Facts on Fluoride

Without practicing proper oral hygiene habits and scheduling regular dental visits, teeth become more vulnerable to cavities. Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums or plaque, as we like to call it. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss helps remove this plaque. However, another key to excellent oral hygiene is fluoride, a mineral that helps prevent cavities and can repair teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of the disease. Here at the dental practice of Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, we can discuss professional fluoride treatments with you to see if you are a prime candidate.

Depending on your oral health status, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six, or twelve months. The fluoride preparation used in the dental office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpaste or fluoride mouth rinses that you may find in the store. The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam, or varnish and is typically applied with a cotton swab or a brush. It can also be used as a rinse or placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for several minutes. After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride to start the tooth repair process.

If you have questions about fluoride or fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Diabetic Oral Care

People with poorly controlled diabetes are more prone to dental problems. This is because they are more likely to develop infections of their gums and the bones that hold the teeth in place because diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums. If you have diabetes, your oral care should be your top priority. Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD, and his staff of efficient hygienists can help you get there. 

If you have diabetes, symptoms of dental problems include bleeding and sore gums, frequent infections, and bad breath. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is critical. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Additionally, high blood sugar may cause dry mouth and make gum disease worse. The decrease in saliva can cause an increase in tooth-decaying bacteria and plaque buildup. You can prevent these problems by maintaining good blood sugar control, brushing and flossing and least twice a day, and schedule a dental checkup with us every six months.

If you have questions about diabetic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visitwww.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Flossing with Braces

As Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD will tell you, flossing can be difficult when you have traditional metal braces, but it’s more important than ever to keep the gaps in your teeth clean when you have a mouth full of metal. Many folks who have braces don’t know how to floss with them or think that they can’t floss at all if they have braces and this is not true. Therefore, we thought we would share some tips with you for flossing effectively.

• ·        Use waxed floss because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions about orthodontic oral care, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.drrobertruyak.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in Bethlehem, PA, call 610-861-0777. 

Avoiding Staining

We all know that poor dental hygiene can yellow teeth. Do you know exactly how it works? Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD offer professional teeth whitening to counteract this process. Keep reading to find out how teeth become yellow and how to avoid it!

Plaque is a thin layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day. When plaque is not brushed away, it can contribute to staining as well as hold in stain-causing debris close to the enamel. When stains penetrate the enamel, the discoloration goes deep into the dentin, which in turn discolors the whole tooth. The first lesson in keeping teeth white involves brushing away that plaque. Brush your teeth after meals and before bed to keep plaque away. Flossing is also important for keeping a white smile; floss once per day.

In addition to good hygiene, dark foods, liquids, and tobacco use can also lead to darkened teeth. Limit dark drinks like coffee and cola, and try to drink them through a straw when you do have them. You should also be aware of the dark foods you consume and rinse your mouth after eating them. Smoking and other forms of tobacco will stain your teeth, your breath, and wreak havoc on the rest of your oral and overall health. The best rule for tobacco is to quit.

In addition to good at-home care, visit your dentist for routine cleanings to keep your teeth sparkly. To learn about our professional whitening, schedule an appointment with Dr. Robert B. Ruyak, DMD in our Bethlehem, PA office. To schedule, call (610) 861-0777 or visit our website, www.drrobertruyak.com.