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RYE, NY 10580

 • Chester Hill Dentistry • 

May 3, 2015
10 yearsago

Your Westchester NY Dentist Shares Some Fun Dental History Facts

The truth about dentistry and teeth is that we have been striving to perfect the practice of dentistry for ages. People from all different places and time periods have experimented with keeping teeth clean and healthy. The main reason for this is that tooth decay causes really uncomfortable and painful toothaches that people would naturally want to avoid. Although we’ve come a long way in the field of dentistry, many of the techniques we use today like brushing and flossing are developed from a long time ago.

For example, the toothbrush was used during the Middle Ages by wealthy Europeans who used twigs made out of sweet smelling wood to clean their teeth. While your Westchester NY dentist doesn’t recommend brushing with a wooden twig, you can still see how even in the past, people attempted to clean their teeth. In fact, it was the Chinese who were using something much more similar to a modern toothbrush today. In 1498, the Emperor of China implanted hog bristles in a bone handle. This style of toothbrush became popular throughout Asia and eventually Europe. However, because of the expensive cost of hog bristles, poor people couldn’t afford individual toothbrushes so an entire family would share one brush. Believe it or not, Americans did not practice the importance of brushing teeth until well after World War II. The army enforced soldiers to develop the habit while they were fighting in the war and they ended up bringing the good habit back home.

Similar to toothbrushes, compounds for cleaning teeth while brushing have been used since ancient times. Early Egyptians, Chinese, Greek and Roman writings describe the process of mixing different substances and powders to create a paste for brushing. Some of the tastiest ingredients used in early toothpaste were powdered fruit, honey, and dried flowers. The most unappealing ingredients include mice and lizard livers. Modern toothpaste began to appear around the 1800s. A dentist named Dr. Peabody was the first person to suggest adding soap to toothpaste and fluoride was eventually added in 1956.

The earliest known dentist was Hesi-Re, an Egyptian who lived around 3000 BCE. From the 5th to 15th century CE, dentistry was practiced by “barber-surgeons” who not only cut hair and groomed people but also extracted decaying teeth. It wasn’t until between 1650 CE and 1800 CE that the science of modern dentistry developed. Pierre Fauchard, a French surgeon, has become known as the father of modern dentistry. Of course, dentistry would come a long way since Pierre Fauchard, but we have dentists like him to thank for not having our teeth extracted at a barber shop. Yikes!

While the history of dentistry is much longer and extensive than this short blog, your Westchester NY dentist hopes that patients see just how far dentistry has come in the last several thousand years. Healthy teeth have been important to a number of cultures over a long period of time and it’s important to follow through with modern dental care. After all, you should take advantage of the modern advances and technologies in dentistry. We’re lucky to have anesthesia and sterile procedures now!

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May 2, 2015
10 yearsago

Westchester NY Dentist with Dietary Dilemmas

It is safe to say that all of the different patients your Westchester NY dentist treats have a varied diet they follow. And while we always suggest one high in nutrients and vitamins and low in sugars and acids, everyone can interpret that somewhat differently. Rather you are a vegetarian, vegan or just go with the flow, enjoying your meats and other foods freely, there could be positives and negatives to your choices.

Many of the vegetarian patients we treat have amazing gums and lower levels of periodontal disease than their meat eating counterparts. Much of this can be attributed to the high nutrient levels, saliva stimulating abilities and stiff “brush” effect vegetables and fruits can have on the mouth. Where we do see that some (not all) may have issues with is their actual teeth and decay. Vegetarian patients who are very strict in their practices may choose not to use fluoride, including toothpaste that include it because some can be made with animal fat byproducts. And while this dedication to their cause is strong, the helpful effect fluoride has in protecting the teeth from damage may be stronger.

Another place where those on a meat-less diet could be missing out is with certain amino acids. An acid common in red meat, dairy and poultry called “L-arginine” is proving to have a profound effect in breaking down dental plaque. This acid has proven so effective and easy to replicate that it is now being included in several tubes of toothpaste and mouthwash products to give users that extra benefit. And while this acid is used in higher quantities in these products than found in those foods, studies on its natural ability to not allow bacteria to form and stick to teeth are currently underway as well.

Trying to vary your diet as much as possible with a balance of nutrients and vitamins is essential to whole-mouth health. Round out this practice with a regular at-home regimen and visits to your Westchester NY dentist to maintain a smile you can absolutely love.

To make an appointment at our Port Chester NY dental office, please call (914) 939-2132

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May 1, 2015
10 yearsago

Westchester NY Dentist Discusses the Effects of Dry Mouth

Many people have experienced a dry mouth at one point or another. However, for some patients dry mouth is a persistent and irritable oral health issue known as xerostomia. For these patients, the mouth and throat become dry and sore, eating and speaking become difficult and the sensation of taste is reduced. The oral health implications that dry mouth has on the mouth are vast and include the rapid and destructive breakdown of natural dentition, quicker than normal plaque deposit buildup, early signs of gingivitis, and pain during brushing.

Why we need saliva

Saliva is produced by both major and minor salivary glands which are all scattered throughout the mouth. Together, they are capable of producing up to one liter of saliva a day! The most obvious function of saliva is lubrication, which is what makes speech and eating possible. Another mechanical property of saliva is its binding ability, which enables food to be swallowed.

Important to dentistry, your saliva also protects against harmful proteolytic enzymes, which are largely produced by dental plaque. Saliva’s most important function is to the digestive system. The digestive enzyme pepsin found in saliva is what allows your food to be properly digested.

What can I do?

If you’re not getting enough saliva, there are a few tips that you can try at home. Start by drinking water to stay hydrated. Another tip is to try chewing sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy, which are both known to stimulate salivary glands.

If your dry mouth persists, you should contact your Westchester NY dentist. We will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for you, whether that involves a rinsing your mouth with artificial saliva. Artificial saliva is a liquid or spray that is sold without a prescription and can be used as often as needed. Although it doesn’t contain the proteins, minerals, and other substances found in real saliva that help with digestion.

If you have any questions for a Westchester NY dentist regarding dry mouth or need more information about why saliva stimulation is necessary for your mouth’s care, feel free to call us at (914) 939-2132 for an appointment today.

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April 6, 2015
10 yearsago

Dentist in Greenwich CT on Taming Your Teeth Sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity is one of the most commonly addressed issues that patients discuss with your dentist in Greenwich CT. While there are not an overwhelming amount of options available in fixing some of the issues related to sensitive teeth, there are many more to be spoken for in the realm of prevention. Today we will be looking at how to avoid that stinging tooth pain, what causes it, and some of the products designed to curb the ache brought on by it.

To identify prevention methods relating to sensitive teeth, we must first know what causes them. In the center of all your teeth, you have nerves, and just as the rest of the nerves in your body, they transmit signals to our brains for what we feel- including pain. After years of exposure to sugars and acids that eat away at the enamel, the protective layer of the teeth, microscopic holes in the teeth can form and be a channel right to the nerve. This will mean that any food or drink, hot, cold, sour, sweet, can become a trigger of that shooting pain in our mouth instantaneously.

Now, in terms of prevention, a constant and proper at-home oral health regimen is the best way to prevent sensitive teeth. Brush twice daily, use floss and make regular appointments with your dentist in Greenwich CT and your likelihood of teeth sensitivity issues drops substantially.

But remember some of the triggers mentioned previously? As many things, your diet plays into your oral health more than most of us could ever imagine. That ice cold glass of soda that brings you tooth pain now? Well, it could have been all that soda and its sugar and acid levels that wore away the enamel in the first place. The same goes for several other dietary factors for which there may never be enough blog-space to properly list them all.

But what to do about your tooth sensitivity right NOW? When headed to the pharmacy to find a “quick-fix” to your pain, a variety of products will be at your fingertips. From sensitive teeth toothpaste to mouthwashes, gels and more- the possibilities may seem endless. Just be aware that all these products really do is temporarily numb the area of the pain, and do not fix it.

The only way to accurately address your sensitive teeth issues is to make an appointment with your dentist in Greenwich CT by calling (914) 939-2132 today.

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April 5, 2015
10 yearsago
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April 4, 2015
10 yearsago
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April 3, 2015
10 yearsago

Cosmetic Dentist Westchester NY on Mouth Vigilance

As not only a cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY, but as a dentist, in general, our office recommends that all patients set up twice yearly dental cleanings and exams with us. The idea of these appointments is to get all of the “hard to reach” stuff with our special tools and to diagnose and then take steps towards treating problems before they develop further. We understand and have seen that sometimes in between these 6 month intervals, other problems can arise and you may ponder to yourself, “Can’t this just wait until my cleaning date?”

In the following blog, we will discuss a few signs or symptoms of potentially greater damaging dental issues that you should NOT ignore, and instead should make an appointment with us sooner, rather than later.

The first sign to be aware of is bad breath. While bad breath may stem from something as innocent as a going too heavy on the garlic at lunch, it can also be an indicator of other dental issues. Gum disease, teeth decay or abscess, even oral infections have been linked to original symptoms of bad breath. It may also be a sign that you are not properly brushing or flossing daily, leaving behind particles that not only cause the stench, but can thus result in the decay and other issues listed previously.

A loose tooth may be common place for those young ones shedding their first set of teeth, for older adults, it can be not as natural. Loose teeth can often be the result of serious gum disease or in a worst case scenario, oral cancer. Of course other events, such as trauma to the mouth, can cause loose teeth- but all of these scenarios still beckon the need to visit your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY fairly soon.

Lastly, any long term sores, pain or swelling of the mouth can also be indicators of more seriousissues. All of these can be a sign that the mouth is suffering from infection, disease, decay or worse. And while all of these issues seem like they might not be able to get much worse- they can. They can all lead to whole body health issues such as heart or lung problems, jaw or structural issues and tooth loss…all of which no one wants to suffer through.

While some of these issues may be hard to notice yourself (bad breath in particular), you should stay vigilant over the health of your mouth at all times. If you have any questions about unusual or potentially unhealthy oral health problems, make sure to contact your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY at (914) 939-2132 as soon as possible.

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April 2, 2015
10 yearsago

Cosmetic Dentist in Westchester NY discusses Cosmetic Treatment Options

A great smile is one of the first appearances that people notice, which is why cosmetic dentistry has been gaining more and more popularity amongst patients. A healthy smile not only feels its best, but also looks its best. Some of the most popular cosmetic procedures asked of your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY are teeth whitening, porcelain veneers and Invisalign.

Why Should I Consider Teeth Whitening?

Over time, your teeth could become discolored or stained. This discoloration could be caused from a variety of factors including your diet, medications, age, or tobacco and alcohol use. Just like hair and eye color, everyone’s teeth come in all different sizes and colors. Maybe a patient feels like their teeth have become discolored over time, or maybe a patient is not happy with their natural shade. If so, your Westchester NY cosmetic dentist is here to help! Dr. Chi Fu uses a chemical process to bleach your teeth with either a system patients use at home or during an in-office procedure at our Westchester NY cosmetic dentistry. Teeth whitening works best with customization, because we know that not all patients teeth are the same. With a custom mouthpiece tray, Dr. Chi Fu is able to ensure that the right amount of whitening solution reaches your teeth. Because whitening products are not meant to clean teeth, it is still important to practice regular oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.

Veneers, Veneers, Veneers!

Another popular cosmetic procedure involves a custom shell, typically made of porcelain, that acts as a cover to the front and sides of your teeth. Many patients choose porcelain veneers to improve teeth with:

  • Spaces between them
  • Chips or wear-and-tear
  • Misshapen
  • Crooked
  • Permanently stained

Invisalign: The Clear Alternative to Braces

Another cosmetic procedure offered by your Westchester NY cosmetic dentist is Invisalign. This procedure offers the benefits of orthodontia work without the use of metal braces. With Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry patients have the freedom to straighten their teeth without having the hassle of metal braces affecting their smile. Invisalign consists of a customized series of clear aligners that are worn over a prescribed period of time. Unlike braces, you’ll be able to remove the clear aligners when you eat, brush or floss. It is important to their success that you keep the aligners in at all other times.

Your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY wants to help patients feel good about their smile, so that you’ll always feel that sparkle and shine! If you’re interested in a cosmetic procedure feel free to call us at (914) 939-2132.

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April 1, 2015
10 yearsago

Westchester NY Dentures Care from Dr. Fu

Though the practice of replacing missing teeth with certain appliances, such as dentures, is centuries old practice- it doesn’t mean that it can’t be a frustrating experience for patients new to them. Though the science and makeup of dentures have advanced over time, some of the problems related to the appliance have not. As leading Westchester NY dentures provider, we are here today to share some solutions to various issues, as well as some caretaking tips, related to your dentures.

Always an important part of oral health, regular maintenance and cleaning of your dentures is needed for them to remain in top shape. Unless instructed to otherwise, you should take your dentures out nightly and have them soak in an approved cleaner. In the morning, you should brush them with a soft bristle toothbrush and a denture cleaning solution, not toothpaste. Though warm soapy water could also be utilized if you do not have a cleaning solution, your Westchester NY denture dentist can provide you with information on some excellent ones.

While handling the dentures around the sink whilst cleaning, make sure not to drop them- for they are extremely delicate. A single fall to the floor or on some porcelain can do some damage that may result in the need for a new appliance. Place soft towels nearby or take the needed precautions to make sure a mishandling doesn’t lead to serious denture damage.

Besides thoughtful handling and cleaning, a new diet and the fit of the appliance can also be issues that pop-up for new dentures patients. No matter your age, the mouth’s structure can shift over time and cause your set of dentures to not fit as they used to. Your dentist has the ability to make improvements for this, and if bothered, make sure to make an appointment to have them re-fit.

If this ill-fit or an overall new mouth feeling is having a detrimental effect on your appetite, try taking small bites and eating softer foods to benefit your diet. Evenly chewing with both sides of the mouth, not rushing and avoiding sticky foods can also help lead to a more successful meal with your dentures.

As a top Westchester NY dentures providing dentist, we have had patients deal with all of these issues and many more. We want you to know you can reach out to us anytime to address these issues or to schedule an appointment by calling (914) 939-2132.

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March 4, 2015
10 yearsago

Cosmetic Dentist in Westchester NY Gets You Ready for Your Big Day

Your cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY knows that timing can sometimes be everything. Rather you have a business trip coming in a few months, a wedding in a year, family reunion or performance just around the corner- you want to have your teeth be there best. Below we review a few of the most popular types of cosmetic corrections we specialize in that you can apply to your teeth, all with regard to how long you have before your big event.

When you just booked a performance and you have only a month to be at your most stunning, teeth whitening is an affordable and quick option to make your smile stand out. We offer in-office procedures and take-home whitening kits that can help much more effectively than the in-store whitening toothpastes. With just one to two visits to the office or wearing trays overnight a couple nights a week, you could see the shade of your teeth, no matter how they got that way, brightening substantially.

If you don’t want to sport a gap in your teeth while attending a family reunion that is about a half a year away, dental implants could be an option to consider. Utilizing the latest in dental technology, implants are quickly overcoming dentures as a means of replacing missing teeth. It works by fusing a titanium post to the bone and tissue of your mouth, then attaching a natural looking false tooth to that post. Due to the need for the materials involved to become properly adjusted to their new environment, this process may take a few trips to the cosmetic dentist in Westchester NY, but is well worth it. Implants are a sure way to get the most accurate appearance, bite and feel of a natural tooth, like never before.

The big day is coming up in about a year or two, and you have some issues to straighten out (with your teeth) before you say “I do.” Invisible or clear braces, such as Invisalign, are great alternative treatments to teeth straightening, compared to the original metal braces. Improved aesthetic appeal, shorter treatment time and fewer means of device-related injury all make clear braces an up and coming orthodontic must-have.

While your cosmetic dentist in Westchester can help you prepare for your big day in the above procedures, amongst many more, the first step to getting there is setting an appointment. To do so, please call (914) 939-2132 today.

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Are you looking for a Rye NY Dentist? Visit Chester Hill Dentistry in Portchester, Westchester NY with Dr. Chi Fu today! Serving the areas of Port Chester NY, Rye Brook NY, Greenwich CT and beyond!