Friday, August 15, 2014

Have you ever had a tooth cavity? Hurts...right?!

Have you ever had a tooth cavity? Hurts...right?!

Most people will be unaware of a cavity forming in their tooth.  The earliest signs of a cavity will be a small chalky white spot on the surface of their tooth. This is where tooth enamel is demineralizing and is referred to as a white spot lesion, or "micro cavity".

In some cases, at this early stage, cavities can be reversible, but left untreated, the white spot will quickly progress and turn brown. This is indicative of the demineralization process and in some cases can rapidly occur.

At this point, your tooth enamel and dentin become destroyed and the cavity will be more noticeable. The affected areas of the tooth change color and become soft to the touch. 

Once the cavity reaches the nerve, most people will know they have a cavity!

What are the signs of a cavity?


  • pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
  • sensitivity to sweet drinks
  • toothache
  • tender when biting down or applying pressure to the tooth
  • bad breath


Below is a photo montage that shows the rapid progression of a tooth cavity.


ToothMontage3.jpg

How to prevent tooth cavities

Some of this goes without saying.... proper hygiene is a huge factor.
  • Oral hygiene - daily brushing and flossing!
  • Change your diet! Cut down on sugary drinks, eat foods high in calcium
  • use a fluoride toothpaste
  • Visit your dentist twice a year for routine preventative dental exams
Always remember that your oral health directly affects your overall health. A good dental routine will help make you have a healthy smile!

Monday, August 11, 2014

It's that time again! Back to School…Get an A+ on Dental Health

It's that time again! Back to School…Get an A+ on Dental Health


As a kid, i hated the middle of August. It was time for my parents to point out that i was hitting the books soon and going back to school. I would have to follow along while we went "back to school shopping" for school supplies, new clothes, new shoes and everything my parents could think of to make me ready to get off the couch and back to the classroom.

One thing, looking back that would have made perfect sense, would be to also schedule in a dental visit. Routine dental checkups, should be scheduled twice a year and your dentist will not only clean your child’s teeth but also do a thorough screening for any problems. Any dental issue that is caught early can usually be fixed quickly which will eliminate the need for costly dental procedures and possibly prevent any larger dental issues.

Dental checkups should be a routine not a once in a while task

Having a family dentist who can monitor your children’s teeth as they grow is essential for dental health. They can suggest areas for improvement and can give you the tools to maintain and improve your child's oral health. During your child’s dental checkup, we will review any dental and medical history and then examine the teeth, jaws and oral tissue. The teeth are then cleaned and polished and a fluoride solution is applied.

Teaching your kids how to take care of their teeth is as easy as  1..2..3~

It’s very important to teach your children great dental hygiene habits at an early age. This will help instill dental routines and will better equip them for a lifetime of  good oral health. Most people don’t know that good oral health greatly improves your overall health. 
Make sure your children:


  1.  Know when to replace an old or worn out toothbrush. Toothbrushes, when worn out are not as effective at cleaning teeth and can also carry bacteria.
  2. Floss…floss….floss. Flossing should follow brushing and should be a daily part of your child’s healthy dental routine. Make it fun…have your kid count how many teeth they have while flossing or get use the flossing dental pics to make it an easier task but try to make this a daily habit.
  3. Mix it up….try a different flavored toothpaste each month. there a re many new brands that have kid-friendly flavors and bright colors. 


Good dental Habits will improve your child’s overall health and give them a lifetime of great smiles!

Please schedule your visit today at my Philadelphia Dental office: 215-627-1995

check out my website for more info: Philadelphia Dentist, Dr. Richard Eidelson

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