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!

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!

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Do you find yourself constantly smirking in photos because you don’t want to show your teeth? Are you not 100% happy with what you see in the mirror? You might be a good candidate for a Smile Makeover. What is a Smile Makeover? A Smile Makeover is a dental procedure that works to give you a healthier and more attractive smile. Say goodbye to all of your dental insecurities.

What’s so important about a smile?

Naturally, every human feels a sensation of positivity when they see others around them smile. Smiles make us feel comfortable. Smiling can also boost our own health. Studies show that simply smiling can boost moods, lower stress, and possibly prolong your life. Therefore, smiles are good for everyone!

What exactly do Smile Makeovers fix?

Smile Makeovers fix aesthetic issues and function issues. For instance, if your teeth are dull, chipped, worn, oddly shaped, or cracked, a smile makeover can fix that. Those are all aesthetic issues that can cause low confidence. You shouldn’t let your insecurities get the best of you though, especially when there are ways to fight back. If you are experiencing pain, tooth loss, decay, or infection, a smile makeover can fix that too. There is no reason anyone shouldn’t be able to go about daily tasks without any pain or issues. That’s where a smile makeover can come to the rescue.

Gain back your confidence.

Having problems with your teeth is the worst, especially if you are feeling discomfort. It’s time to stop overthinking pictures. The days of low self-confidence are over. It is now your time to take control and become confident again.

Get Connected!

Get social 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!

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!

Electric cigarettes and vaping have been all over the news recently because of their harmful affects on the body, but are they terrible for your dental health as well? This topic is all over the news today because everyone thought that e-cigarettes and vaping were the much safer alternative to smoking traditional tobacco products. Instead of inhaling all the dangerous chemicals that are known to be associated with tobacco products, vaping and e-cigs were thought to have cut illness risks since they didn’t have all the same chemicals.

As of 10/08/2019 there have been nearly 1,299 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigs and vaping products across the United States and from those cases there have been 26 confirmed deaths associated with these products. There is current research going on now at the University of Rochester Medical Center connecting vaping and damaged gum tissue. These researchers suggested that e-cigarettes and vaping are “equally damaging to the gums and teeth as conventional cigarettes.” If you’re not ready to quit yet here are a few ways to help you better your oral health. Doctors understand that going cold turkey isn’t always as easy as it seems, but there are several different things you can do to at least minimize your current use of vaping or using e-cigarettes.

1. Monitoring your oral health. This will require you check for any signs of irritation or damage to your gums, teeth and the surrounding tissues. Some signs to look for are receding gumlines or your gums are bleeding. Some other signs can include loose teeth and bad breath.

2. Reduce your use. If you can’t just stop and go cold turkey then consider slowly decreasing your use. If you are using your e-cig or vape many times a day, try cutting it back to only two or three times. Once you’ve accomplished that, do the same thing and cut it in half to only one or two times and then finally you can put it away for good.

3. Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. This will ensure and help monitor your oral health. There is only so much you can do from home, so seeing your dentist regularly will make sure that there were no serious affects caused from vaping. The most important thing is to be honest with your dentist so they know and can give you advice for any potential issues that can come later on from using your e-cig or vape.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in awhile and are afraid you may be experiencing some issue from smoking e-cigarettes, vape pens or regular tobacco cigarettes then it’s time to give Philly Dentistry a call at 215-568-6222. We will take care of all your dental needs in the comfort of our Center City, Philadelphia location. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date with all the latest news in our office. Thanks for reading.

If your 2020 New Year’s resolution is to get healthy you should first take a look at your mouth. Your oral health has a great deal with your overall health. Your oral health affects your whole-body health including your energy levels, digestion, weight loss and mental health.

The impact of poor oral health starts when someone isn’t brushing or flossing properly which leaves a sticky deposit called plaque on your teeth. When plaque is left on your teeth it builds up and goes in the gum line causing you to get an infection or gum disease. This bacteria can enter your bloodstream and be carried throughout your body affecting your overall health. Bad oral health can lead to conditions like, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory tract infections and depression have been linked to gum disease.

When you develop gum disease it can affect your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar and this can affect your overall energy levels. Another reason your energy levels will go down is because your immune system is constantly fighting against the infection and your body’s energy resources are being used to fight this battle resulting in you becoming tired and worn out. If you want your energy levels to raise in 2020 then remember to brush twice a day and floss daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.

Your oral health affects your weight as well. There is a close connection between your oral health and that weight you’re trying to lose. When your gums are inflamed from gum disease this causes stress in your body which causes metabolic and circulatory problems that affects your attempts to lose weight. By maintaining a good oral health routine, you will be less stressed and be able to lose that weight you’re trying to.

Oral health and your digestion are connected as well. The digestive process starts in your mouth and a proper diet is important. One of the inevitable effects of gum disease is tooth loss. When you have fewer teeth it’s harder to chew our food well which makes it harder to digest your food. Another issue is if you have ulcers in the stomach which are often credited to bacterial infections in the stomach lining. The bacteria that collects in your mouth when gum disease is present can be the same bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

Everyone wants to feel the best they can both physically and mentally. It’s a proven fact that people with poor oral health are more likely to have emotional and self-image problems. This isn’t very shocking because think about when you have bad breath or stained teeth you don’t feel good about yourself and are embarrassed to talk to anyone. When you have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile you feel great with your head held high ready to take on the world. Give us a call at 215-568-6222 and we can schedule you for a free new patient consultation so our accomplished doctors can give you that smile you’ve always wanted in 2020.

We all know that brushing twice a day and flossing once a day helps fight against cavities, but there are other tips that you can do to help protect your teeth and gums even more. Brushing and flossing effectively removes plaque, bacteria which makes your gums stay healthy. Dentistry has come a long way and now we know more ways to help prevent cavities. Check out some tips below on how to help prevent cavities.

1. Fluoride. As a kid growing up, I remember my elementary school teacher giving us fluoride tablets every day. I never knew what they were for, but I liked eating them. Fluoride is great in strengthening the enamel and root surfaces of the teeth to make them stronger. Although, most toothpaste now a days has fluoride in it and there is also, depending on where you live fluoride in the water. Our hygienists recommend a fluoride varnish treatment at least twice a year to help protect against cavities. A fluoride varnish is a higher concentration of fluoride that helps prevent cavities by making your teeth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque and sugars in your mouth. If you’re someone who has a higher decay rate and gets cavities more often then we will recommend a prescription fluoride toothpaste that can be used daily when brushing.

2. Baking soda. Brushing with baking soda helps neutralize the acid and bacteria in your mouth. Baking soda is one of the least abrasive things you can brush with. It’s also a natural tooth whitener and will keep your breath much fresher! It’s simple, all you need to do is just wet your toothbrush, place some toothpaste on your toothbrush, put some baking soda on it and finally brush for two minutes.

3. Xylitol. Xylitol is a fancy word for sugar alcohol that is used as a sweetener which can be found in many forms, such as gum or candy. Xylitol can help stimulate saliva and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth that is causes you to get cavities.

4. Brushing and flossing. Yes, everyone knows this, but it’s the most important. This helps to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. By brushing twice, a day and flossing once a day will help remove any plaque buildup or bacteria that can cause cavities. If you need some trick and tips about flossing check out our hygienist, Rachel explain the importance of flossing in this video here.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in quite some time it’s time to give Philly Dentistry a call for all your dental needs. We are a general and cosmetic dentistry so if you just want your normal cleaning and check-ups or if you want a brand new smile with porcelain veneers, we have your back for everything! 215-568-6222 or send us an email at info@phillydentistry.com or follow us on social media @phillydentistry.

Gum disease is also known as periodontists or periodontal disease and is very common with adults. You may be wondering now what is it? How do I get it? And is it preventable?

Gum disease is formed when plaque isn’t removed from brushing, flossing or seeing your dentist for your regular cleanings and check-ups. Bacteria in plaque produce toxins that can infect gum tissue which causes redness, irritation and bleeding. As gum disease worsens your gums will pull away from your teeth which creates pockets. Over time, these pockets can become deeper and when they become deeper, they fill with bacteria and toxins which then destroys gum tissue and bone. This most likely will result in tooth loss.

The initial stages of gum disease can be painless. This is why it’s so important to visit your dentist regularly because you can have gum disease and not even know it. By visiting your dentist on a regular basis, they will be able to catch any early signs of gum disease and be able to treat it right away so it doesn’t worsen. Early gum disease can be treated by our amazing team of hygienists. At Philly Dentistry we call it a deep cleaning which involves scaling and root planning that will remove the buildup and bacteria below the gum line to begin the healing process. After this treatment the gum disease can be kept in check by brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings with our Philly Dentistry team.

Some causes of gum disease can be from poor oral hygiene by not brushing or flossing daily. Smoking tobacco regularly, hormonal changes, illnesses, medications, family history and even stress can all cause gum disease. The symptoms of gum disease are:

*Redness
*Swelling
*Tenderness
*Bleeding
*Recession
*Painful chewing
*Deep pockets between teeth and gums
*Loose or shifting teeth

Studies suggest that gum disease could be connected to inflammatory conditions such as, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Chronic Kidney Disease and some forms of cancer. Ways to prevent this disease are to brush and floss daily, visit your dentist regularly, reduce the stress in your life, eat a well-balanced nutritious diet and finally stop smoking. Regular cleanings and checkups by our dental team are extremely important to keep your gums healthy. So, give us a call today at 215-568-6222 or send us an email info@phillydentistry.com to get scheduled for your routine cleaning and check-up. While you’re at it give us a follow us on Instagram @PhillyDentistry and don’t forget to brush and floss daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life.