Causes of Bleeding Gums

At Elite Dental Arts in Midtown, when our patients experience bleeding gums, we want them to come to us for help. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is a common condition and the most common cause of bleeding gums, but we don’t want our patients to accept it as normal. It indicates a major oral health problem.

Our mouths are complicated ecosystems which need to be kept in balance. When large amounts of food are left in the mouth, bacteria are able to multiply excessively. When bacteria feed, they produce acid. Our teeth are covered in a sticky substance called plaque, and when acid gets caught in plaque, it damages the tissues surrounding it. Bacteria most commonly grow out of control in the gum pockets, so it’s the gums that are initially the most affected.

Gingivitis on its own is a nuisance, but if it is allowed to continue, it will develop into periodontal disease. At this point, the gums, tooth roots, and jaw bone will all be at risk for permanent damage. Regular brushing can turn back gingivitis (although patients have to be careful to brush gently and use a soft-bristled brush, or risk damaging their gums). But to clean the gum pockets, they’ll have to get a deep cleaning.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.elitedentalarts.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts here in New York, NY, call our office at 212-681-0939. 

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

Caries in Seniors

One thing we want our patients at Elite Dental Arts in Midtown to know is they should never give up on their teeth. The most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control indicated that one in five people over age sixty-five has untreated tooth decay. To help fight this problem, we want to educate the public on why seniors are at risk for caries.

Regular oral hygiene is the best way to prevent tooth decay and lapses in hygiene will especially impact people whose teeth formed prior to the widespread use of fluoridated water. Many seniors with tooth decay had good hygiene earlier in life, but they’ve neglected it due to decreasing dexterity or motor function, forgetfulness, and feeling resigned to dentures. Other common factors are that they now eat things that are higher in sugar and may be taking medications which cause dry mouth, which allows faster bacteria growth.

We can help fight most of these problems. Products exist that make brushing easier and fluoridated toothpaste can help provide teeth with extra protection. While we provide high-quality restorations as needed, nobody should think they are doomed to tooth decay as they age.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.elitedentalarts.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts here in New York, NY, call our office at 212-681-0939. 

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017

 

Dry Mouth Discomfort

Saliva is critical for swallowing the food that we consume and for keeping our mouths moist at all times. When our mouths have adequate saliva flow, this protects us from tooth decay, periodontal disease, and even bad breath. Dry mouth can occur as a side effect of certain medications, or as a result of an underlying medical condition. To save yourself from dry mouth, visit Dr. Nick Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts.

Dry mouth can leave the oral cavity feeling as if all the water in the world isn’t enough to quench your thirst. It can also cause a sore throat and make it difficult to eat and speak. Treatment options for dry mouth depend on the severity of the condition but usually, consist of saliva substitutes and/or a mouth rinse designed to alleviate symptoms of dry mouth.

If you experience dry mouth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.elitedentalarts.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts here in New York, NY, call our office at 212-681-0939.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017                                                                                       (212)681-0939

Invisalign

Dr. Nick Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts has seen many patients transform their smiles by using Invisalign.  Invisalign is the invisible alternative to braces for adolescent and adult orthodontic patients.  Invisalign does the job of traditional braces without metal brackets and wires – saving patients from the dreaded ‘metal mouth’ look throughout their treatment.  Invisalign uses clear plastic trays to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Severe misalignment may require another method, so always consult your dentist. 

To straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we begin with an examination. Then, impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a full set of aligners customized to your teeth and your treatment plan.  A typical treatment plan consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth, and can be completed in less than a year. Depending on your individual treatment plan, each set of aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day for about two weeks. The aligners should be removed to eat and to brush and floss.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.elitedentalarts.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts here in New York, NY, call our office at 212-681-0939.

Nick M. Mobilia, DDS
ELITE  DENTAL ARTS
9 East 45th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10017                                                                                       (212)681-0939