Dental Excellence of New York

A dry or sticky mouth can be easy to dismiss, especially after a busy day or a long night’s sleep. But when the feeling keeps coming back, it may mean your mouth is not making enough saliva. Dentists call this xerostomia , or dry mouth. Dry mouth is more than an inconvenience. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, gums, and oral tissues. Understanding the signs—and knowing when to ask for help—can lower the risk of cavities and other problems. Why saliva matters Saliva helps your mouth in several ways. It: Moistens food and makes chewing and swallowing easier Washes away food particles from teeth and gums Helps neutralize acids produced by oral bacteria Provides minerals, including calcium and phosphate, that help keep teeth strong Helps control bacteria and fungi in the mouth When saliva flow is too low, the risk of tooth decay, mouth infections, bad breath, and difficulty eating or speaking can increase. What can cause dry mouth? Dry m...

Dental X-rays are one of the most useful tools in modern dentistry. They allow your dentist to see areas that cannot be examined directly just by looking in your mouth. At the same time, many patients understandably have questions about radiation. Why are X-rays needed? How often should they be taken? And are they safe? The reassuring answer is that dental imaging should be individualized to the patient and used only when the expected diagnostic benefit can affect care. What Can Dental X-Rays Show? Some oral-health problems begin in places that are difficult or impossible to see during a visual examination. Dental X-rays may help a dentist identify or monitor: Cavities between teeth or beneath existing fillings Bone loss associated with periodontal disease Infections near the roots of teeth Impacted or unusually positioned teeth Changes in a child's developing teeth and jaws Healing after certain dental procedures Conditions that may affect treatment planning X-rays...

When most people hear the word “cavity,” they immediately think of a dental drill and filling. But for some cavities—especially in young children—dentists may have another option: silver diamine fluoride (SDF). What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride? Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid dental treatment that can be applied directly to certain areas of tooth decay. Unlike a traditional filling, applying SDF usually does not require drilling away the decayed tooth structure. The treatment is quick and can be particularly helpful for young children or patients who have difficulty tolerating conventional dental procedures. SDF contains components that help fight cavity-causing bacteria and strengthen weakened tooth structure. Can SDF Actually Stop a Cavity? Research continues to investigate how effectively SDF can help arrest tooth decay and promote remineralization. The July 2026 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) featured research evaluating the remineraliz...

  Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Your Gums? What New Dental Research Says We often hear about omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health. But could they also play a role in keeping your gums healthier? New research highlighted in the August 2026 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) suggests an interesting connection between omega-3 fatty acids and inflammation in the mouth. What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids? Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found naturally in foods such as: Salmon, sardines, and other fatty fish Walnuts Chia seeds Flaxseeds Certain fortified foods Two omega-3 fatty acids in particular— EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) —have been studied extensively for their potential anti-inflammatory effects. What Did the New Dental Study Find? Researchers analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial involving people with stable coronary artery disease who were already taking statin medications. Some participants received EP...