How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.

When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.


• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.


• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.


• Visit us at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center for professional cleanings and oral examination.

If you need assistance maintaining your oral hygiene routine, 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.

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.

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.