Reasons Why Oral-Systemic Health Should Matter to You

Your oral health consists of many different aspects. For example, dental and periodontal care encompass most treatments that address the health of your teeth and gums. Your oral health is also closely related to your overall systemic wellbeing in many different ways. For instance, if you have severe gum disease, it could have a significant influence on your risks of other chronic inflammatory diseases. If you have a sleep breathing disorder, like sleep apnea, that involves oral tissues clogging your airway, then it could negatively impact your cardiovascular and other systems over time. Today, we examine a few aspects of the oral-systemic connection, and how understanding it can help you improve your quality of life. (more…)

What Does “Oral-Systemic Health” Mean?

The confidence you feel when your smile’s appearance is flawless is only one reason why excellent dental health should be a priority. Other reasons include avoiding issues like severe toothaches, destructive cavities, progressive gum disease, and in many cases, increased risks of chronic systemic health conditions. Known as oral-systemic health, the connection between your smile and the rest of your body is a significant one, especially since it can provide a pathway for dental diseases to affect other systems in your body. (more…)

Syosset, NY Dentist Examines Oral-Systemic Health

June is all about the men. Not only is June the month for Father’s Day, it is also set aside to highlight preventable health issues in men and to promote the benefits of early detection and disease treatment. This National Men’s Health Month, your Long Island dentist, Dr. Richard Kobak, explains the connection between your oral health and the health of your whole body.

What is Oral-Systemic Health?

Poor oral health can contribute to your risks for certain systemic diseases. Food debris and bad bacteria constantly collect in our mouths, and brushing and flossing doesn’t remove all of it. If neglected, the bacteria can attack your gums, your teeth, and the connective tissue between the two. The bacteria infect and weaken your gums and teeth, leading to tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. When infection sets in, the trouble begins in earnest.

Gum disease leads to tooth loss and many other oral problems, but more importantly, the infection also greatly reduces the mouth’s natural defenses against disease.  Bad bacteria can enter into your bloodstream through the infected soft gum tissue and circulate throughout your body. The result is a heightened risk for  heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. Gum disease in women can even lead to complications during pregnancy. (more…)

How Gum Disease Could Raise Your Heart Health Risks

When your dentist tells you that you have gum disease, the need to treat it can be more serious than you might realize. As one of the most common chronic oral health conditions, many people will have to deal with gum disease at some point in their lives. In addition to some of the more well-known threats that gum disease can pose to your oral health, including tooth loss, there are also more profound ways in which gum disease can impact your overall systemic health. In cases where gum disease has become severe, these can include significant risks to your heart health. (more…)

Is Gum Disease Affecting Your Joint Health?

Experts have known for quite some time that the presence of gum disease is linked to the development of systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, the relationship between your oral health and your physical wellbeing has been at the center of some of the most innovative research over the last few decades. For instance, many patients with chronic gum disease can experience joint health issues, as well—particularly rheumatoid arthritis, which also results from excessive inflammation. (more…)

Protect Your Oral Health from Age-Related Gum Recession

When your gums begin to pull away from your teeth, or recede, there is usually a cause for concern (the condition typically indicates gum disease, or some other dental malady). As we age, however, our gums can lose their grip on our teeth and recede simply due to a lifetime of use. Age-related gum recession may be natural, but regardless of the cause, your receding gums can still complicate your oral health. Syosset dentist, Dr. Richard Kobak, explains how and why you should protect your gums from recession at any age.

The Importance of Your Gums

The top part of your tooth, called the crown, is protected from bacteria and food debris by a layer of tooth enamel—the strongest substance that your body produces. The crown, however, is not the only part of your tooth. Your tooth’s roots extend into your gum tissue and continue down to anchor into your jawbone. Your gum tissue, which acts like a gasket in a motor, seals and protects the enamel-less part of your teeth. When your gums recede, the roots of your teeth become exposed and vulnerable to bacterial infection. Also, receding gums provide extra spaces for food debris and dental plaque to settle, increasing the damage caused by the condition. (more…)

Mo-vember, the Mustachio Mania Month for Men’s Health

Have you heard of Movember – the mustache-growing charity event that happens during this month every year? Movember is designed to raise funds for, and awareness of, prostate cancer and other cancers that affect men. Participants pledge to grow a mustache for the whole month and to educate those around them on prostate cancer and good health practices. These mustachioed males have raised millions of dollars for cancer research and hope to keep going strong in 2011. Can’t join them in hirsute harmony? Take the time to educate yourself about what you can do to have better health practices. Eat healthy, exercise, drinks lots of water, and take care of your teeth. Good oral health is essential to good overall health, and dental problems can lead to problems elsewhere.

Battle of the Sexes: Men’s vs. Women’s Oral Health

Men tend to have poorer oral health than women; they are less likely to brush their teeth and more likely to have periodontal disease. Periodontitis increases your risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It can also complicate health conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Periodontal disease causes progressive bone loss; if it is not treated, damage to teeth and jaws become irreversible. Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of the disease. If caught early, gingivitis is treatable. (more…)

Explore the Inhabitants of Your Mouth with Syosset Dentist

Right now, there are more bacteria in your mouth than there are people on Earth (10-50 billion compared to six billion). That number may seem staggering when you consider that some bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. However, out of the up to 600 different species of bacteria in your mouth, only a few are harmful. The majority are good bacteria that fight disease and infection. Two types of bad oral bacteria deserve special consideration. Streptococcus mutans is responsible for tooth decay. Porphyromonas gingivalis is the suspected main culprit in the link between gum disease and chronic inflammatory diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cardiovascular disease.  Syosset dentist Dr. Richard Kobak takes a moment to explore these notorious microbes and share with you information about how they affect your oral and overall health.

The Tooth Decay Microbe

Scientists believe that for thousands of years, the bacterium Streptococcus mutans lived harmoniously within the mouths of humans. As we began to refine sugars before consuming them, the S. mutans bacteria evolved to digest this new substance. The by-product of this digestion is lactic acid, which attacks protective tooth enamel and drains teeth of essential minerals (this process is called “demineralization”). The best protection against acid attacks is to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. This will remove food debris and plaque before their bacteria have a chance to damage your teeth. Also, attend a comprehensive dental exam at least twice a year to allow Dr. Kobak to evaluate your oral health and spot signs of trouble early. (more…)

What Gum Disease Can Do if Given Enough Time

The thing about most dental health concerns is that all they need in order to get worse is time. That’s why preventing or seeking prompt treatment for any dental problem is essential to keeping your smile healthy long-term. With gum disease, however, the consequences of becoming severe over time can have implications far beyond the gum tissues that the disease mainly effects. If given enough time, gum disease can lead to serious conditions such as tooth loss, as well as increased risks to your systemic wellbeing that involve excess inflammation. (more…)

Our Staff

Kerri – Registered Dental Hygienist and Clinical Coordinator


Kerri graduated from SUNY Farmingdale in 1989 and has been a part of Syosset Dental since 1994. She is certified in CPR, AED, and Dental Infection Prevention and Control. Kerri also has a certificate as an OSHA Safety Manager Specialist and is an OSHA/Infection Control Consultant. She is a member of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention and the high school PTA. Kerri has treated many of her patients for more than 25 years and is fortunate to have wonderful relationships with them, with many even feeling like family. She loves coming into the office each day and having the opportunity to work alongside the most skilled dentists in the field. She, and the rest of the Syosset Dental team, always strives to provide patients with the highest standard of care in a friendly environment. Outside of work, Kerri enjoys playing tennis, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Dana – Registered Dental Hygienist


Dana graduated in 2005 from the New York University College of Dentistry, and joined our practice in 2020. She has obtained special certifications in local anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation, CPR, and AED. Dana is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of care to her patients, and loves being part of their journey to full systemic health. She appreciates the opportunity to educate our patients about their oral health, and looks forward to making them feel comfortable and ensure they enjoy their experience. She always takes the time to truly get to know our patients. When not in the office, Dana enjoys tea parties with her daughter, as well as kayaking, reading, and playing Mahjong.

Natasia – Registered Dental Hygienist


Natasia joined our team in 2023, and graduated with her Associate in Applied Science from New York City College of Technology in 2004. She is CPR and AED certified, and experienced in the administration of local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. Natasia loves working with a staff who really value their patients and team members. She is happy to actually love where she works! Natasia enjoys making connections on a personal level with her patients, and finds helping them improve their oral health to be a rewarding experience

Outside of the office, she enjoys volunteering with her church and coaching her sons’ basketball teams. Natasia always looks forward to spending time with her friends and family. Her husband and two sons have an ongoing goal of visiting every baseball stadium. She also enjoys playing basketball and traveling.

Nastasia’s favorite quote: “Don’t take life too seriously. You will never get out alive.” -Elbert Hubbard

Lauren – Lead Dental Assistant


Lauren joined our team in 2021. She earned her degree in Business Administration from Suny Suffolk County Community College in 2004, and has completed certifications in CPR, the use of the AED, and infection control. Lauren loves working alongside great dentists in a friendly environment and doing something that matters. She enjoys listening to her patients’ stories and making sure they feel comfortable and important when they are in our care! When not in the office, Lauren likes baking, concerts, attending Mets games, going to the beach, and spending time with family.

Lauren’s Favorite Quote: “There will be an answer. Let it be.”

Nikki – Dental Assistant


Nikki has been a part of Syosset Dental since 2007 and is certified in CPR and AED. She studied anatomy/physiology and nutrition at PBCC. Nikki loves the science behind dentistry. She is always learning something new and enjoys the feeling of having a second family at our practice. She also loves getting to know her patients and watching them and their families grow up through the years.

Denise – Dental Assistant


Denise has been a dental assistant at Syosset Dental since 2014, and is certified in CPR and AED. She loves having the ability to help others, making patients feel at ease and seeing them smile on the way out of the office. Denise also enjoys birdwatching, live music, arts and crafts, animals, and anything outdoors.

Denise’s favorite quote is: “Life is very short and there’s no time for fussing and fighting my friend.” – The Beatles

Kim – Dental Assistant


Kim joined our office in 2023, and is a graduate of Nassau Community College and the Business Informatics’ Business School. She has obtained certifications in OSHA, AED, and as a Home Health Aid. Kim has also volunteered with the Give Kids a Smile program. She always appreciates the individuality of her patients, and loves working with them to make their dental visits as pleasant as possible.

When not in the office, Kim enjoys hiking, biking, arts and crafts, and yoga.

Kim’s favorite quote is: “A smile is a universal language of kindness.”

Ciamara – Dental Assistant


Ciamara (Cici) joined our team in 2022. She attends Suffolk Community College, where she is studying dental hygiene. She is a Certified Dental Assistant. Ciamara loves taking care of patients and helping them out of pain. She also enjoys learning about new technologies and assisting throughout surgical procedures. She also likes when patients are curious about the steps in their procedures and being able to explain what they entail. When not in the office, Ciamara likes karaoke, cooking, dining out, working out, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Ciamara’s Favorite Quote: “Life is too short to be unhappy.”

Stacie – Dental Assistant


Stacie has been with our team since 2021, She earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from City University and is a graduate of the School of Dental Assistant in Westbury. She’s completed continuing education courses in Expanded Duties and X-Ray technology. Stacie has received The Merit Award for her charity work, too. She looks forward to making patients happy and healthy, and helping them communicate what they want for their smiles. Stacie’s hobbies include camping, dancing, and writing.

Stacie’s Favorite quote is: “Live life to the fullest.”

Ariella – Dental Assistant


Ariella joined our practice in 2023 and is a graduate of Our Savior New American High School. She’s earned her certification in Processing CDA and Chairside Dental Assisting. Ariella loves the chance to learn more about oral health and how to take care of smiles. She’s always looks forward to helping patients leave feeling good about their experience and their smiles. When not in the office, Ariella likes working out, cooking, and painting. She has also volunteered with the Lighthouse Mission to feed the homeless in our community.

Ariella’s Favorite Quote: “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” -James Howell

Heather – Front Desk


Heather has been a part of Syosset Dental since 2003, and is certified in CPR and AED. She also volunteers with Long Island Harvest. Heather loves meeting new patients, and she cherishes the friendships she’s made over the years with our long-term patients. When she isn’t helping patients in the office, Heather enjoys reading, writing, and watching The Walking Dead.

Heather’s favorite quote is: “Be someone’s sunshine today!”

Kim – Front Desk


Kim graduated from Nassau Community College with an associate’s degree in psychology and applied sciences. She joined Syosset Dental in 1998, and is certified in the administration of CPR, AED, and first aid. Kim volunteers with Life’s Angels nonprofit organization, helping those whom have been “dealt a tough hand.” Kim loves helping patients understand and maximize their insurance benefits for necessary treatment. She also enjoys being a part of an office that allows her to watch families grow and be a part of it. Outside of the office, Kim is involved in PAL intramural volleyball, and considers the beach her happy place.

Kim’s favorite quote is: “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Jessica – Front Desk


Jessica has been a member of the Syosset Dental team since 2023. She graduated from Berkeley College in 2013 with a degree in business administration with a focus on health services. What she loves about her position is how she can help patients understand what their dental benefits provide and provide guidance on their treatment plan details. She also loves that she has the opportunity to meet and build positive relationships with so many of our patients. Outside the office, Jessica enjoys baking cake, doing hair, and spending time with her family.

Jessica’s favorite quote is: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Angelina – Front Desk


Angelina joined our practice in 2023, and is a graduate of Lindenhurst High School. She loves working with our patients and hearing their stories. When not in the office, Angelina enjoys cooking, baking, and racing!

Angelina’s favorite quote is: “Tomorrow is a new day!”

Schedule a consultation with our team

To schedule an appointment with our team of dedicated professionals, call Syosset Dental today at 516-433-2211 or 516-921-1678. We proudly serve the residents of Syosset, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk, and all surrounding New York City communities.