The Effects of Poor Oral Hygiene

Taking care of your teeth and gums lead to a healthy mouth and great dental checkups. Poor oral hygiene can lead to disastrous consequences. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD wants to remind his patients what good hygiene is and what poor hygiene can lead to.

Brushing two or three times per day and flossing once per day is all that is needed in your daily life to fend away dental plaque and tartar. In addition, you will want to make routine appointments with Dr. Ruyak for checkups and professional cleanings.

Plaque is the slimy white stuff that appears on your teeth throughout the day. When plaque is not removed, it eventually hardens into tartar. Plaque and tartar both lead to decay and gums problems. When tartar is not removed, it can irritate the gums enough to where they begin to pull back. This is called gum recession. Recessed gums form deep pockets where bacteria can collect. These pockets allow bacteria to get deep into the gums where the tooth root is located. This can weaken the tooth and make it more difficult for the gum disease to be cleared.

Gum disease is tough to get rid of and only gets more difficult with time. In advanced stages of gum disease, it will take more than clearing up the disease to heal the gums. Surgery can be necessary to fix recessed gums and deep pockets.

Keep up with a healthy brushing and flossing routine and be sure to see us at least every six months! To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, call our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Post-Op Tooth Extraction Care

There are many reasons why a tooth may need to be extracted. Tooth decay, gum disease, or even for orthodontic purposes name a few. After the tooth is removed, you may need stitches and you will need to follow strict instructions that Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD will give you. After the surgery, you will need to rest and you should expect the extraction site to bleed a little following extraction. In addition, here are a few things to remember during post-op care.

If bleeding continues for longer than 24 hours you should call our office immediately. Once you return home after the surgery you should rest, but do not lie flat. This could prolong the bleeding. One of our doctors will prescribe you pain medication, as well as cleaning solution for the extraction site, so if you become sore take as directed. It’s important to limit yourself to soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. so that the stitches are not punctured. When drinking, make sure you do not use a straw, because the sucking motion can loosen your sutures and slow the clotting process.

If you are experiencing tooth discomfort or have questions about post-op aftercare, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

CareCredit Financial Services

At the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, we are pleased to offer our patients CareCredit, America’s leader in patient payment plans. CareCredit covers a variety of treatment options and lets you begin treatment immediately – then pay for it over time with low monthly payments that fit easily into your monthly budget.

CareCredit is the credit card exclusively used for healthcare services. With no up-front costs and no pre-payment penalties, CareCredit lets you pay-over-time and frees up cash and credit cards for other things you want or need. CareCredit offers low monthly payment plans for healthcare procedures not commonly covered by insurance, including dental treatments. Plus, you can use your card again and again, to pay for additional treatment for yourself or family members in any CareCredit practice.

With the CareCredit healthcare credit card, you can benefit from preventive dentistry financing and procedures such as 6-month checkups, endodontics, periodontics, teeth cleaning, ceramic fillings, etc. as well as restorative and cosmetic dentistry financing procedures like lumineers, dental implants, tooth repair, dentures, and more.

To learn more about CareCredit give us a call, or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Easing Nervous Kids for Their Dental Appointments

Dental fear often starts in childhood. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD wants his patients big and small to feel comfortable and safe here at his Bethlehem, PA dental office. Read on to learn how to make kids feel more at ease during their dental appointments.

Kids who start going to the dentist at an early age are usually more accustomed to the process. Familiarity often has a calming effect. Kids should start seeing the dentist as soon as their first tooth grows in or at least by the age of one.

Parents can also help their kids become used to the process while at home. Have your child sit back in a chair or couch and open wide. Look in their mouth and count each tooth you see. This helps little kids know how things will go and feel more comfortable with it during the real appointment. You can even take a dry toothbrush and gently scrub each of their teeth.

Reinforce good behavior at the dentist’s office by offering your child a surprise. Let them pick a movie to rent, cook their favorite dinner, or take them to the park. Offer the reward after the appointment, not before; this way they do not think they need to be brave for a scary reason.

When kids fear the dentist, it can be a difficult process bringing them in. In addition, no parent wants their child to feel terrified over something that is supposed to be good for them. Take these tips to prepare your child. To schedule their next dental cleaning with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD call our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth can cause quite an issue if they do not fit right. They can cause infection, pain, and damage to your jaw and other teeth. Often, they result in the extraction of them which Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD can perform here in our Bethlehem, PA office. So why is it that we even have wisdom teeth? Well, it turns out that they were probably way more useful a long time ago.

Back around 20,000 years ago, humans ate tougher foods in their diet like roots, nuts, and raw meat. It is thought that wisdom teeth helped them chew through their food better. These days, we cook a lot of our meat and have many other options than just roots and nuts. Therefore, over time, wisdom teeth have become less necessary. In addition, human jaws and facial structures have actually shrunken during all this time. So these days, those wisdom teeth often do not fit which is when they begin causing all sorts of problems. Something interesting to know is that many people are born with missing wisdom teeth or even none at all!

Wisdom teeth can cause major problems and pain if they do not fit correctly in your mouth. If you suspect yours are growing in, schedule an examination with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD here in Bethlehem, PA by calling our office at (610) 861-0777 or by visiting our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Vising the Dentist While Pregnant

There has been talk about whether or not dental work is safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy brings about a lot of change to a woman and the utmost care should be taken to protect the baby. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD wants patients to know how important dental cleanings are during pregnancy and why pregnant women should not skip them.

If poor oral care is practiced during pregnancy, the hormonal changes can lead to worse consequences than someone who is not pregnant. During pregnancy, the gums become more sensitive to plaque, therefore it is recommended to brush and floss more carefully and more frequently. If you start noticing red, irritated gums, it may be a sign of pregnancy gingivitis. Gum sensitivity should go away after the baby is born, but you still want to take care of pregnancy gingivitis so that it does not turn into a more serious form of gum disease.

Whether or not seeing the dentist is safe for a pregnancy is something many women wonder, and the answer is yes. You should absolutely still go for your routine cleaning and examinations, or even more frequently if you are noticing signs of irritated gums. However, it is best to avoid any more complex dental procedures that can wait until after the baby is born. There is no need to put added stress on the mother. Dental emergency procedures, however, are recommended because it is better to have a safe and healthy mouth than one that could cause an infection.

If you are pregnant, be sure to let us know during your next appointment. To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call us at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Brushing with Braces

While wearing braces, it is especially important to take good care of your teeth. A good dental hygiene routine will ensure healthy teeth and a bright smile when the braces come off. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD here in Bethlehem, PA wants to remind his patients of how to brush their teeth while wearing braces.

While wearing braces, it is important to brush correctly and often. The brackets create extra hiding spots for plaque, which means more opportunity for build-up to cause cavities and staining. After brushing the chewing surfaces, angle the toothbrush along the tops of all the brackets. Do the same for the bottom of the brackets. To hit the sides of them, use an interdental toothbrush. These are small, tree-shaped brushes that can get underneath the wires, unlike your regular toothbrush. You want to be sure you can see the edges of the brackets, afterwards. This is a sign that any built-up plaque is gone.

Taking precautions and taking extra-special care of your teeth while you wear braces will ensure a healthy smile when the braces come off. To schedule your next dental cleaning with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak in Bethlehem, PA, call us at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Is It Possible to Restore Tooth Enamel?

Unlike a broken bone that can be repaired by the body, once a tooth chips or breaks, the damage is done forever. Enamel is the thin outer covering of the tooth and this tough shell is the hardest tissue in the human body. You wouldn’t think that the toughest substance in your body would be prone to decay, but your tooth enamel is constantly taking a beating for the things you eat and drink. Enamel is similar to bone in that once it's gone, this lost portion can't be retrieved and Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD will recommend options to restore it. 

Because it’s impossible for your body to produce new enamel, your goal should be to strengthen and repair the enamel you have left. This can be done through a process called “remineralization.” By using dental products that contain fluoride and calcium, you can actually focus on these weak spots to strengthen existing enamel before it wears away for good. So this brings us to our question, can tooth enamel be restored? As long as the erosion hasn't caused it to disappear entirely, the answer is yes. Brushing your teeth with enamel-strengthening toothpaste is a great first step, but you can also change some damaging behaviors to do your teeth a lasting favor, such as eating foods that don’t cling to your teeth.

If you fear that you’re at risk for enamel erosion, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Choosing a Unique Toothpaste

At the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD we understand that the selections of toothpaste can be overwhelming when stepping foot into the oral hygiene aisle at the drugstore. Should you go for tartar control, fluoride, sensitive or whitening toothpaste? When it comes to choosing the toothpaste that is best for you, it’s important to consider your unique oral health needs. To find out what those are, we recommend scheduling an appointment with us; meanwhile, here are some options to consider while browsing:

• Anti-cavity: This type of toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluoride plays an active role in preventing decay, and it actively strengthens tooth enamel.


• Anti-gingivitis: If you spit blood in the sink, this is an early sign of gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Anti-gingivitis toothpaste helps reduce oral bacteria and can be very effective at stopping gingivitis in its tracks.


• Desensitizing: If you’ve ever bit into an ice cream cone and felt a sharp pain in your tooth’s nerve, this type of toothpaste will provide relief by blocking the tooth’s pain signal to the nerve.


• Tartar-control: This toothpaste does exact what it says, however, the best way to remove tartar is by scheduling a professional dental cleaning with one of our doctors.


• Whitening: This toothpaste contains chemicals that are able to help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

If you are missing teeth and would like to discuss your restorative options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

How Painful is the Dental Implant Procedure?

If you are receiving dental implants in the near future, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD doesn’t want you to be frightened, he would rather you be informed on what to expect. Pain is a common concern among individuals who are considering dental implants and we want you to know that while some discomfort is expected, it shouldn’t be your primary concern.

As with any major dental procedure, or surgery in general, some discomfort is to be expected during the recovery process since it is a surgery that typically involves removing teeth, cutting gums, drilling into the jawbone and inserting a titanium post. The procedure itself is not painful since it is performed with either general or local anesthesia to completely numb your mouth. If you’re anxious about the discomfort during the procedure and being aware of drilling noises and forces being applied to your mouth, please ask us about our sedation options.

If you are missing teeth and would like to discuss your restorative options, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Foods to Eat with TMJ/TMD

If you suffer from a TMJ disorder, you may notice a clicking or a popping in your jaw when you try to eat your favorite foods. This is because symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw discomfort and tenderness or pain when opening or closing the mouth. At the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD we don’t want you to live on a soft diet, but incorporating soft foods into your diet may alleviate your discomfort.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you experience an ache in your jaw, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

How to Select the Right Mouthwash

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects.  Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD would like to explain some of them.

• ·        Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• ·        Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• ·        Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• ·        Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

If you have questions about oral hygiene or oral hygiene products, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

 

Facts on Fluoride

Without practicing proper oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental visits, teeth become more vulnerable to cavities. Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums or plaque, as we like to call it. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss helps remove this plaque. However, another key to excellent oral hygiene is fluoride, a mineral that helps prevent cavities and can repair teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of the disease. Here at the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, we can discuss professional fluoride treatments with you to see if you are a prime candidate.

Depending on your oral health status, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six, or twelve months. The fluoride preparation used in the dental office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpaste or fluoride mouth rinses that you may find in the store. The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish and is typically applied with a cotton swab or a brush. It can also be used as a rinse or placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for several minutes. After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride to start the tooth repair process.

If you have questions about fluoride or fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Diabetic Oral Care

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to dental problems. This is because they are more likely to develop infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. If you have diabetes, your oral care should be your top priority. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, and his staff of efficient hygienists can help you get there. 

If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Additionally, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, and schedule a dental checkup with us every six months.

If you have questions about diabetic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visitwww.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Flossing with Braces

As Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, we thought we would share some tips with you for flossing effectively.

• ·        Use waxed floss because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Avoiding Staining

We all know that poor dental hygiene can yellow teeth. Do you know exactly how it works? Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD offer professional teeth whitening to counteract this process. Keep reading to find out how teeth become yellow and how to avoid it!

Plaque is a thin layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. When plaque is not brushed away, it can contribute to staining as well as hold in stain-causing debris close to the enamel. When stains penetrate the enamel, the discoloration goes deep into the dentin, which in turn discolors the whole tooth. The first lesson in keeping teeth white involves brushing away that plaque. Brush your teeth after meals and before bed to keep plaque away. Flossing is also important for keeping a white smile; floss once per day.

In addition to good hygiene, dark foods, liquids, and tobacco use can also lead to darkened teeth. Limit dark drinks like coffee and cola, and try to drink them through a straw when you do have them. You should also be aware of the dark foods you consume and rinse your mouth after eating them. Smoking and other forms of tobacco will stain your teeth, your breath, and wreak havoc on the rest of your oral and overall health. The best rule for tobacco is to quit.

In addition to good at-home care, visit your dentist for routine cleanings to keep your teeth sparkly. To learn about our professional whitening, schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in our Bethlehem, PA office. To schedule, call (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Inlays and Onlays

Teeth that are damaged or have decay are not always the best for a picture-perfect smile. For teeth that have too much damage to hold a filling, an inlay or onlay will work great to restore health and looks. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD is able to provide his patients with custom, natural-looking inlays and onlays.

Inlays are onlays are commonly referred to as partial crowns. An inlay is a covering that strengthens and protects the inside of the chewing surface. An onlay serves the inside of the chewing surface, plus one or more of the cusps of the tooth. These are options for when there is more damage than what a filling could fix, but not so much that a full crown needs to be placed.

Inlays and onlays can be made of porcelain, a composite resin, or gold. For a natural look, the porcelain and composite resin options are best; they are able to match the color of the rest of your tooth. Inlays and onlays restore the health and strength of your tooth while helping you regain your smile. With great care, they can last for up to thirty years.

To learn more about inlays and onlays, be sure to visit our website. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, call our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

TMJ Disorder

The temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint and you have two which work together as a pair, one in front of each ear. These joints are what allow you to chew, speak, and yawn. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a complex and poorly understood set of conditions characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues and limitation in jaw movements. Fortunately, relief is available. Here in Bethlehem, PA, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD can recommend a treatment that will alleviate your TMJ symptoms.  

Some symptoms of temporomandibular disorders are a pain when opening or closing your mouth, trouble chewing, jaw becoming locked, headaches or ear pain, clicking or popping sounds when opening your mouth, and teeth grinding. Many of these symptoms can be often associated with other health problems, so only a medical professional can tell you if it is due to TMD.

If you experience constant jaw pain, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visitwww.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth and there are three stages that you need to be aware of. You should always schedule professional cleanings and oral exams with our doctors at Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD twice a year to avoid them. 

• Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. This is when you’ll notice blood in the sink after you complete your brushing routine. However, at this early stage, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.


• Periodontitis – This is the second stage of gum disease. By this point, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may even begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque.


• Advanced Periodontitis – This is the final stage of gum disease, and the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are officially destroyed. In this case, your teeth may begin to shift or loosen and your bite may also be affected. If aggressive treatment can’t save them, the teeth will need to be extracted.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Break These Bad Oral Habits

Tooth sensitivity – also known as dentin hypersensitivity – affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. If you experience discomfort when eating hot or cold beverages, you may be a victim of this condition. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. Sometimes the solution to relief is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following tasks, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD suggests you do your best to stop yourself in your tracks.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If your teeth are sensitive, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.