Blog Archive

When you brush your teeth twice a day, don't forget about brushing your tongue!   This will help remove bacteria that contributes to oral odors (especially in the back, where most of these bacteria are found). At Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we specialize in helping you achieve the best...

Those at Risk for Oral Cancer Passing certain age thresholds and engaging in certain lifestyle habits can place you at increased risk for oral cancer. For example, men tend to have higher rates of oral cancers than women. Here is the short list:· Patients age 40 and older (95% of...

The holidays are almost here and so is all the hustle and bustle and the festivities that comes with them. The last thing you want is a dental emergency which detracts from spending quality time with your family and loved ones. Eating more hard-to-chew, sugary treats than usual could result...

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is the time when we get our fill of a variety of dishes. No wonder, the very thought of Thanksgiving conjures up images of delicious dishes in our mind. While roast turkey tops the list of Thanksgiving goodies, there are several other delicacies that we consume during this...

It’s more than a coincidence that America celebrates National Brush Day on November 1, exactly one day after bidding adieu to Halloween. After binging on candy for so long, naturally, everyone is obsessed with getting their kids’ teeth back in shape. While brushing is definitely the most effective way of cleaning our...

As a concerned parent who can’t bear the thought of depriving your children of their trick and treat candy experience and yet worry about the consequences on their delicate teeth, here’s how you can eat the cake and keep it too! Incidentally, both, parents and children will love a recent...

Halloween Candy Cavities Halloween candy season is exciting for kids and doting adults alike. But behind the chatter and ‘trick or treat’ calls, few realize the dangers that lie in store for our teeth. Market reports indicate that nearly 25% of annual candy sales are generated during the season and dentists...

If you’re contemplating Invisalign merely because you want to get your teeth straightened or unclutter your teeth, the good news is, there’s more to using Invisalign than meets the eye. In terms of positive takeaways, it’s not just your teeth or oral health that the transparent dental aligners deliver. Behind the scenes,...

Undoubtedly, Invisalign is the buzzword in the world of orthodontal realignment. Practically invisible, the near-transparent dental aligners have made conventional braces and clips, passé. Getting Invisalign is a great option for people looking to address problems like crooked teeth, abnormally wide spaces between teeth, overbite, under bite, open bite and...

Few people realize that a regular dental check-up is like the proverbial stich in time save nine. Apart from providing a timely evaluation of your dental health, oral examinations also help in timely detection of physical ailments linked to other parts of the body. So, the next time you visit...

As of late, are you noticing people taking a step backwards or turning their faces ever so discreetly whenever you go closer to them? If yes, bad breath is most probably the reason behind the discomfort your friends and colleagues face when in close quarters with you. The worst part...

Mention the word dental care, and images of toothbrush and dental floss invariably pop up in our mind. What about the new water flosser? Is it better than traditional flossing? While brushing is undoubtedly the primary mode of cleaning teeth, regular flossing is crucial for clearing up plaque formation in those hard...

For quite a long time, people thought that regular physical exercises only benefit the muscles and blood vessels in our body. It was also understood that keeping our teeth healthy meant regularly brushing them, flossing them and massaging the gums. But of late the world is sitting up and taking...

Consider These 5 Things Before Buying Your New Toothbrush Good oral hygiene is important for your teeth and your general health. While we all know that you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, but when it’s time to buy a new toothbrush do you really know which...

Everyone wants sparking whiter teeth and a radiant smile. But, let’s be honest; it costs a lot of money to get your teeth whitened by a professional all the time! Not to mention, there are a lot of products out there that can damage the enamel on your teeth and that is...

The holiday season always makes it okay to have one, or maybe two extra drinks at your holiday party or family get together. However, alcoholic drinks aren’t the best for your dental health. Don’t despair. Our dental health experts discuss best drinks to minimize teeth damage while indulging in alcoholic...

It’s December which means several holiday parties. It also means numerous pictures which may eventually make it onto social media. The last thing you need is an unattractive smile. Today, our experts at Signature Smile General and Cosmetic Dentistry provide tips on how to prepare your smile for the festive...

Flossing your teeth is an important part of your dental care regiment. With all the flossing tools available, it can be confusing deciding which one will give you the optimum results. Here are five flossing tools that can be used to remove that cavity causing residual food particles in between...

Tooth decay, commonly know as cavities or dental caries can occur to anyone, especially in children and young adults. If left untreated, dental cavities become infected and lead to tooth loss. What is tooth decay? The process of tooth decay begins with bacteria in your mouth, which survives by feeding...

Typically, trips to a dentist’s office are not considered a favorite past time – mostly as a result of dental anxiety. In fact, 50% of adults skipped going to the dentist in 2009, according a study by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What is Dental Anxiety?...

Several individuals have lost one or more of their teeth as a result of cavities and gum disease. Missing teeth can cause problems with your speech, make chewing a difficult task and also have an adverse effect on your self-esteem. Seeing a dentist about tooth replacement options, which include dental...

It has often been said that technology eliminates human error, and it has certainly proved to be true with the Itero Scanner. Last week, our professionals at Signature Smile General and Cosmetic Dentistry discussed the effect of the Itero Scanner on the Invisalign process. This week we are going to...

What do you dislike most about orthodontic procedures? Is it the thought of constantly having something on your teeth or not being able to indulge in your favorite foods? One of the most common orthodontic procedures is straightening teeth. Traditionally, metal braces were used to straighten crooked teeth. Technological advancements...

Flossing has been a hot topic of discussion recently. In fact, it almost seems that “only floss the teeth you want to keep” it being heard on the streets and in the subway. Apparently, we as humans lack dexterity to floss correctly, which could ultimately leave our teeth and gums...

Regular trips to your dentist’s office, brushing your at least teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing your teeth once a day has been deemed to be “the proven formula for success when it comes to keeping your teeth healthy,” by the American Dental Association (ADA)....

We are all aware that we need to exercise proper oral health in order to maintain healthy gums. However, recent studies indicate that proper oral care is also essential for a healthy brain, heart – basically, your entire body. An infection in your mouth can increase your risk for cardiovascular...

The addition of fluoride in drinking water has been a topic of debate since it was first put into practice about half a century ago. The issue was raised again since Portland, Ore, the largest city in the US to not have fluoride in its drinking water, decided to implement...

The moment we notice cavities in our permanent teeth, one of the first things that pops into our minds is the thought of walking around with a disgusting, discolored tooth. However, if treated early enough, tooth decay or caries, more commonly known as cavities, serious complications that may result in...

What you eat affects every aspect of your health including your dental health by not only preventing gum disease and tooth decay, but also building healthier gums and teeth. It is important what foods make up the best diet for your teeth. Fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, unsaturated fats and...

Who doesn’t like the slight burning sensation of mouthwash? You may even feel as though the germs and bacteria are being totally destroyed by the mouthwash, but how can you be sure it’s doing exactly that? Oral rinses certainly have a reputation for killing bad breath, and giving your mouth...

Many Americans today will tell you that their teeth are in relatively good shape. As such, many Americans abstain from routine dental appointments with their dentists out of sheer complacency as well as financial constraint. A lot of people feel that good dental health is a luxury they cannot afford...

Vitamin D is an essential element to a person’s overall health, but did you know that Vitamin D could also be essential to oral health as well? According to a new review of existing studies published in the journal Nutrition Reviews, this claim can be sufficiently validated. The review, which...

We all are well aware by now of the hazardous effects tobacco can have on one’s general health. However, do we fully understand the precise effect it has on our oral health? We have all seen the horrifying commercials, depicting people with false teeth, or severely damaged teeth and gums....

Although many are familiar with certain foods that are perhaps considered bad for your teeth, most are unfamiliar with those the can actually be beneficial. Yes, certain foods out there can help strengthen teeth and gums, and you might be surprised as to which ones can do so. For example,...

Teeth-Whitening is something that is requested often from our clients here at our office in Brooklyn Heights. It’s no wonder why people are looking to brighten their smile, and teeth-whitening is a great way to do so. Although teeth-whitening can be an enormous confidence enforcer for people, it is important...

Keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape is not restricted to any age; it should be a common practice at all stages of life. Being acutely aware of oral-health and the effect it has on your overall health is of paramount importance, regardless of your age. Staying on top...

We’re willing to bet that you’ve never considered oral health as a contributor to heart health? And why would you ever consider this, it seems considerably far-fetched. Believe it or not, the two actually are intertwined in a really interesting way. Research has proven that there are actually a few...

There are many options when it comes to mouth rinses, but the right choice is often unclear. Often we hear questions from clients at our office in Brooklyn Heights about how to choose the correct mouth rinse. Although there is no clear-cut answer to this question, there are many things...

Getting those hard to reach spaces between your teeth is not always that easy, depending on your method. Flossing has long been known to be an integral method in maintaining good dental health, and as such, it is best to know the correct way to do it. According to most...

When it comes to picking the right toothbrush, the question is often asked: do I go manual or electric? Professionals to and fro have argued this question in recent years and yet the answer seems rather skewed. Though the electric toothbrush has gained traction over the past decade or so,...

October is breast cancer awareness month, so Signature Smile Dental would like to take a moment to honor the brave individuals who have dealt or are dealing with breast cancer. Your strength and bravery is truly inspiring. In hopes of raising awareness, we would like to share a study from...

Gingivitis, we have all heard of it, but do you know what it actually is? Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease! Without proper care, gingivitis can lead to serious oral health issues, even tooth loss. In this article, Signature Smile Dental will walk you through gingivitis, how to...

Signature Smile General and Cosmetic Dentistry want our patients to have the knowledge needed to maintain a healthy smile. You should know by now that having a strong dental regiment is crucial to keeping your teeth strong and healthy throughout your life, but are you doing anything wrong? We have...

If you have any fillings or crowns it is important to periodically check them for signs of wear. Overtime, fillings and crowns become worn out from normal activities like chewing, but a worn down crown or filling can be a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria build up. As we have...

In the next week, children from all over will be returning to school to fill their brains with brand new knowledge. But don’t forget to also fill their lunch bags with healthy choices! Sugary foods are not only bad for your health, they can also lead to unwanted dental issues!...

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new, more effective way, to prevent and fight off bacterial infections. Studies show that 1 in 7 dental fillings fail and 86% of that number is due to bacterial infections. With a new antibacterial solution called Pertinax, dentists will soon have the means of greatly increasing the effectiveness and durability of many dental procedures. Pertinax,...

Many adults lose one or more teeth in their lifetime due to oral diseases, accidents, or injuries. For some people, if left untreated, a missing tooth could lead to chewing problems, impaired speech, and lower confidence. Here at Signature Smile Dental, we want our patients to have a healthy and confident smile,...

For many Americans, soda is the beverage of choice when eating a meal. Unfortunately, a new study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry has revealed that this choice is the leading factor behind dental erosion and decay. Dental erosion occurs when the protective outer-layer of your teeth, known as enamel, is broken...

Braces used to be something you did as a kid, or unfortunately missed out on. But with the latest advancements in dental technology, more and more adults are realizing that adult braces could change their life. We here at Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry want all of our patients...

Do you find yourself waking up with headaches or jaw pain? If so, you may be grinding your teeth while you sleep, a condition known as bruxism. While seemingly harmless, bruxism should not be taken lightly as it can lead to increased dental problems down the road. Teeth grinding and clenching can occur...

If you are looking to have a million dollar smile that you only see on the red carpet, then veneers may be exactly what you are looking for. Today, more and more celebrities have porcelain veneers custom made to give them perfect looking teeth. Actors like George Clooney, Tom Cruise, and Miley Cyrus...

We here at Signature Smile Dental are always telling you to brush and floss your teeth daily to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile -but based on 2013 survey by the American Dental Association, a staggering 18.5% of Americans do not floss at all. Why is Flossing Important? Flossing is...

If you feel insecure about a “gummy” smile or teeth that appear too small you may be interested in a surgical procedure known as crown lengthening. Crown lengthening, also known as a gum lift, is a cosmetic procedure that can enhance the look of your smile by exposing more of your teeth hidden...

Are you having difficulty when it comes to getting your kids to brush their teeth? Well as we know, kids learn by observing and copying their parents behavior. Here are a few tricks that you could do to help get your kids excited about brushing their teeth. 1. Lead by...

St. Patrick’s Day – a day that many spend heavily drinking and sporting green apparel while celebrating the Irish culture. But as we know, excessive alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to unexpected altercations which in turn lead to impromptu dental visits on the following day. No, this isn’t a joke...

Morning breath – we’ve all had it. You wake up and hold your breath as you kiss your partner good morning, hoping you somehow managed to save them from the less then appealing smell that has developed overnight. Have you ever wondered why this happens? The answer is more simple...

Have you ever had your teeth whitened? If so, then you know how great it feels to look in the mirror and see your new radiant white smile. But whether you use an in-home whitening kit or you have it professionally done in our Brooklyn Heights office, we are here...

There are two kinds of people in this world – those who use mouthwash and those who don’t. Okay, okay – so life may be a bit more complicated than that, but when it comes to using mouthwash, some people can’t decide if the minty burn is right for them....

Want to hear an interesting (and possibly a little disturbing) fact? Researchers have found that a single toothbrush could be home to as many as 10 million different germs and bacteria. Some studies even go as far as to call it a breeding ground for tiny microorganisms. But don’t worry!...

As we have discussed in a previous post, tooth sensitivity is one of the most common issues that affect dental patients. The sharp pains some experience from cold or hot temperatures is not just uncomfortable, it can also lead to more severe issues down the road. Just as a re-cap, tooth sensitivity occurs when the...

WInter is here and with it comes the cold! I think everyone can agree – nothing is worse than having to get out of bed in the morning to face the icy chill – but for those with sensitive teeth, that same icy chill can cause even more discomfort. Did...

The end of the insurance year is here! Have you had your 2 check ups and cleanings yet? Call us today to set up an appointment! With the holiday season upon us, our entire team at Signature Smile Dental want to remind our patients to take full advantage of any dental insurance...

A recent study has showed that periodontal disease could make some African Americans 4 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the ligaments and bones that support the teeth and most commonly affects African Americans. It has also been identified as a...

A study conducted by a team from McGil University in Montreal shows that people who take antidepressant medicine are twice as likely to have their dental implants fail. Some examples of common antidepressants are Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Paxil, and Celeva. These medicines have selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which are a class...

Falling asleep while wearing your dentures may be more dangerous than you’d think. According to a recent study published by the International and American Associations for Dental Research in the OnlineFirst portion of the Journal of Dental Research, elderly people who wear dentures while they sleep have a higher risk...

According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center at the Houston (UTHealth) School of Dentistry, hollow-head toothbrushes may retain up to 3,000 times more bacteria than solid-head power toothbrushes. Donna Warren Morris, R.D.H., M.Ed,, the lead author and professor at the UTHealth School...

Looking to get a brighter smile this holiday season? Signature Smile has a few options to improve the brightness of your teeth – but we’d also like to inform you of common reasons for discoloration in hopes that you can achieve and maintain the smile you’ve always wanted. There are two types...

Add a little brain strengthening to your morning routine by brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand! The brain is like a muscle – the more it is used, the more it grows, adapts, and rewires itself. Doing simple daily tasks, like brushing with your opposite hand, will force your...

What is Fluoride and How Can I Help My Teeth? If you went to the dentist as a kid, then I am sure you remember that pink bubble-gum flavored paste after your treatment – sure it tasted great, but do you know what it was and how it helped your...

Myth #1 – “People will be able to tell I have veneers.”This used to be true years ago – However, with modern technology and a skilled clinician, your veneers will blend seamlessly with your smile. Giving you the beautiful and natural smile you’re imagining. Myth #2 – “You need to...

Most people don’t think too much about their teeth or oral health, (until they start to hurt anyway!) But, believe it or not, there’s actually quite a bit to know about your teeth and oral care. Here are a few fun dental facts you can show off with. Tough Stuff...

Cavities and tooth decay or damage are among the most common reasons anyone needs to see a dentist. Many people assume that fixing these issues is a fairly basic procedure. And while most every dentist can easily correct them, not all fillings are created equal, and there are actually several...

For many patients, just the mere mention of root canal procedure can make them cringe. However, what these patients don’t realize is that new technological advancements in dental technology have all but made the negative aspects of root canal therapy a thing of the past. Here’s a brief look at...

Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks to braces is the limitations on the types of food you should eat while wearing them. Certain foods affect your teeth more negatively while wearing braces, and others may actually break the braces themselves. Here’s a quick rundown of the types of food to...

Many patients experience a popping or clicking noise in their jaw from time to time. While it rarely hurts or inconveniences them in any way, some still wonder about what it means. Here’s a brief explanation for some of our more curious patients. Biology When we open our jaws, the...