Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Reasons Your Teeth are So Yellow

Ever look in the mirror and wonder how your teeth got so yellow? There are several factors for that and our staff at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania is here to tell you about them. By making a few simple lifestyle changes, you may be able to prevent teeth discoloration. For example, if you are a coffee drinker and/or smoker, you should consider cutting back or quitting altogether. However, if your teeth appear to bean abnormal color without any reasonable explanation, you should contact your dentist immediately.


When you do not routinely brush, floss and rinse your mouth to remove plaque buildup and tartar, this can give your teeth a bit of lackluster. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your teeth yellow over time. Your teeth can start yellowing as a natural part of the aging process. This happens as the strong, white protective coating on teeth, known as enamel, fades over time because of the everyday wear and tear on your teeth. Luckily, yellowing teeth are not a sign of a serious medical condition, so there is no need to worry.


If you have further questions about tooth discoloration, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Types of Teeth and Their Functions

Ever wondered how many teeth we have? Well, the answer depends on a few factors, the biggest factor being age. Although the number of teeth we have may vary, the types of teeth and their functions are all the same. If you’ve ever wondered what these teeth are and what purpose they serve, our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania are here to inform you.


The types of teeth and their functions are:



  • Incisors – located at the front of the mouth, these teeth have a sharp biting surface and are used for cutting or shearing food into small chewable pieces.

  • Canines – located at the ‘corners’ of the dental arches, these teeth have a sharp pointed biting surface. Their function is to grip and tear food.

  • Premolars – Unlike incisors and canines, these teeth have a flat biting surface. Their function is to tear and crush food.

  • Molars – The molars are the largest teeth in the mouth and they too have a large flat biting surface. The function of these is perhaps the strongest of all as they chew, crush, and grind food.


If you have further questions about your pearly whites, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141. 

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Protect Yourself from Plaque

Plaque develops when food containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids can destroy your tooth enamel. As much as we love to see you at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania, we would like you to avoid invasive dental procedures in your future when they can be prevented at this very moment.


Plaque makes teeth feel rough and slimy, so if you lick your teeth with your tongue and feel a fuzzy buildup then you should get to the sink stat. To prevent plaque buildup, brush your teeth twice a day with a soft, rounded tip bristled toothbrush and pay particular attention to the space where the gums and teeth meet. Using tartar control (fluoride) toothpaste doesn’t hurt either. In addition to brushing, you should floss at least once a day to remove food particles. Dental plaque should be removed regularly because it can cause dental problems.


To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.oralsurgerypa.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Oral Surgery Consultants of Pennsylvania located in Philadelphia, call 215-463-4141.