Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Eliminate Pestiferous Plaque

Plaque forms as a result of chemical reactions that take place in your mouth. Plaque is a sticky substance made from leftover food particles and saliva that mix in your mouth. If you don’t brush properly after meals, it begins to form and build up on your teeth. If you don’t remove this pesky biofilm accordingly, it can lead to more serious conditions such as cavities and decay. Plaque can also turn into tartar that only our staff of hygienists at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center will be able to remove.


You can prevent plaque from forming in two ways. First, you need to pay attention to your diet. Since plaque needs carbohydrates to form, the fewer (bad ones) you eat, the better. You shouldn’t avoid carbohydrates altogether, however. Many healthy foods still contain carbohydrates such as bread, cereal, potatoes, and corn. Thus, some plaque is going to form when you eat. It’s important to understand that plaque will never go away completely, but it can be controlled with excellent oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist.


If you are due for a dental checkup, 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.

Thursday, February 18, 2016

What is a Tooth Abscess?

When the inside of your mouth gets injured or irritated, bacteria may enter and cause an infection. If this occurs, sometimes you will see a painful swelling filled with pus. The sight of this is called a tooth abscess and it’s most commonly caused by severe tooth decay. When a tooth has a dental cavity, it is open to bacteria and germs. This is why it’s important to visit our staff at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center for routine dental checkups and professional cleanings twice a year or as needed.


Prior to the formation of an abscess, the tooth has essentially lost its ability to fight off infection, and bacteria are able to invade the pulp chamber and multiply. As the bacteria multiply, the infection usually spreads from the pulp chamber and exits through the bottom of the root into the bone. Abscesses can form very quickly. Sometimes they form only one or two days after the infection starts. If the pus can’t drain out from the area it will get more swollen and painful. Because of the severity of the pain, people usually seek treatment right away.


If you are experiencing pain in your teeth or gums, 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.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

There are many factors of how many teeth us humans have, and age plays the biggest role. Typically, children have 20 primary teeth and as they begin to ascend into adulthood that number will eventually grow to 32. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want you to be aware that teeth don’t just help you bite and chew; they play an important role in speaking and support many aspects of your facial structure. In case you aren’t aware that you have four different types, we’d like to explain what they are and the purpose they serve in your mouth.



  • Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.

  • Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.

  • Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.

  • Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.


If you have further questions about your pearly whites, don’t hesitate to 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.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

Tooth sensitivity can affect one or more teeth and it’s most common when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sometimes even a breath of cold air can set it off. Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be treated. Depending on the cause, our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center may suggest that you try desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block sensation traveling from the tooth surface to the nerve.


Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, pain can be caused by exposing your teeth to different temperatures and acidities. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive tooth pain. Ask our doctors if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.


If are experiencing tooth sensitivity, 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.