Sunset in the Waiting Room: What One of Our Favorite Paintings Could say About Healthy Smiles

Sunset Painting by Nicole Wittenberg in Gotham Dental waiting room

If you’ve waited for an appointment at Gotham Dental, you’ve probably spent a few minutes with the painting above our waiting room chairs. It’s by New York painter Nicole Wittenberg: tall, pale trees rise from a grassy shore, their dark leaves reaching across a dusky purple sky. Out over the water, a glowing red sun hangs low, its reflection breaking into soft streaks of light on the surface below.

Wittenberg spends her summers in Maine, and for years she has returned to paint the sunset over the same pond. She has described each evening as a race. In the short stretch before the sun goes down, the light changes almost second by second, and if she misses a particular sunset, it’s gone for good. The longer we live with this painting, the more it reminds us of what we do every day.

Catching things in time. Wittenberg’s race against the light is a good way to think about oral health. Many dental problems have a window when they’re small, simple and even reversible. Early gum inflammation can often be turned around with better brushing, flossing and a professional cleaning. A tiny cavity can be repaired with a small filling. Wait too long, and the moment passes: the problem grows, and treatment becomes bigger and more involved. Regular checkups are how we make sure we never miss the window.

Sketch first, then the final work. Wittenberg often starts outdoors with quick, loose pastel sketches made on the spot, then brings those impressions into the studio, where a composition may go through several versions on canvas before it’s finished. Good dental care follows a similar path. Before any major treatment, we gather our “sketches”: an exam, X-rays, photos and digital scans. For cosmetic dentistry, we can often preview the result with a mock-up before anything permanent is done. Planning first means the final result is right the first time.

Portraits of trees, portraits of smiles. Wittenberg has spoken of her recent paintings as portraits of trees, each one with its own character. We see smiles the same way. Your teeth have their own shape, shade and personality, and our goal is never a cookie-cutter smile. It’s a healthier, more confident version of yours.

Strong roots. Those trees stand tall because of what you can’t see: roots anchored in healthy ground. Your gums and the bone beneath them are the ground your teeth stand in. When gum disease takes hold, that foundation weakens, and even teeth that look perfect can loosen over time. Flossing daily, brushing carefully along the gumline and keeping up with cleanings keep that ground healthy.

When red is a warning sign. The red sun is the most striking thing in the painting, and it’s beautiful there. In your mouth, red means something different. Healthy gums are firm and pink. Gums that look red, feel puffy or bleed when you brush are often an early sign of gingivitis, and that’s exactly the window worth catching. Let us know at your next visit, or call us sooner.

Come see it in person. Next time you’re in, take a minute with the painting before we call your name. And if it’s been a while since your last cleaning, book your visit with Gotham Dental today. We’ll save you a seat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
It’s common, but it isn’t normal. Bleeding gums are often an early sign of gingivitis, the mildest stage of gum disease. Let us know if you notice bleeding, especially if it lasts more than a week or two.

Can gingivitis be reversed?
Yes, usually. Gingivitis can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and consistent home care, including thorough brushing along the gumline and daily flossing. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis.

What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums without permanent damage. Periodontitis is a more advanced stage in which gum tissue and the bone supporting your teeth begin to break down. The damage from periodontitis can’t be fully undone, but it can be treated and managed to protect your teeth.

I get nervous about dental visits. What can you do to help?
You’re not alone, and we’re glad you told us. We can explain each step before we begin, agree on a signal for when you need a break, and talk with you about comfort options. Mentioning it when you book helps us plan your visit around you.

Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Research has found associations between gum disease and conditions including diabetes and heart disease. With diabetes, the relationship appears to run both ways. Keeping your gums healthy is one part of caring for your overall health.