Is Your Snoring Habit a Sign of a More Serious Dental Problem?

Posted February 3, 2012 by Syosset Dental

Are you tired of being kicked and nudged by your sleeping partner at night to stop your snoring? If so, it’s time to find out what’s behind your snoring habit with the help of a professional, and Long Island dentist Dr. Richard Kobak is the man for the job.

Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea

First things first: A severe snoring habit and sleep apnea are not one and the same.

Snoring is the sound produced by oral tissues vibrating as air passes by them and, while a snoring habit can be indicative of sleep apnea, it’s not necessarily a “medical” condition. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a serious medical condition in which swollen tissue, sinus problems, excessive, weight, physical malformations, and other causes obstruct the airways, making it impossible to breath normally while you sleep. Usually, sleep apnea sufferers stop breathing several times each night, sometimes for up to a minute at a time, and then wake up gasping for air. (more…)

Health Tips from Comedic Actress Nia Vardalos

Posted January 27, 2012 by Syosset Dental

Image from eyeonannapolis.net

Have you seen the hilarious big screen hit from 2002 My Big Fat Greek Wedding? If not, get to your local Blockbuster as soon as possible and rent this comedic gem. In the meantime, however, the funny actress behind the film, Nia Vardalos, is speaking out about more than just her laughable on-screen family; she’s speaking out about dental health, and New York dentist Dr. Richard Kobak wants you to hear what she’s saying.

Smile Tips from a Star

Have you heard of probiotics? To put it simply, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep you in good health.

There are many kinds of probiotics, and foods like yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, and some juices and soy products are loaded with them. Probiotic capsules, tablets, and powders are also available at most drug stores. Thanks to modern science and technology, probiotic products for your oral health, including certain gums, mints, and supplements are now available, as well. Nia is a big fan of probiotics, and she has a few words of dental wisdom that she wants to pass on to her daughter and the world. (more…)

What Do You Want from Your Smile Makeover?

Posted January 25, 2012 by Syosset Dental

As a cosmetic and restorative dentist in Long Island, New York, Dr. Richard Kobak has many years of experience and expertise in the smile makeover arena. Dr. Kobak and our team have made the smile dreams of countless patients a reality, but, believe it or not, your smile makeover is in your hands. Dr. Kobak is here to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted, and will offer advice and suggestions every step of the way, but it’s necessary for to know what you like and dislike about your current smile and what you want your smile to look like at the completion of your treatment. To get started, answer the questions below.

Find Out What You Want From Your Smile Makeover!

What color are your teeth?
1. Pearly White
2. Grayish White
3. Brownish White
4. Yellowish
5. Natural White
6. Striped with White Lines
7. Other
Have you ever whitened your teeth?
1. No
2. Yes, with Over-the-Counter Products
3. Yes, with Dentist-Administered Home Whitening
4. Yes, with a Non-Dentist-Administered Bleaching Light
5. Yes, with a Dentist-Administered Bleaching Light
6. Yes, with Another Teeth Whitening System or Product (more…)

Kristin Chenoweth: Dental Health Advocate

Posted January 20, 2012 by Syosset Dental

Actress, singer, and Broadway star Kristin Chenoweth says that she often takes pictures with people who don’t like to smile because they’re ashamed of their teeth. Additionally, the makers of Listerine Whitening found that almost half of Americans don’t think their smiles are beautiful, and 43 percent don’t smile in photos because of tooth imperfections. The superstar has teamed up with the mouthwash brand to endorse and promote a new oral health campaign.

The campaign, “Your Mouth Has Something to Say,” was designed to promote awareness for America’s Toothfairy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing dental diseases in children. Listerine created a short, animated video to explain why brushing your teeth is not enough to keep your mouth healthy. Chenoweth explains that “we’re really trying to drive home how important it is to floss and rinse.” The videos also emphasize the power of a smile and the positive impact it has on your overall life. The makers of Listerine are contributing $100,000 to the foundation, and an additional dollar each time the video is viewed.

(more…)

Fun Smile Quotes

Posted January 18, 2012 by Syosset Dental

About 96 percent of people agree that a smile is an essential part of a first impression. Smiling is an important part of life that sends messages to yourself and other people. Here are some of our favorite smile quotes to help you understand the importance of beaming and to help put a grin on your face.

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.” –Phyllis Diller

Smiling is generally defined as an upturning of the lips. When your mouth curves upward, it makes you feel happier, friendlier, more confident, and more energetic. It’s almost impossible to feel sad when you’ve got a smile on your face.

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Superstar Cosmetic Smile Enhancements

Posted January 13, 2012 by Syosset Dental

People often receive cosmetic surgery procedures to make themselves look better. Nose jobs, implants, liposuction, Botox, and lifts are all techniques that people use to enhance their appearance. Another way you can enhance your body is through your smile. A survey by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) revealed that more than 50 percent of people consider the smile the first facial feature they notice. Before you rush out to the cosmetic surgeon, visit Dr. Kobak to get an appearance adjustment with smile enhancements.

Looking Younger

Joan Rivers, Bruce Jenner, Kathy Griffin, Janice Dickinson, Sharon Osbourne, Madonna, and John Travolta are some famous stars who have been rumored to have facelifts or injections to remove wrinkles and look younger. However, the AAP poll revealed that people are seven times more likely to have periodontal and smile enhancements than face lifts. The simple act of smiling can make you look younger by raising your facial muscles. In addition, cosmetic tooth enhancements, like whitening and veneers, can help cover flaws on your teeth that make your smile look worn out or aged.

(more…)

Helpful Facts about Gum Disease

Posted January 10, 2012 by Syosset Dental

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis), can wreak havoc on your oral and overall health. Recent studies have linked gum disease to an increased risk for heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s. Essentially, gum disease is the infection or inflammation of gum tissues caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar at the gum line. Eventually this build-up gets trapped in small tissue pockets of your gums. As the infection spreads, your gums, jawbone, and teeth are at serious risk. Gum disease is the number one reason adults lose their teeth.

Gum Disease Symptoms

Teeth that feel loose
Bad breath
Swollen gums
Gums color appears red or purple
Sensations of pain when gums are touched
Bleeding gums from brushing and flossing (more…)

You Can Have a Red-Carpet-Ready Smile

Posted January 6, 2012 by Syosset Dental

For a while, Angelina Jolie had the most coveted celebrity smile. Now, Halle Berry, Christie Brinkley, Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyra Banks, Meryl Streep, Jennifer Garner, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Natalie Portman top the chart for the most beautiful set of pearly whites. It’s no secret that these stars—and more—have had cosmetic dentistry to achieve the smiles they have, and you can have a red-carpet-worthy smile of your own with cosmetic treatment.

Achieve a Dazzling Smile of Your Own

If you’re embarrassed by the current state of your teeth, it’s likely that you’re not reaping the benefits of smiling, which include looking younger, earning more money, being perceived as friendlier and more intelligent, and achieving both personal and professional success. Long Island dentist Dr. Richard Kobak believes that you should have a beautiful smile so that you can live a high-quality life and enjoy the benefits of smiling. (more…)

The Facts about Tooth Enamel

Posted January 3, 2012 by Syosset Dental

Enamel is one of four dental tissues present in the tooth. It provides a protective outer layer and guards teeth against daily wear and tear, such as grinding and chewing. Currently, researchers are unable to replicate enamel tissues; however, dentists use onlays and bonding procedures to guard teeth from further damage after enamel loss has occurred.

The following is a few interesting facts about tooth enamel you might not already know:

Paleontologists have found remnants of enamel on the teeth of dinosaurs and prehistoric sharks
Enamel is not comprised of living tissues; therefore, if damaged, it cannot be healed.
Chewing on objects such as ice cubes and pen caps damage enamel by abrasion.
Over the counter medications such as Benadryl or aspirin can weaken tooth enamel.
Saliva protects your teeth by rinsing and diluting corrosive substances in the mouth.
Without enamel, teeth are vulnerable to decay, infection, and cavities.
Bacteria present in plaque can cause higher levels of acidity which cause damage over time.
Medical conditions such as Acid Reflux Disease can contribute to loss by erosion.

How to Prevent Enamel Loss

With the right diet and preventive measures, your enamel can last over the course of your lifetime. Dr. Richard Kobak recommends routine checkups, cleanings, and thorough dental examinations. Acidic foods and diets high in sugar increase the likelihood of enamel loss. To protect enamel from daily abuse, drink carbonated or acidic beverages with a straw and rinse your mouth with water after ingesting foods that are corrosive to teeth.

Symptoms of Enamel Loss

If you’re experiencing sensitivity to the temperatures of food and drinks, you might have early stages of enamel loss. Jagged edges around teeth, indentations on the surface of teeth, and discoloration are also all potential indicators. If it has been more than six months since your last dental visit, schedule an appointment with Syosset Dental today at (516)-433-2211. Dr. Kobak and his staff are experienced in restorative and preventive dentistry. We serve patients in New York City, Long Island, Nassau, and Suffolk.

8 Ways to Whiten Your Smile

Posted December 16, 2011 by Syosset Dental

Did you know you can have a whiter, brighter smile just by changing what you eat? While some foods and drinks can stain teeth, others can help remove those stains or even prevent them from happening. Taking a few from this article, we’ve compiled a short list of 8 beverages and foods to embrace or avoid for a more dazzling smile.

Foods to Reach For:

1. Cheese: Rich in protein, phosphorus, and calcium, cheese helps keep teeth healthy and strong. It also forms a protective coating of calcium that helps prevent staining, and its high pH level fights enamel erosion. Natural cheeses have an antibacterial effect if consumed after meals or as a snack.

2. Mushrooms: These fungi help reduce plaque by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria that cause it. Try them raw in salads, or cooked in soups and stews. Grill Portobello mushrooms on top of steak to add a rich, hearty flavor. (more…)

Is Your Snoring Habit a Sign of a More Serious Dental Problem?

Snoring vs. Sleep Apnea

Health Tips from Comedic Actress Nia Vardalos

Smile Tips from a Star

What Do You Want from Your Smile Makeover?

Find Out What You Want From Your Smile Makeover!

Kristin Chenoweth: Dental Health Advocate

(more…)

Fun Smile Quotes

Superstar Cosmetic Smile Enhancements

Looking Younger

Helpful Facts about Gum Disease

You Can Have a Red-Carpet-Ready Smile

Achieve a Dazzling Smile of Your Own

The Facts about Tooth Enamel

How to Prevent Enamel Loss

Symptoms of Enamel Loss

8 Ways to Whiten Your Smile

Foods to Reach For:

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