July 7, 2010

Healthy Teeth and Your Staten Island Diet

Healthy Teeth and Your Willowbrook Diet Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Staten Island residents. As your Dentist, it’s my job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy. Everyone in Staten Island knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Staten Island dental practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.

A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones, will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local Staten Island foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.

Just as certain diet choices in the Staten Island area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth in the Staten Island area, contact Staten Island Dental Care at (347) 695-4370. We would love to hear from you.

-Dr. Fredrick S. Hecht

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:20 am

June 22, 2010

Periodontal Disease in New York

Periodontal Disease in New York Periodontal disease in New York is more common than you might think, and can be cured with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to this article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease‘, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check up at your local Staten Island dentist.

Give us a call at (347) 695-4370 to schedule your next dental checkup; we look forward to seeing you.

— Dr. Frederick Hecht

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health — Tags: , , — admin @ 1:49 pm

April 8, 2010

Dental Check Up

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Most people in the Staten Island area between the ages of 18 and 85 need a dental checkup every six months. If you live in Staten Island and are at higher risk for oral diseases, you should have your teeth checked every four months, or at least three times a year.

Come into our office, located at 1520 Richmond Avenue in Staten Island, or give us a call to make a dental appointment. You can visit our website at http://www.AfraidOfTheDentist.com for more information.

Most people in our Staten Island community are in a medium to low risk category. However if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar in your diet (including lots of soda), or have poor oral hygiene habits, you are likely in a higher risk category and should have your teeth checked right away.

I look at a lot of factors to determine your personal dental hygiene, and your dental outlook for your future. I want you to have the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your teeth for many years without significant problems. If you live in the Staten Island area and are ready to have your teeth checked, please give Staten Island Dental Care a call.

Our comfortable staff will be ready to get you started with a dental checkup.

Talk to you soon.

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , — admin @ 12:20 pm

February 28, 2010

Local Dentistry

Fred Hecht DMD specializes in local dentistry to provide that special dental care

to our Staten Island, NY dental patients.

Our most popular local dentistry procedure is cosmetic dentistry, however we also perform sedation dentistry.

You can contact Fred Hecht DMD about cosmetic dentistry or sedation dentistry, or any other local dentistry service by calling us at (718) 761-5757.

If you live in the 10314 zip code area, and are looking for a ‘home town dentist’ who provides dentistry to the Staten Island, NY area, click on any of the links on this page, give us a call at (718) 761-5757, or stop by and visit. You can find us at 1520 Richmond Ave., in Staten Island, NY.

We’re your lifelong dental health partner

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , , — admin @ 1:04 am

January 12, 2010

Choosing A Dentist In Staten Island

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentist Choosing A Dentist In Fremont

in Staten Island. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Staten Island dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist. If you live in the Staten Island, New York area, there are many options. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their New York dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your Staten Island dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Staten Island dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Staten Island. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Staten Island dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Staten Island, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Fred Hecht DDS.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. Fred Hecht, DDS

(718) 761-5757

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , — admin @ 11:30 am

January 3, 2010

Staten Island, New York Residents Visit the Dentist

Whether you have lived in New York for a long time, or just moving inFremont, California Residents Visit the Dentist

to the Staten Island area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Fred Hecht DDS located at 1520 Richmond Ave., in Staten Island, New York and our specialty is restorative dentistry.

You can reach Fred Hecht DDS by calling (718) 761-5757.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Staten Island, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Staten Island area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Staten Island dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your New York dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Staten Island dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Staten Island dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Fred Hecht DDS our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Staten Island, New York and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at (718) 761-5757, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-We’re your lifelong dental health partner

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry — Tags: , , — admin @ 11:16 am

December 28, 2009

Staten Island Dentists And Your Mouth Sores

As your local Staten Island dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Sometimes mouth sores can be an issue, and while dentists often defer to an oral surgeon for extreme cases, we can help you make an assessment.

If you live in the Staten Island area and have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; come and see me. Mouth sores can be an indicator of disease, and an early assessment is the best bet. A better understanding of your mouth sores can lead quickly to comfort and a resolution. If necessary, treatment and pain relief can be offered.

There are two types of mouth sores that are common; canker sores and cold sores.

Canker sores are small ulcer-like sores with a white or gray base and a red border. They are found on the inside of the mouth and while they are not contagious, they can be painful. Typically a canker sore heals in a week or two. Antimicrobal mouth-rinses, over-the-counter topical anesthetics, and avoiding spicy and acidic foods may offer you temporary relief while your sore is healing.

The cause of a canker sores is not certain. Possible explanations range from a cut on the inside the mouth, and reactions to extreme temperatures or acids from food or drink, to fatigue, stress, and allergies. Some studies point to bacteria or viruses, or combinations of all these factors.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters or Herpes Simplex, are groups of fluid-filled blisters that often appear around the lips, sometimes appearing under the nose or around the chin. Cold sores are contagious and painful, but usually heal in about a week. Some over-the-counter anesthetics may provide relief. There are some antiviral drugs on the market that have shown promise in reducing outbreaks, but there is currently no known cure. The initial infection, known as primary herpes, often occurs before adulthood. Once the virus infects you, it may stay in your body and remain inactive or cause occasional cold sore outbreaks. Outbreaks may be triggered by a fever, sunburn, skin abrasions, stress, or exposure to extremes in temperature.

As your Staten Island dentist, I can’t do much to stop canker sores or cold sores in your mouth. I can discuss the health of your mouth, and examine any causes that make your mouth sore. In some cases a change in the way you care for your mouth can reduce the chances of getting mouth sores. If you are in the Staten Island area, and would like to speak with a dental professional about mouth sores, area give us a call at Fred Hecht DMD.

Our number is (718) 761-5757.

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, General Dentistry — Tags: , , , — admin @ 8:54 am

December 20, 2009

Wisdom Teeth Checkup

Wisdom teeth usually come in between ages 16 and 24 for people in the Staten Island

community. While not always troublesome, it is important to learn as early as possible whether your wisdom teeth are coming in sideways, or otherwise impacting your other teeth.

Checking your wisdom teeth in Staten Island is a simple and painless process, and can save you trouble down the road.

Our practice, ‘Fred Hecht DMD‘, works with patients from ages 20 to 80, and our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff can help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will need to be extracted. We can also help you determine whether your wisdom teeth will require advanced care, or if a simple procedure can solve the problem.

Wisdom teeth can be painful, and we don’t like pain at Fred Hecht DMD, It’s our goal to give you the best care and attention when checking your wisdom teeth.

If you are in the Staten Island area and need to have your wisdom teeth checked, please stop by our office at 1520 Richmond Ave., in Staten Island, New York.

We specialize in restorative dentistry, and often perform cosmetic dentistry. We can take a look at your wisdom teeth and help you make a healthy decision for your future.

‘We’re your lifelong dental health partner’

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health — Tags: , , — admin @ 8:46 am

October 21, 2009

Common Medical Conditions Affect Dental Health in Staten Island

Hi, I’m Dentist Dr. Fred Hecht, DMD. Most every day, I can be found at my Educating Fremont Dental Patients About Little-Known RisksStaten Island area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) Staten Island diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is (718) 761-5757.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of New York folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.afraidofthedentist.com/

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — admin @ 2:17 am

October 8, 2009

Bone Health & Dental Health in Staten Island

There is a tooth connection that links osteoporosis and oral health. If you are a woman, Colin Yoshida DDSyou have probably heard about the high rate of osteoporosis in America. The state of New York is no exception. Osteoporosis can often progress without any outward symptoms. However, there may be clues in a person’s mouth that indicate compromised bones in the rest of the body.

The following dental and periodontal issues could indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

  • Gum detachment
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Jaw bone recession and erosion
  • Difficulty with ordinary mouth function such as eating or speaking

There are many Staten Island dental professionals that can determine the presence of bone deterioration with x-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional.

At Staten Island Cosmetic Dental Care, we are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the oral health problems sometimes associated with osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation  by calling (718) 761-5757 and we can discuss your dental concerns. While you are here, we can also tell you about the cosmetic dental services we provide. Aesthetic dentistry continues to improve smiles for our friends and neighbors in the Staten Island area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoporosis, please see your physician right away. While your dentist can help identify some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, you should not rely on your dentist to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — admin @ 2:25 am
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