Types of Teeth and Their Functions

There are many factors of how many teeth us humans have, and age plays the biggest role. Typically, children have 20 primary teeth and as they begin to ascend into adulthood that number will eventually grow to 32. At Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we want you to be aware that teeth don’t just help you bite and chew; they play an important role in speaking and support many aspects of your facial structure. In case you aren’t aware that you have four different types, we’d like to explain what they are and the purpose they serve in your mouth.

• Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.


• Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.


• Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.


• Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.

If you have further questions about your pearly whites, don’t hesitate to 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.

Do You Have Sensitive Teeth?

Tooth sensitivity can affect one or more teeth and it’s most common when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sometimes even a breath of cold air can set it off. Fortunately, sensitive teeth can be treated. Depending on the cause, our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center may suggest that you try desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block sensation traveling from the tooth surface to the nerve.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or gums have receded, causing the tiny tube surfaces to be exposed, pain can be caused by exposing your teeth to different temperatures and acidities. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive tooth pain. Ask our doctors if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

If are experiencing tooth sensitivity, 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.

Protect Yourself from Gingivitis

 

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, if you spit a bit of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, this is typically the first sign. Good oral hygiene is essential to protecting yourself from gingivitis. In addition, you should be scheduling professional cleanings with our staff at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center twice a year. 

The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue. Luckily, at this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become more severe and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.

If are experiencing gum inflammation, 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.

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, if you spit a bit of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, this is typically the first sign. Good oral hygiene is essential to protecting yourself from gingivitis. In addition, you should be scheduling professional cleanings with our staff at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center twice a year.

The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue. Luckily, at this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become more severe and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw.

If are experiencing gum inflammation, 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.

 

Infant Tooth Care

Bacteria in the mouth usually can’t harm the gums before the teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you’ll want to start early. Daily dental cleaning should start as soon as your infant’s first tooth appears. However, to help prevent the buildup of plaque bacteria that can lead to decay our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center highly recommend regularly cleaning your newborn’s gums with a damp washcloth following feedings.

Since baby teeth usually emerge around six months of age, standard oral health procedures like brushing and flossing aren’t required for infants. However, infants have special oral health needs that every new parent should know about. These include guarding against baby bottle decay and making sure your child is receiving enough fluoride. Baby bottle decay occurs when acid formed by bacteria on the teeth, from sugars in foods and beverages, damages the tooth enamel. Meanwhile, fluoride strengthens tooth enamel as the teeth are forming.

If your child is ready for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about pediatric services as well as other 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.

How Does Invisalign Move Teeth?

If you’re an adult with a crooked smile, you likely won’t want to straighten it with metal wires and brackets. Fortunately, at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, we utilize the Invisalign technique. Invisalign takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using a custom-made series of aligners created for you and only you. But how do these aligners move the teeth? Allow us to tell you.

Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, a process that is mapped out in advance by your doctor, specifically for your situation. When the aligners are placed on the teeth, they cause the teeth to gradually shift from their current position. After approximately two weeks, you will begin using the next set of aligners, which will continue the teeth straightening process.

Through the use of Invisalign’s patented thermoplastic design, Invisalign aligners move your teeth through the appropriate placement of controlled force. The biggest difference is that the aligners not only control the force, but also the timing of the force application. During each stage, only certain teeth are allowed to move.

If you are searching for a straighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about Invisalign as well as other 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.

 

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.