Diabetes and Gum Disease

Bleeding gums are not healthy. If you have them, we want you to come to Elite Dental Arts in Midtown for help. Gingivitis is unfortunately common, but there is one group that is at particular risk: people with diabetes. In people with high blood sugar, not only do infections last longer, the infections further exacerbate their difficulty controlling glucose.

Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is the immune system’s initial response to infection.  It isolates the disease-causing agents and floods the area with white blood cells. This process weakens the walls of the gum tissue cells and can be harmful if the inflammation becomes chronic. For reasons that are not entirely clear but are probably related to hardened blood vessels, people with high blood sugar are prone to more inflammation and have a harder time resisting infections. When gum infections reach an advanced stage, called periodontal disease, they may cause recession of gum and bone tissue, allowing the teeth to come loose.

People with diabetes have to be especially careful about their oral hygiene. Fortunately, during regular dental visits, we can provide deep cleanings in the gum pockets, where patients cannot reach. Studies have shown that people with periodontal infections suffer increased glucose levels, but that when gum disease is treated, people’s diabetes symptoms improve.

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

 

Retainer Options after Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is an investment and after your braces are removed, you’ll need to protect your investment by keeping your teeth in place with a retainer. A retainer is a piece of plastic and metal that is custom-made for your mouth only. It’s important to wear your retainer because shifting will occur naturally. Dr. Nick M. Mobilia of Elite Dental Arts may suggest different retainer options based on your preference.

There are two types of retainers available – fixed and removable. Removable retainers are usually a combination of wire going across the front of the lower or upper front teeth and held in place with acrylic material and hooks. A more appealing and comfortable alternative may be a clear plastic retainer. A more permanent option is a fixed retainer in which a wire will be bonded across the back of the teeth with cement. Depending on your lifestyle, Dr. Nick M. Mobilia can discuss different retainer options with you during a consultation.

If you have questions about orthodontic treatment or aftercare options, please give us a call. To learn 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. 

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at Elite Dental Arts, Dr. Nick Mobilia and staff appreciate feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Kimmy Z. for leaving this positive review, but we would like to thank her for being a dedicated patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!   

“Being referred to Dr. Mobilia was one of the best things that have happened to me! I have visited many dentists over the years and none have provided the same caring attitude and professionalism as Dr. Mobilia. My last visit was practically painless and Dr. Mobilia keeps you informed in every step of the procedure. I've never had such a pleasant experience at a dental office until meeting Dr. Mobilia and his staff. They are all wonderful!” – Kimmy Z.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.elitedentalarts.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nick Mobilia at Elite Dental Arts in New York, NY, call 212-681-0939.

 

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

Avoiding Tooth Decay during the Holidays

Sugary treats, drinks, and snacks abound during the holiday season. We at Elite Dental Arts in Midtown want everyone to have a good time and would hate to see our patients develop tooth decay. We decided to provide a few tips that will keep everybody’s teeth safer while allowing them to enjoy toasts and feasts.

Tooth decay occurs when oral bacteria eat food debris and excrete acid. While highly sugary treats are not healthy, it is the length of time food remains in contact with teeth that determines how much decay could result. One of the most common sources of decay is sugary drinks, including pumpkin spice lattes, eggnog, apple cider, and wine. People typically consume them over a long time without sips of water in between, allowing sugary residue to accumulate. Hard candies are another problem, because of the amount of time they are in contact with teeth and because they cause the mouth to dry out, preventing saliva from washing sugar away. Starch can also be a food source for bacteria, so it’s important to not allow bits of food to remain stuck in the teeth while snacking over an extended period.

People produce the most saliva during meals, so it’s best to limit sticky and sugary foods to then. Even at times when you can’t brush right away, you can try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production and pull away food particles. Xylitol-flavored hard candies are tooth-friendlier than sugary ones. As for drinks, you can eliminate residue by alternating with swigs of water. If you are going somewhere without fluoridated water, you could bring some along in bottles.

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