Oral Health Test Scores Are In—America, You Nearly Failed

Posted July 31, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

Thanks to advances in dentistry over the last century, more Americans are enjoying full, healthy smiles. Innovation has provided us tools for exceptional cosmetic dentistry, and extensive scientific research has shown us ways to effectively treat dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Yet, when it comes to the basics of oral health care, it seems Americans have not learned as much as they should have. According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), Americans’ scored an average “D” when quizzed about oral health. The survey consisted of true or false questions concerning issues such as how often to brush your teeth, what causes cavities, and proper toothbrush care, among others. To help bolster your knowledge and increase your chances of a life-long healthy smile, Syosset dentist Dr. Richard Kobak reviews the basics of good oral health care.

At-Home Tooth Care

A surprising 90% of the participants in the survey answered that you should brush your teeth after every meal. While that may seem like an ideal textbook answer, it is incorrect. The ADA recommends that you brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day for around 2-3 minutes at a time. A third tooth brushing session, preferably after lunch, may provide additional cleaning and protection; however most working adults do not have the time to brush their teeth for the recommended time period in the middle of a work day. (more…)

Syosset Dental is Growing!

Posted July 25, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

If you are a patient of Dr. Kobak’s, or a regular reader of our blog, you may know that we moved into our new, state-of-the-art dental office on Jericho Turnpike last summer. Our new facility has increased the level of service and comfort that we offer our clients, and has allowed us to utilize the latest in technology for your exceptional oral health care. As a part of our growth and expansion, Dr. Richard Kobak and our staff welcome the addition of Dr. David M. Berk, his staff, and his patients to our home at Syosset Dental!

Welcome, Dr. Berk!

A native of Long Island, Dr. Berk attended Queens College, where he completed his undergraduate coursework, and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the New York University College of Dentistry. Since 1974, his dedication to continued education has allowed Dr. Berk to stay ahead of the curve in providing his patients with cutting edge dental care. An active member of the American Dental Association (ADA) and a “Master” in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Berk, his staff, and his patients will find a warm and welcoming home at our Syosset dental office. (more…)

Syosset Dentist Explores News of Futuristic Dental Fillings

Posted July 17, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

As dentistry evolves, it is not always new techniques that revolutionize the industry. For instance, the art of removing decayed tooth tissue and replacing it with filling material has been practiced for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. The mid-1800s brought the advent of amalgam fillings, and in spite of the controversy regarding the mercury content of metal fillings, they remained the standard material for over a century. Recently, tooth-colored composite resin fillings gained popularity as a more discreet filling option for their resemblance to your natural teeth, as well as for the lack of mercury in their composition. Now, dentistry stands on the brink of innovation once again. Syosset dentist Dr. Richard Kobak discusses a new filling material that can change the face of dental care and tooth restoration.

Exploring Tooth Restoration Failure

The problem with even the most advanced dental filling material is that, over time, it will need to be replaced. With proper care, most restorations can last ten years or longer. However, constant attack from eating and drinking, and pressure from occasional grinding or clenching, can cause a dental filling to eventually fail. When a tooth suffers decay, your dentist removes the decayed tissue and replaces it with the filling material to reinforce the remaining tooth structure. Unfortunately, even after the removal of tissue, small traces of residual bacteria can remain on the tooth’s structure. When a restoration cracks or wears away, the space created between the filling and the tooth structure allows bacteria to enter and once again infect your tooth. For this reason, it is important to neutralize the harmful effects of bacteria after a restoration is placed. (more…)

Can Dried Licorice Root Fight Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?

Posted July 12, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

In Chinese traditional medicine, dried licorice root is a common treatment, especially as an enhancer for other herbal ingredients or as flavoring. Traditional medical practitioners also use the dried root to treat certain ailments, including respiratory and digestive issues. Scientists are now testing whether the reported medicinal properties of the sweet root are valid and have discovered two substances that may aid in the fight against dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Syosset dentist Dr. Richard Kobak discusses these findings.

Antibacterial Licorice?

A study published in the American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Journal of Natural Sciences indicates that researchers have discovered two substances in the dried root of licorice that can aid you in the fight against oral infection. They believe these substances, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, can combat oral infections because of their antimicrobial properties. Both substances proved to be highly effective antibacterial agents. They killed two major cavity-causing bacteria and two other bacteria that promote periodontal (gum) disease. The compound licoricidin eliminated a third bacterium also known to cause gum disease. The researchers hope to utilize these substances to treat or prevent oral infections. (more…)

How’s Your Smile Working for You?

Posted July 6, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

At Syosset Dental on Long Island, Dr. Richard Kobak’s passion is to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, functional, and attractive smile. If your smile lacks any one of these aspects, you may feel deprived of the benefits of healthy teeth and gums, working teeth, and a beautiful smile. Luckily, Dr. Kobak can help you achieve the smile you’ve been missing.

Evaluate Your Dental Situation

Contemplate your dental hygiene habits. Do you brush thoroughly at least twice a day and floss at least once a day? Is your breath usually fresh?
Think about how well your teeth operate. Do you experience any tooth or jaw pain? Do you have a hard time biting and chewing?
Now, think about the appearance of your smile. Are your teeth yellow? Do you have gaps, chips, and stains you’d like to correct? Are you missing any teeth?

If your answers to the above questions are less than ideal, we offer a variety of dental treatments and procedures to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. (more…)

Explore the Inhabitants of Your Mouth with Syosset Dentist

Posted June 27, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

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…)

Syosset Dentist Warns Against Facial Collapse

Posted June 25, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

Adult tooth loss is common. Leading causes for tooth loss include tooth decay, forceful trauma, and especially gum disease. You have a plethora of cosmetic dental choices to improve the look of your less-than-perfect smile. However, in the case of tooth loss, you must consider more than how your smile looks. Dr. Richard Kobak explains what happens after tooth loss, and what you should consider when deciding on a replacement procedure.

Your Mouth Mourns a Lost Tooth

Only about 10% of your body’s calcium circulates in your bloodstream to facilitate body functions that require the mineral. The other 90% resides in your teeth and bones. Calcium is considered a valuable mineral because it allows your blood to clot and your muscles and blood vessels to contract and expand. Calcium also allows your nervous system to send signals throughout the rest of your body, not to mention to strengthen your bones and teeth. Because of calcium’s importance, your body closely regulates it. If your blood calcium levels drop, your body will automatically redirect calcium from your bones and teeth into the bloodstream to keep blood levels even.

Similarly, when you lose a tooth, your body registers the loss. Because the jaw has fewer teeth to support, the body decides the jaw does not need the same amount of nutrients it received before for tooth support. The body redistributes those nutrients. The reduced nutrient supply causes your jawbone to slowly deteriorate, which leads to the sunken-jaw look known as facial collapse. (more…)

Syosset, NY Dentist Examines Oral-Systemic Health

Posted June 14, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

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…)

Milk. It Does a Smile Good!

Posted June 12, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

June is here again, and with it comes National Dairy Month. This month promotes awareness of the health benefits dairy consumers enjoy. We all know by now that the calcium in milk is needed for our bones to grow and remain strong. What is less well known are the benefits that dairy products have on our teeth, as well. Dr. Richard Kobak wants you to understand the importance of milk and how it can help you maintain a strong and healthy smile.

Milk Strengthens Natural Defenses of Teeth

Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. It’s natural, and plaque actually helps strengthen your immune system. However, plaque also causes cavities and contributes to gum disease. Many foods, especially those with refined sugars and fermentable carbohydrates, can alter the pH (acidity) of plaque, making it more acidic. When plaque reaches a pH level of 5.5 or lower, it becomes harmful, attacking tooth enamel and robbing teeth of essential minerals like calcium and phosphate. The enamel softens and cannot protect teeth from bacterial infection, increasing your chance of tooth decay and gum disease. Drinking milk replenishes these minerals and reduces your teeth’s susceptibility to acid attacks. (more…)

Dr. Berk’s Welcoming Party!

Posted May 29, 2012 by Dr. Kobak

Here are some pictures from Dr. Berk’s Welcoming Party

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