Fruits and Veggies for Fresh Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common condition that affects everyone periodically. To eliminate the odor we might catch ourselves chewing a piece of minty gum on the go, or taking a quick swig of mouthwash before we leave the house for a night out.  Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center our dentists know that bad breath can be very embarrassing, but did you know that you can fight it by eating a piece of celery?

Celery fights bad breath because it is rich in fiber which fights Halitosis by breaking down plaque and sulfur compounds.  Therefore, celery is a great thing to eat to help clean your mouth. It is also effective to munch on a carrot or an apple. Snacks that include crispy fresh fruits and vegetables step up your saliva flow between meals to help wash away bacteria from teeth, tongue and gums that can cause bad breath. These snacks can also help alleviate bad breath caused by hunger or fasting.

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. 

Electric vs Manual Toothbrush

Here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center our dentists aren’t picky about what type of toothbrush you use because the important thing is that you are brushing your teeth correctly. However, we thought we would tell explain how brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush compares to manual brushing.

It’s possible to brush your teeth effectively with a manual toothbrush. However, an electric toothbrush can be a great alternative to a manual one, especially if you have arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to brush well. Although almost any toothbrush can do an effective job, research suggests there is one electronic toothbrush bristle configuration that seems to be better at removing plaque and preventing gum disease. If you choose an electric toothbrush, make sure the toothbrush is comfortable to hold and easy to use. It’s important to remember that the purpose of a toothbrush is to remove plaque and to stimulate the gums to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Whether you choose an electric toothbrush or a manual one, remember that what’s most important is daily brushing and flossing.

To learn more about dental hygiene as well as 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. 

Tooth Colored Fillings

To treat a cavity our dentists at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth that have been worn down from misuse (tooth grinding). Here at the office we utilize white fillings, also known as tooth colored fillings, because they exude the most natural looking appearance.

Composite resins (tooth colored fillings) provide solid durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-size fillings that need to survive the moderate pressure from the constant pressure of chewing. Composite fillings require the tooth to be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled, which is why they may take longer to apply than any other type of filling. Although no filling lasts forever, tooth colored fillings have been known to last for over 10 years. It is a safe, affordable and attractive solution for many dental drawbacks.

To learn more about white fillings as well as 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. 

Advantages of Dental Implants

The practice of implant dentistry requires expertise in planning, surgery and tooth restoration, which is why we at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center are proud to offer dental implants and mini implants to our patients who have lost a tooth or teeth due to periodontal disease, an injury or another reason. Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. They provide a strong foundation for fixed (permanent) or removable replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth.  

Replacing missing teeth is important to your overall health and also to the health of your other teeth. When natural teeth are missing, you lose chewing ability, and un-replaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped, or crowded. Having missing teeth is also embarrassing, but dental implants can restore your smile, leaving you with more self-esteem and a new boost of confidence. A major benefit to dental implants is that they preserve bone, preventing deterioration of the facial structure, and therefore improving appearance.

If you have missing teeth, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about dental implants, the procedure, and 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. 

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.