The Distinctive Dental Care of Melville Blog http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog The blog of Dr. Scott Firestone - Dentist serving Melville, New York (NY) Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:13:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Cold season is here, from Distinctive Dental Care of Melville http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/cold-season-is-here-from-distinctive-dental-care-of-melville/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/cold-season-is-here-from-distinctive-dental-care-of-melville/#comments Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:13:08 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=124 Cold and flu season is here – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Scott R. Firestone and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Melville office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Distinctive Dental Care of Melville, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/cold-season-is-here-from-distinctive-dental-care-of-melville/feed/ 0 Softly brushing your way to clean teeth, from Dr. Firestone http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/softly-brushing-your-way-to-clean-teeth-from-dr-firestone/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/softly-brushing-your-way-to-clean-teeth-from-dr-firestone/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 20:59:26 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=120 Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. Our team at Distinctive Dental Care of Melville always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

Happy brushing!

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/softly-brushing-your-way-to-clean-teeth-from-dr-firestone/feed/ 0 Smile! October is National Dental Hygiene Month! http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/smile-october-is-national-dental-hygiene-month/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/smile-october-is-national-dental-hygiene-month/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:28:50 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=116
Did you know that October is National Dental Health Month? For our staff at Distinctive Dental Care of Melville, that means only one thing: Reminding you that your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient Melville office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the official National Dental Hygiene Month website as well, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Distinctive Dental Care of Melville? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Scott Firestone.

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/10/smile-october-is-national-dental-hygiene-month/feed/ 0 Your oral health & overall health http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/your-oral-health-overall-health/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/your-oral-health-overall-health/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:25:27 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=109 Distinctive Dental Care of Melville any longer! Over the years, oral health issues have been increasingly linked to other health concerns, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains American’s number one killer, claiming more lives than any other cause of death, according to the American Heart Association. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent [...]]]> >Distinctive Dental Care of Melville any longer! Over the years, oral health issues have been increasingly linked to other health concerns, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains American’s number one killer, claiming more lives than any other cause of death, according to the American Heart Association. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care, both at home and by visiting the dentist.

Studies are also beginning to suggest that patients, especially those with periodontal disease, are believed to have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Since most patients are not regularly visiting a heart specialist, their regular visits to Distinctive Dental Care of Melville can help detect early warning signs of heart issues, prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages.

Additionally, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit to our Melville office, please give us a call!

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/your-oral-health-overall-health/feed/ 0 What was your favorite part of Summer 2011? http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/what-was-your-favorite-part-of-summer-2011/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/what-was-your-favorite-part-of-summer-2011/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:38:23 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=106
The end of Summer and the beginning of Fall is tomorrow! Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and we’re sure that you’ll be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans.

But wait! First, we want to know: What were your favorite parts of the Summer of 2011? Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

-Dr. Scott Firestone and team

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/what-was-your-favorite-part-of-summer-2011/feed/ 0 At Distintive Dental Care of Melville, what puts you at ease? http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/at-distintive-dental-care-of-melville-what-puts-you-at-ease/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/at-distintive-dental-care-of-melville-what-puts-you-at-ease/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:32:01 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=101
Dr. Scott Firestone and team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

We’d like to know: What is it about Distinctive Dental Care of Melville that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Firestone?

Let us know by posting here, on our Facebook page, or by giving us a call!

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/at-distintive-dental-care-of-melville-what-puts-you-at-ease/feed/ 0 What’s the deal with coffee and tea? http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/what%e2%80%99s-the-deal-with-coffee-and-tea/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/what%e2%80%99s-the-deal-with-coffee-and-tea/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:08:59 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=97
At Distinctive Dental Care of Melville, we know most folks enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth, because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.

So, if you can’t give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Dr. Scott Firestone and team suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, Dr. Firestone encourages you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

Our team at Distinctive Dental Care of Melville also invite you to visit our convenient Melville office for whitening options. We can help bleach your teeth with proven and professional products. To learn more about whitening options at our office, please visit our website, ask us on Facebook or give us a call!

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/what%e2%80%99s-the-deal-with-coffee-and-tea/feed/ 0 Mr. Bean goes to the dentist! http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/mr-bean-goes-to-the-dentist/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/mr-bean-goes-to-the-dentist/#comments Thu, 01 Sep 2011 20:22:34 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=94 How about a treat today? Here’s a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. We loved it, and know you’ll get a laugh as well. Enjoy “Mr. Bean-At the Dentist”!

If you have any other video suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!

- Dr. Scott Firestone and team

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/09/mr-bean-goes-to-the-dentist/feed/ 0 Five Delicious and Nutritious Snacks for Kids! http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/08/five-delicious-and-nutritious-snacks-for-kids/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/08/five-delicious-and-nutritious-snacks-for-kids/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:28:42 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=91 At Distinctive Dental Care of Melville, we know getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially when they’re busy with school and other school- and social-related activities. At the school cafeteria, it’s just too easy for kids to nosh on French fries, chicken nuggets and other fried foods and unhealthy snacks, so Dr. Scott Firestone and our team thought we’d pass along five delicious and nutritious snacks we know your child will love.

1. Cheese – Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheese stimulates the body’s salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque’s ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth.

2. Blueberries – These tiny nutritional powerhouses are loaded with Vitamin C, as well as folic acid, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which have shown to help prevent cancer and diabetes. Kids love them sprinkled with a bit of sugar, topped with whipped cream, added to muffins and pancakes.

3. Whole wheat bread or cereal – With bread, kids get their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. With vitamins, calcium, and fiber, a bowl of enriched whole grain cereal with milk—and even fruit—is a power-packed snack or healthy start to the day.

4. Almonds – They’re rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals and Vitamin E, and also have good amounts of fiber, iron, and calcium. Let your kids eat them raw. (Note: Whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.)

5. Yogurt – Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Low-fat yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, especially when whipped up in a parfait with berries and granola. Homemade fruity yogurt pop sure beats sugary store-bought frozen treats!

We encourage you to check out the other 15 healthy snacks your child can enjoy at any time of the day! For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please post your question here on our blog, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

]]> http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/08/five-delicious-and-nutritious-snacks-for-kids/feed/ 0 The Great Social Media Adventure http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/08/the-great-social-media-adventure/ http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/2011/08/the-great-social-media-adventure/#comments Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:46:22 +0000 googlelogin0503@sesamecommunications.com http://www.melvilledentist.com/blog/?p=86
Isn’t social media great? Dr. Scott Firestone and team love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page. For social media to work, conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social media is hugely popular these days, we know it is unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we’re taking time to research and decide how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog or Facebook page? Send us your thoughts by posting a comment on this post or on our Facebook page!

-The team at Distinctive Dental Care of Melville

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