Bernstein Dental Care: Blog

A frenectomy is the term for removal of a frenulum, or muscular attachment between two tissues, from the mouth.  Bernstein Dental Care performs frenectomies to correct a number of issues patients may have with their teeth, lips, and tongue.  There are three main frenula in your mouth.  One is located underneath your tongue, and removing this is called a lingual frenectomy.  Patients with an enlarged frenulum underneath their tongue will not be able to move their tongue freely.  This can interfere with speech and is often called ‘tongue tie’. Lingual frenectomies are typically performed on young patients, who can recover quickly and continue to develop their speech. Another two frenula in your mouth are between the font teeth (both upper and lower) and connects the inner surface of the lip with the gum.  Removing this attachment is called a labial frenectomy.  Patients who have receding gums can benefit from this procedure, because a strong frenulum from the gum to the lip can cause ext

In the earliest stage of periodontal disease – gingivitis – you may not be aware of the problem until your gums become inflamed and it hurts to brush and floss your teeth. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color, so if yours are anything but, it might be time to visit Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. When periodontitis becomes aggressive, this can lead to a serious infection that destroys the bone that supports the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if the patient doesn’t treat this condition right away. Like gingivitis, periodontitis begins with plaque – a sticky invisible film that forms on your teeth and causes decay – and the best form of prevention is to practice proper oral hygiene. In addition to brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day you should be visiting Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care to improve the

Your toothbrush is the ultimate weapon to fight against periodontal disease, cavities, and tooth decay – but are you using it properly? Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care knows that patients have been brushing their teeth since they learned how, but they might be surprised to learn that they are brushing incorrectly. Next time you brush your teeth, try utilizing these tips if you aren’t already. Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria. If you have questions or concerns about oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide, visit  www.bernsteindentalcare.com  for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Ber

A toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash are the three essentials you’ll need in your home to combat the first stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Studies show that an estimated three out of four American adults suffer from this condition, though all you need to do to prevent it is practice proper oral care. Dr. Paul Bernstein would like to explain what happens to the teeth when gingivitis sets in and encourages you to brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to protect your teeth and gums.  You should also visit us twice a year for routine cleanings. Gingivitis develops when plaque is not removed after consuming carbohydrates. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, bacteria from plaque can cause the gums to be inflamed and bleed easily when you do decide to brush your teeth. There are a number of factors that can contribute to gingivitis, but smoking, diabetes, poor nutrition, and especially poor oral hygiene habits are the primar