Pesky Plaque

Have you ever licked your teeth and felt a fuzzy buildup on them? That fuzzy stuff is called plaque and if you feel it, you should grab your toothbrush immediately. Minerals form dental plaque – a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria – that is a result of bacterial action on food particles. Dental plaque provides an ideal environment for cavities and gum disease to develop, which is why you should visit the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD for dental checkups and professional cleanings at least twice a year.

Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths. With repeated acid attacks from food and beverages, the tooth enamel can break down. The reason for this is that plaque contains bacteria, which produce acids that attack your tooth enamel and can damage your gums. If not treated, the damage could turn into tartar that only our staff of hygienists will be able to remove. The best way to prevent plaque buildup is by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day.

If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more 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 at his Bethlehem, PA dental office, call 610-861-0777.

Cavity Prevention

At the practice of Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD, we have all sorts of materials to fill your cavities once they arise, however, we’d rather you prevent them altogether. Cavities are what you get from tooth decay and tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (enamel) and the inner layer (dentin). Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to help prevent the formation of a cavity.

Cavities are created when bacteria in your mouth interact with refined sugars and carbohydrates such as the ones found in soda and sweets, so there is reason dentists advise you to stay away from sugary treats. This combination of sugars and acids promotes the loss of protective calcium and phosphate in your teeth’s enamel, eventually leading to decay. Prevention is always easier than treatment and it begins by adopting healthy oral hygiene habits and making the right dietary changes in addition to scheduling regular dental checkups every six months.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Nutrition and Oral Health

If you practice poor oral hygiene and poor diet, the first signs will often show up in your oral health. If your diet is low in the proper nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have a more difficult time resisting infection. Poor nutrition affects the entire immune system, and people with lowered immune systems have been shown to be at a higher risk for periodontal disease. At the practice of Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD, we can’t monitor what you eat, but we can explain how nutrition and oral health work together.

When we’re hungry, most of us tend to snack on empty calorie foods such as candy, sweets, and snack foods like chips. What we don’t realize is that these foods offer us no nutritional value, and because of the amount and type of sugar that these foods contain, they can adhere to teeth. The bacteria in your mouth feed off these sugars, releasing acids, and that’s what leads to tooth decay. When reaching for a snack, cheese, milk, plain yogurt, as well as fruits and vegetables are foods that may benefit tooth health thanks to their high amounts of calcium and other nutrients they provide. Fruits and vegetables are good choices for a healthy smile since they are high in water and fiber, which balance the sugars they contain and help to clean the teeth.

If you have further questions about how nutrition and oral health go hand-in-hand, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Are You Flossing Correctly?

At the practice of Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD, our staff is always gifting you floss following a professional cleaning, but how often do you run home to use it? Most of us only use floss to remove food from our teeth, but flossing does much more than that. It removes the film of bacteria that forms on your teeth before it turns to plaque, which can cause gingivitis and cavities. Next time you get your hands on this powerful tool, utilize these tips for effective cleaning.

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about oral hygiene services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Are You Brushing Effectively?

When you brush your teeth, you help remove food and plaque – a sticky film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria. The longer plaque is left on your teeth the more time it has to break down tooth enamel and lead to cavities. As much as we love to see your smile here at the practice of Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD, we want you to keep it healthy and utilize these brushing tips in between professional cleanings.

• Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.


• Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.


• Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.


• Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.


• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and don’t forget to floss!

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about oral hygiene services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Why Do We Need To Floss?

Every time you visit Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD for a cleaning he probably reminds you to floss or mentions that you aren’t flossing enough. He tells you this with good reason, because floss is the single most important weapon against plaque, perhaps more important than a toothbrush. A toothbrush cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but dental floss cleans between them. By flossing your teeth daily, you increase the chance of keeping them for a lifetime and decrease your chance of developing gum disease.

Flossing does more than keep your smile pretty and healthy. It removes plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums in between teeth, polishes tooth surfaces, and controls bad breath. Many people don’t spend enough time flossing or they may have not been taught to floss properly. To give your teeth a good flossing, spend at least two or three minutes on the process and be gentle to your gums.  

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on your teeth. If you have a stubborn case of gum disease, Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD may recommended scaling and root planing. This procedure is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. In fact, it’s even been known to reverse it.

Teeth scaling and root planing causes very little discomfort and can be completed in one single visit. During the teeth scaling process, Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD will numb the gums and tooth roots with local anesthesia. He will then use special tools to remove the hardened deposits of tartar from the teeth both above and below the gum line. Root planing involves detailed scaling of the root surface to decrease inflammation of the gum tissue.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about scaling and root planing, as well as other services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Taking care of your teeth can help you maintain your overall dental health. When you practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis, it can help prevent periodontal or gum disease from developing. As much as our staff loves to see you at the dental practice of Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD we encourage you to practice preventive dentistry. This begins at home with a proper oral care routine.

Spend at least three minutes brushing your teeth two times a day. Use a timer if you have one to ensure that you’re spending enough time on your oral care routine. In addition to brushing, use floss at least once a day every day to clean between your teeth. When shopping for dental products, look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. Also, don’t forget to schedule a professional cleaning with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD every six months to preserve your progress.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the oral hygiene services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

When is Crown Lengthening Required?

Sometimes, not enough of the tooth sticks out above the gum to support a filling or a dental crown. When this happens, crown lengthening is often required in preparing your tooth for the crown. Dental crown lengthening is a type of oral surgery that is necessary if you have a broken or decayed tooth at the gum line. However, there is no need to go to an oral surgeon because Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD provides the service at his dental practice.

Crown lengthening procedures are done for restorative dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your smile. To place a filling or a crown, Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD needs to expose more of the tooth and crown lengthening will be necessary. Sometimes patients have what is considered a “gummy smile” when the teeth appear short and crown lengthening can be done to several teeth or your entire gum line to improve it, depending on your specific needs.

To learn about how the crown lengthening procedure is done, give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Reduced Radiation with Digital X-rays

One of medicine’s most remarkable achievements is the use of X-rays to see inside the body without having a surgeon stick a scalpel in your face. Radiation from dental imaging has attracted more controversy in recent years as computed tomography (CT) scans become more common in dentistry and as more becomes known about radiation’s long-term effects. Here at the dental practice of Dr. Robert Ruyak our X-rays are panoramic digital images where a digital sensor is placed inside your mouth to take an image and then downloaded into our computer.

Using digital images reduces the radiation by 75%, there is no waiting time for an X-ray to develop, and there are no chemicals used in the process to pollute the environment. While the diagnostic benefits of this technology have been addressed, very few folks may realize that digital radiography is also quite cost-effective. Another added benefit? The digital X-ray is available immediately with a complete view of your mouth in just one shot, reducing your treatment time as well!

To learn more about digital X-rays as well as services provided at the office, give us a call or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Defeating Periodontitis with Arestin

Good brushing and flossing habits are vital to strong oral health. When not practiced properly, lack of these habits may lead to periodontal (gum) disease. Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. In adjunct to scaling and root planing, Dr. Robert Ruyak utilizes Arestin for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis.

Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. It is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them. Bacteria are the cause of gum disease, which is why Dr. Robert Ruyak utilizes Arestin. Arestin contains microspheres – tiny particles – that are smaller than grains of sand and are not visible to the human eye. The microspheres are filled with the antibiotic minocycline hydrochloride. These microspheres release the antibiotic over time, killing bacteria so that your gums can heal better than with scaling and root planing alone.

To learn more about Arestin, periodontal disease, scaling and root planing as well as services provided at the office, give us a call or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Screening for Oral Cancer

 

Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips. During your dental visit with Dr. Robert Ruyak, he can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer through a procedure called oral cancer screening.

The oral cancer screening is a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck. Regular visits to the dentist office can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily. It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test because they are given even when you have no cancer symptoms.

To learn more about oral cancer screening as well as other services provided at our office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the mouth. It can form in the lining of the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, tongue, and lips. During your dental visit with Dr. Robert Ruyak, he can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer through a procedure called oral cancer screening.

The oral cancer screening is a very important part of the dental visit for the patient. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck. Regular visits to the dentist office can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily. It is important to remember that your doctor does not necessarily think you have cancer if he or she suggests a screening test because they are given even when you have no cancer symptoms.

To learn more about oral cancer screening as well as other services provided at our office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

 

Advantages of Teeth Whitening

The teeth whitening process carries with it a lot of advantages, such as improving your appearance and boosting your self-confidence. Even those who brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly may find that food, environmental factors, and the passage of time will eventually take a toll on the natural radiance of their teeth. Fortunately, when this happens, Dr. Robert Ruyak can make your smile brighter than ever before.

The idea of looking good often influences how people feel about themselves. Therefore, the teeth whitening process improves a person’s self-confidence and the personal “feel-good” factor. It is an excellent way to improve one’s appearance and this is usually the reason why people have their teeth whitened. A professional teeth whitening is an incredibly effective way to lighten or altogether eliminate stains and achieve a naturally white smile. Finally, one of the biggest advantages of teeth whitening is that it has no harmful side effects on your teeth.

If you are searching to whiten your smile, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about teeth whitening as well as other services provided at our office, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.

Improve Your Smile with Veneers

 

Veneers are an excellent way to redesign and reshape your entire mouth. Veneers are routinely used to fix: teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, or misaligned. Although veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create bright smiles, they also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. Here at Dr. Robert Ruyak’s practice he can provide you with dental veneers that will improve your smile. 

Veneers are reasonable replicas of natural teeth and can greatly enhance your smile as well as heighten your self-esteem. To prepare the teeth for veneers, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. In terms of the process of placing veneers, it takes about two to three visits. In the first visit, we will discuss the new shape and look of what we are going to accomplish by applying the veneers. Once we have put a plan in place, we will move on to the next step. 

If you have questions about veneers or the application process, give us a call or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Veneers are an excellent way to redesign and reshape your entire mouth. Veneers are routinely used to fix: teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, or misaligned. Although veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry because they create bright smiles, they also protect the surface of damaged teeth and may eliminate the need for more extensive treatments. Here at Dr. Robert Ruyak’s practice he can provide you with dental veneers that will improve your smile.

Veneers are reasonable replicas of natural teeth and can greatly enhance your smile as well as heighten your self-esteem. To prepare the teeth for veneers, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. In terms of the process of placing veneers, it takes about two to three visits. In the first visit, we will discuss the new shape and look of what we are going to accomplish by applying the veneers. Once we have put a plan in place, we will move on to the next step.

 

If you have questions about veneers or the application process, give us a call or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

 

Oral Care for Children

Considering that teeth begin to form in the second trimester of pregnancy, good dental care begins before a child’s first tooth appears. Babies are born with all of their teeth; you just can’t see them because they are impacted in the gum line. Even babies can develop tooth decay if good feeding habits aren’t practiced. This is why our goal at Dr. Robert Ruyak’s practice is to ensure that this this generation and future generations of our young patients grow up with the healthiest conceivable smile.

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than his or her first birthday. Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD is a pediatric dentist that will put your child at ease when it comes time to enjoy their dental visits. He teaches children of all ages how to maintain healthy teeth and gums while using the latest techniques in children’s dentistry. Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD is always thoughtful and caring in every type of treatment.

If you have questions about your child’s visit, give us a call or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Relieve Headaches with a Mouth Guard

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaws together it has been suggested that this can act as a trigger for headaches, particularly tension type headaches and even migraine. You may subconsciously clench your jaw during the day and even in your sleep. If you are experiencing these pains, Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD can provide you with an FDA-approved NTI mouth guard device.

THE NTI device decreases the strength of tooth clenching by triggering a nerve reflex that relaxes the muscles, and at the same time prevents the molars from touching. This helps the patient by stopping unconscious forceful clenching and biting, preventing common consequences such as worn out teeth and jaw pain, as well as inflammation and tension headaches. NTI night guards are not available over the counter, and have to be custom fitted by Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD. It is inexpensive and painless to insert and can only provide you with excellent relief.

If you have questions about our NTI night guard, give us a call to discuss the pros and cons or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Oral Health Care for Seniors

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems. These problems include but are not limited to: darkened teeth, dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, root decay and gum disease. Here at his practice, Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD provides seniors with honorable dental care by encouraging them to have healthy nutrition and proper dental cleanings.

Seniors are more likely to suffer from a host of oral health issues resulting from their inability to provide themselves with adequate dental hygiene care. Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers that may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to perform. These factors leave many seniors at risk of ignoring tooth decay and tooth infection until there is no alternative but tooth extraction. Here at Dr. Robert Ruyak’s practice, we have procedures or products to prevent this from happening. With regular checkups, we can catch problems in the earliest stages to help prevent serious conditions from occurring.  

If you have questions about our senior dental procedures, give us a call or visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert Ruyak, DMD at his practice in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777.