Northern Virginia Dental Associates

Getting to the Root of Gum Disease

Studies show that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adult patients. In this video, ColgateOralCare.com provides an overview on gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.

Gum disease starts with the buildup of plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth. This plaque contains bacteria, and if it is not removed with daily brushing and flossing, it can release toxins which irritate the gum tissue. Learn more about the three stages of gum disease by watching the entire clip.

Whether you’re suffering from periodontal disease or are interested in teeth whitening procedures, the cosmetic dentists with Northern Virginia Dental Associates are here to help. Give our Springfield office a call at (703) 451-8332 to set up an appointment. 

What a Dentist Looks for in Your X-Rays

Dental X-rays, also known as radiographs, allow your dentist to analyze the condition of your teeth and the structures below the gum line. While many family dentists still utilize traditional dental X-rays, many Springfield dentists promote digital X-ray technology, which uses an electronic sensor to capture and store digital images on a computer.

Digital X-ray technology allows your dentist to view and enlarge images of your teeth to identify, diagnose, and treat a number of dental problems that would not otherwise be visible during an oral examination. Consider this overview on what a dentist looks for in your X-rays for more information. 

Your dentist will use oral X-rays to identify and prevent a number of dental abnormalities, including:

• Developmental abnormalities of the teeth and jaws
• Poor tooth and root structure, such as improperly erupting wisdom teeth
• Cavities between teeth
• Gum disease
• Infections within the bone
• Abscesses and cysts
• Non-cancerous and cancerous tumors

In addition to identifying problems within your teeth and gums, dental X-rays also allow your cosmetic dentist to efficiently create a treatment plan for a number of procedures, including implant restoration, root canals, fillings, and various cosmetic services.

Most new patients will require a series of full-mouth radiographs when they first visit the dentist. These X-rays are typically good for 2-3 years, but the frequency that patients should undergo dental X-rays will vary based on their dental history, age, symptoms, and risk factors for disease. Children may also require more frequent X-rays, as their teeth and jaws are still at the developmental stages and are more likely to be affected by tooth decay.

Do you remember the last time you had dental X-rays taken? Let the family dentists with Northern Virginia Dental Associates provide you with the best preventative and restorative dental care in the Springfield area. For more information on our services, visit our website or contact us directly at (703) 451-8332. 

The Causes and Treatment of Bad Breath

Many individuals suffer from bad breath in the morning, but if your bad breath lingers on past the morning, it may be a sign of a bigger problem and you may want to consult with your family dentist. Before you set up a consultation, consider this overview on the causes and treatment options for bad breath. 

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, may be caused by a number of factors. Some of the most common causes of bad breath include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Improper brushing and flossing can often lead to bad breath. Food particles may remain stuck between your teeth, promoting the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
• Consumption of certain foods: While many people think that the digestion process begins in your stomach, the food you eat actually starts breaking down as soon as it enters your mouth. Once the food has been digested, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and eventually carried to your lungs, where it is expelled in your breath. This means that eating foods with strong odors, including onions and garlic, causes bad breath until the foods have completely passed through your system.
• Gum disease: Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by bacteria-filled plaque along the gum line. This bacteria releases toxins into the mouth that can lead to bad breath.
• Dry mouth: Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is a medical condition characterized by a lack of saliva. Saliva is necessary in order to moisten the mouth, neutralize acids, and slough off cells on the gums, tongue, and cheeks—which means that inadequate saliva production can lead to bad breath.

While daily brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash may help combat bad breath, other causes of bad breath may require professional dental treatment. Let the family and cosmetic dentists at Northern Virginia Dental Associates identify the cause of your halitosis and help you find the right treatment option for your needs. Give our office a call at (703) 451-8332 for more information. 

Tips for Healthy Oral Care Habits in Kids

Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining the health and development of your child’s teeth. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to motivate kids to take proper care of their teeth.

In this video, Crest and Oral-B provide a number of tips for helping your children establish proper oral care habits. One great way to motivate kids is to develop a charting system that breaks down their morning and nighttime routines into a specific schedule—including how long they should brush their teeth. Check out this short clip for more useful tips.

If you’re searching for a top-quality pediatric dentist, look no further than Northern Virginia Dental Associates in Springfield. Give our dentists a call today at (703) 451-8332!

Signs of Unhealthy Gums

Healthy teeth and gums are a crucial part of maintaining overall health. In fact, studies indicate that individuals suffering from gum disease are at greater risk for additional health problems, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Are you one of the 75% of Americans suffering from unhealthy gums? Learn the signs and symptoms of unhealthy gums with this overview.

Gingivitis

One of the first signs of unhealthy gums is gingivitis—the most common, mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is caused by a buildup of bacteria-filled plaque in-between the teeth near the gum line, and is often the result of poor oral hygiene. The most common signs of gingivitis include redness, swollen gums, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. However, there is often little to no discomfort in the early stages.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis can often lead to periodontitis, or a more advanced stage of periodontal disease. This occurs when the plaque spreads below the gum line, stimulating a chronic inflammatory response that causes the body to turn against itself, destroying the gum tissues and bone structures that support the teeth. There are a number of different classifications of periodontitis, including:

• Chronic periodontitis: This condition causes inflammation within the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth, as well as gum recession, pocket formation along the gum line, and bone loss.
• Aggressive periodontitis: Symptoms include rapid decay of dental attachments and destruction of bone.
• Necrotizing periodontal disease: This involves necrosis or decay of gum tissues, periodontal ligaments, and alveolar bone. This type of periodontitis is common among individuals with systemic conditions, including malnutrition, immunosuppression, and HIV.

If you’re suffering from swollen gums or experience bleeding during daily oral hygiene practices, you may be suffering from periodontal disease. Fortunately, your family dentist can help to reverse the signs of gingivitis before it leads to more advanced periodontal disease. For the best services in the Springfield, VA area, contact the cosmetic and pediatric dentists with Northern Virginia Dental Associates at (703) 451-8332.