Can Dried Licorice Root Fight Tooth Decay and Gum Disease?

Posted July 12, 2012 by Syosset Dental

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 Syosset Dental

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 Syosset Dental

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 Syosset Dental

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 Syosset Dental

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 Syosset Dental

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 Syosset Dental

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

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Important Reasons to Smile from Syosset Dental

Posted May 23, 2012 by Syosset Dental

Here at Syosset Dental, we believe that smiling is an important part of our patients’ professional and personal lives. A beautiful smile can light up a room, diffuse a tense situation, and attract new friends. Did you know that there are psychological and health benefits to smiling? Psychologists have discovered that smiling frequently positively affects your health in a number of ways. Our team at Syosset Dental shares some interesting facts about smiling below.

Interesting Facts about Smiling

Every time you smile your body releases endorphins. These neurotransmitters elevate your mood and relieve pain. If you’re not feeling well, forcing yourself to smile may help you feel better.
People who smile often at work are more likely to be promoted than their coworkers who don’t smile as often.
Men find a woman with a beautiful smile more attractive than a woman who wears makeup.
The human eye can detect a smile from a distance of up to 300 feet.
Smiling is a universal gesture of openness and friendliness throughout the world.
A Californian researcher discovered that there are 19 types of smiles.
Smiling improves your body’s ability to fight off infection by boosting your immune system. (more…)

Long Island Dentist Explains the Connection Between TMJ Disorder and Fibromyalgia

Posted May 16, 2012 by Syosset Dental

Did you know that patients who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia commonly have temporomandibular joint dysfunction as well? According to research administered by the National Institutes of Health, fibromyalgia patients have a high incidence of TMJ disorder and exhibit classic TMJ symptoms such as clicking or popping sounds during mouth movement and facial pain.

Fibromyalgia Information

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating and painful disease. Unfortunately, researchers have been unable to pinpoint specific causes or triggers of this ailment. Patients with fibromyalgia typically experience deep, radiating pain throughout their bodies—especially near joints. Those with fibromyalgia also experience stiffness and difficulty moving.

The National Institutes of Health’s Research Findings

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) studied the symptoms of 60 male and female patients with fibromyalgia. Nearly 70% of patients experienced facial pain near the TMJs while 35% of the study’s participants reported TMJ disorder symptoms such as difficulty opening the mouth and discomfort when eating. The NIH concluded that patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia should also be tested for TMJ disorder. Although fibromyalgia and TMJ disorder are two separate ailments, the NIH recommends integrated treatment that addresses both diseases. (more…)

Syosset Dentist Discusses the Importance of Water Consumption and Your Oral Health

Posted May 9, 2012 by Syosset Dental

From May 7^th through May 13^th, the American Water Works Commission raises awareness on the importance of water intake. Dr. Richard Kobak and the CDC recommend that people ingest a minimum of eight, eight ounce glasses of water each day. Although staying hydrated is extremely important to your overall health, water consumption also affects your oral health, too. Our team at Syosset Dental explains.

Water Dilutes Acid and Harmful Particles

Starches and sugars are a food source for cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. In about seven minutes after eating, bacteria will feed off of sugary compounds. Acid is then released by bacteria as a waste byproduct. This process softens tooth enamel by stripping away protective minerals. Dr. Kobak and our team encourage our patients to rinse their mouths with water for at least 20 seconds after every meal.

Water also benefits your oral health by rinsing away debris and particles. In the same way that saliva helps dilute acid, drinking water contributes to maintaining a healthy PH level in the mouth. We recommend that patients drink water throughout the day—especially with meals. (more…)