Dr. J. Craig Alexander explains that while brushing teeth should be second nature to most, some just aren’t brushing long enough or aren’t using the write brushing strokes.

Below are 8 tooth brushing tips that will help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

1. The Right Equipment

The right toothbrush is essential for clean
teeth. When you choose your toothbrush, you want it to feel good in your hand
when you brush. You also want to buy a toothbrush that has a soft bristled
brush.

Bamboo handled toothbrushes are quite popular
at the moment with most coming with disposable heads that you swap out when the
bristles begin to fray. These are very eco-friendly and are great for teeth and
gums.

2. Keep It Clean

Be sure to give your toothbrush a good clean
before you put it back in your medicine cabinet or toothbrush holder. After you
rinse your toothbrush, place it upright in your cup or holder letting it try
out naturally. Never set it on the counter.

For a deeper clean, soak your toothbrush in
hydrogen peroxide mixed with water or in a cup filled with mouthwash.   

3. Use and Replace

Dr. Alexander recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months or so or when it starts to fray. It is also important to remember that bacteria will grow on your toothbrush regardless of how clean you keep it so swapping it out when it’s time is vital.

4. Don’t Be Over Aggressive

Some people tend to be over zealous when it
comes to brushing teeth. As previously mentioned, use a soft bristled brush and
be gentle on your teeth and gums.

5. The Rest of Your Mouth is Important Too

When you are brushing don’t forget your
tongue. Germs and bacteria love to collect on your tongue. Clean and brush the
insides of your teeth as well. While you and the rest of the world don’t see
some parts of your teeth, clean all of them both front and back.  

6. Don’t Brush Right Away

While it might be tempting to brush
immediately after eating, don’t do it. Your New York family dentist recommends
waiting about a half an hour before brushing your teeth.

7. Flossing and Rinsing

Flossing is a big part of oral hygiene and brushing teeth. Some like to floss before brushing while others prefer to do it after. Whatever you prefer just floss at least once each day. Flossing helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

8. Rinse Bacteria Away

Use a good antibacterial mouthwash after you brush and floss as this will help dislodge anything you may have missed.

Regular Dental Checkups

If you haven’t seen your East Greenbush dentist in some time, call, send a text or a direct message to a team member from Dr. Alexander’s dental office today.

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If you have chipped, cracked or stained teeth it is probably quite difficult to do any of those without being conscious of your teeth and gums. In fact, some people are so ashamed of their smile that they will miss an engagement all together.

A crooked, cracked, and unhappy smile isn’t good for your self-esteem, but it isn’t good for your overall health either.

According to your East Greenbush dentist, there is a connection between your oral and overall health and in most cases, it starts with oral hygiene.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene for a Healthy Smile

Brushing, flossing, a good diet, and regular dental appointments keep your teeth and gums in check. Twice yearly dental examinations not only check for tooth decay and gum disease, but also for any other abnormalities in the oral cavity.

Dr. J. Craig Alexander offers comprehensive dental examinations to check your overall health as well. During your comprehensive dental checkup, your neck, throat, mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue are checked for anything that doesn’t look right. If a white patch, sore or lump is discovered, your dentist in East Greenbush will probably recommend a biopsy for further examination and investigation.

It is important to remember that early detection prevents diseases from getting worse. A comprehensive dental checkup can do just that.

Diet Oral and Overall Health

Everyone knows that a good healthy diet is great for your body and overall health, but did you know what you put in your mouth also affects teeth and gums?

Your East Greenbush dentist explains that those fizzy sports and energy drinks that you love so much are extremely bad for teeth as they eat away at the enamel. Starchy foods stay in your teeth while dried fruit can become stuck in the backs of teeth.

Enjoy a diet that is full of high calcium foods. Dairy foods are great for teeth. Remember, teeth are just as strong as your bones and will do wonders when you add calcium to your diet.

Include lots of healthy fruits and veggies in your diet as well. Just be sure to keep your intake of citrus to a minimum because of the acid content.

Check Yourself Out for Overall Health

You see your smile every day. That means it is important to check it out every once in a while. Check your teeth and restorations for chips and cracks. Make sure you pay close attention to your gums as well. If they are red, swollen or bleed when you brush and floss, you could be dealing with gum disease.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup for Overall Health

Your oral hygiene really does affect your overall health. Call and schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Craig J. Alexander today.

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Yo Yo dieting and trying all kinds of diets can cause problems for your teeth and gums. Choosing the right kind of diet will shrink your waistline, but also keep your teeth and gums healthy.

According to Dr. J Craig Alexander, some of the most popular diets in the world are the worst for your teeth.

Ketogenic and Low-Carb Diets

If your breath starts smelling like old fruit or acetone, that scent you get from nail polish remover, your body is burning fat. Otherwise known as ketosis, the process allows your body to burn fat for fuel. When this occurs, your body releases chemicals known as ketones.

You can curb keto breath by brushing your teeth and your tongue. Chew on mint or parsley, and though it is forbidden on the Keto Diet, add a few carbs. Surprisingly, carbohydrates will make your breath sweet again.

Low Fat Diets

Diets that are low in fat inhibit fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are vital for oral health. Fat also helps your body absorb teeth and bone building calcium. If you can’t absorb calcium, your bones and teeth will begin to break down.

Low fat diets that are lacking in essential omega-3 fatty acids cause anxiety and stress levels to rise. Stress can cause bruxism, which could lead to TMJ disorders.

Low Calorie Diets

Dr. Alexander explains that cutting out calories will help you lose weight. Consequently reducing your intake of food depletes your body of much needed nutrients that feed your teeth and gums. Malnutrition can soften the enamel and cause problems for your gum tissue. If this occurs, you could lose your teeth.

Fruit Detox

Although it may seem like a good idea, surviving on fruits can cause malnutrition, gum disease, and tooth decay. Fruit contains high levels of acid and sugar, which will damage the enamel on your teeth.

If you are surviving on fruit, keep the citrus to a minimum and add some veggies to the diet.

Diet Pills

Diet pills cause dry mouth. Dry mouth affects saliva flow and leads to a variety of dental problems. Without saliva, your mouth cannot fight bad bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Saliva also helps to wash away food. Without it, you will succumb to dental caries and gingivitis, or the more serious periodontal disease.

If you are dieting, it is always a good idea to see your dentist. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in New York.

Don’t you want a beautiful smile to go along with your new body? Call and schedule a dental checkup with your East Greenbush Dentist, Dr. J Craig Alexander today.

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You don’t have to be a celebrity to look great in pictures. You can bet that actors, musicians, and other entertainers spend hours in front of the mirror practicing the perfect smile. Below are a few tips to help you become more photogenic.

Be Natural

Smile gently. A forced smile will always look like it is forced. Relax your face, open your mouth slightly, and match the curve of the upper teeth with your lower lip. A relaxed smile will come across in a photo.

Watch Your Posture

Stand up straight and stop slouching. If you are bent over, it will make you look like you have a double chin. Drop your chin and tilt your head slightly. This way your face will not be square with the lens.

Lipstick Can Be Your Friend

Ladies find a shade that blends with the tone of your skin. The right color will really brighten your teeth. Rosy pink, plum, berry, wine, and red will work best. Pink and blue-based undertones can hide yellowing.

Be careful with colors that are too red or too dark, as they can hurt your smile instead of enhancing it.

Check your Smile

Be camera ready with your smile. If your teeth are stained visit Dr. Alexander for professional teeth whitening. Chips and cracks can be dealt with cosmetic dentistry.

Brush, floss, and use a mouthwash that prevents gingivitis. Your teeth and gums will thank you for it.

You Can Still Smile with a Less than Perfect Grin

A perfect smile doesn’t happen overnight. If you can’t get to your dentist in New York, and you have a party to attend, do some research on how you can disguise your less than perfect smile. If you have an event coming up, talk to Dr. Alexander about cosmetic dentistry.

Smiling can do wonders for your health and well-being. Call and schedule an appointment with your East Greenbush dentist who can help you gain confidence with a new smile.

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Tongue Piercing

At a New York University alone, 16 percent of females and four percent of males had pierced tongues. Although tongue piercing doesn’t seem that serious, some issues could affect your teeth and mouth.

Problems that can occur with tongue piercing include nerve damage, scarring, swelling and gum disease. Of the college students surveyed, six percent had some type of problem with tongue piercing, which was lower than naval piercing, at 24 percent and nipple piercing at 21 percent. However, tongue and floor of the mouth infections seem to be on the rise. Although a trip to the ER isn’t common, a few people have been admitted needing intravenous antibiotics for infections.

Another problem with piercing is scaring. Once the post or bar is taken out, there will always be a scar. If that isn’t bad enough, your dental restorations could also pay a price for your oral piercings.

Chipped and Cracked Teeth

People who have lip or tongue piercings are more susceptible to chipped and cracked teeth. People who wear long barbells and had chips and cracks at the backs of their teeth.

Recent studies have also indicated that oral piercings can cause gum recession as most people with piercings push the stud or bar against the front teeth. Gum recession can cause tooth loss.

If you have been considering oral piercings, talk to your East Greenbush dentist before you do. He may be able to convince you that piercing your cheek, lip or tongue isn’t such a good idea after all.

Call or click for a dental consultation with Dr. J. Craig Alexander today.

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According to your East Greenbush Dentist, teething staining and tooth discoloration is caused by several things that include:

Food and Drink-Tea, red wine, coffee and some times of fruits and vegetables can stain your teeth. Even potatoes and apples can cause tooth discoloration.

Tobacco-Dr. J. Craig Alexander explains that chewing and smoking tobacco will stain your teeth and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Poor Oral Hygiene-Poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing and flossing, can cause teeth staining. Brush twice and floss once a day and use a mouth wash to remove stains and plaque.

Disease-The enamel on your teeth can be affected by certain conditions such as head and neck chemotherapy and radiation. Women who are expecting can also have infections that cause teeth staining.

Medications-Doxycycline and Tetracycline, both antibiotics, can discolor your teeth, especially in children who have teeth that are developing. Mouthwashes that contain certain drugs can also cause teeth staining. Benadryl and high blood pressure can also be to blame for tooth discoloration.

Dental Materials-Silver amalgam restorations and mental to porcelain dental crowns can give your teeth a gray or black color, especially those restorations that contain silver sulfide.

Age-As you get older, so does the enamel on your teeth. Over the years, you may notice a yellowish tinge to your teeth.

Genetics-Some people are born with less enamel than others, which could cause teeth staining and tooth discoloration.

Environment-If you live in an area with excessive fluoride in your drinking water, or use fluoride supplements, you may notice tooth discoloration.

Trauma-Tooth trauma from a fall or accident can cause teeth staining and tooth discoloration in both children and adults.

If you suffer from teeth staining or tooth discoloration, call or click and schedule an appointment with your East Greenbush Dentist, Dr. J. Craig Alexander today.

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Having regular oral cancer screenings can catch the early signs of mouth cancer before it has a chance to progress. Oral cancer can be treated successfully if tongue, cheek, lip, and throat cancer is caught early on. According to Dr. Alexander, a qualified dental professional can detect about 84 percent of oral cancers in the early stages.

Velscope

Dr. Alexander uses the Velscope screening test to look for any abnormalities. The simple and painless test looks at your oral tissue to detect any problems that you may have using specialized lights. If anything abnormal is detected, a sample will be sent to the lab for additional testing.

Who’s at Risk?

• People over 40
• Tobacco Users
• Heavy Alcohol Drinkers
• HPV Sufferers
• An Unhealthy Diet
• Prolonged Exposure to the Sun

Although there is no solid proof, people who have been diagnosed with mouth cancer usually have one or more of the above risk factors, however there are some people that have no risk factors what so ever which is why an oral cancer screening from your East Greenbush Dentist is so important.

See your Dentist if you:

• Have white or red patches on your tongue and in your mouth
• Patches or sores that don’t heal or bleed
• Hard spots or lumps in your mouth
• Pain or numbness when you bite down

Treatment and Prevention

The best way to prevent any type of oral cancer is to schedule regular dental appointments for cancer screenings. Although Dr. Craig cannot diagnose you during your cancer screening, he can send anything to the lab that looks suspicious.

If you would like to schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. J. Craig Alexander, call or click and make an appointment today.

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If you are searching for a less invasive procedure for missing teeth, mini implants may be an option. Your dentist in East Greenbush, Dr. J. Craig Alexander can thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to determine if you are a good candidate for mini dental implants.

Unlike dentures, mini implants will not slip or shift. If you have the healthy bone required in your jaw, ask your East Greenbush dentist about mini implants.

What are Mini Dental Implants

Mini implants are slightly smaller than regular dental implants are made from titanium, just like the larger ones, and are 10 to 15 mm long and 1.8 to 3.3mm in diameter.

What They Replace

Supporting most types of replacement teeth, including fixed crowns, bridges and dentures, mini dental implants can also be used to secure lower and loose arch dentures.

Options

Regular dental implants can take several weeks or months and will require two or more appointments with your dentist. If you require bone grafting, you will need additional dental appointments. If you are unable to have invasive surgery, would like to forego numerous dental appointments, or don’t have enough bone in your jaw for full sized implants, mini dental implants could be the perfect fit. Mini implants can usually be fitted on the same day, without anesthesia or stitches. Best of all, you can use your replacement teeth the same day.

Mini dental implants are one of the best replacements for missing teeth, and can give you a reason to smile again. Your dentist in East Greenbush has the experience and the expertise give you back your self-confidence.

Call or click for a no obligation mini implants consultation with Dr. Alexander today.

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There are two types of sleep tests for sleep apnea. A patient can choose an in lab sleep test, or choose an at home sleep test, however, how do you know what type of sleep apnea test is best for you.

At Home Sleep Testing

Sleep tests are conducted in your home while you are asleep. You will be asked to pick up an HST from the sleep clinic where you will be given a demonstration as to how the machine works. You will be in charge of the testing and storing of your data on the sleep study equipment that you upload the next day at your sleep clinic.

Patients choose the home sleep study because it is convenient, and has been proven more accurate. Talk to Dr. Alexander about a home sleep study if you believe you are suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea. The test is designed to diagnose the breathing disorders of the patient, in particular, sleep apnea.

The Process

The process will begin with a visit to your doctor who can assess any sleep behavioral problems. If any issues are noted, your physician will give you a sleeping device that you will take home to test your sleeping patterns. You will wear the device that night while sleeping before returning it to the doctor’s office the next day. Test results are usually available in 24 hours.

Treatment

Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe either CPAP Therapy or a referral to your dentist for oral appliance therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

If you have been diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea, or prescribed therapy if OSA has been ruled out call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Craig Alexander for your sleeping disorder today.

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If you are having a tooth or multiple teeth pulled, alveolar osteitis, could affect you and your mouth. According to WebMD, five percent develop the condition after a tooth has been pulled, and although the uncomfortable condition is treatable, some patients aren’t even aware of the problem.

So what is Dry Socket?

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot naturally forms where the roots once were. The clots form to protect your nerves and the bone, which allows for healing. However, if that blood clot becomes dislodged or disappears, dry socket could become an issue.

Symptoms

Dry socket pain is excruciating, and if you or anyone you know has every experienced it will understand the agony. If you have had a tooth or multiple teeth pulled and notice tenderness, discomfort, or intense pain, contact your dentist, especially if it lingers for more than a few days.

A foul taste, bad breath and a pain that comes from inside of your ear could also be indicators of dry socket. Dry socket can also be seen if you look inside of the hole where your tooth was extracted. If you see white bone and not a blood clot, call your dentist as quickly as possible.

Dry socket can also cause painful infections including a dangerous abscess, any pain or swelling should be considered a sign that something isn’t right. Call your dentist as an infection could cause serious health complications.

If you have recently had a tooth or multiple teeth pulled and have been dealing with pain or any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist as dry socket can cause serious issues if left untreated. Call your dentist now.

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