue, the dental arch and position of the teeth, and even from being overweight.

There is a large percentage of adults who avoid visiting the dentist due to fear and phobia. In turn, this leads to complicated dental problems and the need for numerous treatments and repairs to restore oral health. To help combat this issue, many dental practices have used sedation dentistry as a way to relax patients to receive the treatment they need. The problem with this method is that patients are never overcoming their fears and the sedation is used more as a band-aid to cover the problem.

Have you or a loved one expressed an interest in attending dental school following an undergraduate program? There are individuals who have always had an interest in the field of dentistry and those who are interested in a career in the field of medicine, but unsure of which direction to pursue. Due to the recent explosion of dental technology and updates to treatments and procedures, there has been an influx of students interested in applying to dental school. Dr. Michael Krochak created a dental scholarship dedicated to students who are interested in pursuing the field of dentistry.

When discussing the importance of routine hygiene examinations and maintaining proper oral hygiene, some patients assume it is only for the sake of your teeth. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. While the care and health of your teeth is extremely important, there is another part of your mouth that is often overlooked — your gums. September is National Gum Care Month, so we thought this would be a great time to discuss the importance of caring for your teeth as well as your gums.

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy New York City. After the snowy winter we experienced, and with much of the city as well as the rest of the country closed due to the pandemic, many of us are eager to enjoy all the city has to offer over the next few months. Whether it is a picnic in Central Park, a family outing to the Bronx Zoo, a day to enjoy the Botanical Gardens in Brooklyn, or a rooftop dinner with friends, there is plenty to do this summer. As the country begins to reopen and life begins to regain some form of normalcy, it is a perfect time to think about the appearance of your smile. Are you dreading activities and seeing family and friends because you are self-conscious about your smile? Maybe you find yourself covering your mouth when you speak. If this sounds like you, a cosmetic dental makeover might be the solution to your worries.

Are you missing a tooth or teeth and unsure if you should replace the tooth or leave the empty space? There are a number of reasons that a person might be missing a tooth. The most common reasons are extraction due to extreme decay, complications from gum disease, injury, or illness. If you are missing one of your rear molars, it can be tempting to forgo the expense and discomfort of replacing the tooth and leave the empty space because it is not visible. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Missing teeth, even in the rear of the mouth, can cause lasting effects on your oral and overall health.