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...

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to not only enhance the aesthetic appearance of your smile but to maintain its optimal health. At Bernstein Dental Care, Dr. Paul Bernstein offers a variety of cosmetic procedures to patients looking for the right fit and he is happy to discuss one of them or all of them with you during a consultation. While restorative dentistry addresses problems that are a necessary fix, cosmetic dentistry is a more elective type of treatment. Allow us to explain. At Bernstein Dental Care, we want you to be satisfied with the cosmetic procedure you choose to makeover your smile. These procedures are usually desired by the patient, but Dr. Bernstein will make suggestions and recommendations where he sees fit. General cosmetic services that we provide our patients with include veneers, whitening, dental bonding, and inlays and onlays. Veneers, bonding, as well as inlays and onlays can be used to fix chipped, broken, or decayed teeth, while whitening can make your pear...

Invisalign is the invisible alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens. Dr. Paul Bernstein and Bernstein Dental Care recommend Invisalign to correct mild to moderate spacing or crowding of the teeth.  Severe misalignment may require another method, so always consult your dentist.  To straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we begin with an examination. Then, impressions or scans of your teeth are used to create a full set of aligners customized to your teeth and your treatment plan.  An Invisalign treatment plan consists of a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teeth, and a typical treatment plan can be completed in less than a year. Depending on your individual treatment plan, each set of aligners should be worn at least 20 hours a day for about two weeks. The aligners should be removed to eat, and to brush and floss. To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide, visit www.bernsteindentalcare.com for more information....

Dr. Paul Bernstein and the staff at Bernstein Dental Care appreciate feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Elizabeth D. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!   "I just love Dr. Bernstein.  He is an excellent dentist, his staff is amazing, and most importantly he gives you his 100% attention when he is working with you. Dr. Bernstein, you get two thumbs up and a thank you! Now when I sit in that chair I have no fear of the dentist at all!" To learn about the services we provide at the practice visit www.bernsteindentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Bernstein of Bernstein Dental Care in Brooklyn, NY, call 718-833-9191.