Dental Benefits of Xylitol

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth consume the sugars we eat. When we eat food containing ordinary table sugar (sucrose), it gives bacteria on your teeth energy to thrive, allowing them to multiply and start making acids that can eat away the enamel on teeth. This “acid attack” causes the tooth decay process. This is when xylitol comes in to save the day. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants and our staff at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center wants you to learn all about it.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that can be found in gum, mints, or candy. It can also be found in dental products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Aside from slowing down the tooth decay process, dental benefits of xylitol also include a decrease of bacteria. Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel. So the next time you decide to sweeten your coffee or tea with some sugar, consider investing in some cavity-prevention xylitol.

If you have any further questions about the dental benefits of xylitol, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our 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.

Handling a Dental Emergency

Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. If left untreated, your risk of permanent damage as well as the need for expensive treatment in the future may increase. When you have a dental emergency it’s important to visit our staff at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center as soon as possible. Meanwhile, here are some tips for handling common dental emergencies.

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it between your cheek and gums, or use a tooth preservation product that has the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance.


• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.


• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.


• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between teeth.

If you have a dental emergency, give us a call right away. To learn about the services we provide at our 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.

SNAP ON SMILE BEFORE AND AFTER

Picking the Right Toothbrush

Doing a good job with brushing your teeth can depend on what toothbrush you are using. With all of the different options, how are you sure that you are using the right one for you? Check out our simple tips for picking out a good toothbrush. In addition, make sure you are coming into our Philadelphia, PA office for your routine cleanings! Everyone here at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center wants to make sure their patients know how to take great home-care of their teeth.

You want to be able to maneuver your toothbrush around your mouth well so that you can reach every corner. For this reason, choose a toothbrush with a small head. You may think that a bigger head with more bristles will be best; however, if you cannot get it behind your teeth or to the backs of your back molars, you will frequently be missing spots. Also, choose a toothbrush with a non-slip grip for the same reason.

For those who have trouble using their hands, an electric toothbrush may be a good idea. They do most of the work, so you just have to hold them up in the right place. There are even toothbrushes made for those with arthritis.

When it comes to bristles, you do not want to choose stiff ones. Stiff bristles wear down enamel and irritate gum tissue. This can lead to sensitive, cavity-prone teeth and receded gums. Choose a soft or medium bristled toothbrush, instead.

Follow these tips and you will be on your way to clean teeth! To schedule an appointment at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center, call our Philadelphia, PA office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Avoiding Bad Breath

Bad breath stinks; both figuratively and literally! Fortunately for you, Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center of Philadelphia, PA has you covered! Take some of our tips for keeping fresh breath!

Don’t let bad breath cause you embarrassment! Just remember the two most important things: cleanliness and hydration.

Cleanliness

It is probably most important to remember that bad breath comes from bacteria inside your mouth. Keep bacteria at bay by brushing two to three times per day and flossing once per day. You may also want to use a mouthwash. However, choose a mouthwash that does not have alcohol in it, as this can dry out your mouth and cause bacteria to thrive. In addition to your home oral care, visit your dentist for routine cleanings.

Hydration

Hydration is a big part of keeping away bacteria. For one, frequently sipping water or tea will help wash away bacteria so it is not sitting in your mouth. Secondly, as mentioned before, bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. To stay hydrated, drink your recommended daily amount of water every day. Also, stay away from drinks that can dry out your mouth such as ones that contain alcohol or caffeine.

Bad breath can be a downer but it is able to be controlled! To schedule your cleaning at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center in Philadelphia, PA, call our office at (215) 279-1193 or visit our website, www.nicholascosmeticdentalcenter.com. 

Reasons for Tooth Extractions

Although you’re supposed to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, sometimes they need to be extracted. A very common reason involves a tooth that is too badly damaged, from trauma or decay, to be repaired. Though wisdom tooth extractions are the most common, our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center may need to remove a tooth for other reasons such as the following.

• Some people have extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.


• Sometimes baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow permanent teeth to come in.


• People getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.

If you suspect that you have a tooth that might need to be extracted, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visitwww.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.

Nail Biting Is Bad For Your Teeth

If you are a nail biter, our doctors at Nicholas Cosmetic Dental Center recommend breaking the habit. If you don’t, your dental health might suffer much more than your manicure. Believe it or not, the Academy of General Dentistry estimates that frequent nail biters may rack up $4,000 in additional dental bills over the course of their lifetime. This is because teeth risk cracking, chipping, or becoming worn down from the stress caused by biting.

People who bite their fingernails when stressed pose a higher risk of bruxism. Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, is the unintentional grinding or clenching of teeth that may cause facial pain. These so-called “Bruxers,” may bite down too hard unconsciously and at inappropriate times, such as when they are sleeping. Other dental health risks for nail biters include sore and damaged gum tissue caused by jagged, sharp fingernail edges.

If are concerned that nail biting has damaged your teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visitwww.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.