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. 

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. 

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. 

Home Care After an Extraction

After having a tooth extracted, it is important to know how to care for the area to allow proper healing. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD of Bethlehem, PA puts his patients’ health and safety on top of the priority list. If you are having a tooth extracted soon, prepare yourself with these guidelines.

After a tooth extraction, you will want to avoid promoting bleeding. The bleeding must stop for the area to heal. It is recommended to relax for the rest of the day following the extraction and any strenuous activity should be avoided until healing has progressed. Sleep with your head propped up by a pillow, in order to not increase blood flow to the head. In addition, when drinking, do not use a straw as this could un-clot the blood and cause more bleeding.

Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and pudding should be eaten until healing progresses. Make sure to drink plenty of water. Also, refrain from smoking and using other tobacco products as this could slow down healing and also lead to infection.  

To reduce pain and swelling, take medications as directed by Dr. Ruyak. An ice pack to the side of the face or a warm salt water rinse may help, as well. Also, be sure to keep up a good oral care routine. You want to keep your mouth as clean as possible. Be very careful brushing around the area of extraction.

More patient resources are available on our website to help our patients keep optimal oral health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, call our office at (610) 861-01777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Dental Bonding for Natural-Looking Improvements

A chip in your tooth, discoloration, or misalignment can make you want to hide your smile. This is why Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD offers a quick, affordable, and natural-looking fix here in our Bethlehem, PA office; dental bonding.

Dental bonding is the process of using tooth-colored composite resin to fill in cracks, gaps, or reshape misshapen teeth. It can also be used for long-lasting whitening. The composite resin is also used to fill in cavities, so with good care, it can remain in great shape for over ten years.

To apply dental bonding, Dr. Ruyak will first lightly etch the surface of your teeth. The etching creates a strong bond between the resin and the tooth. The resin color is matched to the shade of your natural teeth, so it looks as natural as can be. For long-lasting whitening, the resin will be chosen in a brighter shade. Your dentist will smooth the resin over your tooth and shape it to make the desired improvement. It is then allowed to harden. Afterwards, it is polished to shine like natural teeth.

If you are tired of hiding your smile or just want to improve the aesthetics, dental bonding is the popular option that just may work for you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call our office at (610) 861-01777. You can also request an appointment through our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Full and Partial Dentures in Bethlehem, PA

When you are missing teeth, it can be difficult to feel comfortable smiling and laughing in front of other people. For patients who are missing some or all of their teeth, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD provides full dentures right in our Bethlehem, PA office. Dr. Ruyak also provides partial dentures for those who are only missing a few teeth.

Full dentures are a replacement for every single tooth in your mouth. If a few teeth are remaining, they will be extracted before the dentures are created. The dentures are created to fit and look natural to each patient. Depending on the patient’s lifestyle, we are able to place the dentures conventionally or immediately. If they are placed conventionally, this means that the gums are allowed to heal from any extractions before the dentures are fitted. Immediate dentures are placed right away, so no time is spent without teeth. However, the patient will probably need the dentures re-fit after the gums heal.

For those who are only missing a few teeth, partial dentures are available. They are affixed to stable teeth to keep them in place like bridges and they are removable.

You want to be able to put your best smile forward. If you think dentures may be right for you, contact the office of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD by calling (610) 861-0777 or by visiting our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

What is a Dental Bridge?

Replacing your missing teeth is important, not just for your smile, but for your oral health. One option for replacement here in Bethlehem, PA is the dental bridge. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD offers this popular option to his patients who are missing a tooth.

A bridge is exactly what it says it is; a bridge. It literally bridges the gap in your teeth. Bridges are able to be made custom so that they are natural in your mouth. When you smile, no one will be able to tell the difference between your real teeth and your bridge.

To apply a bridge, first the teeth that are next to the space will be reshaped. This is so a crown can be fit on them. The replacement tooth, called a pontic, is going to be attached to the crowns on either side of the space. Bridges can also be made even if there is only one tooth next to the open space.

After your teeth are prepared, Dr. Ruyak will take an impression of the area. This impression will help a dental laboratory create your custom bridge. The creation process may take a couple of weeks, so during this time, you will wear a temporary bridge.

When the custom bridge is ready, it is cemented into place permanently. Bridges are durable, good-looking, and long-lasting. To schedule your bridge consultation with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call our office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea does more than create loud snoring. It is a dangerous sleep condition that can wreak havoc on your body systems. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD here in our Bethlehem, PA dental practice wants his patients to be aware of the dangers of sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a condition where the soft palate narrows or completely closes during sleep. This blocks the airway so a person stops breathing. A person may stop breathing a few times per night or hundreds of times per night. When the body recognizes it isn’t breathing, it wakes up and usually results in a loud gasp as air finally rushes in. The blockage in breathing can last a couple seconds or a couple minutes.

Sleep apnea causes the body to continually be deprived of oxygen. Prolonged suffering from sleep apnea can lead to an increased risk of heart failure, heart disease, liver problems, stroke, and hypertension. Not to mention, the constant waking up causes significant fatigue during the day. Even if you do not remember waking up, the body has mini wake-up sessions every time breathing stops.

If you are constantly waking up feeling unrested, have a dry, sore throat, or have been told you snore very loudly, come in to see Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD for help. To schedule an appointment in our Bethlehem, PA dental office, call us at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Making Dental Care Important to Kids

Kids may not take dental care seriously, but it is still important for them to develop good oral hygiene habits. A healthy lifestyle is often created in childhood. This is why Dr. Robert B. Ruyak wants to ensure kids take an interest in their dental health. In our Bethlehem, PA dental practice, we care about the oral and overall health of all our patients.

Making dental care fun is a great way to get kids more on board with their own dental care and why it is important. For small kids, making a reward chart can entice kids to participate in daily oral care. Kids get a star for each day they brush twice and floss once. After a certain amount of days in a row, they can turn in their stars for a reward. They can be simple rewards like a trip to the park, the pool, a favorite dinner made, or a game night.

Letting your child choose their own dental supplies can also peak their interest. There are many options for toothbrushes that come in bright colors, cartoon characters, and even some that play music. For toothpaste, there are lots of fun flavors that can make brushing fun. Even floss comes favored.

To help kids understand the importance of oral care, show them kid-friendly videos explaining cavities and plaque. There are great resources for this online. It helps them understand why they are making brushing and flossing a priority.

Baby teeth are the place markers for adult teeth; so taking care of them is important! To schedule you child’s next visit with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, call our office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Choose the Right Toothbrush for You

Choosing a toothbrush may be essential for doing a proper job brushing your teeth. Since there are so many options to choose from, we want to give some general tips for picking the right one for you. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD wants all of our patients here in our Bethlehem, PA office to understand the importance of picking the right toothbrush.

In order to get easier maneuvering of the toothbrush, you want to be sure you can grip it easily. Look for one with a non-slip grip instead of just smooth plastic. In addition, if you have trouble using your hands, look for a thicker handle. There are even toothbrushes specially made for those with arthritis.

Next, look for a toothbrush with a small head. A big head with a ton of bristles won’t do you any good if you cannot fit it everywhere in your mouth. A small head makes it easier to reach every spot.

Stiff bristles are not necessary for clean teeth. Soft bristles with a light touch are all that is needed to remove plaque. Therefore, choose a toothbrush that says it has medium bristles. Do not choose a soft-bristled toothbrush unless directed to by your dentist.

Electric toothbrushes have been shown to do the same job brushing as manual toothbrushes so it is up to you on which type you prefer. However, it is worth noting that people with arthritis or other trouble using their hands may benefit from an electric toothbrush. It makes brushing easier as it does most of the work.

Taking care of your teeth and gums is vital for your oral health. To schedule your next appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, call our Bethlehem, PA office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Tips for Brushing with Braces

Brushing your teeth is essential for a healthy mouth; however, brushing with braces is even more important. Braces can hold in plaque easier and can cause strange staining when not taken care of properly. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD of Bethlehem, PA wants to remind our patients of how to properly brush their teeth while wearing braces to continue optimal oral health.

To start, brush the chewing surfaces of your teeth as you normally would. Remember, brushing your teeth should take about two minutes normally. Then, brush the insides and the fronts of your teeth, paying attention to your gum line. When you go to brush around your braces, angle the toothbrush and brush along the tops of the brackets. Then, do the same for the bottom brackets. Take an interdental toothbrush to brush the sides of each bracket. These are tiny, tree-shaped brushes that allow you to get underneath the wires.

When it is time to floss, there are a couple of dental supplies that may make it easier. Superfloss has a built-in threader on it so you can easily get the floss over and under the wire. Separate floss threaders are also available.

Taking good care of your teeth while you have braces will ensure a healthy mouth and a stain-free smile when the braces come off. To schedule your routine cleaning and examination with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in our Bethlehem, PA office, call us at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

How to Stop Bad Breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing, especially if it is a recurring ailment for you. While there are mints you can pop, they often do not last very long and just temporarily cover up the odor. In our Bethlehem, PA dental practice, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, wants his patients to know how to tackle the root of bad breath.

Bad breath can come at very inopportune times like when you’re in a car with someone, on a dinner date, or in a meeting. To prevent these instances from occurring, you must take steps to avoid it. The first rule is probably the most obvious; good oral hygiene.

Keeping a clean mouth cuts down on the bacteria that causes bad breath. Keeping a good oral hygiene routine is your first step. Brush your teeth two or three times per day and floss once per day. Also, be sure to brush your tongue. It is an area of the mouth that can easily harbor bacteria.

Your second step is to avoid foods and drinks that will create more bad breath causing bacteria. For instance, dairy contains bacteria that tend to be smellier; with the exception of yogurt. Yogurt actually contains bacteria that fight off odor-causing bacteria. So if you have a big meeting in the afternoon, consider eating some yogurt for lunch!

In addition, caffeine and alcohol dry out the mouth, causing bacteria to thrive. While everyone may not want to completely steer clear of their cocktail or cola, avoid them if you are going to be in a situation where you want fresh breath!

For more dental hygiene tips or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in our Bethlehem, PA dental practice, call us at (610) 861-0777. Appointment requests and helpful information may also be found at our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Dental Implants for Permanent Replacement

When looking to replace a tooth, there are several options out there. Only one option can last a lifetime. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD chooses to utilize dental implants to replace his patients’ teeth permanently in Bethlehem, PA.

Dental implants are single tooth replacements that can replace one tooth or all of them. They have their own root, which means that they are the closest to a real tooth as possible. The titanium post acting as the tooth root bonds with the jawbone just like a normal tooth. They are able to be made of porcelain and can look just like a normal tooth. This helps complete a smile again in an aesthetically pleasing way.

The titanium post is surgically inserted into the bone socket and will take several months to heal. An abutment will attach a temporary crown during the healing process. When the healing process is complete, the permanent crown will be cemented into place. With a typical oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once per day, dental implants can last a lifetime. This beats out bridges which last up to fifteen years, and beats out dentures which are removable and also need to be replaced.

If you are missing one or more teeth and want a permanent tooth replacement solution, schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD to find out if dental implants will work for you. To schedule, call our Bethlehem, PA dental practice at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Dental Crowns to Restore Weakened Teeth

Teeth that are cracked, decayed, or otherwise weakened need to be strengthened in order to stay healthy. For patients who have a weak tooth, but still have the root intact, Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD here in Bethlehem, PA places dental crowns. Dental crowns are like strengthening caps that go on a tooth.

Dental crowns can be made of gold, porcelain-covered metal, or porcelain. They are able to be made to look and feel just like a normal tooth so that they blend in with your smile. Crowns go on a tooth to restore strength and let the tooth continue its life for a long time. Crowns are durable to last up to fifteen years before needing to be replaced.

A dental crown is placed on a tooth after it has been reshaped. Dr. Ruyak takes impressions of the reshaped tooth and the area surrounding it so that a dental laboratory can create a crown that will fit in perfectly. The crown may take a couple of weeks to be created, so during this time, Dr. Ruyak will fit you with a temporary crown to wear. When the permanent crown is ready, it is cemented into place.

Cracked and weakened teeth can still live a long life in your mouth with dental crowns. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD of Bethlehem, PA, call our office at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Root Canal Therapy

When teeth are infected, they can cause major problems within the mouth and can cause major pain. It is in the event of an infected tooth that root canal therapy must be performed. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD of Bethlehem, PA performs skilled root canal therapy for his patients who are suffering with an infected tooth.

When bacteria enter the inside of a tooth, the dental pulp, through decay or a crack, this can infect the dental pulp. Infections lead to pain, irritation, and sensitivity. An infected tooth will need to be cleaned out to heal healthy again so that it does not further infect the mouth, destroy bone tissue, and cause the tooth to fall out.

Dr. Ruyak begins root canal therapy by drilling an access hole in the tooth. Through this hole, the dental pulp is reached. The infected tissue is cleaned out and the root canal is scrubbed clean. A sealant called gutta-percha is placed into the tooth to fill the open space and then the access hole is filled. This allows any damaged bone tissue to grow back healthy and allows the tooth to continue a strong and healthy life.

Signs of an infected tooth include a dark spot on the tooth, sensitivity, pain when used to chew, and irritated gums. If you are experiencing any of these signs, call Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD for an examination. You can reach our Bethlehem, PA dental practice at (610) 861-0777 or by visiting our website, www.drrobertruyak.com. 

Custom Teeth Whitening Trays in Bethlehem, PA

A bright and shiny smile is something many people desire. Sometimes, though we brush and floss regularly, staining can still happen and make our teeth lose their sheen. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD offers customized teeth whitening trays for this reason. Our professional whitening system has been brightening the smiles of Bethlehem, PA one by one!

Our customized take-home whitening trays are made from impressions of your teeth; so they fit just right. This custom fit makes sure the whitening is even and effective. The whitening gel is placed into the trays and the trays are worn for a short period of time over a few days. The process is adjustable to your lifestyle, as well. You can make them work for you overnight or during the day.

The whitening gel removes surface stains and discoloration below the enamel for a bright smile. When surface stains penetrate the enamel over time, the dentin below the surface darkens and changes the color of the whole tooth. It is this layer that must be reached in order to achieve the white smile you desire.

If you have had staining due to medications or even just daily wear, your smile does not have to stay that way forever. Come into our Bethlehem, PA dental practice to see Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD and find out if our custom tray whitening system can work for you. To schedule, call us at (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com.