Philly Dentistry

Myth #1: Brushing harder will make your teeth cleaner.

Actually, brushing harder will not clean your teeth better, it will essentially wear down your enamel that protects your tooth from harmful decay and cavities. The correct way to brush your teeth is to place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle then gently move the brush back and forth in a circular motion, finally brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth for around 2 minutes, twice a day and don’t forget to floss!

Myth #2: Chewing sugar-free gum is the same as brushing your teeth.

Chewing sugar-free gum with xylitol can help with protecting your teeth. Gum also produces saliva which can help wash away any food or drinks that are harming your teeth. But in fact, chewing sugar-free gum does not replace actually brushing your teeth. Chewing gum doesn’t get rid of the harmful plaque that can be stuck in between your teeth. It is very important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day to get rid of any plaque build- up and to maintain great dental hygiene.

Myth #3: If your gums bleed when flossing, don’t floss anymore.

Over time bacteria and plaque that cannot be reached from your toothbrush get caught in between your teeth and eventually get into your gums causing them to become inflamed, which makes your gums bleed when you floss. The best bet to stop your gums from bleeding is to make flossing part of your daily routine and over time the bleeding will stop because your gums will be healthier.

Myth #4: Sugar is the main reason for cavities.

When thinking about cavities you often think the main causes are sugary candies and sweets. While that may be true, people tend to forget about chips, pretzels, and crackers that can be worse for your teeth. These hard snacks get stuck in between your teeth and are more difficult to get out, which will cause plaque and then lead to more serious dental problems.

Myth #5: If nothing is bothering you then you don’t need a dental checkup.

When it comes to dental problems you often don’t feel or notice anything right away. If you wait until the problem worsens instead of going to your routine checkups the outcome will only cause you more pain and cost more money. If you wait until a cavity starts to hurt, you put yourself at risk of getting a root canal. This could have been prevented if you went to your routine dental checkups. So, don’t let these myths fool you, keep up with your dental hygiene to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life with Philadelphia Dentistry! Give us a call today to schedule your routine check-up 215-568-6222.

Recently, Dr. Ken Cirka was inducted into the 2018 Hall of Honor at his Alma Mater, Ambridge High School for his great work in dentistry and the community. Dr. Cirka is a philanthropist who is active in the community. Whether it’s the Muscular Dystrophy Foundation, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America or the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Dr. Cirka loves helping others. The 1989 graduate heard a few months ago that his high school was having financial trouble. Instead of sitting back and doing nothing like most people would have done, Dr. Cirka decided his school needed his help. Dr. Cirka met with the high school Principle Janet Zupsic, and they thought of a “Care to Share” program where children can get supplies, food, deodorant, and other daily essentials.

This will help many children who don’t have enough lunch money get something to eat when they’re hungry. Often times, it could be embarrassing for children to go up and ask someone if they can have deodorant or other daily necessities, this program will help kids feel better about themselves. A student was interviewed at Ambridge High school about the “Care to Share” program and said, “I know some of my friends are hungry because they do not have lunch money or they don’t have hygiene products at home to take care of themselves.” With Dr. Cirka’s generous donation of $10,000 he hopes that this will be enough to benefit as many children in need as possible and help the students have a better high school experience.

Along with donating to Ambridge High School, Dr. Cirka paid for 500 students to have the time of their life at the only LGBTQ Prom in Southwestern, PA in the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. The prom included a sit-down dinner, silkscreen printing, dancing and much more.
“Dr. Cirka is a wonderful and gracious person who remembers his roots. We are very fortunate to have his support,” said the Superintendent, L. Joan Welter.