Our Blog

It’s summer here at Central Park West Dental, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the backyard, Dr. Shipper and Dr. Vogel want to hear all about it! Leave a comment on our Facebook fan page and tell us about your summer!

We also encourage you to post any photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!

Happy travels,

-From Central Park West Dental

Dr. Shipper and Dr. Vogel want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

It seems like in today’s world, every day feels like social media day. However, June 30th is officially Social Media Day, “a day to celebrate the revolution of media becoming social.” Much like the use of cell phones, checking and updating social media has become a daily routine for many people. We here at Central Park West Dental are particularly grateful for social media because we are able to interact with patients like you.

Recently we found a very interesting study about social media that was presented on May 25, 2011 by Edison Research and Arbitron that presents some very interesting statistics about social media use in America today. One fascinating highlight is that approximately 46 million Americans who are the age of 12 or older check their social media sites and services several times a day. Check out the full study for more interesting information about social media and social networking.

As you might have noticed, we love engaging in conversation with our patients online. It’s a great way to connect with our patients. It also helps us share news, photos, ideas, and upcoming events at the office. We have found that our Facebook fan page and blog are great tools for making this connection.

Dr. Shipper, Dr. Vogel and our team want to continue to improve our social networking presence. Let us know how you would like us to be using our social media or what you would like to see posted on the blog.

Happy Social Media Day!

-Dr. Shipper, Dr. Vogel and team

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most kids grow out of between the ages of two and four.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.