Blog Archive

One advantage of metal braces is you don’t have to count on your teen to make sure they work. But if your teen prefers Invisalign® and you’re wondering how they’re supposed to keep track of small plastic aligners for the next 10+ months, you’re in the right place.  Responsibility and...

Your teeth are incredibly durable, but they’re not designed to withstand everything life throws at them. An injury can result in cracked or chipped teeth, poor dental hygiene can call for a root canal, and genetics can hand you an oddly shaped tooth. In these cases (and many others), you...

Accidents happen, and kids are easy targets. One moment, they’re playing happily; the next, they’ve knocked out a tooth.  As a parent, the sight of a bloody, gaping hole in your child’s mouth can seem like a crisis. But is a knocked-out baby tooth a dental emergency?  At Rifkin Dental...

Since 2002, when the FDA approved them for cosmetic use, Botox® injections have quickly become a household name and a powerhouse in the aesthetic world.  However, before Botox smoothed out its first wrinkle, researchers discovered it was effective against many health conditions, including eye twitching, migraines, overactive bladder, and severe...

You’ve noticed your child’s teeth have started to shift out of place, and you fear it’s the beginning of a slew of oral health problems. Are braces your kid’s only (or best) path forward? Maybe not. At Rifkin Dental in Carmel and Yorktown Heights, New York, our families come to...

You’ve waited a long time for your new smile, but there’s one more phase to get through before you can truly enjoy it: recovery. Recovery from dental implant surgery looks different for everyone, but it typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on how your procedure went and whether or not you...

Your smile is one of your most important social features, but none of us can hang onto our pearly whites for a lifetime. Unfortunately, Father Time is a master thief who comes for almost every aspect of your health and beauty, even your smile.  But if you know the cause...

Invisalign® has solidified its place as one of the premier teeth-straightening methods since it first hit the market back in the 90s. Over two decades, 15 million folks (and counting) have turned to these undercover orthodontic devices to transform their smiles in a matter of months.  If you’re one of...

The teething phase of your little one’s life may be so fraught with tears and Tylenol that you can’t think of anything but helping your baby feel better. But once that first tiny tooth makes an appearance, it’s time to start planning a trip to the dentist.  In this blog,...

Having kids means making decisions — more than you could have ever imagined. You scrutinize everything from the clothes they wear to the toys they play with. It makes perfect sense that you’d pause to consider adding something to their oral hygiene routine.  Our dentists at Rifkin Dental in Carmel and...

They say the best offense is a good defense, and as dentists, we can’t agree more — especially where extractions are concerned. It may seem like a minor, routine procedure (and in many ways it is), but plenty can go wrong if you don’t know what to look for.  In...

Kids are sponges — they soak up and process information with astonishing speed. While this is a beautiful, almost magical, quality, children’s overactive minds can also cause havoc. Many kids struggle with nightmares, distressing visions, and anxiety over situations adults might consider no big deal.  Case in point — the...

Generally speaking, dental emergencies are just what you picture them to be: facial bone trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, knocked-out teeth, and the like. But dental emergencies can also be more subtle.  Those less obvious dental problems can actually be the most dangerous, as they can go undetected for months.  So, you...

Snoring isn’t a problem contained to your bedroom — the effects from a fitful night of snoring can spill over into the day and wreak havoc on your life.  But you no longer have to waste your time with nasal strips or awkward pillows. Our team of dentists at Rifkin Dental...

Missing teeth are a serious problem. Without a full set of pearly whites, you leave yourself vulnerable to oral health problems ranging from jawbone deterioration and teeth shifting to gum recession and periodontal disease.  But replacing your teeth can be tricky when you have so many choices. Do you opt...

We know that dentists are far from the most loved medical professionals. The sounds and smells in our office are enough to make upward of 60% of people suffer from dental anxiety.  Alas, sometimes professional dental services are the only thing standing between you and tooth decay so severe you wind up...

For many parents, their child’s oral health is one big question mark. When should I schedule my child’s first dental checkup? Should my toddler be flossing? These questions and others like them can quickly overwhelm you if you don’t know where to turn.  Our team of dentists at Rifkin Dental...

You haven’t been to the dentist in years, but every time you think about scheduling an appointment, you hear the sounds of drills and feel the scrape of dental instruments.  You have dental anxiety.  The good news? You’re not alone. You’re surrounded by millions of fellow dentophobes. The bad news?...

Having a smile you're ashamed of makes you want to run and hide — but you're not alone. Some studies report that more than half of Americans are in the same boat, covering their smiles and living with crushing self-esteem issues.  That's where veneers come in.  Despite what you may...

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way: Ancient Egyptians resorted to hammering shells into their gums to replace missing teeth, but today’s methods are more realistic and far less painful. The only issue is that the plethora of options can be confusing. And that's where our team of expert dentists at Rifkin Dental comes...

The numbers don't lie — periodontal (gum) disease is a growing problem in our country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that over 40% of adults in the United States over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease. By age 65, the number climbs to more than 70%. ...

Do you miss the days when you could talk with ease, chew without care, and smile with confidence? If so, then you likely have heard about dental implants as an option to restore your smile to its former glory. Maybe you have a friend or two who’ve had them, too....

For over 35 years, Rifkin Dental has served the Carmel and Yorktown Heights communities with an eye toward exceptional customer service. The practice started out as a one-man show founded by the late Dr. Richard Rifkin. Since its founding, Rifkin Dental has grown into the bustling operation that clients know...

You’ve heard the stories and seen the before and after pictures — you know Invisalign® works and works well. But how do you get the kind of results that make people do a double-take? In this post, our team of Invisalign specialists at Rifkin Dental tells you how.  We know...

When it comes to cavity prevention, there’s no substitute for professional cleaning by one of our experienced dentists.  But what are you supposed to do in between your scheduled cleanings? If you’re worried about keeping cavities at bay, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top five cavity-combatting hacks. 1. Get...

Deductibles, premiums, copayments, oh my! The language of the insurance world can be confusing at best and misleading at worst. But it shouldn’t stop you from receiving the care you need and deserve. In this post, our team of dentists at Rifkin Dental takes a moment to walk you through the difference between in-...

A tooth infection is a painful, frustrating oral health problem. It may be tempting to press an ice pack to your cheek or soothe your symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers, but if you don’t get the help you really need, the complications could be serious.  Our team of experienced dentists...

Invisalign® has revolutionized orthodontics, offering people everywhere a faster, sometimes cheaper way to get the smile of their dreams. Even still, these clear aligners require both time and financial commitment, so you want to be sure that your efforts will yield the best results. Here, our team of experienced dentists...

The grand reveal after months (or years) of wearing braces is a momentous occasion. Finally, you have the straight, healthy smile you’ve dreamed of.  But that’s not the end of your orthodontic story. Another piece of dental hardware is in your future. The retainer is a necessary part of your...

Braces? But you’re not a kid anymore. There’s no way you need braces this late in life, right? You may actually be wrong. Of the 4 million folks who wear braces in the United States, roughly a quarter of them are adults. If that surprises you, we get it. We also understand...

Crowns are one of the most effective and versatile dental treatments available. They help us address cosmetic issues, repair cracked and chipped teeth, and put the finishing touch on a root canal.  But they’re not an instant fix.  To make sure your crown fits properly and blends in flawlessly with the rest...

Your teeth may be some of the smallest parts of your anatomy, but that doesn’t mean oral surgery isn’t a big deal.  If you have an oral surgery procedure on the horizon, we know how many questions can pop up as your appointment date gets closer. That’s why our team of experts at Rifkin Dental is...

You’ve been told over and over again how important flossing is to your oral health. But what do you do when it seems as though flossing is doing more harm than good?  We don’t want you to abandon healthy habits just because your gums are bleeding. Here, our team of expert dentists...

Many people (upwards of 24%) are afraid of the dentist. And we understand why. The tools, sounds, and smells can easily set you on edge. Add the fear of pain, and it’s not hard to see why many aren’t thrilled about scheduling a dentist appointment.  That’s where our team of...

The changes that occur with age can cause serious and complex dental problems if you don’t maintain your oral health. Issues such as receding gums and fragile teeth can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth loss. The consequences can affect your ability to speak and chew normally and...

Living with a damaged or infected tooth can interfere with your quality of life. Symptoms such as tooth discoloration, gum swelling, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity can make it difficult to speak or eat normally. Together, these symptoms can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable as long as the untreated...

Beginning orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® is the start of your journey toward a straighter smile. With Invisalign clear aligner trays, you’ll have the advantage of wearing virtually invisible appliances while your teeth are gradually moved into their desired positions over time.  Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign requires your commitment to...

Every year, more than 5 million teeth are knocked out in U.S. children and adults. Whether you knock out a tooth while playing a contact sport, biting into a hard candy, or experiencing a fall, you can improve your chances of saving the affected tooth if you act quickly and...

Proper oral hygiene is your best defense against gum disease, an infection that damages the tissue, ligaments, and bone that support your teeth and hold them in place.  Gum disease can develop when bacteria and food debris are allowed to remain on your teeth and form dental plaque, a sticky...

Losing teeth as the result of decay, disease, or damage isn’t uncommon. The mouth of the average adult contains three or more decayed or missing teeth.  However, living with gaps from missing teeth can affect your quality of life. Without a full set of teeth, it can be a challenge...

Tooth extraction is a type of oral surgery that involves the removal of a tooth. While preserving your natural teeth is always preferable, tooth extraction may be recommended when repair and maintenance of a damaged tooth aren’t possible.  While it can be disturbing to consider purposefully removing a tooth, doing...

While there’s plenty of proof that professionally cleaning your teeth on schedule can prevent cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss, 100 million Americans don’t see a dentist annually.  If you’re not experiencing problems with your teeth or gums, you may be considering putting off your professional dental cleaning. However, attending...

Wisdom teeth usually erupt when you’re between the ages of 17 and 21. These four teeth, also known as third molars, grow at the back of your mouth, with one at the end of each upper and lower arch. By the time your wisdom teeth appear, you probably have 28...

Aside from the standard twice-annual dental visits, there are some emergency occasions that may require a last minute trip to the dentist office. Fortunately, dentists are equipped to help with dental emergencies on a timely basis to care for your health and well-being.  The following are some emergency dental needs...

You’re not alone if you’ve avoided or delayed getting dental treatment because of anxiety or fear. About 22% of adults avoid going to the dentist because they’re afraid.  No matter what your reasoning is for delaying a dental visit, the consequences of avoiding preventive or restorative dental care can increase...

Whether your dental surgery involves just one or all of your teeth, it’s common to feel nervous about having surgical instruments in your mouth. However, you can risk serious damage to your teeth, gums, and mouth if you let fear prevent you from getting the care you need.  To ensure...

Dental veneers are continuously gaining popularity because of the spectacular results so many are seeing. Veneers are recommended to anyone who is unhappy with their smile, but who doesn’t want to invest in orthodontics or wear braces. In some cases, veneers are also the best option if teeth have severe...

Regular dental cleanings can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Attending these twice-yearly appointments can also help identify dental problems at their earliest stages when treatment is often less complex and less costly.  In addition to the practical benefits, a professional dental cleaning delivers a one-of-a-kind feeling...

A dental extraction, or ‘getting your tooth pulled,’ can be necessary if the state of your tooth or a tooth’s impact on the surrounding teeth is cause for concern. This could be due to illness, tooth decay, or trauma that your teeth sustained. Removing one or multiple teeth frees up...

Investing in veneers is investing in a perfect lifelong smile. Beyond the cosmetic reasons that many opt for veneers, they also serve as a protective shield for your real teeth, which can strengthen them. Many wonder what the veneer process entails, as getting a brand new set of teeth sounds...

Preventive dentistry is important at any age but as you get older, it can make a difference between keeping your natural teeth and needing artificial tooth replacements. With appropriate preventive dentistry, losing your teeth doesn’t have to be a part of aging. About 75% of people over age 65 have...

Whitening your teeth is an easy and straightforward way of brightening your entire smile. Whether you have a big event coming up or you’re simply looking for a confidence boost, you’d be amazed how white teeth can make a difference. White teeth bring out the whites in your eyes, which...

While dentists and orthodontists are both focused on improving your teeth and mouth, the two are quite different. In a sentence: a dentist’s primary focus is ensuring that your oral health is in tiptop shape, whereas an orthodontist focuses on straightening and aligning your teeth and jaw. Orthodontics is a...

When you hear the words “porcelain veneers,” you’re probably thinking about how they would improve the look of your smile. But there’s more to veneers than meets the eye. These ultra-thin but durable teeth coatings do double-duty as both smile beautifiers and problem fixers. They not only hide imperfections in...

It’s advised to get dental X-rays every year on one of your two annual dentist visits. While this may seem frequent, X-rays give your dental provider an inside look into the real health of your teeth. X-rays don’t just provide a look at how your teeth are shifting or what...

Per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s recommendation, your child’s first teeth cleaning should be between ages 6 month and one year - right when their first tooth comes in! 6 months is the standard age that children’s teeth start coming in. A child’s very first tooth cleaning is a...

Many wonder before their routine teeth-cleanings or dentist appointments if they should first brush their teeth, or if it’s unnecessary given that they’re about to receive a teeth-cleaning. We always like to tell our patients to go ahead and do a quick brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush before they come...

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you’ll find that advances in dental technology have resulted in choices that involve less discomfort, embarrassment, and treatment time than traditional metal braces. One of the most popular and effective options uses Invisalign® clear aligners, a system that has successfully corrected more than 9 million...

There are many things we do while sleeping that we don’t know about - talking, walking, or even laughing. For the most part, these actions are harmless (and can make for quite the laugh!). However, up to 10% of individuals grind their teeth at night. These teeth grinding, otherwise known...

When you want to stay on top of your dental hygiene routine, it’s not a question of how many times per day you should brush your teeth. (However, a good rule of thumb is at least twice, according to the American Dental Association. We agree with them.) The most important...

Perhaps you’ve procrastinated about having a bi-annual dental cleaning and checkup because you’re too busy. Or, maybe you’re anxious about going to the dentist because you’ve fallen behind on oral hygiene. No matter what your reasoning is, if you don’t maintain a regular schedule of bi-annual dental cleanings and checkups,...

Many parents wonder when the best time is to bring their child into the dentist. It’s as simple as this: when their first tooth comes in, they’re due for a check-up! This typically happens between the age range of six months to one year old.  This first dental visit is...

While modern dentistry emphasizes the importance of protecting and maintaining your natural teeth, it’s not uncommon for your dentist to recommend removing one or more of them. In some cases, tooth extraction, or tooth removal, is the only option for preventing complications that can threaten the health of your entire...

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend that you should go to the dentist twice a year, or every six months. This schedule helps us keep a close eye on your oral health to make sure that everything is looking as it should! Going for too long without a...

Whether you visit the dentist twice a year or it’s been a while since your last visit, we are happy to have you. For every visit (but especially your first), make sure that you have the following items with you! Having these at the ready will ensure seamless communication and...

There are a few sage pieces of advice that we’ve used to prep our own children for their first dental visit, and these tips have worked for many of our adult patients who are parents and bring in their little ones. These pieces of advice can be helpful regardless of...

While the field of dentistry offers many innovative procedures to protect and repair your teeth, dental fillings remain one of the most common treatments used to save teeth damaged by cavities. The procedure is so frequently administered that adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have an average of...

Having a bright, dazzling smile is considered a sign of youth and attractiveness. However, teeth can easily become discolored, leaving you feeling less confident about the way you look. The issue is so relevant that 48% of people report being unhappy with their teeth, with 64% of those citing discoloration...

Despite widespread patient education on the advantages of preventing gum disease, almost 50% of U.S. adults over age 30 have an advanced form of this condition. If you’re not taking care of your gums with regular tooth brushing and flossing, you’re risking permanent tooth damage and a wide range of...

You’re on the right track to healthy teeth and gums if you brush twice daily as recommended by the American Dental Association. However, you can complement your hygiene routine by eating certain foods that can improve your dental health and provide natural protection against cavities and gum disease. While too...

An infected or decayed tooth can cause tooth discoloration, gum swelling, and persistent pain. You may also experience discomfort when you chew, have cold and hot food and drinks, or put pressure on the affected tooth. A root canal, technically called endodontic therapy, can relieve your symptoms and avoid the...

You can reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease if you follow the American Dental Association’s (ADA) recommendation to brush your teeth twice every day. However, if you use the wrong toothbrush, brush too forcefully, or apply other bad habits, you may offset the benefits of regular brushing....

You increase the likelihood of developing health problems if you ignore recommendations for keeping your mouth clean. Poor oral hygiene results in gum disease — an infection of the soft tissue, tooth ligaments, and bone that support your teeth.  Increasingly, there’s more evidence indicating that people with gum disease are...

When the pulp of your tooth — the inner core that contains blood vessels and nerves — dies because of decay that becomes advanced or injury, the only solution is one that you probably don’t want to hear: root canal. Take heart, because the root canal of today bears no...

Snoring or grinding your teeth at night can keep you awake and prevent you from getting a restful night’s sleep. Grinding can also bring on painful headaches or toothaches. Night guards won’t help you break bad habits, but they do provide a protective layer against wear-and-tear on your teeth from...

Dental emergencies can be stressful and also present a potentially dangerous problem for your oral health. Letting dental issues linger for longer than they should results in permanent damage to your teeth, and the need for more serious and expensive treatment later on. Dental problems like chipped teeth, toothaches, missing...

Professional teeth whitening is a popular and affordable cosmetic procedure that can improve the look of your smile. With this treatment, your dingy and discolored teeth become bright and sparkling in a short amount of time. The results of your professional teeth whitening treatment leave you with a more radiant...

If your dental care routine hasn’t changed but bad breath now lingers, even with more brushing or mouthwash added to the mix, the problem might run deeper than you think. Chronic bad breath could indicate that you have gum disease. The causes of bad breath Those who enjoy plenty of...

You may consider your desire for a more perfect smile a cosmetic issue, but there’s more to your pearly whites than just your looks. Having straighter teeth is better for your oral health now and in the future.  At Rifkin Dental in Yorktown Heights, New York, we don’t just recommend...

You’ve got a lot riding on your smile. After all, your smile and your teeth are among the first features people notice about you, whether they’re meeting you for the first time or the hundredth time. Having a beautiful smile and healthy-looking teeth makes you look more attractive and feel...

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints among both women and men. While most of us know stress and illness can contribute to a lot of acute and chronic headaches, including migraines, what many people don’t know is that their teeth — or more specifically, their bite —...

You know taking care of your teeth and gums is important. And you know that in order to do that, you have to see the dentist, both for regular checkups and exams and to treat toothaches and other problems. And you even know that putting off care or skipping routine...

What are dental implants? A dental implant is an alternative to a bridge, dentures or another device used to replace lost or damaged teeth. Dental implants are fused to your jawbone, replacing both the chewing surface of the tooth and its root.  Each dental implant consists of three parts: the...

Your smile is often the first feature people notice about you. That’s true whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or whether you’re “old” friends or colleagues who see each other on a daily basis. And when your smile is beautiful and healthy looking, it can make a big...

Pretty much everyone knows how important it is to have routine dental cleanings to help prevent both cavities and gum disease. But what many people don’t know is that there are actually two types of cleanings — the routine cleaning you have (or should have) every six months and a...

Over the years, root canals became synonymous with the worst of the dental experience. Fortunately, the pain that was once a necessary part of the procedure is long gone, thanks to contemporary anesthetics and pain management techniques. There remains much mystery around root canals for many people, though — questions...

Some people never develop wisdom teeth; those that do typically find they erupt between the ages of 17 and 25. No matter when they erupt, your dentist might flag your wisdom teeth for removal for a number of reasons, including impaction (meaning the teeth get trapped in the jawbone or...

For years, aligning your teeth meant having to deal with months or even years of unsightly metal braces cemented to your teeth. Along with this, you had to have frequent adjustments, which meant tightening wires to get the correct position and spacing. Though there have been advances to conventional braces,...

There’s a reason teeth are often referred to as “pearly whites.” If your teeth aren’t as bright or white as they used to be, teeth whitening treatment can help. We love offering whitening services to people seeking a more radiant smile. The following items are some of the most popular...

Most of us have been taught some version of the idea that sugar will rot our teeth. That’s why our parents rationed our Halloween candy (and why we parents tend to ration our kids’ Halloween candy). Even though sugar has a bad rap, Americans love the stuff. Research suggests the...

You don’t need us to tell you that cigarettes are bad for you. Cigarettes can impair oral health in a variety of ways, from provoking gum disease to increasing the risk of oral cancer. We hope you enjoy this blog, but please remember, it should NOT take the place of...

Nothing beats having your child crawl into your lap for a cuddle session at the end of a long day—unless that child’s breath is so stinky it could stop a hungry mountain lion in its tracks. Just like adults, children can develop bad breath (aka halitosis) for a variety of...

Most of us consider a trip to the dentist successful if we don’t have any new cavities. But as we waltz out the door—giddy about avoiding another filling—we may neglect to hear the dentist’s warnings about gum recession. Gum recession is generally a slow process by which gum tissue starts...

Raise your hand if you remember one of the first times you lost a tooth. Maybe it was fairly uneventful—say, your tooth dropped onto the table while your parents were cajoling you into eating your peas. Or maybe your family opted for more fanfare by tying your loose tooth to...

If the thought of getting a cavity taken care of fills you with dread, then you might find yourself running for the hills when your dentist suggests a dental implant. But in actuality, these procedures—though more involved than a standard cavity filling—are relatively painless and almost always successful. In fact,...

Buckle up folks, because it’s time to talk about everyone’s favorite dinner table subject: mouth sores! Okay, so we’re kidding. Mouth sores don’t exactly make for delightful conversation, nor are they a delightful experience. But they are common, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with their causes so you can...

As an athlete, you probably spend a lot of time thinking about your physical health. But in the midst of powering through intense training sessions and tossing back energy gels, it’s easy to lose sight of one critical aspect of that puzzle: your oral health. Athletic pursuits can complicate oral...

Many of us think of teeth straightening as the stuff of adolescence. We imagine metal braces, embarrassing moments marked by food getting stuck in said braces in the school cafeteria, and so on. But in reality, more and more adults are electing to straighten their teeth using a variety of...

These days, it seems like we’re all busy. Between shuttling the kids to soccer practice, juggling a demanding job, and staying on top of household chores, it can be tough to squeeze in a dentist appointment. Nevertheless, regular trips to the dentist are a critical aspect of oral health. That...

We all know the signs that it’s time to head to the grocery store for more food: Your stomach is rumbling, your pantry is bare, and you fridge is home to nothing more than a rotting tomato and some ancient takeout. But fewer people know how to recognize when it’s...

We all have that friend or coworker who loves to crunch on ice cubes as they go about their business. (Or maybe that friend or coworker is you.) Ice chewers can rattle off plenty of reasons for why they enjoy munching on ice, from relieving stress to cooling down or...

From creaky knees to chronic back pain, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate getting older. As you’re tallying up your new list of aches, pains, and medical considerations, make sure you don’t overlook your dental health. Aging can influence our oral health in a number of ways, and it’s...

Most us can remember that admonishment from our childhood: “Chew your food!” But in spite of the fact that many of our parental figures spent years trying to teach us to slow down and chew each bite of food before swallowing, it seems most of us failed to internalize the...

If you’re worried about getting a cavity (or you already have one), then you may have found yourself heading down an internet rabbit hole in pursuit of information about preventing or even reversing cavities. During that search, you’re liable to have come across the concept of tooth remineralization. While the...

Dentistry has come a long way. Just as technological innovation has revolutionized virtually every other medical industry, so too is tech transforming the oral health landscape. Here are five major innovations that are changing dentistry as we know it. Advanced Digital Imaging For years, dentists have had to rely exclusively...

It may seem like toothbrushes have always been ubiquitous. After all, people have probably been telling you to use a toothbrush your whole life. In actuality, the toothbrush as we know it is a relatively modern invention. But that doesn’t mean ancient people didn’t come up with some fairly ingenious...

Tooth extraction involves removing the entirety of a tooth from its socket. In other words, it’s most people’s #1 choice when it comes to choosing how they want to spend a few hours off work. In all seriousness, we realize tooth extraction might not sound very enticing. But here’s the...

We get it: When you’re tired or tipsy (or both), your bed looks a lot more inviting than your toothbrush. This helps explain why pretty much everybody has skipped a nighttime tooth brushing session at least once. (And a lot of people have done it a lot more than that.)...

So your dentist just advised you to start wearing a night guard. Now what? Here are five things you should know about properly using your new device. If your dentist has prescribed a night guard, it’s important to use it. Night guards are prescribed to folks who regularly grind or...

Our culture places a premium on an attractive smile, which helps explain why cosmetic dentistry has become more popular than ever before. More and more people are flocking to their dentists in search of ways to address a range of aesthetic dental concerns, from crooked, cracked, or missing teeth to...

Over the course of your lifetime, you’re likely to spend upwards of one thousand hours brushing your teeth. So you might as well make the most of that time by choosing a good brush. The right toothbrush for you will fit comfortably in your hand, reach the farthest crevices of...

Few words strike more terror into the dental patient’s heart than these: “You need a root canal.” In fact, root canals have earned such a bad reputation over the years that they’re commonly used as the bar by which a given situation is deemed either more or less terrible. (How...

If you’ve ever dealt with chronic dry mouth, then you know how distracting and uncomfortable the condition can be. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth arises when the mouth’s saliva glands don’t produce adequate amounts of saliva. This may result from smoking, dehydration, depression or anxiety, certain medications, cancer therapy,...

If you’ve ever been to the dentist, then you’ve probably gotten an earful about plaque and the importance of removing it from your mouth. But just because people have heard the word “plaque” a lot, that doesn’t mean they actually know what it is. If every dental patient in America...

Even though it’s fairly common, there’s something unnerving about spitting into the sink and noticing some blood mixed in with your saliva. Luckily, bleeding gums don’t usually indicate catastrophe. Instead, they’re most commonly a signal that your oral health routine could benefit from some tweaks. So before you panic at...

Oral hygiene devices have come a long way since the invention of the toothbrush. The original toothbrushes were devised in the 1400s and consisted of hog’s hair bristles attached to a handle made of bone or bamboo. From these simple tools arose a whole slew of oral care products ranging...

Got a cavity? You’re not alone. Research suggests more than 90 percent of American adults have had a dental cavity at some point. This means developing a cavity isn’t some kind of moral (or—ahem—oral) failing. Just as comforting? The solution is very straightforward. The standard treatment protocol for your run-of-the-mill...

Tooth sensitivity has a lot of causes, ranging from improper tooth brushing technique to cracked teeth or the consumption of acidic foods and beverages. No matter the cause, one thing is certain: Sensitive teeth are a real pain in the neck. One minute you’re enjoying your ice cream or hot...

If you’ve ever experienced tooth sensitivity, then you’re well aware of its symptoms. You bite into some freezing-cold ice cream or knock back some soda, and suddenly you’re wracked with tooth pain. If you experience this on a rare or frequent basis, you’re most certainly not alone. The Academy of...

When it comes to whitening teeth naturally, there are a lot of misconceptions out there. Some people think that gargling with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing an orange peel across your chompers will do the trick. But the reality is that there is no shortcut to whiter teeth. Instead, the best...

The tongue is one of those body parts that we don’t spend much time thinking about—unless and until something goes wrong with it. When changes in our tongue’s appearance, function, or sensations occur, it can be a nerve-wracking experience simply because it never occurs to most of us that anything...

X-rays are a powerful tool for identifying dental health issues and planning appropriate treatments. Without X-rays, your dentist’s understanding of your teeth, jaw, and mouth would be limited to only what they can see with the naked eye. With X-rays, dentists can develop a much deeper picture of everything that’s...

As a parent, it’s easy to invest so much energy into making sure your child is clean, fed, and clothed that you overlook the state of their teeth. (After all, which are you going to prioritize first: a loaded diaper or the vague notion that your kid should be flossing?)...

Cavities fall into the same category of unpleasantness as sitting beside a screaming child during a flight or getting a paper cut as you sort through the mail: They’re not fun, but they are a common experience. In fact, cavities are the second most common health disorder in the U.S.,...

X-rays are a staple of dentist appointments, yet they frequently provoke concerns about their cost and necessity. The reality is that any dentist worth their salt isn’t asking you to fork over cash for X-rays just so they can buy a new couch for their beach house. Instead, dentists use...

Dental anxiety affects up to 20 percent of American adults, and odds are good many of them learned those fears in childhood. (If you’re one of those adults, check out our list of tips for feeling more comfortable at the dentist.) Research suggests approximately nine percent of children exhibit anxiety...

Toothbrushes are designed to keep our mouths clean. But in the process, they often get very, very dirty. That’s the conclusion of the American Dental Association (ADA), which reports that toothbrushes can become contaminated in several ways. For starters, microorganisms in your mouth can stick around on the toothbrush after...

In the world of dentistry, myths are abundant. Have you heard the one about how root canals are more painful than childbirth? What about your friend’s cousin’s boyfriend who got a dental filling and could never chew again? A quick internet forum search or a survey among friends is all...

We’ve talked about the importance of flossing before, and we’ll do it again and again until the whole world knows it: Flossing is essential for reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and even heart disease. It’s also an important strategy for helping your teeth look and feel healthy and...

Nervous about going to the dentist? You’re most definitely not alone. Studies have found that approximately 20 percent of Americans go to the dentist as rarely as possible because they’re anxious about going, while five to eight percent of Americans avoid visiting the dentist entirely for that same reason.  ...

There’s a reason conventional wisdom holds that you shouldn’t eat garlic or onions while on a first date: The freshness of your breath (or lack thereof) can affect the impression you make on other people. From dates to board meetings, knowing that you have minty-fresh breath is a major confidence...

Here’s a quick way to ruin a vacation: Break one of your teeth. While the physical lives of children are more likely to result in cracked teeth than most adults’ lifestyles, the reality is that anyone can chip or break a tooth. Teeth that have been weakened by cavities or...

There are several reasons you might be considering a switch to a new dentist. Perhaps you’ve moved away from your old haunt, your beloved dentist of several years has just retired, or you’ve been feeling unsatisfied with the level of care you’re receiving and are ready to make a change....

When you head to a pharmacy or grocery store, you’re bombarded with decisions. By the time you’ve chosen a new shampoo and selected a milk brand, your brain is getting tired of picking and choosing. Then you head to the oral care aisle to pick up some new floss, only...

Rare (and lucky) is the parent who has never faced a child’s meltdown over the topic of brushing their teeth. While it can be easy to get frustrated in these moments, forcing tooth brushing on a child can backfire: Not only will it make them less willing to brush their...

It’s a common myth that if you have dentures, you don’t need to see a dentist as often as someone who still has all their permanent pearly whites. At first glance, this makes sense: If you have fewer or no natural teeth, then why would you need to consult someone...

If the prevalence of teeth whitening products is any indication, Americans are concerned about the color of their teeth.  Even though it might make us self-conscious, teeth discoloration is incredibly common, and it can result from a wide range of issues. Understanding these potential causes is essential for anyone who...

We’ve all been there: You wake up in the morning, roll over to kiss your partner, and they lovingly request that you go brush your teeth instead. It’s the dreaded affliction of morning breath, which is incredibly common—and incredibly annoying. If you’ve ever wondered why you wake up with breath...

If you’re a human being with teeth, it’s important to concern yourself with preventing gum disease. Merely having gums puts you at risk for gum disease, which affects a whopping 75 to 95 percent of adults.  Otherwise known as inflammation and/or infection of the gums, gum disease can manifest in...

Note: The information on this blog is not meant as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner and/or oral health professional before undertaking any changes in your regular oral care. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, there’s no doubt you have a lot on...

As if it wasn’t bad enough that your knees are giving out and your back creaks whenever you stand up from the LA-Z-Boy, there’s another bodily issue you need to contend with as you age: an increased risk of dental problems. In fact, some of the most common health issues...

If you’re among the few people who have never experienced a toothache, count yourself lucky. As for the rest of us, we’re all too familiar with the discomfort that accompanies dental aches and pains—and we can easily rattle off a list of symptoms. The primary symptom of a toothache is...

It’s one of the oldest conflicts in human history: Are manual or electric toothbrushes the better option? Okay, so that’s a slight exaggeration. The war between manual and electric is hardly the stuff of nighttime news. But it is a common refrain among dental patients. While manual toothbrushes aren’t without...

For many Americans, using mouthwash is a habitual part of their oral health routine. We floss, brush, rinse with mouthwash, and then step off to work or to bed. Because using mouthwash often feels like second nature, many people don’t take the time to consider why they’re using mouthwash in...

Whether you’ve moved to a new locale or your long-time dentist just retired, finding a new dentist can be a daunting prospect. Dentists play an up-close-and-personal role in your health, so it’s important to find a practitioner with whom you’re comfortable. And because the dental field is constantly evolving, you’ll...

There are so many types of toothpaste on the market these days that selecting the right product for your oral health needs can feel like a daunting prospect. Do you go anti-plaque, or anti-cavity? Are whitening varieties a good idea? What about desensitizing ingredients? We can get so overwhelmed that...

Note: This blog is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for advice from a trained professional. We’ve all heard the saying: “You are what you eat.” Turns out the same is true for our teeth. When we aren’t eating a healthy diet, the health of our teeth and...

Here at Rifkin Dental, we recommend—for the most part—that our patients follow a standard yearly calendar for dental health. This includes brushing and flossing daily and heading to the dentist for a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Even though these recommendations hold true for the general population, the...

Imagine walking into a doctor’s office and saying “Doctor, there’s an issue with my body.” They’d probably ask you to name the part of your body that’s causing you trouble, right? Now imagine if you didn’t know anything about the body part in question. It probably sounds crazy to imagine...

Sometimes a visit to the dentist can feel like traveling to a foreign country. As your oral hygienist and dentist poke through your mouth while conversing about “interproximal” this and “malocclusion” that, it may seem like they’re speaking a language that isn’t known to you. And in some ways, that’s...

If you polled a few random people on the street, most of them could probably name one or two factors that might increase the risk of cavities or other oral health problems. People might know that a high-sugar diet can cause cavities, for example, or that smoking can cause oral...

Tooth brushing is a critical component of good oral health. But your dental care routine shouldn’t stop there. To be truly effective, your routine needs to include flossing. In fact, some evidence suggests flossing is responsible for as much as 40 percent of plaque removal, which is essential for oral...

Tooth brushing is something we all do (hopefully!). But that doesn’t mean we all do it right. While it might seem mundane, there’s actually an art to brushing your teeth. When it comes to tooth brushing, certain approaches are more or less effective at removing plaque and preserving your oral...

We all know it’s important to take good care of our teeth. But unfortunately, anxiety about going to the dentist sometimes means that people take a “head in the sand” approach when it comes to mental health. In fact, millions of Americans express dental anxieties that can get in the way...

Rifkin Dental operates a lot differently today than it did when Dr. Richard Rifkin first acquired the practice in the 1980s. But we never forget our roots. The practice has grown from a one-man operation to the vibrant dental center patients are familiar with today. One thing that’s never changed?...

Rapid technological progress has transformed virtually every industry on the planet—and dentistry is no exception. Advancements in technology have made the practice of dentistry more accurate, efficient, and predictable in a number of ways. Technology isn’t the only factor influencing the future of dentistry. Cultural trends and educational efforts are...