This crazy year is finally coming to an end. There were many highs and some lows, but all in all 2020 gave us the privilege of getting our city healthy. In addition to getting our patients healthy, we enjoyed educating patients on good oral health care. Let’s go through some of our favorite blog posts published this year, as they are timeless and always a good read!

Oral and Mental Health

When people think about their health it is normal to categorize it. We categorize our mental health with our feelings, our oral health with our mouth, our physical health with our body, etc. However, it is important to remember that all of these categories make up our overall health. They all work together to keep us healthy. Specifically, let’s dive into the correlation between our oral health and mental health…

DIY Whitening vs. In-Office Whitening

Nowadays, there are so many whitening options whether it’s doing it yourself whitening or in-office whitening. Mostly everyone wants a nice white smile to give them better confidence in their everyday life. In this blog, you’ll learn the difference between DIY whitening and in-office whitening to decide which option is best for you…

Celebrities with Veneers

Not everyone is born with a perfect smile. We see all over the media celebrities who appear flawless. These celebrities seem to have it all, but that is far from the truth. It wasn’t until their dentists came and saved their teeth that they looked picture perfect. So, with the help of the right dentist, this means that you can have the same perfect smile that these celebrities have too. In this article, we will be diving into a list of celebrities who have gotten veneers. Some of these before and after comparisons will shock you…

Why Get Invisalign?

Invisalign is the modern way to straighten your teeth over those big metal embarrassing braces we all had as a kid or teenager. Invisalign’s custom-fitted, clear aligner trays are made specifically for you. Every 2-3 weeks you will receive a new set of trays until your treatment is finished and your teeth are perfect. Here are seven advantages for Invisalign over braces…

 Calling All Coffee Lovers

It’s no secret that coffee means a lot to people. For some, having a morning coffee is the most important part of the day. The smells, warmth, and tastes that coffee releases are incomparable. I think it’s appropriate to say that most people value coffee as a necessity. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but coffee comes with a price. Teeth stains are the worst. The delicious drink can cause yellowing discolorations, so it is important to know how to prevent that. We are here to tell you that you can still enjoy your favorite drink AND keep your teeth healthy. Here are some ways you can prevent coffee from staining your smile…

It’s the holiday season! Sometimes during the holidays, we shy away from our normal diet or self-care routine. That is completely normal as the holidays are a fun time to indulge with family and friends. However, it is important to still take care of ourselves. We are here to talk about some tips that will allow you to enjoy the holidays while still maintaining good health.

Cravings

When your mom makes her famous Jewish apple cakes, no one expects you to turn that down! All of our favorite dishes come out during the holidays and it is healthy to enjoy them. However, it is important to keep in mind the amount of sugar you are consuming. To ensure good oral health, try to floss and brush your teeth after enjoying holiday treats.

Don’t Forget

It can be easy to be forgetful in the midst of everything. It’s essential to brush your teeth when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed. Especially if you have little ones, be sure to have them brush their teeth before running down the stairs on Christmas morning. They might be fussy and anxious to open presents, but maintaining their oral health will be worth it in the long run.

Be Gentle

Be careful with your teeth and remember that they are not to be used as tools. If you are having trouble opening a package, do not use your teeth to open it. If you can’t get a bottle open, do not use your teeth to open it. Save your teeth the torture and find a knife or bottle opener.

Moderation

Food oriented holidays such as Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas keep us tempted with yummy treats. Try to remember that everything should be taken in moderation. Moderation when eating and drinking, paired with routinely oral care, will keep you on the right track. Regular dental visits are essential to a healthy smile. To book your dental checkup after the holidays, give us a call!

BOO! It’s spooky season. Everyone’s sweet tooth comes out during October. Halloween is right around the corner and you see candy everywhere. There’s candy in the breakroom at work, your parent’s kitchen, and filling the grocery store aisles. It’s no secret that candy isn’t the best thing for your teeth. However, when eating it in moderation, have you ever considered the best kinds to eat? Let’s talk about the best and worst candy for your teeth so you are prepared for this Halloween!

Hard Candy

Hard candy is one of the worst kinds of candy for your teeth. This type of candy requires you to suck on it to enjoy the taste. Unfortunately, sucking on candy causes sugar to coat your teeth. The longer you suck, the more sugar is coasted on your teeth! In addition to the sugar coats, there is a significant danger of breaking a tooth when eating hard candy. Crunching on a hard candy could result in a trip to the dentist with a broken tooth.

Sticky Candy

Sticky candy takes the gold as the worst candy for your teeth. Often, they stick to the surface of the teeth making it difficult for your saliva and toothbrush to remove it. All in all, the longer this candy sticks to your teeth, the bigger chance for teeth damage. To reduce the risk for cavities, eat sticky candy in moderation, and try to brush immediately after eating!

Sour Candy

Airheads, Sour Patch Kids, and Skittles all fall under the sour candy category. These candies tend to be sticky, covered with sugar, and acidic. Acidic candy increases the risk for enamel damage which allows cavities to form. Be mindful the next time you are eating sour candy so that your teeth stay healthy.

Chocolate

We have good news…chocolate is the best kind of candy for your teeth! It is the best option because chocolate is easily washed off the surface of your teeth. Your saliva saves your teeth from the chocolate sitting and causing cavities. So, do you want to get even more technical? Dark chocolate contains less sugar then regular chocolate, so if you like dark chocolate you are eating the very best candy for your teeth!

We want you to enjoy the holidays and eat candy without being worried. The best way to ensure a healthy mouth is to visit the dentist twice a year. At Philadelphia Dentistry, our team of smile professionals can keep your teeth top notch. In addition to cleanings and other services, we value education. Schedule an appointment to learn more about how to enhance your dental care. To make an appointment with us, give us a call at (215) 568-6222 or email info@phillydentistry.com. To get connected with us, follow us on social media. We post cool stuff! Our handles are linked below.

IG: @phillydentistry

Facebook: @PhiladelphiaDentistry

Twitter: @DrKenCirkaDMD

Do you ever wonder about when it’s the right time to ditch your toothbrush? That is a very normal thought. We use them every day, twice a day to clean our mouths so it makes sense that they need to be replaced at some point in their life span. The American Dental Association says we need to replace our toothbrushes every 3 months. Let’s talk about some key signs that point to you needing to ditch your current toothbrush.

1. Check out the bristles.

Take a look at the bristles’ part of your toothbrush. Are they crooked or bent? If the bristles aren’t straight, it’s time to toss it. When your bristles show too much wear and tear, it means it’s time to replace your toothbrush.

2. Look even closer.

Check out the bristles even more. Do you see any debris at the bottom of the bristles? If there is debris living in the bottom of the toothbrush bristles then your toothbrush is dirty. At this point, it would need to be replaced.

3. Any recent sickness?

If you have been sick recently, you need to replace your toothbrush. This makes total sense, but it is something people often forget to do. This is important to do to avoid reinfection and getting sick again.

4. No touching!

Most households contain a toothbrush holder in the bathroom. This means that everyone’s toothbrush is placed in the holder. This is all fine and swell as it keeps the bathroom organized. However, do not let your toothbrush physically touch another toothbrush. This creates the opportunity for cross-contamination for bacteria. If your toothbrush is touching other toothbrushes, it’s time for a new one.

5. Do you remember?

If you do not remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush, then the odds are probably in favor of getting a new one. It is important to keep your toothbrush fresh so you are achieving the best at-home cleaning as possible.

In addition to keeping your toothbrush fresh, it is important to keep up with your dentist visits as well. At Philadelphia Dentistry, our team of smile professionals can keep your teeth top notch. In addition to cleanings and a plethora of other services, we value education. Schedule an appointment to learn more about how to optimize your dental care. To make an appointment with us, give us a call at (215) 568-6222 or email info@phillydentistry.com. We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

IG: @phillydentistry

Facebook: @PhiladelphiaDentistry

Twitter: @DrKenCirkaDMD

When people think about their health it is normal to categorize it. We categorize our mental health with our feelings, our oral health with our mouth, our physical health with our body, etc. However, it is important to remember that all of these categories make up our overall health. They all work together to keep us healthy. Specifically, let’s dive into the correlation between our oral health and mental health.

The Facts

Studies show that two-thirds of toothache reports came from people who were suffering from a mental health issue. Research also shows that 50% of people who suffered from depression, classified their teeth as average or poor. A review of many studies found a strong correlation between gum disease and mental health illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and stress.

Behavioral Changes

So, with those facts, you might ask why there is this scientific link. The link comes from the behavioral effects of mental illnesses. Anxiety, depression, and stress can cause people to subconsciously change their behavior. For example, a person with depression usually loses interest in activities, which ultimately causes impairment in daily life tasks. More specifically, a person with depression can be inconsistent with brushing their teeth, maintaining a good diet, and visiting the dentist. Another example can be made with anxiety. People who suffer from anxiety are more likely to grind their teeth.

Biological Effects

In addition to possible behavioral effects, mental illnesses can affect our oral health due to biological reasons. There is a hormone called ‘cortisol’ that impacts our body when we feel a lot of stress. When the hormone levels increase, the immune system gets weaker. When this happens, it can result in vulnerability to gum disease. Another biological effect can occur due to medications. Often people with mental illnesses are prescribed medications to cope with their illness. These medications can cause a dry mouth. This dry mouth can mean that plaque, bacteria, and debris aren’t getting rinsed properly. This ultimately means there is more opportunity for cavities to form.

Fight Back

Thankfully, when mental illnesses affect our oral health, there are things to do that can help. Finding a good dental practice that considers your overall health is the first step. At Philadelphia Dentistry, we value the health and safety of all of our patients. Patient care is our number one priority. Therefore, booking an appointment with us will ensure your mental health is not affecting your oral health.

Let’s Get Social

To stay connected with us, follow us on social media @PhillyDentistry on Instagram, @PhiladelphiaDentistry on Facebook, and @DrKenCirkaDMD on Twitter!

Philly Dentistry Sets the Record Straight

“My teeth don’t hurt, so I don’t need to go to the dentist.” “I brush my teeth fast and hard so the plaque is removed faster and better.” “My teeth are fairly white so they’re fine.” “Gum disease only affects my mouth.” These are all common dental myths that people often fall victim to believing. As a result, patients suffer the consequences due to a lack of information. In an effort to educate, let’s dive into some myths.

“My teeth don’t hurt, so I don’t need to go to the dentist.”

Maintaining good oral health is linked to a person’s overall health. However, many people think that they can go years without visiting their dentist. There are many reasons why this could happen. People might have dentist fears, financial issues, think no pain means that they’re OK, etc. Whatever the reason, it is important for people to visit the dentist twice a year. During these visits, we will have the opportunity to examine your teeth. When examining, we see cavities, damaged teeth, discolorations, etc. It’s important to have these opportunities so that we can replace existing dental work through cosmetic and/or restorative dentistry. Visiting twice a year will ensure a happier and healthier life.

“I brush my teeth fast and hard so the plaque is removed faster and better.”

Brushing your teeth harder or faster is not considered a good thing. The notion of “brushing your teeth” is often thought of as “scrubbing your teeth.” Scrubbing is not the correct word, as scrubbing can be too harsh on our teeth and gums. It is important to be gentle with our smiles. We should be brushing our teeth twice a day for 2 minutes each time. Check out this video of our hygienist, Rachel, properly explaining how to brush your teeth.

“My teeth are fairly white so they’re fine.”

Just like the rainbow, there are a plethora of shades for each color. Teeth come in a wide range of white shades because each person has a different shade of white. However, no one wants to have dark or discolored teeth. If you look at your teeth in the mirror and aren’t 100% satisfied with the color, you would be a good candidate for a smile makeover. Smile makeovers fix your smile aesthetically by changing the color, shape, spaces, bite, etc. These changes are proven to boost the patient’s confidence, as a smile is usually the first thing others see. However, smile makeovers don’t limit themselves to aesthetics. Smile makeovers cover functional aspects such as gum disease, infection, decay, tooth loss, etc.

“Gum disease only affects my mouth.”

Gum disease, otherwise known as gingivitis, does affect your oral health. It can cause you to have bad breath, tooth loss, pain, and more. So much more, that it doesn’t stop at just affecting your oral health. Gum disease can affect the rest of your health as well. Gum disease may increase your risk for heart disease or strokes, diabetes, and premature birth. If you want to have a healthier smile and life, consider coming in for a free gum disease assessment.

Now that you have some myths debunked, let’s get connected to ensure your teeth are as healthy as they can be. To stay social with us, follow us on social media – @PhillyDentistry on Instagram, @PhiladelphiaDentistry on Facebook, and @DrKenCirkaDMD on Twitter!

What’s New at Philly Dentistry

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things in our daily lives. Throughout the changes though, an important factor shines through – health and safety. The health and safety of our patients has always been our number one priority at Philadelphia Dentistry. We have implemented new procedures at our office to ensure the best environment. All in all, these slight changes align with our consistent priority of health and safety. That is something our patients are most definitely used to!

What to Expect: Before Your Appointment

When booking your appointment, you will be asked some quick health questions. These questions are asked to ensure no one who has been exposed to COVID-19 comes into our office. For example, “Have you tested positive for COIVD-19,” is one of our standard questions. You will be asked these same questions again once you arrive for your appointment. This will ensure nothing has changed with your health since the last time we spoke. We also ask that you limit the number of people you bring with you to your appointment. Ideally, our patients would come alone. Check out this video to watch our new building entry procedure, as we walk you through it step by step!

What to Expect: During Your Appointment

It is required that all patients wear masks to enter our building. When you arrive, you may be asked to wait outside until we are ready for you to come up. We do this to reduce the number of patients in our office and to reduce the amount of time you are close to other people. You will also have your temperature taken to ensure you are under the degree limit of 100.4° or higher. Expect to see your doctors and hygienists dressed in disposable gowns, double-masked, wearing face shields and scrub caps. Rest assured; a friendly face is always behind the mask. Pictured is Dr. Mimi Jeon dressed in her PPE gear.

What to Expect: After Your Appointment

After your appointment, our staff will clean the room. Cleanliness is another thing we hold to a high standard at Philadelphia Dentistry. We only want the best environment for our patients. We clean our rooms with disinfectants that are effective against the virus. We do this to prepare for the next patient, and frequently throughout the day. By keeping our office clean, we are reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others.

Maintaining good health involves visiting your dentist regularly. Therefore, don’t forget to book your next appointment with us on your way out. To stay connected with us, follow us on social media @PhillyDentistry on Instagram, @PhiladelphiaDentistry on Facebook, and @DrKenCirkaDMD on Twitter!

1. How do you correctly brush your teeth? The American Dental Association states that a soft-bristled toothbrush should be used to properly brush your teeth. Why is it important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush? It’s because the soft bristles help you reduce the risk of any trauma like recession on your gums. After you get a soft-bristled toothbrush the next step is to brush at a 45-degree angle with the bristles angled toward the gums. Next, gently move the toothbrush in short circular motions. It’s important to be sure to brush all the areas of the tooth and gums, including the outer surfaces, inner surfaces and finally the chewing surfaces. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well to remove any harmful bacteria. All this should be done for 2 minutes a day, twice a day to have healthy teeth and gums for life.

2. Flossing? Is it that important? Yes! Yes! Yes! Flossing is very important. When you brush your teeth you only clean 60% of your mouth. Flossing then takes care of the last 40%. Most people don’t realize this and if you think about it would you only want to clean 60% of your body when you shower? I know I wouldn’t, so why only clean 60% of your teeth. If you don’t floss you have a much higher risk of major dental diseases such as, gum disease, cavities and tooth decay which can also lead to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, etc. By taking care of your oral hygiene you’re taking care of your entire body’s health.

3. Piggy backing off of flossing, how do you properly floss? First step is to take about 12-16 inches of floss and wrap each end around your middle fingers. It’s important to leave around 2-3 inches of floss between your hands. Using your thumb and pointer finger to hold the floss then gently insert the floss between the teeth using a sawing motion. Curve the floss around each tooth using a “C” shape motion. Gently move the floss up and down under the gum line, cleaning each side of the tooth.

4. How often am I supposed to floss? It’s important to always brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. We recommend that you do these daily rituals every morning and every night before bed.

5. Manual or electric toothbrush? Both toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth. The manual will be effective if used properly. If you are older and have difficulty using a manual toothbrush then an electric toothbrush is best for you. At your next dentist appointment talk to your dentist to see which option is best for you.

6. What toothpaste should I use? With so many toothpaste options out there it’s important to pick the right one for you. When you are in the market for a new tube of toothpaste it’s important to look for fluoride as an ingredient. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and cavities from forming. A good tip to look for is for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. These toothpastes are officially approved by the American Dental Association through scientific evidence demonstrating their safety and ability to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis and tartar buildup.

7. What can I do for my bad breath? Some ways to help fight bad breath is to practice great oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing and don’t forget to brush your tongue. If you use tobacco products there’s a better chance you are suffering from bad breath so stop using them as soon as possible. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help wash out your mouth from any bacteria. When using mouthwash look for mouthwash without any alcohol in it as an ingredient.

8. How do I know if I have gum disease? A lot of times people may not know they have periodontal or gum disease because the symptoms are “silent” and cause no pain in the beginning stages. Here are some signs to look for if you think you may have periodontal disease. Red, puffy and bleeding gums, your gums are starting to recede, you notice any newly formed gaps between your teeth, your teeth are starting to get loose and you notice you are having consistently bad breath. If you are noticing any of those signs it’s time to contact Philly Dentistry to get checked out so we can stop the periodontal disease before it worsens.

9. How often should I visit the dentist? It’s normally recommended that you visit the dentist for cleanings and check ups every 6 months. This allows the dentist to find any small problems before they become larger problems. When you get a cleaning from our wonderful hygienists they remove and calculus or tartar buildup that cannot be removed by a toothbrush. Not everyone is the same so if you are more prone to cavities or gum disease our dentists may say that you need to visit our hygiene team every 3-4 months.

10. Why are my teeth turning yellow? Stained teeth are usually caused by aging, food, drinks, such as, coffee, tea, red wine, etc. and smoking causes your teeth to stain as well. It’s just a part of life for your teeth to stain over time, but luckily for you Philly Dentistry offers professional whitening treatments to get rid of any stains and can even whiten your smile by 10 times!

Give us a call at 215-568-6222 and we can set you up with a free new patient consultation so we can detect any early signs of any type of dental problem you may be dealing with. Send us an email at info@phillydentistry.com and don’t forget to check us out on social media @PhillyDentistry. Thanks for reading!

Whenever you hear the words, “root canal” this can be enough to make people get scared and cringe. The image most people see in their head when they think of a root canal is someone holding their jaw in pain while moaning. This image you think of is because how movies, TV shows and cartoons perpetuate root canals. With advancements in technology modern day root canals are nothing like they used to be. In this blog you’ll learn the facts vs the myths of modern-day root canals.

Reasons why you may need a root canal? There can be a few different reasons why your dentist will tell you that you need a root canal. The most common reasons are cracked teeth, damaged teeth, deep cavities, abscesses, and trauma.

Myth number one. A root canal is painful. Root canals don’t cause pain, they relieve pain. With today’s modern anesthetics and technology, a root canal is no more painful than someone getting a simple cavity filled. One of our great dentists will make sure you are comfortably numb and relaxed before they remove the pain causing infection from your tooth. After the dentist cleans out the tooth, they will fill in the hole to seal out any further bacteria while repairing the enamel of the tooth with a filling or cap the tooth with a crown.

Myth number two. It’s better to have your tooth removed than a root canal. The last resort should always be a tooth extraction. Nothing functions as well as your own natural teeth, so by preserving them whenever you can is always the best option. A root canal allows you to keep your now healthy natural tooth. This will prevent you from having to resort to other dental treatments, such as bridges or implants to fill in the gap if your tooth gets extracted.

Myth number three. You only need a root canal if your tooth hurts. Sometimes a tooth’s root infection has become so unembellished that the tooth can actually die. You may no longer be feeling any pain, but the infection is still present and damaging your underlying bone structure. Even at this point a root canal can still save the tooth structure itself. By going to your routine dental checkups and exams every 6 months our dentists will be able to detect any signs of a tooth infection and can deal with the problem before it becomes painful and harmful.

Myth number four. Root canals take a couple visits to complete. Nowadays, most root canals can be completed in just a couple of hours. If there is no serious infection, they usually can be finished in one appointment at Philly Dentistry. You may need to return only if you need a filling or crown procedure.

Myth number five. Infections are common after your root canal procedure. It is possible for a re-infection of the tooth to happen, but it’s not very common at all. If an infection returns you will need further treatment. With advancements in latest dental materials for root canals they are now designed to significantly reduce the likelihood of re-infection.”

So, have no fear Philly Dentistry is here for all your general and cosmetic dentistry problems. Now that you know the facts about root canals, don’t believe the myths you hear. If you think you may need a root canal give us a call at 215-568-6222 or send us an email at info@phillydentistry.com. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest news in our office. Thanks for reading.

Most people do not enjoy going to the dentist. Let’s be honest no one really likes going to the dentist, but it’s very important to maintain healthy teeth and gums for your life. By maintaining a healthy mouth you’re not just helping your oral health, but you’re helping your overall health too. Most people don’t realize the importance or good oral hygiene and how it affects the entire body. In this blog you’ll learn about the bacteria that lives in your mouth and can cause tooth decay.

Your mouth loves bacteria whether it’s fungi, viruses, or protozoa you have bacteria in your mouth and there’s nothing you can do about it. The human mouth is home to over 700 species of bacteria. Not all bacteria are bad for you though, some bacteria protect you from pathogens. These bacteria are called commensal bacteria and we don’t necessarily worry about them. You’re probably wondering how these bacteria protect us? Well, they live on your teeth and occupy the area where the pathogens would like to live, therefore protecting your teeth.

What we eat affects the bacteria in your mouth. When you consume a great amount of sugary foods your mouth environment changes and the protective bacteria loses the battle against the bad bacteria or pathogens. A highly acidic mouth environment favors pathogens that can tolerate acid. As plaque builds up in your mouth the saliva which normally neutralizes the acids cannot flow. This results in the beginning of the tooth decay process.

Brushing your teeth, physically removes plaque on your teeth. We need to do this regularly to prevent any build up of plaque. The thicker the plaque is the less access the saliva has to be able to neutralize the acid producing bacteria. This is why it’s so important to brush at least twice a day and floss once to prevent any build up of plaque. If it’s been some time for you since you’ve been to the dentist, give us a call today 215-568-6222 to schedule a free new patient consultation so you stay happy and healthy all 2020. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date with our office.