Benefits of Using a Tongue Scraper

We all know that the beneficial effects of daily brushing as a part of our dental healthcare will help in improving of our overall tooth and gum hygiene, but what about the hygiene of our tongues? Our bodies are constantly exposed to toxins from food, beverages, and the environment, and when toxins are not properly digested and eliminated, they linger in the body and begin to compromise our wellbeing. Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want you to understand the importance of incorporating a tongue scraper into your oral hygiene routine.

Scraping the tongue daily removes any build-up which, if left untreated, can accumulate a significant number of bacteria. Tongue scraping is also slightly more effective than toothbrushes when it comes to controlling bad breath. Believe it or not, regularly scraping your tongue will enhance the power of your taste buds. When the grime from the deposit on your tongue is absent, it’s only natural that you find your food much tastier. Even if you are a smoker or enjoy strong-flavored foods, this daily dental ritual can save you from bad breath and other problems. You should clean your tongue at least once a day, but considering how little time it takes, it’s not a bad idea to do it every time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about services we offer at our practice visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, or Dr. James Cavalancia at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193. 

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

No matter how much you diligently brush or floss your teeth at home, harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that can only be removed by a dental professional. These bacteria can cause gum disease, and significantly affect your overall health. Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center our dentists will use professional tools to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria build-up that you are unable to efficiently remove yourself.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry it is recommended that a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months. The professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives the dentist an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention. During a teeth cleaning, our dentists will thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. Once the surfaces are smooth, polishing is done using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup that spins on the end. Last but not least, the dentist flosses every crevice between your teeth. He or she may apply fluoride if needed.

If you need your teeth cleaned don’t wait any longer, call us today so we can help you maintain a healthy smile! To learn more about dental cleanings and other services we offer at our practice visit www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shireen Malik, or Dr. James Cavalancia at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call 215-279-1193. 

Brushing Teeth Correctly

Brushing your teeth is recommended for two to three times per day. With all of that brushing, it would be great to know you are doing it right and gaining the benefits from it! At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want to brush up on brushing to make sure our patients in the Philadelphia, PA area and patients everywhere know the proper way to brush teeth.

As mentioned before, brushing should be done two or three times per day. Two times is the absolute minimum, but if three times is possible, that is actually best. Plaque can form just hours after brushing, allowing stain-causing residue to sit on teeth and promoting the weakening of enamel. A third time in the middle of the day is great to remove plaque once more until bedtime. Brushing should be done for a full two minutes, each time.

The brush should be moved in a circular motion or an up-and-down motion. This allows the gum line to be cleaned and allows the toothbrush to reach the whole tooth. Make sure to brush all surfaces of the tooth. This includes the fronts, the insides, the backs, and the chewing surfaces. Split the mouth into four sections and spend about thirty seconds on each section.

In addition to brushing correctly, flossing every day is vital for removal of plaque the forms between teeth. To schedule a cleaning with Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

TMD

TMD can be a very painful and frustrating condition to deal with. The symptoms that go along with TMD may seem unrelenting, but there are treatments. The experienced dentists of Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA offer relief to patients suffering from the effects of TMD.

TMD, or temporomandibular disorder, is a condition where the temporomandibular joint, the TMJ, is dysfunctional. The TMJ is the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. The joint can become enflamed, swollen, and tender. It can cause aching around the ear and face, difficulty chewing, and a clicking sound. The joint may also lock the mouth open or closed.

The cause of TMD is often not clear. However, if the TMJ disc is eroded or moved out of place, it can cause TMD. Also if the joint’s cartilage is damaged by arthritis or if the joint as a whole is damaged by injury, these can also cause TMD. Often, grinding the teeth or clenching the jaw can also lead to TMD.

The dentists here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center can observe the TMJ and determine if TMD is the problem. A night guard is available to prevent the teeth grinding at night, or at least lessen the effects. Surgery for TMD is sometimes needed, but often just changing the way the jaw muscles are used through behavioral treatment is enough to provide relief.

If you are experiencing a sore or painful jaw, come in for an evaluation. To schedule an appointment at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Clear Braces for a More Discreet Straightening Process

Straightening your teeth is an investment in a beautiful smile. While the end result is fantastic, often times patients do not like the look of braces during treatment, which can deter patients from straightening their teeth like they want. Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA offers clear braces to their patients desiring straight teeth but a more discreet process.

Clear braces work just like traditional metal braces, but the brackets are made of ceramic. The ceramic brackets are translucent, so they blend right in with your teeth. In certain cases, a clear wire is also available for even more discretion. These braces have advanced over time, so unlike versions of the past, the brackets are now stain-resistant. With good care, this keeps them unnoticeable for the duration of the straightening process. Clear braces are available for most cases.

The clear braces work just like traditional braces do, so the ceramic brackets are bonded to the fronts of your teeth and a wire is clipped in that is tightened every few weeks. Over time, the consistent pressure from the wire moves the teeth into the directed positions.

If you are looking to straighten your teeth but do not want to have that metallic smile for a year or more, ceramic braces may be the perfect option for you. To schedule a consultation with the dentists of Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center here in Philadelphia, PA, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

When it comes to tooth extractions, wisdom teeth are very commonly extracted. While some wisdom teeth grow in okay, even those can be recommended for removal. The doctors of Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center perform wisdom teeth extractions for many of their patients in the Philadelphia, PA area.

Wisdom teeth often come with complications. Many people do not have enough room in their mouth to grow wisdom teeth in correctly. When a wisdom tooth grows in at the wrong angle, it can damage other teeth, causing pain and irritation. This bad angle also creates hard-to-reach spaces in the mouth where bacteria can collect. In the event that the tooth becomes stuck in the jawbone, impacted, the tooth will only emerge partially. When the tooth only partially emerges, it can leave a flap of gum tissue over the tooth, which is a great spot for bacteria to become trapped. This can cause gum disease and decay the tooth.

Even when wisdom teeth grow in correctly and with enough room, they are still sometimes recommended to be removed. Since they are so far back in the mouth, they are hard to reach for brushing and flossing. This is especially recommended for those with a weakened immune system.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure and you are under great care by the skilled doctors of Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA. To schedule an appointment, call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Scaling and Planing Procedure in Philadelphia, PA

Gum disease is irritating, painful, and if not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. Not to mention it diminishes the look of your smile. When gum disease travels down to the roots of teeth, a scaling and planing procedure must be performed to clean the tooth. The skilled dentists here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center are trained in scaling and planing and perform them here in our Philadelphia, PA dental office.

When gums are diseased, they can begin to recede and create deep pockets. Since they pull away from the teeth, this allows bacteria to reach the tooth’s root and wreak havoc. The tooth’s root is now vulnerable to the bacteria and can be decayed. When left untreated, this will eventually lead to the loss of the tooth. In order to clean out the bacteria and prevent any more from harboring, a scaling and planing is performed. A scaling is performed with a metal tool that will scrap the tooth clean of any bacteria. A planing is then the process where the tooth is smoothed out. Any rough patches where bacteria can be caught are smoothed down. This process is usually completed in a couple of appointments. Depending on the level of disease, the mouth may be split into sections for completion.

If you are experiencing bleeding, red, irritated gums, schedule an examination with Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA. Call us at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com.