Dental FAQs | Brooklyn, NY | Gary Herskovits, DDS

Why should I visit the dentist regularly?

Many people only visit the dentist when they have a noticeable problem. While they may think that they are saving money, the reality is that the treatments to repair and restore their teeth and smiles cost more money and time than it does to visit the dentist at regular intervals. Visiting the dental office regularly ensures that you receive preventive care to stop problems in the earliest stages of development and hopefully prevent them from developing in the first place. We can monitor your oral health and help you learn the best ways to care for your teeth so that they remain healthy. You should visit our office at least twice a year or as recommend by the dentist.

Why do I need to floss?

Brushing your teeth will clean the surfaces of your teeth but will not reach the areas between the teeth or below the gumline. Flossing ensures that plaque and bacteria are removed from your mouth before they can cause damage to your teeth.

How often should I brush and floss?

You should brush at least twice each day. It is especially important that you brush your teeth before going to bed. Use an ADA-approved soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. You should floss daily. Contact our office if you have questions.

How safe are dental x-rays?

Dental x-rays are extremely safe. In fact, you are exposed to less radiation with dental x-rays than you are in your day-to-day life from the sun. Advances in dentistry continue to make dental x-rays safer through digital imaging technologies and higher-speed x-rays. Additionally, federal law requires that x-ray machines be checked for safety and accuracy every two years.

I’m terrified to visit the dentist — what can I do?

Please speak with our team. We take your fear seriously and will work with you to help you feel more comfortable in our office. There are many strategies that we can use to help reduce anxiety and fear.

When should my child visit the dentist for the first time?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children visit the dentist for the first time about six months after their first tooth erupts or no later than their first birthday. These appointments are designed to help your child become comfortable in the dental office and ensure that he or she is growing and developing correctly.

When will my baby start getting teeth?

Babies actually begin to develop teeth in the second trimester of pregnancy (about 16 to 20 weeks.) Teeth typically begin to emerge between 6 and 10 months of age.

Why are primary teeth important?

Primary teeth are critical to maintaining good oral health and proper development. Your child’s primary teeth facilitate:

Proper speech production and development
Proper chewing, nutrition and good digestion
Straighter smiles — primary teeth hold the places of the adult teeth
Excellent oral health

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you take good care of your child’s primary teeth. Please make an appointment with our team if you have questions.

What is cosmetic dentistry and how can it help me?

Cosmetic dentistry is a dental field that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth so that you can enjoy a more beautiful smile. It includes preventive care as well as restorative treatments. Some common cosmetic dental treatments include:

Teeth whitening
Dental veneers
Composite (tooth-colored) dental fillings
Dental bonding
Dental crowns and bridges
Dental implants
Orthodontics

I’ve lost a tooth. What are my options for replacing it?

There are several options available to replace your missing tooth. When you visit our office, our dentists will examine your mouth, discuss your oral health needs and smile goals with you and review your treatment options. We will design a customized treatment plan to restore your tooth and your smile. Some of the tooth replacement options we may discuss include:

Dental implants
Dental bridges
Complete or partial dentures

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure performed to save your tooth when it is decayed or infected. Our dentists clean out the infected tissue within the tooth roots (called canals), sterilize the canals and fill them with a medicated material and seal the tooth. While root canals have a reputation of being painful, advances in dentistry have made it possible to comfortably perform this treatment.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. Correcting these abnormalities can involve Invisalign/clear aligner therapy.

When should my child receive their first orthodontic screening?

The American Association of Orthodontists® recommends that children receive their initial orthodontic screening by age 7. At this age, several permanent teeth have erupted and any developing problems will be easy to diagnose and treat.

Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?

No! While the majority of patients who receive orthodontic treatment are children or teenagers, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. As long as your teeth and supporting structures are healthy, you can receive treatment.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an oral condition that affects the gums and supporting structures in your mouth. It begins as a bacterial infection of the gums and gradually progresses until it destroys your gums and bone structure. The milder stage of periodontal disease is known as gingivitis, while the more severe form of the disease is known as periodontitis. You should be checked for periodontal disease each time you visit our dentists.

What causes periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is caused by the harmful bacteria trapped in plaque. As plaque hardens into calculus (tartar), the disease becomes more established in your mouth. Gum attachments begin to separate from your teeth and create pockets that harbor these harmful bacteria. If gum disease is allowed to progress without treatment, the condition may become irreversible.

What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
Bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating hard foods
Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth
Loose or separating teeth
Pus between your gums and teeth
Sores in your mouth
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
A change in the fit of dentures or other removable appliances
Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

What do I do if I have bad breath?

Halitosis (bad breath) may be caused by any number of factors, including:

Poor oral hygiene
Cavities
Periodontal disease
Poorly fitted appliances
Dry mouth
Tobacco products
Medical conditions or illnesses
Dehydration, hunger or missed meals
Certain foods

You can prevent bad breath by visiting our dentists regularly, staying hydrated, practicing good oral hygiene and by not using tobacco products. If your halitosis persists, we recommend you schedule an appointment with Dr. Herskovits to determine the cause of your condition and be treated appropriately to determine if your bad breath is caused by a medical condition and receive appropriate treatment.