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Philly Dentistry

Category: General Dentistry

March 9, 2020
3 weeks ago

tooth-colored fillings


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!

February 17, 2020
1 month ago

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.

woman in pain

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.

January 27, 2020
2 months ago

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.

January 6, 2020
3 months ago

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.

December 23, 2019
3 months ago

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.

kim c

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.

December 16, 2019
3 months ago

At Philly Dentistry we always stay up to date with the latest in dental technology like the intraoral cameras to improve our patient’s treatment. These cameras allow us to take close-up photos of your teeth to ensure we are giving you the best treatment plan with the goal of having a healthier mouth.


How exactly does an intraoral camera improve the treatment of a patient? There are two factors that weigh in when it comes advanced technology. The first being that it makes it easier to get insurance companies to approve treatment by seeing the actual problem and second it gives you a close-up view of any dental problem you may have.

What does an intraoral camera see? With intraoral cameras developing over the years each time getting better picture quality. At the beginning these cameras were big and bulky which made it hard to move from operatory to operatory. Today we have one in every operatory that is hand-held and much smaller than the older ones. This powerful camera can detect dental issues that the dentist may not be able to see at first. By taking close up photos of the patients’ teeth you are able to show them exactly what you are looking for and you can show them with real photos how it is so important to go to the dentist for your regular cleaning’s checkups.

Another great use of the intraoral camera is the ability to take great photos of any chipped or cracked tooth. The reason why it’s important is because the doctor can then see any progression of the crack or chipped so they know what the next steps will be to get the patient healthy again. Having these photos also really help when it comes to submitting to the insurance company which our treatment coordinators do for all our patients.

It’s important to use the latest in technology especially when it comes to dentistry. Your smile and teeth are some of the first things people notice when you meet and you can’t make a first impression twice. So, give us a call at 215-568-6222 and schedule a free new patient consultation and get that smile you’ve always dreamed about. Email: info@phillydentistry.com and follow us on Instagram: @PhillyDentistry

December 2, 2019
4 months ago

Sensitive teeth is not fun to deal with and can make it difficult for you to eat and drink. When you have sensitive teeth, you can experience sharp tooth pain that is sudden and temporary. The pain typically occurs when your teeth are exposed to hot, cold, acidic or sweet foods and drinks. If you are suffering from sensitive teeth continue to read on for some solutions when dealing with sensitivity.

tooth pain

First, here are a few reasons why your teeth may be sensitive. If you have recently had your teeth whitened this could be the cause of your sensitivity. Most people want to whiten their teeth so they can remove stains to achieve a brighter whiter smile. Many people don’t realize when they whiten their teeth this can be the cause of their tooth sensitivity. The main ingredient in many teeth whitening treatments is peroxide which can irritate the tooth nerve.
Another reason for sensitive teeth can be from brushing your teeth too hard. By brushing too hard you can wear down your tooth enamel which will cause the dentin to become unprotected. Brushing too hard can also make your gums recess and the roots exposed. This is why our dentists recommend that you use soft-bristles when you brush.

Not flossing at least once a day can cause your teeth to become sensitive as well. Just like brushing twice a day you also need to floss once a day. This prevents any plaque buildup on your teeth which will reduce your chances of gum disease, tooth sensitivity and receding gums.

Most people grind and clench their teeth during the day or while they sleep. This is mostly caused by stress related issues that you’re dealing with in your every day life. You may not even know you’re grinding or clenching your teeth at night, but if you’re waking up with a sore jaw or headache chances are you are grinding and clenching. By grinding or clenching you are wearing down your teeth which can even cause them to chip or crack. This also causes damage to your tooth’s enamel which will make your teeth more sensitive to hot, cold, sweet and acidic foods and drinks.

Your diet can also play a big role in your tooth sensitivity. If you are a regular acidic drink and food consumer this can cause your enamel to wear down. This will increase your chances of tooth sensitivity. Now to the best part, solutions to tooth sensitivity. Chances are if you’re reading this then you have sensitive teeth. Here are some solutions to help you out with any discomfort.

Our dentists might recommend dental sealants as one of the solutions to your sensitive teeth. Dental sealants are a thin resin coating that your dentist can paint onto your teeth to help with your sensitivity. Remember that it’s important to know that dental sealants are a temporary solution for your sensitive teeth and will wear off eventually.

If you are a grinder or clincher this solution is for you. A night guard will protect your teeth from grinding and clenching against each other and will reduce your tooth sensitivity. Not only will a night guard reduce your tooth sensitivity it will also decrease any headaches or jaw pain you are experiencing when you wake up.

Another option our dentist and hygienist might recommend for you is a fluoride varnish. This fluoride varnish or gel is extremely concentrated fluoride. We will apply this to your teeth to help reduce any pain or discomfort from your sensitivity and it can also help to strengthen the enamel of your teeth.
If your teeth are sensitive because the roots are exposed then our dentists might recommend using a bonding agent to cover the roots surface. For this type of sensitivity our dentist will apply the bonding agent over the exposed part of the root to cover the exposure and to help reduce any pain.

If all of the above options do not work for you then our dentists might recommend that you need a root canal. During your root canal our dentists will remove the soft nerve tissues inside your tooth that’s causing your pain. Now that you know some of the common causes and solutions for treating tooth sensitivity it’s important to talk to your dentist about any concerns you may be dealing with so they can address the problem before it worsens. Give us a call today to schedule a free new patient consultation and let us help you get out of any pain 215-568-6222. Send us an email at info@phillydentistry.com or if you want to send us a message on social media feel free as well @PhillyDentistry thanks for reading!

November 25, 2019
4 months ago

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.

brushing teeth

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.

November 11, 2019
5 months ago

There are so many different types of teeth whitening techniques, whether its DIY teeth whitening or in-office whitening it’s hard to keep track. When you whiten your teeth, you want to keep them white as long as you can and in this blog, I’ll give you tips and tricks to maintain white teeth after teeth whitening. Don’t forget to take advantage of our November monthly special of $169 custom-made bleach whitening trays and get that smile you always wanted.


Teeth whitening is one of the most popular services in dentistry. Everyone wants a nice white smile and everyone wants to maintain a nice white smile. Here are a few simple ways to prevent staining after your whitening treatment.

*Drink plenty of water during the day.
*Rinse your mouth right after you eat or drink.
*Try to avoid staining drinks like coffee, wine and tea.
*Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
*When drinking acidic beverages drink through a straw.
*Eat foods that are good for your teeth such as, strawberries, apples, leafy greens and celery.

In addition to the tips above it’s important to maintain a healthy oral routine to keep those pearly whites, white. By brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day you will maintain a healthy white smile. Another very important step to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life is to see your dentist for your routine cleanings and check-ups. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while it’s time to give Philly Dentistry a call and schedule a free new patient consultation 215-568-6222. Shoot us over an email at info@phillydentistry.com or follow us on social media @phillydentistry.

November 4, 2019
5 months ago

Everyone knows that brushing and flossing is the best way to help fight against any cavities and to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Everyone knows this, but not everyone follows these simple rules. These 2 rules have been around for a long time, but as dentistry advanced so did different ways of fighting against cavities. Here are some tips of ways you can help prevent cavities.


1. Brushing your teeth with baking soda. Baking soda helps defuse the acid that is in your mouth. Baking soda is great to brush with because not only will it help you fight against any cavities it’s also a natural tooth whitener that will keep your breath smelling fresh. It’s very simple to use as well, all you need to do is wet your toothbrush, place a pea size amount of toothpaste on and then dip your toothbrush in some baking soda and then brush for 2 minutes.

2. Using fluoride is great for your teeth because it strengthens the enamel and roots of your teeth to make them stronger. Most toothpaste nowadays has fluoride in and depending on where you live there is fluoride in the water you’re drinking. At Philly Dentistry we recommend that we use a fluoride varnish treatment on you at least two times a year. This will help prevent cavities by making your teeth more resistant to acidic food and drinks.

3. Xylitol. Sounds fancy, but is just a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and can be found in many forms such as gum or candy. Xylitol helps stimulate saliva which will inhibit the growth of bacteria in your mouth that causes cavities. A warning about Xylitol is that is can cause an upset stomach so we recommend 5 grams a day.

4. Finally, the most obvious tip is to brush and floss daily. This helps you maintain healthy teeth and gums for life, by removing the plaque and bacteria that gets stuck from eating. By not brushing and flossing you’re allowing that food to sit on your teeth all day which becomes harder and harder to remove and will eventually turn into cavities. This is why it’s so important to brush and floss. Brushing an hour after you eat each meal will help ensure that you are getting rid of any of that harmful bacteria and that it’s not sitting on your teeth all day. It’s also important to not brush right away after a meal because that can cause damage to your tooth’s enamel so our dentists recommend an hour after eating. Give us a call today at 215-568-6222 and we can help you set up an appointment so you can achieve a happier and healthier mouth.



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