Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. For more information about the services we provide at the office, visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193.

The Consequences of Poor Oral Care

Skipping brushing your teeth can lead to more than just bad breath and yellow teeth. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, we are dedicated to informing our patients about good oral health. Read on to learn some of the consequences of taking poor oral care.

Brushing and flossing your teeth is to remove plaque that builds up from food, saliva, and other debris. After brushing, plaque (a bacterial film) builds up just hours later. This is why brushing should be done two or three times per day. Plaque that is not brushed away turns into tartar which is only able to be removed by a dentist.

When plaque and tartar are not removed, they begin to irritate the gums, leading to gum disease and causing gum tissue recession. Receded gums form deep pockets where bacteria can collect. These pockets are hard-to-reach areas so it often makes clearing up gum disease very difficult.

Gum disease can cause bleeding, painful gums, the spread of infection, and the loss of teeth. In addition, it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Extensive dental cleanings and even gum surgery may be needed to clear up severe gum disease.

To keep a healthy mouth, brush two to three times per day and floss once per day.  In addition, schedule routine dental visits at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA. To schedule, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com.