Thursday, December 31, 2015

What is a Cavity?

 


At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center we have a variety of options to fill your cavities, however we would rather you prevent them from invading your teeth. A cavity is a space inside a tooth that remains once tooth decay is removed. Tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (enamel) and the inner layer (dentin). 

So what causes this decay? When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, or candy stay on your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva then combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help prevent the formation of a cavity. In between professional cleanings, brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste that strengthens teeth. In addition, clean between your teeth with floss and avoid sugary foods and drinks.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide at the office, 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.

At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center we have a variety of options to fill your cavities, however, we would rather you prevent them from invading your teeth. A cavity is a space inside a tooth that remains once tooth decay is removed. Tooth decay can affect both the outer coating of a tooth (enamel) and the inner layer (dentin).


So what causes this decay? When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, fruit, or candy stay on your teeth, the bacteria in your mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva then combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help prevent the formation of a cavity. In between professional cleanings, brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes using fluoride toothpaste that strengthens teeth. In addition, clean between your teeth with floss and avoid sugary foods and drinks.


If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide at the office, 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.


 

Friday, December 25, 2015

Connection Between Diet and Dental Health

At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we may not be able to assist you with improving your diet, but we can certainly assist you with improving your dental health. Many patients don’t realize that diet and dental health go hand-in-hand and what you eat and drink, in addition to how frequently you consume food and beverages play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.


It’s no surprise that sugary and salty “empty calorie” foods can harm your health. Not only because they offer no nutritional value, but because they can adhere to teeth. The bacteria in your mouth feed off these sugars, releasing acids and that’s what leads to tooth decay. It’s recommended to protect your dental health (and your diet) by eating foods from each of the five food groups.


Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, calcium-fortified tofu, leafy greens and almonds are foods that may benefit tooth health thanks to their high amounts of calcium and beneficial nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are also good choices for a healthy smile since they are high in water and fiber, which balance the sugars they contain and help to clean the teeth.


If you have further questions about how your diet affects your dental health, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide at the office, 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, December 16, 2015

Are You Flossing Correctly?

Flossing your teeth is more important to your well-being than brushing and yet so many of us find reasons not to do it. Flossing does not only remove food from the teeth, but it removes plaque that can lead to tooth decay and eventually if left untreated, tooth loss. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, you may have told our hygienists that you don’t know how to floss, but after reading this post, you will no longer be able to use that as an excuse.


The correct flossing technique goes something like this:



  • Wind 18 inches of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one-to-two-inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.

  • Keep a one-to-two-inch length of floss controlled between fingers. Use index fingers to glide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.

  • Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion and be sure to contour floss around the side of the tooth.


If you have questions about how to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide at the office, 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, December 9, 2015

The Proper Brushing Technique

At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, our staff wants you to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime and this begins with brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day helps you remove plaque which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Many of our patients don’t realize that there are a number of proper techniques for effective tooth brushing so here is one we’d like to share.



  • Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

  • Move the brush back-and-forth gently in short strokes.

  • Brush the outer surfaces, the inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth.

  • To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.

  • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and keep your breath fresh and don’t forget to floss!


If you have questions about how to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide at the office, 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, December 2, 2015

How to Make Oral Care Fun for Kids

Brushing and flossing is a good habit to get into at a young age, however it is sometimes hard to get kids to brush and floss routinely. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA, we want to stress the importance of taking care of those baby teeth.


Baby teeth are the place-holders for adult teeth, so even though they will fall out eventually, it is important to keep them healthy and present for as long as they will be there. A good oral care routine is great to start at a young age, as well. Take some tips on how to make brushing and flossing fun for kids!


Let your child pick out their own toothbrush. There are so many different colors and even cartoon characters on toothbrushes. This is a good way to get them excited to brush. Let them pick the flavor of toothpaste they would like to use, too. Just make sure the toothpaste has fluoride in it for cavity fighting.


Another way to get them to brush is to make the actual task fun and exciting. Brush and floss your teeth at the same time and turn on some music. Play their favorite song for two minutes so you both know you are brushing for the right amount of time.


For questions about a good oral hygiene routine, contact Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center. To schedule a cleaning at our Philadelphia, PA office, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com