Protect Yourself from Gingivitis

 

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, if you spit a bit of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, this is typically the first sign. Good oral hygiene is essential to protecting yourself from gingivitis. In addition, you should be scheduling professional cleanings with our staff at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center twice a year. 

The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue. Luckily, at this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become more severe and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.

If are experiencing gum inflammation, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, if you spit a bit of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, this is typically the first sign. Good oral hygiene is essential to protecting yourself from gingivitis. In addition, you should be scheduling professional cleanings with our staff at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center twice a year.

The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue. Luckily, at this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become more severe and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.

If are experiencing gum inflammation, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

 

Infant Tooth Care

Bacteria in the mouth usually can’t harm the gums before the teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you’ll want to start early. Daily dental cleaning should start as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. However, to help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center highly recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings.

Since baby teeth usually emerge around six months of age, standard oral health procedures like brushing and flossing aren’t required for infants. However, infants have special oral health needs that every new parent should know about. These include guarding against baby bottle decay and making sure your child is receiving enough fluoride. Baby bottle decay occurs when acid formed by bacteria on the teeth, from sugars in foods and beverages, damages the tooth enamel. Meanwhile, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel as the teeth are forming.

If your child is ready for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about pediatric services as well as other services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

How Does Invisalign Move Teeth?

If you’re an adult with a crooked smile, you likely won’t want to straighten it with metal wires and brackets. Fortunately, at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we utilize the Invisalign technique. Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. But how do these aligners move the teeth? Allow us to tell you.

Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

Through the use of Invisalign’s patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The biggest difference is that the aligners not only control the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move.

If you are searching for a straighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about Invisalign as well as other services we provide at the practice, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.