Diabetes and Periodontal Disease: Making the Connection

Is There a Connection Between Diabetes and Gum Disease?
For the nearly 26 million ( diagnosed and undiagnosed) Americans who have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with this condition. Gum disease for example, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults and is also frequently linked to the control of diabetes.

If I Have Diabetes, am I at Risk for Dental Problems?Yes, you are. If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop serious gum disease and lose more teeth than non-diabetics.  

How Does Diabetes Affect My Dental Health? The more severe form of gum disease is called periodontitis. When you reach this stage, your gums begin to pull away from your teeth. Pockets form between your teeth and gums. These fill with germs and pus, and deepen. When this happens, you may need gum surgery to save your teeth. If nothing is done, the infection goes on to destroy the bone around your teeth. The teeth may start to move or get loose. Your teeth may fall out or need to be pulled.


Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease:

• Red and swollen gums 
• Gums that tend to bleed easily
• Gums separating from the teeth
• Loose teeth
• Frequent bad breath
• Change in the way your teeth fit together
• Change in the way partials or dentures fit

How Can I Help Prevent Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes?

• First and foremost, control your blood sugar levels. 
• Do not smoke.
• Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet.
• Good oral hygiene (brushing, flossing and using mouth rinse on a regular basis) and regular dental check ups are essential in preventing gum disease.

How will I know if I have mouth problems from diabetes?
Check your mouth for signs of problems from diabetes. If you notice any problems, see your dentist right away. Some of the first signs of gum disease are swollen, tender, or bleeding gums. Sometimes there are no signs of gum disease. You may not know you have it until you have serious damage. Your best defense is to see your dentist twice a year for a cleaning and checkup.

And, if you still have additional questions  or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today. We will take good care of you!


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Resourses: http://clinical.diabetesjournals.org; http://www.diabetes.org; http://dentistry.about.com

Need an Extreme Dental Makeover?

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

I'll bet you've seen the makeover reality shows where a regular person is transformed into someone almost unrecognizable. Even if you don't like that sort of show, it can be hard not to get sucked in. We watch as an individual's appearance (and often self-esteem) is dramatically improved. But sometimes we end up reflecting on our own imperfections...

If it's your smile you're worried about, cosmetic dentistry can help. We have lots of ways to improve - or even revolutionize - your smile. Here are some of the most popular (and most effective) cosmetic dental procedures available in our office:

Veneers – When a dental makeover is instant and dramatic, the most notable changes to the smile were probably the result of veneers. Typically made of porcelain or a composite material, veneers are thin coatings that adhere to your teeth. Veneers can completely transform your smile, resolving discoloration, gaps, teeth of varying lengths and sizes, chips, cracks and more.

Implants – This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically placed. It is then followed by the careful construction of a crown/bridge to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss.

Invisalign – The days of clunky metal braces are gone, for the most part at least. Today's key orthodontic solution is Invisalign, a barely-there teeth positioning product. Tooth straightening and repositioning are achieved through a series of clear trays that fit over your teeth. They're removable, comfortable, and practically invisible.

Whitening – Chances are you've noticed a recent surge in dental whitening products advertised on television and in magazines. If veneers are either too expensive or too excessive for your style or budget, whitening can restore a bright white smile, peeling back years of stains and abuse. Though you can use over-the-counter products to bleach your teeth, the results will be more dramatic and effective if you seek help from a dental professional. You can choose a home bleaching system or a chair-side procedure for instant results. Tooth whitening can quickly and easily knock years off your smile.

While these are just three of several cosmetic techniques that can bring you a new smile, they are among the most dramatic solutions available today. If you're interested in learning more about restoring your own smile, or creating a new one entirely, contact our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com to schedule a consultation. We'll take good care of you!



Best Regards,

Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center


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References: www.idanewsletters.com

Cosmetic Dentistry: Filling in the Gaps on Dental Implants

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

A missing tooth is a dangerous thing, and not just because of what it does to your smile. Gaps in your teeth can hinder your ability to eat or speak comfortably. Gaps can also allow the surrounding teeth to move, leading to potential discomfort or an irregular bite. Sure, you could rely on removable bridges or dentures, but cosmetic dentistry can provide a better (and more convenient) solution: dental implants.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or several teeth in place, and offers a permanent solution for lost or extracted teeth. It can also be a good choice aesthetically, even when other options (like veneers) are off the table. Dental implants look and feel like natural teeth.

While implants can give you a new smile without the hassle of removable dentures and bridges, they aren't for everyone. The success rate for implants decreases when patients suffer from chronic problems, such as tooth grinding or clenching, or systemic diseases like diabetes. Patients who smoke heavily or abuse alcohol are also not ideal candidates for the procedure. You must have good bone quality and not suffer from chronic periodontal (gum) disease for the implant to stay in place.

As always, your continued good health is our top priority! If you'd like to learn more about dental implants or other cosmetic procedures, call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com to schedule your free consultation.



Best Regards,

Herald Square Dental
&The Denture Center

P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!

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References: www.idsnewsletters.com

Crisis Treatment

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

Many people don't see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they feel they have a problem. We call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment." While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems don't have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages.

An example is tooth decay. We hear all the time, "Nothing hurts...I don't have any problems." But tooth decay doesn't hurt! Until, that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth.

Then a root canal and crown are usually necessary, instead of the small filling, which could have been placed several years ago when the cavity was small. We can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it may develop any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a tremendous cavity and they have never felt a thing!

If you have questions regarding dental emergencies or routine dental care, please call our office at (212)689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.



Best Regards,

Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center

P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!   ________________________________________________________
References: idanewsletters.com

Bad Dental Habits to Break

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!


Here are a few tips for "dental dont's" that you should stop doing right now.

Brushing too hard. Brushing your teeth too hard can wear down enamel, irritate your gums, make your teeth sensitive to cold, and even cause cavities. To avoid these problems, use a soft bristled toothbrush. To be sure that you are choosing the right type of brush look for the "ADA Accepted" seal on the package. That way you can be sure that the bristles are firm enough to remove plaque, but soft enough not to cause damage.

Clenching of the jaw or grinding of the teeth. These are great forces and amount of pressure originally not ment for teeth to bear. They result in micro fractures and greater risk of more serious damage to the natural tooth structures.

Stop chewing on ice.The cold temperature and the hardness of ice cubes can cause serious damage to your teeth.

Your Teeth Are Not a Tool. Your teeth are not pliers or hooks. Using your teeth as a tool is a threat to your dental health and can damage your existing dental restorations or cause your teeth to crack. Thing twice before ripping open that potato-chip bag next time or loosening knots with your teeth!

Stop biting your nails.  Regularly biting your nails can cause your teeth to move out of place and could potentially cause teeth to break or tooth enamel to splinter.

Ditch the soda. The effects of soda on teeth are even worse if you slowly sip it over a long period of time. The acidity in soda can lead to dental health problems such as decay around your gum line and loss of enamel.

Frequent snacking. Every time you eat something, especially if it's a sugary or starchy food, the bacteria that normally live in your mouth create acids to break down the food. But these acids can also attack teeth, leading to decay.

If you have any questions  or concerns pertaining to your dental health please call us at 212-689-0024  or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com and we will be sure to take good care of you!

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References: http://www.shape.com; http://www.everydayhealth.com

Denture Problems?

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

Many denture wearers breathe a sigh of relief when they get their first pair of dentures, because they think their dental problems are over. Unfortunately, even the best dentures can't compete with natural teeth in ability to chew food efficiently and comfortably. As the years go by, the supporting ridges that remain after teeth have been removed gradually change and get smaller. For most patients, the dentures need to be "relined" or "refitted" every 2-4 years so that the denture will conform to the changing ridge. A large change in weight can also alter the shape of the mouth, causing changes in the fit.

Here are some ways to treat various denture problems:

Make sure your dentures fit. Over time, your gums and bones may change and your dentures won't fit as well. When this happens, your dentures need to be adjusted, modified, or replaced by your dentist. Never try to adjust your dentures yourself.

Speak slowly. When you first get dentures, it may be hard for you to say certain words. Be patient. Practice saying the challenging words aloud and speak slowly. If your dentures move around when you laugh or smile, gently bite down and swallow to put them back in place.

Eat soft foods. If you are having trouble eating, follow these tips: Take small bites of soft foods, such as eggs and yogurt. Don't eat anything sticky and chew your food slowly. When you chew, use both sides of your mouth at the same time. This prevents your dentures from moving forward or tipping. Eating will become easier as you get used to your dentures. In time, you should be able to eat most foods.

Use an adhesive ( zinc free). Denture adhesives help your dentures stay in place and make them feel more secure. But denture adhesives should not be used to fix old or poorly fitting dentures. When using an adhesive, follow the instructions carefully. Try not to use more than you need.

If you have questions about your dentures, please call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com today.


Best Regards,


Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!
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References: www.webmd.com, www.idanewsletters.com

Could Cosmetic Dentistry Change Your Life?

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr, Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

What's in a smile? More than you realize! Your pearly whites (or not-so-pearly whites) allow you to express your emotions, whether revealed in a smile or flashed in a laugh. Your teeth are an important element of your appearance, and of your self-image too. If you find yourself, subconsciously or otherwise, covering your mouth when you laugh or returning a big warm grin with a close-lipped smile, chances are you're a candidate for cosmetic dentistry and smile make over.

The latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry could give you a brand new movie star smile (Julia Roberts, eat your heart out). Cosmetic dentistry also allows you to correct minor imperfections. So, whether you're going for a complete overhaul or a little touch-up, there's a cosmetic solution for you. Here are a few of the services we provide:

Whitening – Whether through home bleaching or chair-side, whitening can remove years of stains, giving you a brighter and more youthful smile.

Crowns – Crowns are artificial teeth that fit over your natural teeth, correcting chips, cracks or discoloration.

Veneers – Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain or a composite that go over your natural teeth. Often providing the most dramatic change of all these cosmetic options, veneers can correct discolored, misplaced, irregular, chipped or cracked teeth easily.

Invisalign – The days of clunky metal braces are over. These removable clear trays fit over your teeth, moving them into proper position.

Implants – Missing teeth should be replaced to keep other teeth in their normal position. This can be done by means of a fixed bridge or a dental implant. Both of these treatments offer a good functional and cosmetic result.


If you're interested in learning how cosmetic dentistry can give you a new, natural-looking smile, call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com for a consultation! We'd love nothing more than to help you discover a confidence in your smile that you've never known before.


Best Regards,



Herald Square Dental
& The Denture Center


P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them!

In February Drink and Be Merry: Study Says Red Wine Is Good for Your Smile!

Greetings from Dr. Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!


If you were looking for an excuse to drink more red wine, it's your lucky day!

A study released by scientists from Université Laval in Quebec, Canada, reports that compounds in red wine known as polyphenols have been found to stave off periodontal diseases. Periodontal diseases are those that affect the gums and bone around the teeth, often leading to permanent tooth loss. The research shows that polyphenols, derived from red grape seeds, neutralize one of the major tissue-destroying compounds associated with periodontitis, a disease that affects a significant number of adults.

Red wine boasts a number of additional health advantages. It has anti-tumor properties and can help prevent heart disease. Along with green tea, fresh fruits and green vegetables, red wine has been known to reduce the risk of cancer mortality. Still, it's important to err on the side of caution and drink only in moderation - no more than a glass or two a day.

While red wine is preserving smiles across the globe, other sugary drinks are destroying them. Some U.S. schools have begun restricting access to soda in an attempt to reduce childhood obesity and tooth decay. Acidic drinks like coffee (a crutch for millions of groggy Americans each day) can have a negative affect on teeth as well. Even good old-fashioned juice has come under fire as of late, slammed for having a high sugar content but very few of the nutritional qualities attributed to whole fruit, such as fiber.

Your best bet? Drink plenty of water. If you do have a sugary or acidic beverage, be sure to either brush your teeth or rinse with warm water afterwards.

Remember, there's no better defense against gum disease than diligent brushing and flossing and regular check-ups. If you're due for an exam, call our office at (212)689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com to schedule one today!

Best Regards,

Herald Square Dental &
The Denture Center

P.S. If you have any friends or family members who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.
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References: idanewsletters.com

Periodontal Disease: Silent and Deadly

Greetings from Dr.Pasch, Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song!

We wanted to bring your attention to a very important problem and talk briefly about it: Periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The early stages of periodontal disease are often asymptomatic; many adults may have the disease and not know it.

A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that nearly one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can go on for years without pain and without detection unless specific examination procedures are performed. Visual oral examination by itself will not reliably detect periodontal disease until it has reached an advanced stage.

Early detection and adequate diagnosis require measurement of pockets (the crevice between the tooth and gum) with a periodontal probe. Early detection and treatment is critical to prevent tooth loss and disfigurement. Although the procedure is simple, painless and requires only a few minutes, millions of American adults have never had it done.

Signs of periodontal disease include bleeding gums, redness of gum tissue, swelling of gums around the teeth, breath odor, receding gums, mobility of teeth.

If you have questions regarding periodontal disease or any other dentally related concern, please call our office at 212-689-0024 or email us at appts@newyorkdenturedental.com  today.


Best Regards,


Herald Square Dental &
The Denture Center

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References:ADA, AAP, www.perio.org

Now, You Can Have Your Entire Dental Treatment Under One Roof, literally!

Greetings from Herald Square Dental and The Denture Center!

We are proud to announce that our office is now equipped with the newest technology for 3-D imaging available. The office staff  has also undergone special training to allow fast and effective diagnostics of various treatment needs, and specifically implants, orthodontics, TMJ procedures.

When it comes to experience - the more, the better! Herald Square Dental was established in 1977 and is equipped with all the technology and comfort to optimally restore your beautiful smile successfully, affordably, quickly and conveniently!

Don’t put up with the long waiting period typically involved with extensive restorations! At Herald Square Dental & the Denture Center we are dedicated to providing the highest quality dental care, while saving you time and money!  

We are conveniently located to all major transportation hubs in Midtown Manhattan.  Call for your Free Consultation @ 212-689-0024  or email us appts@newyorkdenturedental.com  and let us help you smile with confidence!  

We Are Your New York City Cosmetic Dentists!

Dear Patients,


Dental disease is preventable and you can practice preventive dentistry on yourself by adopting these healthy habits:

• always remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day;
• floss between teeth at least once a day;
• eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks;
• don't forget to schedule regular dental visits.

However, should you fail to implement these healthy habits in your daily routine, with time the results is loosing teeth. There are actually several negative consequences of missing some or all of your teeth. First, missing teeth will affect the aesthetics of your face. Not only will your smile be affected by the gaps from missing teeth, but if you’re missing too many teeth, the skin around your mouth won’t be supported properly and will start to sag, making you appear older than you are.

Additionally, missing teeth will make it more difficult to chew your food properly, absorb the nutrients, hence deteriorate your overall health and may even affect the way you speak, making you feel less confident about your smile. If you are currently missing any of your teeth, you should consider replacing them with dental implants, which can look and feel just like natural teeth.

At Herald Square Dental you can count on us!  Our humane and professional staff and approach will help you obtain the smile you have always wanted! We are conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, easily accessible by NYC Subways, PATH, NJ Transit, LIRR, Metro North Rail Road.  Dr. Yam, Dr. Shirzadnia and Dr. Song are highly qualified in all areas of cosmetic and general dentistry procedures, they will take the time to listen to your concern and offer you any possible treatment option for your specific dental needs; they will provide you their expert recommendation of which treatment scenario will help you achieve optimal dental health.
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References: http://www.mouthhealthy.org, http://www.perio.org

ADA Launches Online Dental Symptom Checker

American Dental Association has just introduced a newly developed feature on their online portal MouthHealthy.org.  The so called "Dental Symptom Checker" is a tool that has been designed to "provide patients with accurate information about their symptoms and help them make better-informed decisions about their oral health".   It is not meant to diagnose or replace the role of the dentist, however with its help  patients can "identify the location of the symptom they’re having and other factors, such as pain or discharge, and read about various conditions that fit that description".  Apparently this was a top requested feature by consumers, therefore it is now available as an interactive Web platform on MouthHealthy.org, as well as a downloadable app on iTunes and Google Play.

If you have any dental complaint or symptom you would like to learn more about, you could try this new tool, or, even better, call us to schedule an appointment for a free consultation! We are here to help you and to give you a reason to smile!
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References: ADA.org,  Karen Fox, ADA News staff

Implant Dentist New York

At Herald Square Dental and The Denture Center we have been restoring patients' dental functions with implants for more than a decade, and want to advise our patients that dental implants are becoming more popular and more frequently covered through dental insurance plans with certain restricions. Almost any major Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) insurance company offers a policy with coverage for implants, however the premiums for these plans are much more expensive and therefore less employers are willing to offer them to their employees. We are here to help! Kindly contact our office  at 212-689-0024 and we will be more than glad to obtain a detailed benefit breakdown from your insurance carrier and will explain the implant benefits to you if they are available.

If you wonder whether your dental plan will cover dental implant treatment for you or if you are interested in finding out how dental implant treatment could help restore your smile, please call us! Dr. Yam and Dr. Shirzadnia and our staff are here to help! We offer a complimentary consultation to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our implantologists have been performing dental implant surgeries in the heart of Midtown Manhattan and restoring dental function, self esteem, self confidence, beautiful smiles for more than a decade! You can trust us with your smile!