Dr. Sameh Aknouk

“I used to wake up with headaches and jaw pain every morning. My husband said I sounded like I was chewing rocks all night.” 😣🦷

That’s what one of our patients told us before she got her custom night guard.

She didn’t even know she was grinding. She blamed her pillow. Her stress. Her long workdays.

But the real culprit? Bruxism – teeth grinding and clenching during sleep.

What changed:
✅ She got a custom night guard – comfortable, thin, and made just for her mouth
✅ Morning headaches disappeared
✅ Jaw pain stopped
✅ Her teeth stopped wearing down

“Now I wake up rested. My teeth feel smooth again. I didn’t know how bad it was until I fixed it.”

If you wake up with jaw pain, headaches, or worn teeth – let’s talk.

We’ve got your smile. 😊
📍 Union Square, Manhattan & Parkchester, Bronx
📅 Link in bio to schedule a bruxism evaluation.

Myth Monday: “Whitening weakens your teeth.” ⚡🦷
Let’s set the record straight.
The myth: Professional whitening damages enamel or makes teeth brittle.

The truth: When done correctly – under professional supervision – whitening is safe and does NOT weaken teeth.

How it works:
✅ Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide breaks down stains at a molecular level
✅ Enamel is not harmed
✅ Any temporary sensitivity is mild and goes away within days

What actually weakens teeth:
❌ Brushing with charcoal toothpaste (too abrasive)
❌ Using over‑the‑counter products too often or incorrectly
❌ Grinding or clenching
❌ Acidic drinks (soda, citrus) without rinsing

The bottom line: Professional whitening is safe, effective, and approved by dental associations worldwide.

We’ve got your smile. 😊
📍 Union Square, Manhattan & Parkchester, Bronx
📅 Link in bio to schedule a professional whitening consultation.

Your gums and your heart talk to each other. Here’s what you need to know. 🫀🦷

Research shows that people with gum disease (periodontitis) have a higher risk of heart disease. Why?

The link:
🦠 Bacteria from infected gums can enter your bloodstream
🧬 Bacteria can trigger inflammation in your blood vessels
💔 Inflammation contributes to artery hardening (atherosclerosis), which can lead to a heart attack or stroke

The good news?
Treating gum disease can reduce inflammation throughout your body, potentially lowering your heart risk.

What you can do:
✅ Brush twice daily, floss daily
✅ Don’t ignore bleeding gums – see us
✅ Get regular cleanings and exams
✅ Tell us if you have a family history of heart disease

Your smile isn’t separate from your heart. We care about both.

We’ve got your smile. 😊

📍 Union Square, Manhattan & Parkchester, Bronx
📅 Link in bio to schedule a gum health evaluation.

Missing front teeth? Here’s what restoration can do. 🦷✨
This patient came to us with missing upper front teeth – likely from trauma or extraction. The remaining teeth were damaged or decayed. Smiling? Talking? Eating? All difficult.

The top half shows:
❌ Missing upper incisors
❌ Damaged adjacent teeth
❌ Healing gum tissue
❌ Loss of confidence

The bottom half shows:
✅ A fixed dental bridge (or prosthetic restoration)
✅ Natural‑looking crowns replacing missing teeth
✅ Restored smile, speech, and biting function
✅ Renewed confidence and facial support

Without X‑rays or records, we can’t say for certain if it was a bridge, implants, or a temporary prosthesis – but clinically, it’s a clear anterior esthetic rehabilitation case. And the result? Life‑changing.

What this patient gained:
😁 The ability to smile without covering their mouth
🗣️ Clearer speech
🍎 Normal eating again
💪 A boost in self‑esteem

We’ve got your smile. 😊

📍 Union Square, Manhattan & Parkchester, Bronx
📅 Missing teeth? Let’s talk about your restoration options. Link in bio to schedule a consultation.