Dr. Tina Frangella It’s unnerving for any parent to watch as their child suffers in pain and agony during the teething process. You want to help however you can because you want them to feel better.
But you need to be careful when deciding on what to offer your child to chew on during this stage of their oral development. On the “to-avoid” list is teething jewelry. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned parents not to use this jewelry, which includes necklaces, bracelets, and other items, because it can be dangerous. There have been reports of deaths and serious injuries. In one case, a 7-month-old choked on the beads of a wooden teething bracelet while under supervision, according to ADA News. Another child, an 18-month-old, died after being strangled by his teething necklace while sleeping.
These products are made out of materials such as marble, silicone, amber, or wood. They are specifically marketed for relieving teething pain and providing stimulation for people with special needs. Instead of taking unnecessary risk with these products, we recommend heeding the warning and talking to us, your Manhattan dentist, about the safe options for your child. Some of the safe ways to provide relief are:
- Take one finger and gently rub or massage the gums.
- Clean your baby’s mouth with a damp gauze pad three or four times per day.
- Give them a teething ring made of rubber.
It’s a life-altering moment, and one of the main reasons I love what I do! A recent article on the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry’s website highlights the fact it can be challenging – for even the most skilled dentists – to replace a missing a tooth in this area and have it look authentic. I can attest to the fact that certain cases are more complex than others. At Frangella Cosmetic and General Dentistry, my siblings and I use minimal to non-invasive treatments to help people like you achieve optimal results that can last a lifetime. We want you to feel relaxed and confident when you put your dental care in our hands. And … we have the education and experience to create your perfect smile! If you’re missing one or more teeth, or lose any teeth in the future, it’s important you address it early on. If not, you may experience …
- bone loss
- facial changes (older look)
- shifting teeth
- difficulty chewing food.
At Frangella Cosmetic and General Dentistry, I’ve helped correct the imperfections of many smiles with bonding. Whether teeth are stained, cracked, chipped, or spaced unevenly, this safe and effective technique is convenient and can be completed in just one appointment. In order to fix these flaws and give you the best results possible … I stay up-to-date on the latest bonding agents and technologies and review cosmetic dentistry studies. For example, I recently pulled up an ACE Panel Report that included survey results on the use of different bonding agents. In it, nearly 300 US dentists and American Dental Association members shared insight on which tooth surfaces are toughest to bond, what their top five preferred products are, and which bonding techniques are their favorite. I won’t bore you with all the details … but let’s just say it’s valuable stuff for a dental professional like myself – who wants to give you the ultimate results! How does bonding work? When providing this treatment, we attach a tooth-colored resin (plastic) material to the affected tooth. A strong light cures the resin in place. We sculpt and mold the material – like an artist – so that your tooth looks and feels natural and whole again. It’s often an excellent alternative to amalgam restorations.
Dental bonding is also…
- Cost-effective. It’s less expensive than veneers. If you need it done to fill a small cavity or for structural reasons, your dental insurance will cover the treatment.
- Non-invasive. With our techniques and technology, we’ll be able to help you relax while we enhance your smile.
- Most treatments can be completed within an hour … so you don’t have spend most of your day in the dentist chair.
- Long-lasting. By properly looking after your smile at home, your bonding treatment can remain effective for as long as 10 years.
Dr. Tina has only one four-legged companion, but she has more than enough love to give.
Mabel, a Boston Terrier, was born on March 11, 2010. Imagine how cute she was! She’s a sweet friend who gets along very well with Dr. Tina’s kids, Lea and Ashlyn. “She’s always excited to see people and is always looking for belly rubs,” Dr. Tina says.
Dr. Tina has always had a soft spot for dogs. She chose a Boston Terrier because of its energy level, temperament, and ideal size. They grow 15-17 inches tall and only weigh 10-25 pounds.
Mabel is like an Olympic sprinter, running as fast as she can after tennis balls, squirrels … you name it! Dr. Tina likes throwing tennis balls to her and when she races with the kids. They like to hang out – with Mabel resting in her lap.
As for why Dr. Tina decided on the name Mabel, she says it “just seemed to fit.”
Facts about the Boston Terrier:
- It was the first dog breed in the USA.
- They used to be bred as rodent hunters and fighting dogs.
- For nearly 40 years, the Boston Terrier has been the official State dog of Massachusetts.
- It was given the nickname “the American gentleman” because it looks like it’s wearing a tuxedo.
- They are loud snorers and are known to clear a room due to their gassiness. (Don’t laugh! ?)
- The late US president Gerald Ford owned two Boston Terriers named Fleck and Spot. Celebrity owners include Rose McGowen, Allison Sweeny, and Denise Richards.
