Recent Posts

How to Tell if Your Baby is Teething

Apr. 15 2017

If you are a new parent, welcome to the daily guessing game. Although there are pamphlets and thousands of online articles available to help make your life easier, there is no real manual on parenting. And because parenting is a guessing game, it can sometimes see impossible to know if what your baby is going through is normal or if it is something you need to be concerned about— especially when it comes to teething. This article will discuss a few of the most common signs that your baby is teething and how you can spot them. Read on to learn more.

Tons of Drool

Babies are natural droolers, but if you have noticed that your baby is drooling a lot more than usual, this could be a large sign that they are teething. Take a look at how much your baby is drooling. Many babies who are teething, go through several bibs filled with drool each and every day.

Irritable

When babies are hungry, tired, and they need to be changed, they cry and get fussy. However, for the rest of the time, your baby should be pretty content. If you have noticed that your baby is more irritable than usual, this is another sign that they may be teething. Teething is unfortunately very painful for babies who can make them feel grumpy and out of control.

Fever

Not all babies run a fever when they are teething, but a lot of them certainly do. Make sure that your child isn’t exhibiting symptoms of a cold or the flu virus in addition to a fever. If they simply have small fever under 102, but they have the symptoms listed above, then their fever is likely due to teething. To help break their fever and with the permission of their pediatrician, you can give your child baby Tylenol or ibuprofen if they are over six months— this will help to not only lower their fever but make them feel more comfortable.

Having a teething baby is not only miserable for them but you as well. If you think your little one is teething but you just aren’t sure, look for the symptoms listed above. Although not all babies will have these exact symptoms, they are the most common. To learn more about pediatric dentistry, contact Dr. Dean Glasser’s office today.

3 Ways to Ease Your Dental Anxiety

Mar. 15 2017

Going to the dentist isn’t exactly rated on people’s list of “Top 10 favorite things to do.” However, as one of the most important steps in ensuring that you have a clean and healthy smile, coming into Dr. Dean Glasser twice a year will keep your teeth in the best condition possible. Dr. Dean Glasser knows that some patients suffer from dental anxiety that causes them to miss appointments and regular cleanings. If you have dental anxiety, you are not alone— that is why we have created this brief list of three ways that you can ease your anxiety. Read on to learn more.

Deep Breathing

Both before and during your dental exam, try some deep breathing exercises. By slowing down and controlling your breath, you can help alleviate some of the anxieties you are feeling. Slowly inhale through your nose and then exhale through your mouth— focusing on every breath you take.

Remember It’s Never As Bad As You Think It Is

One of the most important things to remember when thinking about your dental procedure is that it is never as bad as you think it is. In fact, you likely imagine things and pain that you will never even experience.

Ask About Sedation

Here at Dr. Glasser’s office, we offer dental sedation to help ease your anxieties and feel calm during your entire procedure. Depending on the type of procedure you are having and the level of anxiety you are suffering from, sedation options include things like laughing gas and oral sedatives. Before you come in for your cleaning or procedure, contact our office to learn more about whether or not you are a suitable candidate for dental sedation.

Dealing with dental anxiety can make even coming into Dr. Dean Glasser seem hard to do. If you would like to learn more about dental anxiety and how it can be treated, contact Dr. Dean Glasser.

50 Shades of Grey: How to Get Whiter Teeth In Time for Valentine’s Day

Feb. 15 2017

The book, 50 Shades of Gray is a sure way to get you and your significant other ready for a hot and steamy Valentine's Day. However, the last gray thing you are going to want to see is a mouth full of gray tinged teeth. Don’t be the person that is repulsing others by their discolored teeth this Valentine’s Day and get your teeth whitened. From at-home whitening kits to in-office treatments, this article will discuss a few quick and easy ways that you can get your teeth white and bright before your Valentine’s kiss. Read on to learn more.

Try a Whitening Toothpaste

If you have never had your teeth whitened before, try using a whitening toothpaste to start out. Filled with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, an over-the-counter whitening toothpaste will work to remove small surface stains on your teeth caused by food and beverages. Continue to use the whitening toothpaste for about 7-10 days, if you don’t notice a difference consider trying whitening strips.

Try Whitening Strips

Also found over-the-counter, whitening strips contain a stronger bleaching ingredient that can help to whiten your teeth. Available in different strengths, you can get whitening strips that work as fast as 24 hours. Although some people complain of tooth sensitivity following using whitening strips, that should subside after a few days.

In-Office Whitening

If you have tried both whitening toothpaste and strips and still aren’t able to get your teeth white, come into see Dr. Dean Glasser. With either bleaching trays or laser whitening, Dr. Dean Glasser can whiten your teeth so that you are ready for Valentine’s Day.

There are some rare cases in which even with the help of laser whitening, Dr. Dean Glasser won’t be able to whiten your teeth-- such as if your teeth are stained from a medication like a tetracycline. However, by using whitening toothpaste, strips, or in-office whitening, you can get a brighter and whiter smile in virtually no time at all. If you would like to learn more about how you can get whiter teeth, contact Dr. Dean Glasser to schedule an appointment today.

3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Everyday Brushing

Jan. 15 2017

Everyone knows that to have a healthy smile, they have to brush regularly and visit Dr. Dean Glasser for frequent cleanings. Brushing both morning and night not only helps to get plaque off of your teeth but it also helps to fight bacteria in your mouth. As something that you have hopefully been doing since you were around two years old, the last thing you likely think about is what type of toothbrush and toothpaste you are using. However, to make sure that you are getting your teeth as clean as possible, you should be using fluoride toothpaste, picking the proper toothbrush, and listening to your teeth. Read on to learn more.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

When strolling down the toothpaste aisle at your grocery or drug store, it’s going to be nearly impossible to find a toothpaste that doesn’t have fluoride in it. Fluoride is an essential ingredient in toothpaste because it works to strengthen your enamel and prevent your teeth from weakening. Additionally, as an FDA approved ingredient, fluoride is safe to use on both children and adults, but you should consult Dr. Dean Glasser before your child starts using toothpaste.

Pick the Proper Brush

Another thing that is often neglected is purchasing the right toothbrush for your mouth and dental needs. Toothbrushes not only come in different shapes but also different bristle textures. For instance, you can choose a medium, soft, or extra-soft bristled toothbrush. Unless you have dentures, there is no reason that you should be using a medium toothbrush. Soft toothbrushes can just as effectively clean your teeth without wearing down the enamel. If you have gum disease or sensitive teeth, you should use an extra-soft bristled toothbrush.

Listen to Your Teeth

Are your teeth sore after you brush them? Do they feel sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages? One of the most important thing that you can do for your oral health is to listen to your teeth. If you notice that they are uncomfortable after you brush them, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean Glasser to get them looked at.

The art of tooth-brushing is something that often gets pushed to the side. However, by using the tips listed above, you can brush your teeth both morning and night. To learn more about your oral health or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dean Glasser, contact our office today!

Is A Brighter Holiday Smile On Your Wish-List?

Dec. 15 2016

There is nothing quite like the thoughts of family and friends gathering for the holiday season. And there is no better feeling than greeting the holiday season with a whiter, brighter, younger-looking smile. Now is the perfect time to spruce-up your smile with one or more of the services we offer.

What is dental bonding? If you are concerned with chipped or cracked teeth (especially your front teeth), an unsightly dark tooth or a slight mis-alignment? Dr. Glasser specializes in resin bonding, a one-visit method of permanently covering cracked, chipped or off-color teeth. Dental bonding is one of the easiest ways to brighten and correct your smile. The composite resin used in the bonding process can be tinted, smoothed, shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Fast? Yes! Dental bonding usually takes from one to two hours per tooth and can last up to ten years.
What do you know about teeth whitening or bleaching? Bleaching is one of the easiest and simplest ways to professionally get your smile on. Of course there are over-the-counter whitening products, from toothpaste to stick-on-strips. Whitening toothpaste is a great tool to add to your dental arsenal. However, whitening can be risky and must be carefully monitored by a qualified dentist. Dr. Glasser is trained to whiten your teeth - carefully and precisely - with the goal being the revitalization of the luster and brightness of your teeth through the use of chemical agents.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. It matters. It can definitely add to your self-confidence. If you have been considering a whitening procedure or are concerned about a chipped front tooth, don’t wait. Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Glasser. We look forward to meeting you and to being your dental resource in Melville - as well as being the gateway to your most radiant smile this holiday season: (631) 423-6767.

Are you Thankful for your Dental Exam?

Nov. 15 2016

This is the time of year when our sentimental side starts to show. It could be the Fall air and the colorful fluttering leaves the season brings. It might also have a little something to do with all the pumpkin spice lattes. Whatever your trigger for gratitude, we hope you enjoy all the joys of that the changing seasons bring. We want to express our thankfulness for our wonderful patients, and, in this post, we also want to point out a few of the reasons you might feel thankful for your dental exams.

A dental exam may seem an unlikely event to feel grateful for, but here are some of the things that these visits do for you:
1.Your exam can help you see more clearly. What? How can a dental exam help you see more clearly? Let's explain. What you see when you look in the mirror is only a small aspect of what may really be going on in your mouth. We're not just talking about the fact that dental x-rays see below the surface of your gums. Another thing that could happen during your routine exam is that we find plaque or tartar - or both. Sometimes, we even uncover habits such as clenching the jaw or grinding teeth, things that happen during the sleeping hours but that can cause a lot of problems for your mouth. When it comes to protecting your oral health, two heads really are better than one.
2.Your exam can keep you from extensive care. Consider how much easier it is for your dentist to remove a little plaque and tartar than it is to eliminate a nasty infection in the pulp of a tooth. When you keep regular appointments for exams and cleanings, this is far more likely to be the norm.
3.Routine care can mitigate dental anxiety. If you think about what makes you anxious before a dental visit, you may identify aspects of care like having a tooth drilled, or needing shots of anesthetic. If you knew that you wouldn't need these things, you might feel much more at ease seeing the dentist.

There are many more benefits that stem from seeing your dentist every six months. To get on and stay on a great path of oral health, call our Long Island office at (631) 423-6767.

Consider Your Breath

Oct. 15 2016

If your co-worker slips you a mint or if a good-night kiss is but a memory, you may be suffering from bad breath - the very common, embarrassing condition also known as halitosis - and even your best friends may fail to tell you.

The main source of bad breath is a sulfur gas produced by accumulated bacteria in your mouth - which collects on your teeth, gums and tongue. However, there may be other bad breath culprits at work:

It could be what you are eating. Garlic and onions, especially, contain compounds which are taken into your blood cells and expelled through your lungs. That means your breath actually smells, not just your mouth.
It could be your nose or nasal passages. Bacteria in your nose and sinus cavities or a sinus infection can cause foul smelling secretions to exit your nasal passages. This is commonly a cause of bad breath. A saline nasal wash may help, but if the problem persists, you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist.
It could be tonsil stones. Tonsil stones, also called tonsiloliths, are made of lymph tissue and bacteria which form lumps in the back of your throat, near your tonsils. They contain crevices where bacteria accumulates. If enough bacteria get caught, tonsil stones can contribute to bad breath.
It could be your tongue. It’s a good idea to brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. Also try using a tongue scraper to remove bacteria from the back of your tongue.
It could be your stomach. If none of the above is causing your bad breath, or if it persists in spite of your best efforts, you may want to see a doctor. In some cases, stomach problems, such as acid reflux, can cause bad breath.

As a final reminder, have you had a dental check-up and cleaning lately? A dental check-up may reveal halitosis-causing plaque, gingivitis and tooth decay. Stay current with your twice-yearly check-ups and cleanings and don’t forget to brush and floss daily. Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Glasser, today: (631) 423-6767.

Bonding - It’s Not Just For BFF’s

Sep. 15 2016

If you have a dark-colored or chipped tooth, or a gap between your front teeth, bonding may be the perfect solution. Bonding is less expensive than veneers, and is designed to improve a tooth’s appearance or shape or fill a cavity using a tooth-colored, composite resin.

Bonding is also often used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam (silver) fillings because of its ability to protect an exposed tooth root resulting from periodontal disease or receding gums. Their light color makes bonded fillings preferable - they are much less noticeable than silver.

•The first step in the bonding procedure is the preparation of the surface of your tooth. It will be slightly etched and lightly coated with a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere.
•Next, a soft, tooth-colored resin material will be applied, and will be molded and smoothed until it is the desired shape.
•The resin material is then hardened with an ultraviolet or laser light.
•After the resin material hardens, it will be shaped, trimmed and polished it until it matches the rest of your tooth’s surface.
•Bonding can be done in a single dental visit. If you're having more than one tooth done, you may need to schedule more time or additional visits.
•Bonding resin can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments. Avoid drinking coffee, tea, wine or other staining foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after a bonding procedure. To maintain the look of your new bonded teeth, remember to brush and floss twice a day and visit Dr. Glasser every six months for a professional exam and cleaning.

We invite you to call to schedule an appointment. Fall is here, the holidays will soon be upon us, and it’s the best time of year to get the smile you deserve.

The Cosmetic Procedure Known As Dental Bonding

Aug. 15 2016

Dental bonding may be exactly what you are looking for you would like a less expensive cosmetic dental procedure. Bonding can improve the appearance of a dark or chipped tooth, close gaps between teeth, or change the shape of a tooth by using a tooth-colored composite resin. Bonding is also often used as a cosmetic filling alternative to silver, or amalgam, because it can protect the tooth root if it has been exposed due to periodontal disease. Bonded fillings are also preferable because their light color is much less noticeable than silver.

Here are a few additional bits of information about dental bonding:

Prior to applying the bonding material, the surface of your tooth will be slightly etched and lightly coated with a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere to your tooth.
Dr. Glasser will then apply a soft, tooth-colored resin material, molding and smoothing it until it is the desired shape. The resin material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser.
Once the resin material hardens, it will be trimmed, shaped and polished it until it matches the rest of your tooth’s surface.
The good news is bonding can be done in a single dental visit. However, if you're having more than one tooth done, you may need to schedule more time or additional visits.
A word of caution: The bonding resin can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments, such as veneers. To prevent or minimize stains, avoid drinking coffee, tea, wine or other staining foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after a bonding procedure. To maintain the look of your new bonded procedure, remember to brush and floss twice a day and visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning.

Give us a call to learn more about dental bonding or any of the cosmetic dental procedures we offer. We are committed to dental excellence! Beautify your smile for fall: (631) 423-6767.

Bid Adieu To Your Dental Fears

Jul. 15 2016

If the thought of a visit to the dentist sets your stomach a-flutter, fear not and breathe deeply. There is a solution. Dr. Glasser commonly uses conscious sedation as a way to help his patients relax during their dental procedures. This type of sedation uses a gas called Nitrous Oxide and is also called “inhaled minimal sedation.” You may have heard of nitrous oxide because it’s common name is “laughing gas.”

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is an effective, yet safe, colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It is prepared for use by heating ammonium nitrate and then mixing it with oxygen. When used in conscious sedation dentistry, it produces exhilaration or light anesthesia when inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. It does not put you to sleep.

How does it work?

During your procedure, you will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions Dr. Glasser may have. You breathe normally through your nose, and within a few minutes you will begin to feel nitrous oxide’s calm, soothing effects. You may feel a tingling in your legs and arms or they may feel heavy. You may also feel light-headed. But the important thing to remember is that you will feel calm and comfortable.
Nitrous oxide wears off soon after the mask is removed and your dental procedure is complete. For most procedures, you will require a local anesthetic, a numbing medication at the site of the procedure, as well.
Nitrous oxide can make procedures that take hours seem like minutes, even though you are completely awake and conscious. When its effects wear off, you will not recall the smells, sights or sounds of your visit.

Before your dental procedure, Dr. Glasser will go over your medical history, including any medications you are taking. This is an important step that ensures you are a good candidate for conscious sedation.

If it’s been too long since your last dental visit, don’t wait another day. Call to schedule an appointment, today: (631) 423-6767.

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