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Charles M. Marks, DDS & Dental Associates Blog View all posts

Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
No — not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. But you might if your mouth doesn’t have room for this third set of molars or if problems develop as they grow in. Here’s how to tell whether yours need to come out.
Sep 7th, 2023

What Is the Purpose of Wearing a Mouthguard?
You see pro athletes habitually chewing on their mouthguards and wonder if those little pieces of plastic really do any good. You might be surprised by the many benefits they offer — and not just for athletes.
Jul 1st, 2023

How a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) Can Help You Sleep
Do you rattle the roof with your loud snoring and prevent your household from getting a good night’s rest? Or do you sleep next to someone who does? You need to get MAD — that is, a mandibular advancement device that stops snoring. Check it out here.
Jun 12th, 2023

Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed?
To pull or not to pull — that’s the question. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed, but not everyone has to. Get the final answer about wisdom teeth extractions here.
May 8th, 2023

My Child Has a Fear of the Dentist: How Can I Help?
Foot stomping, head shaking, tightly clamped lips, and full-on tantrums are just a few signs that your kid might be scared of a dental visit. If this sounds familiar, we have some practical tips to help your youngster overcome dental anxiety.
Apr 1st, 2023

Help! My Teeth Are Yellow
Yellow teeth can make you look older and may convey that you don’t have good oral hygiene. Today’s modern teeth whitening systems can help. Here’s what they can and can’t do.
Mar 14th, 2023

Are You Brushing and Flossing Correctly?
If you’re just shoving your toothbrush in your mouth and hoping for the best, you could be wasting your time and harming your oral health. Find out if you’re making these common brushing and flossing mistakes.
Feb 17th, 2023

Does My Child Need Sealants?
Teaching your kids how to brush and floss is a rite of passage — but is it enough to keep tooth decay at bay? Find out how sealants can give their molars extra insurance against cavities and whether your kid needs them.
Jan 12th, 2023

5 Problems That Veneers Resolve
You love that you got your mom’s eyes and your dad’s sense of humor, but you're not so pumped about the smile imperfections you inherited. What can you do? Check out veneers — the quick, easy, and permanent way to fix many smile problems.
Dec 13th, 2022

Things We Look for During a Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings involve more than just giving your teeth a thorough polishing. They’re opportunities for your dentist to detect and treat any emerging oral health problems. Here’s what we look for during a dental cleaning.
Nov 10th, 2022

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding
Your molars are great for mashing meat and nuts, but if your teeth go through the grinding motions without food between them, you face several oral health problems. Keep reading to learn about the dangers of teeth grinding.
Oct 5th, 2022

Why Isn’t an Oral Hygiene Routine Enough?
People avoid dental visits for lots of reasons, but one of the most common is that they believe brushing and flossing alone is enough to keep their oral health in top shape. Here’s why that’s not the case.
Aug 10th, 2022

Encouraging Facts About Tooth Extraction
If having a tooth pulled sounds like the last thing you’d want, you may be surprised to learn that the good outweighs the bad. Here’s why a tooth extraction may be the best thing for you, your smile, and your health.
Jul 13th, 2022

Can a Dentist Help My Snoring?
Your bed partner nudges you, shakes you, and finally says, “Stop!” If you don’t quit snoring, the next step is getting ousted from the bedroom altogether. Save your relationship and your health with a little help from your dentist.
Jun 12th, 2022

4 Reasons to Consider Dental Implants
When you lose a tooth, ignoring it isn’t an option if you want to salvage your oral health. But you do have choices when it comes to tooth replacements. Here’s why dental implants should be at the top of your list.
May 4th, 2022

What to Do When Something’s Stuck Between Your Teeth
New York’s food scene rivals that of any city in the world. Whether you’re noshing on gourmet cuisine or just having a snack at home, you’re bound to end up with a morsel stuck in your teeth occasionally. Find out how to dislodge it safely.
Apr 6th, 2022

How to Make the Most of Your Mouthguard
Wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth when you participate in many sports, but how do you protect your mouthguard? Here are some pro tips for getting the most out of this important piece of equipment.
Mar 13th, 2022

5 Signs of Gum Disease
Many people don’t know how to spot the signs of gum disease, and once the disease progresses, it can harm not only your gums, teeth, but also your overall health. Find out how to spot this condition and what to do if you have it.
Feb 16th, 2022

How Helpful Are Dental Sealants?
Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent tooth decay, but for an extra measure of protection for you or your child, it might be wise to consider dental sealants. Here’s what you need to know.
Jan 13th, 2022

How to Floss Your Way to Healthier Teeth and Gums
Ever since you grabbed hold of your first toothbrush, you’ve heard about the importance of flossing, and you can’t visit a dentist without hearing the dreaded question: How often do you floss? Here’s why daily flossing matters.
Dec 28th, 2021

Improve Your Smile With Veneers
Dental veneers are known for their ability to cover up flaws, but they do much more than you might imagine. Find out how these porcelain shells can improve your smile in more ways than one.
Nov 11th, 2021

Understanding the Two Types of Fillings: Direct and Indirect
If you’ve ever had a cavity, you may think you know all about dental fillings, but it might surprise you to learn that there are fillings that cover rather than fill your cavity. Discover the difference between direct and indirect fillings here.
Oct 13th, 2021

Lighten and Brighten Your Smile With Philips Zoom!
Are you a little tight-lipped lately, smiling with your mouth closed to hide your yellowing teeth? Now you can smile wide with confidence, because the powerful Philips Zoom! teeth whitening system works in about an hour. Find out about it here.
Aug 16th, 2021

Pros and Cons of Dentures
Everyone can feel confident about their smile, but some folks may need a little help to get there. If missing teeth make you smile less, dentures may be the ideal solution. Here are the facts to help you decide if dentures are right for you.
Jul 22nd, 2021

The Link Between Your Weight and Sleep Apnea
If you’re a snorer, you may have tried all sorts of tricks like propping up your pillows, sleeping on your side, and using nasal strips. But have you tried losing weight? Find out how carrying even a few extra pounds can make for a loud night.
Jun 23rd, 2021

Does Your Young Athlete Really Need a Mouthguard?
Shin guards, helmets, and pads protect athletes from bumps and bruises, but if your child’s not wearing a mouthguard, too, their teeth are just a line drive away from severe damage. Find out more about protecting your kid’s teeth from risk.
May 19th, 2021

5 Tips for Avoiding Dry Sockets
You may not relish the idea of a tooth extraction, but today’s procedures are fairly simple and not too painful — unless you get dry socket. Find out what causes this condition and how you can avoid it.
Apr 13th, 2021

How Do You Know if You Need a Root Canal?
The very term “root canal” conjures scary images and the anticipation of pain. But modern root canal procedures aren’t much different from getting a deep filling. Learn how to spot the signs that your tooth might need this tooth-saving procedure.
Mar 18th, 2021

Adjusting to Life With Dentures
Finding out you need dentures may trigger memories of your grandparents’ “fake teeth” and how they used to pop out unexpectedly. Today’s dentures are a far cry from what you remember. Check out our tips for living with your new and improved dentures.
Feb 16th, 2021

The Advantages of Choosing Invisalign®
If you’re tired of crooked teeth or an abnormal bite, consider Invisalign®, a popular tooth straightening option for teens and adults who don’t want metal braces. Read on to learn about the advantages of choosing Invisalign.
Dec 21st, 2020

Cold Comfort
The sounds of the season are filling the air—falling leaves rustling along the sidewalk, football cheers, holiday greetings—and the coughs and sneezes of your fellow sufferers. Yes, it’s cold and flu season, and you’re one of the unfortunate people...
Nov 4th, 2020

Teeth Grinding
It might seem like you’ve gotten a great night’s sleep—but why aren’t you well rested? Worse, why are you waking up with...
Oct 28th, 2020

My gums are shrinking!
Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed that your teeth looked longer? Does it seem like your gums are shrinking? This condition is called recession—many adults have it. Let’s look at some of the causes and what you can do about it.
Oct 21st, 2020

Suffer from tooth discoloration? Don’t panic!
Like many other parts of the human body, teeth age. You may look at old photos and realize your smile was significantly brighter in the past than it is now. Many adults experience tooth discoloration and find it embarrassing.
Oct 14th, 2020

Fall’s in the Air? Think Fall Dental Care
Whether you already miss the sun’s bright rays, or can’t wait for some cool, crisp weather and colorful leaves, summer is making way for fall. And the change of seasons might mean it’s time for some adjustments to your dental care routine.
Oct 7th, 2020

What are mini implants used for?
The use of mini dental implants (MDIs) is on the rise. MDIs are about the diameter of a toothpick (1.8 to 2.9 millimeters with lengths between ten to 18 millimeters) and are primarily used to secure loose upper or lower dentures or partial dentures.
Sep 30th, 2020

Preventing Toddler Tooth Decay
You do everything you can to protect your toddler with safeguards large and small. Installing that complicated car seat. Figuring out which sunscreen is best for delicate skin.
Sep 23rd, 2020

Root Canal FAQs
Most people hear the word root canal and panic. With today’s state of the art equipment and improved local anesthetic devices, and some knowledge, a root canal does not have to cause panic. Root canals are a common dental procedure, done quite often at...
Sep 16th, 2020

Playing “Tooth or Dare”
Our teeth perform several vital roles for us. We use them to bite and chew, to help form words, to support our facial structure. And never underestimate the power of a smile!
Sep 9th, 2020

Football Season? Practice Dental Defense
It’s finally football season, and whether you’re on the field, at the game, or watching at home with friends, it’s time to work on some defensive dental strategies.
Sep 2nd, 2020

Tips for Managing Oral Pain
Experiencing tooth or oral pain is not fun. If you cannot get to OK Tooth right away, the pain may even seem to increase. The old saying that a tooth will stop hurting once you get to a dentist is not that far from true.
Aug 26th, 2020

The Advantage of Philips Zoom Whitening
Today, we thought we’d talk a little about Philips Zoom whitening at OK Tooth. Philips Zoom, a professional teeth whitening treatment, gets your teeth an average of eight shades whiter in just one hour at our convenient New York, NY office.
Aug 19th, 2020

What can I expect during my implant procedure?
Dental implants are a surgical procedure done by Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin right here at our New York, NY office. Screw-like parts made of titanium are inserted into your jaw bone and act as the root of your tooth.
Aug 12th, 2020

Dental Infections
Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and our team at OK Tooth will tell you that dental infections can be very serious; sometimes, they develop into a life-threatening situation.
Aug 5th, 2020

How Computers Help Dental Implants Look Natural
Never before have dental implants looked as natural and aesthetically pleasing as they do today. With the help of computer-aided design and computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and our team are...
Jul 29th, 2020

Diabetes and Dental Care
When most people think of complications of diabetes, they think of an increased risk of blindness, limb amputation, heart disease, and neuropathy. However, Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and our team want you to know that...
Jul 22nd, 2020

The History of Dental Implants
The earliest endeavors for dental implant tooth substitutes on record dates back to the Mayan civilization, to 600 AD. Archeologists recovered primeval skulls in which the teeth had been replaced with materials the ranged from wood, stones, and jewels...
Jul 15th, 2020

What are the advantages of dental implants?
Losing a tooth can affect a lot more than just the look of your smile. Missing teeth affect your ability to chew and can also cause problems for your other teeth. It is essential to replace missing teeth in order to maintain oral health as well as...
Jul 8th, 2020

Are dental implants painful? What You Need to Know
Whether it is the result of tooth decay, gum disease, or injury, millions of people suffer tooth loss. Dental implants provide a strong replacement tooth root for fixed replacement teeth that are designed to match your natural teeth.
Jun 24th, 2020

Most Valuable Dental Treatments
At OK Tooth, we work to find a dental plan that will work best and most effectively for you. But we’ve found that three treatments tend to be the most common and useful. If you ever find yourself in any of the following situations, we suggest you look...
Jun 17th, 2020

Treating Gum Disease with Antibiotics
Why does gum disease develop? Our mouths are home to bacteria, which form a film called plaque. Plaque sticks to the surfaces of our teeth, at the gumline, and can even grow below the gumline.
May 27th, 2020

Been a While? Come See Us!
Guilt is a powerful feeling. It can keep you from doing many things, including going to the dentist. The good news is that OK Tooth is a judgement-free zone, and coming back (even after an extended period of being MIA) can be easier than you think.
May 13th, 2020

What exactly is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Our team at OK Tooth wants you to know that this common ailment can be fixed with little worry if treated properly.
May 6th, 2020

Common Wisdom Teeth Problems
Have you ever wondered why people have wisdom teeth? These are a third set of molars that come in behind the rest of all your other teeth, usually during early adulthood. Scientists and anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth are a result of evolution...
Apr 29th, 2020

Every Day is Earth Day
During the early days of the environmental awareness movement, those who demonstrated against pollution, toxic chemicals, and the general public health were known as hippies.
Apr 22nd, 2020

I’m on a diet and getting MORE cavities!
Health gurus rave about replacing unhealthy food choices with healthy ones in your diet. If you want to maintain your beautiful smile as well as your waistline, choose foods that are good for your teeth and good for losing weight.
Apr 15th, 2020

Fluoride Treatment: Do You Need One?
Over the past decade, most people have been ingesting less and less fluoride. This is not such a great trend, since fluoride has a history of successfully reducing tooth decay and promoting good dental health.
Apr 8th, 2020

April is National Facial Protection Month
Americans from all walks of life should mark April as National Facial Protection Month on their calendars. The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, Academy for Sports Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry...
Apr 1st, 2020

March is National Nutrition Month!
While you don’t have to wait to start eating right, March is the month the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics asks everyone to pay special attention to what goes into our bodies. The Academy has designated the month of March for focusing...
Mar 3rd, 2020

Amalgam Fillings vs. White Fillings
Many varieties of fillings are available at our New York, NY office. Most people are familiar with traditional amalgam fillings: those big silver spots on top of teeth.
Feb 25th, 2020

The Start of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day, has been said to originate with a Catholic priest named Valentine several thousand year ago. Valentine defied the emperor at the time by secretly marrying men and their brides after the emperor had...
Feb 11th, 2020

Improve Your Overall Health with Regular Cleanings
It’s common knowledge that you should get your teeth cleaned every six months. But do you know why that timing is crucial? Studies have shown that your oral health connects directly to the rest of your body.
Feb 4th, 2020

Are you a tooth grinder?
Perhaps you had a particularly irritating commute home from work, and you realize at the end that your jaw was clenched tight the entire time. Or maybe you grind your teeth when you are nervous or anxious about an upcoming business meeting. Most people...
Jan 28th, 2020

Safety of Dental X-Ray Radiation
We all want to live our healthiest lives. We know that part of keeping ourselves healthy is regular visits to our New York, NY office for checkups and necessary dental work. And that dental work might require an X-ray. Should the amount of radiation...
Jan 21st, 2020

Overall Health Can Be Influenced By Oral Hygiene
Keeping on top of your oral health is key when it comes to making sure your whole body stays healthy. The bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth can produce harmful bacteria such as strep and staph, which can lead to serious infections and sickness.
Jan 14th, 2020

Intraoral Cameras
It seems today’s technology has made every moment a camera-ready opportunity. (Just check your friends and their latest selfies.) What you may not expect is the opportunity to see a close-up of your teeth and gums in vivid detail the next time you’re...
Jan 7th, 2020

A Brighter Smile for the New Year
The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start for you and your smile. At OK Tooth, a brighter smile is quick and easy!
Dec 31st, 2019

What is Nitrous Oxide?
Many patients experience anxiety during dental appointments. Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and our team want to help you overcome any fear you may feel when you come to your regular visits.
Dec 24th, 2019

When Snoring Becomes More Than Just Annoying
Snoring occurs when the tissues in the throat relax enough to block part of our airways, or physical conditions such as enlarged tonsils or a deviated septum prevent air from flowing freely. This obstruction causes the tissues around the airway...
Dec 17th, 2019

What to do about Sensitive Teeth
If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you already know the frustration of having a type of pain that is hard to deal with. Because tooth sensitivity is sometimes unpredictable, you can't necessarily take medication to ward off the pain like you could...
Dec 10th, 2019

Five Common Reasons for Emergency Care Visits
A dental emergency can strike anywhere, anytime, and without warning. Perhaps you’re playing a game of touch football on Thanksgiving and your brother-in-law decides to up the ante and tackles you, accidentally knocking out your two front teeth.
Dec 3rd, 2019

Thanksgiving in North America
Thanksgiving marks the start to the holidays; a season filled with feasting, indulging, and spending time with family and friends are always special. Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for giving thanks, and while this may seem like such a...
Nov 26th, 2019

Thumb Sucking
Learning to suck their thumbs is one of the first physical skills babies acquire. In fact, ultrasound images have revealed babies sucking their thumbs in the womb! Babies have a natural sucking reflex, and this activity is a normal way for your baby...
Nov 19th, 2019

Educational and Entertaining Enamel Experiments
Let’s talk about the science of our teeth for a moment. Our enamel has a very high mineral content, making it extremely strong. In fact, enamel just happens to be the hardest substance in our bodies.
Nov 12th, 2019

Smile! It’s Time for Arts & Crafts!
If you have a child who loves arts and crafts, try some of these creative projects with a dental twist. One of these activities is sure to give your child something to smile about!
Nov 5th, 2019

Anatomy of a Smile Makeover
A smile makeover is usually a combination of one or more cosmetic dental procedures. To achieve your desired result, Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin may perform or suggest a variety of options. The entire process is designed...
Oct 29th, 2019

What is an Impacted Tooth?
You may have heard this term the first time you or a friend got your wisdom teeth. That makes sense, as wisdom teeth are the teeth most often impacted in teenagers and young adults. But other permanent teeth can be impacted as well. What exactly do we...
Oct 22nd, 2019

Is a Crown Necessary for My Child’s Baby Tooth?
Part of the charm of your child’s smile is those delicate, diminutive baby teeth. We enjoy those smiles while we can, because soon enough, primary teeth make way for the adult teeth that will last your child a lifetime. So you might be surprised...
Oct 15th, 2019

Dental Fear in Children: Brought on by parents? (2)
A study conducted in Washington State in 2004 and another conducted in Madrid, Spain in 2012 both reported findings that support a direct relationship between parents’ dental fear and their child’s fear of the dentist.
Oct 8th, 2019

How to Handle an Unexpected Dental Emergency
Regardless of the type of dental emergency you experience, it is important that you visit OK Tooth for emergency dental care as soon as possible. A chipped or cracked tooth requires professional attention, as bacteria may gather in these areas...
Sep 24th, 2019

What is gum disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissues, and is something seen all too often by Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin. Extending from inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) to more...
Sep 17th, 2019

How Missing Teeth Can Affect Your Health
According to the American Academy of Periodontology, an estimated three out of four Americans suffer from gum disease. In milder cases, the disease is called gingivitis. More severe cases are called periodontitis. Despite the prevalence...
Sep 10th, 2019

September is National Gum Care Month!
Can you believe it's already September? At OK Tooth, we know that gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people don’t recognize the warning signs, bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease.
Sep 3rd, 2019

Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day is upon us, and that means the non-official end to summer. Before the kids head back to school and temperatures start to cool down, this is your last chance to barbeque in the beautiful New York, NY community, head to the lake, and wear...
Aug 27th, 2019

Dental-Healthy Snacks for Your School-Aged Child
Kids are constantly active and constantly growing. No wonder they’re constantly hungry! When it’s time for a snack, here are some tips to make between meal treats timely, tasty, and tooth-friendly.
Aug 20th, 2019

Top Ten Ways to Improve Heart Health
The human heart truly appreciates it when we eat healthy foods, don’t smoke, and exercise regularly. But there’s something else that can improve your heart’s longevity and you may not know about: keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape.
Aug 13th, 2019

Gum Disease in Children
When it comes to gum disease and your child, it’s a good news/bad news situation. The very good news is that children rarely suffer from advanced gum disease, or periodontitis. The not-so-good news? Early gum disease, called gingivitis, is unfortunately...
Aug 6th, 2019

Radiation and the Safety of Dental X-Rays
It is not uncommon to be concerned about your safety when you have dental X-rays performed. Putting on a heavy lead vest may make you apprehensive. The benefits of dental X-rays far outweigh the risks when safety procedures are followed and the number...
Jul 9th, 2019

Happy Fourth of July! (2)
Happy Independence Day from Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and team! The Fourth of July celebrations in America may have changed a lot over the years, but there is no doubt that we Americans love to celebrate the anniversary of...
Jul 2nd, 2019

Top Five Dental Myths
Sometimes the line between fact and fiction is easily blurred. This is certainly the case when it comes to dentistry, where myths and misconceptions abound. In a bid to put an end to health hoaxes, here are five dental myths to chew over.
Jun 25th, 2019

Stress and Your Oral Health
Stress symptoms—which include high blood pressure, severe aches, and insomnia—may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is the culprit when in fact stress may actually be the reason. While stress can be...
Jun 18th, 2019

Fluoride Use in Adolescents
Fluoride is a mineral that plays an essential role in oral health. In fact, the significant reduction in American tooth decay in recent decades can be attributed to a greater availability of fluoride in public water supplies, toothpaste...
Jun 11th, 2019

Getting Ready for Summer Sports
With the warmer and longer days here, we know many of our patients at OK Tooth will be much more active in the summer.
Jun 4th, 2019