Tips for a Nice Smile

With selfies and instant photo sharing taking over the internet, Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. wants you to have a camera-ready smile at all times. With a variety of cosmetic services to choose from, we can enhance your smile anyway you’d like. However, if there is any reason you can’t go the cosmetic route at this moment, we will provide you with these tips that will give you a photogenic smile no matter what.

• Be natural – when it’s picture time, smile gently. That way, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.


• Check your teeth and gums – getting your smile camera-ready sometimes calls for a little behind the scenes prep work. If your pearly whites have yellowed with age, try an over-the-counter whitening product or pay us a visit! Also, don’t forget about taking care of your gums. They play a critical role in your nice smile. So keep them in good shape by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a mouthwash every day.


• Practice – your perfect smile may not happen overnight, but if you have a big photo event like a wedding or a graduation coming up, it doesn’t hurt to try out your grin in front of the mirror!

If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

Break Those Tender Teeth Habits

If you avoid eating cold foods or drinking hot beverages because your teeth are a little tender, it may be time to get to the root of this problem. If you have sensitive teeth, Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C.  may recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to decrease sensitivity. Sometimes the solution is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following habits, do your best to break them.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will leave you in pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you experience tooth sensitivity, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.

How to Handle a Dental Emergency

Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. understands that accidents happen. Knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or your child experience some sort of trauma to your mouth for whatever reason, please give us a call immediately. Meanwhile, in the midst of a dental emergency, utilize these tips to ensure a smooth recovery. 

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you suffer a dental emergency, please give us a call immediately. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. called our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.