Jerry Agiliga, Author at Group Health Dental

Is teeth whitening safe?

by Jerry Agiliga | Jul 31, 2023 | Teeth Whitening

Over time, it’s natural for teeth to darken, stain, and discolor for various reasons. Fortunately, it’s possible to make your smile brighter and whiter through cosmetic dentistry solutions, like teeth whitening. While there are plenty of options to choose from, which options are safe? The cosmetic dentists of Group Health Dental in Manhattan, have compiled this list of what to look for when choosing safe teeth whitening services.

1. Consult with a Dentist

Because there are endless reasons why your smile could lose its spark, it’s sensible to speak with a dental professional about your dental and gum health before starting any cosmetic dentistry treatment. A knowledgeable dentist can analyze your tooth color, explain why your teeth have yellowed or darkened, and recommend a tooth-whitening regimen tailored to the type of staining you’re experiencing.

2. Look for the ADA® Seal of Acceptance

The American Dental Association (ADA) is the world’s largest and oldest national dental association. The ADA aims to help dentists succeed and promotes advancements in public health. Backed by 90 years of product safety and efficacy, the ADA Seal of Acceptance is a green stamp that notifies consumers that a dental product is acceptable in the eyes of the American Dental Association.

To obtain the ADA Seal of Acceptance, a dental product must undergo rigorous testing and be verified safe by a council representing all fields relevant to evaluating dental products, including microbiology, toxicology, and pharmacology. Once all requirements are met, the product is awarded an ADA Seal for five years.

As you can imagine, the ADA Seal of Acceptance is hard to come by—but for good reason. As a result, Group Health Dental strongly recommends only using over-the-counter products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

3. Be Mindful of Do-It-Yourself Teeth Whitening Solutions

Because there is so much knowledge available at our fingertips, it might be tempting to try the vast home remedies that pop up in your search engine. While some DIY solutions use harsh chemicals, others may use natural ingredients (like strawberries, charcoal, or coconut oil).

Overall, home remedies could do more harm than good (if anything at all). Therefore, we strongly suggest avoiding homespun concoctions. Instead, consult a dentist about professional teeth whitening solutions or (at the very least) find an over-the-counter product with the ADA seal.

4. Speak Up About Sensitivity

After teeth whitening, a common side effect is gum and tooth sensitivity. Whether you’ve undergone over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening, speak to your dentist if your smile feels sensitive. Most dentists can initiate an anti-sensitivity regimen to get your teeth back on track.

Are you looking for teeth whitening in Manhattan?

At Group Health Dental, our Manhattan cosmetic dentists can let you know if you qualify for our Zoom® whitening treatment or suggest an alternative treatment to help you reach your goals. Patients can rely on the Group Health Dental team to deliver fast, effective, and professional results. Call 212-398-9690 or send us a brief message to safely whiten your teeth in Manhattan.

5 Obvious Signs That It’s Time to Contact Our Manhattan Emergency Dentistry Department

by Jerry Agiliga | Jul 31, 2023 | Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies can happen at any moment of any day. While staying prepared and keeping your smile healthy through consistent dental check-ups is wise, it’s impossible to predict when one might need emergency dentistry services.

Can your dental problem wait until tomorrow, or should you visit our same-day dentists in Manhattan? To know for sure, Group Health Dental has compiled this list of five common signs that can help you understand if you need to visit an emergency dentist.

1. Extreme Toothache

A standard emergency dentistry symptom is discomfort. If you are experiencing considerable and constant dental pain, it’s time to schedule an emergency dental appointment. A toothache can indicate underlying issues, such as damage, decay, or impaction. Our Manhattan emergency dentistry department can properly conduct an oral exam and take x-rays (if needed) to get to the root of your problem.

2. Exposed Nerves

Are you unsure if you have an exposed nerve? Well, most people can feel it. Exposed nerves trigger searing pain when sipping cold drinks, eating, and even breathing. While covering the sensitive area with a piece of sugarless gum can deliver temporary relief, you’ll need to meet with an emergency dentist as soon as possible for appropriate treatment.

3. Broken or Missing Teeth or Dental Restorations

A fractured or missing tooth, filling, or dental crown is a red flag. Since this is a problem that only a licensed dentist can fix, schedule an emergency dental appointment immediately for restoration or replacement; in the meantime, manage symptoms and store your tooth in a glass of milk or water (and your dental restoration in a clean plastic bag).

4. Swelling

Typically, swelling signifies that infection is present in the body. Sadly, untreated oral infections can quickly turn life-threatening. Therefore, if you notice swelling in the gums, face, or lymph nodes, head to our same-day dental office in Manhattan for immediate treatment. While you’re there, be sure to tell our emergency dentistry team how long you’ve been suffering from swelling and other comorbidities so we can deliver the proper treatment.

5. Oral Sores or Growth

It’s wise to contact your dentist if you notice a new growth or sore in your mouth that doesn’t go away after a week or two. Oral sores and growth can be an early sign of oral cancer, and a dentist can perform an oral cancer screening to identify whether you’re at risk for oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there have been 54,540 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer in 2023 alone, so it’s sensible to continuously monitor for signs of oral cancer on the tongue, tonsils, gums, and other parts of the mouth.

Contact Group Health Dental If You’re Concerned About Your Oral Health

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Let the Group Health Dental team be your first line of defense during a dental emergency. Call 212-398-9690 today to schedule same-day emergency dentistry in Manhattan, to alleviate discomfort and swelling to save your oral health.

Invisalign® vs. Braces: This Quiz Can Help You Decide Which Orthodontic Treatment to Choose!

by Jerry Agiliga | Jul 27, 2023 | Uncategorized

Congratulations! You’ve chosen to dramatically improve your oral health and aesthetics by straightening your teeth. With such an exciting process and multiple orthodontic solutions to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start. If you’re deciding between Invisalign and traditional braces, contact the talented dental team at Group Health Dental in Manhattan. Our knowledgeable Invisalign providers can let you know if the Invisalign system can help you reach your dental goals (or recommend an alternative treatment) when you schedule an in-person consultation at our Manhattan dental office.

Before booking an appointment, the Group Health Dental staff suggests reviewing this straightforward, four-question quiz to determine if Invisalign clear aligners suit you. Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions:

1. Do you care about the visibility of your braces?

A common complaint amongst traditional braces wearers is the dreaded metal mouth. Metal braces are bulky, unsightly, and even more so if food gets stuck inside the brackets in bands. If you care about the everyday aesthetics of your smile, then Invisalign braces might be your answer. The beauty of Invisalign lies within its transparency and anonymous appearance. When properly cared for, Invisalign aligners are see-through, and most people won’t even realize that you’re undergoing orthodontic care.

2. Do you want to keep your diet the same during orthodontic treatment?

Those who choose traditional braces must refrain from eating certain foods. Sticky, hard, and rough foods (like taffy, popcorn kernels, or apples) can pull brackets and wires or easily get stuck to the teeth. Aside from being unsanitary, these afflictions can feel uncomfortable or painful to the braces-wearing patient.

If you don’t want to think twice about your diet, Invisalign aligners are the way to go. Patients can simply store their clear aligners in their designated carrying case during meal and snack times and eat whatever they want.

3. Do you practice good self-discipline?

One of the defining features of Invisalign aligners is that they are removable. While this can allow patients to eat what they want and maintain better gum health and hygiene than traditional braces, it can be challenging for those who are easily forgetful or not used to a routine. Since patients must wear clear aligners for at least 22 hours per day, our Manhattan dentists suggest that those who want to take on Invisalign commit to self-discipline to keep their smile on track during orthodontic treatment.

4. Do you want to save money on orthodontic treatment?

If you answered yes to this question and the ones before, we strongly recommend scheduling an Invisalign consultation at Group Health Dental in Manhattan. With our inclusive Wisdom Membership Plan, Invisalign patients save 20% on overall orthodontic treatment. Also, Group Health Dental can discuss your flexible financing and insurance options after verifying treatment. Call 212-398-9690 or visit our website to see if you qualify for Invisalign treatment in Manhattan.