Different Reasons for Tooth Extractions

At the dental office of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, we understand that your permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. However, there are some situations where a tooth will need to be extracted. Although we will do our best to make this a last resort, sometimes tooth extractions are unavoidable. Removing a tooth is absolutely necessary when decay or an abscessed tooth is so severe that no other treatment will cure the infection. Other reasons for tooth extractions are:

• When people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.


• When baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow permanent teeth to come in.


• Sometimes people who are getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.

If you have any of these issues, or if a tooth that is causing you pain, please give us a call. To learn more about tooth extractions as well as 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.

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. 

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.