Northern Virginia Dental Associates

How to Keep Your Child's Teeth in the Best Shape

Taking care of your child’s teeth at an early age is a great way to instill proper dental habits for a lifetime. This CBS News report provides a number of useful tips for keeping your child’s teeth healthy.

It is important for all children to see a pediatric dentist within six months of the eruption of their first tooth, and no later than their first birthday. However, you can help protect your child’s dental health even before they begin developing teeth by wiping down their gums with a soft-washcloth after meals. Watch the complete clip for more tips.

For more information about setting up an initial consultation for your child, contact the pediatric dentists with Northern Virginia Dental Associates at (888) 862-0095. Our Springfield family dentists also offer restorative care, cosmetic services, and the Invisalign system. 

Oral Health Facts Every Dental Patient Should Know

Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, and therefore requires extra-special care. Unfortunately, many of us tend to ignore the condition of our teeth and gums until we are experiencing a major problem. Get on the road to better oral health by reading over these important dental facts.

Brushing and Flossing Are a Must
Most of us know that brushing and flossing are important—but few of us really understand why. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste not only helps remove plaque and bacteria build-up but also helps to strengthen the enamel of your teeth. Flossing is equally important, as it removes the plaque that your toothbrush leaves behind, reducing your chances of gum disease and cavities. In addition, these at-home oral hygiene practices will reduce the chances of tartar buildup, or hardened plaque that can only be removed by your family dentist.

Bad Breath May be Caused by a Dental Problem
Chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, is not always related to the foods you eat. In many cases, persistent bad breath is linked to a dental problem such as extreme decay, periodontal disease, or dry mouth syndrome.

Routine Checkups Assess Your Risk for Cancer
Routine checkups with your dentist are an essential part of maintaining your oral health because they allow your dentist to check for signs of oral cancer. This is crucial as many of the initial signs of oral cancer are not obvious to patients and can only be identified by a qualified dentist.

Gum Disease Can Impact Your Overall Health
Many individuals do not realize that gum disease can have an impact on their overall health. However, untreated periodontal disease allows the infection to spread past the gingival tissues where it can infect your organs, increasing the risk for a number of serious health complications, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Make sure you are taking proper care of your oral health by contacting the family and pediatric dentists with Northern Virginia Dental Associates at (888) 862-0095 today! We also offer the Invisalign system. 

Nighttime Nuisance: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea [INFOGRAPHIC]

Sleep apnea is a common disorder affecting more than 18 million Americans. It can have major consequences on the lives of sufferers and their family members. However, since this condition only occurs during sleep, many people don’t realize they have it. Understanding the condition’s signs and symptoms may help you seek the treatment you need for this potentially dangerous disorder. Without proper treatment, your risk for several major health problems increases significantly. This infographic from Northern Virginia Dental Associates, a Springfield dentistry office, explains more about sleep apnea. Check it out to learn about the condition’s signs, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. Spread awareness about sleep apnea by sharing this infographic with friends and family! 

Are You At Risk for Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, refers to an infection of the gingival tissues and bones that support the teeth. The mildest form of gum disease is known as gingivitis and is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushing and flossing. When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis, in which the gum tissues begin to pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets where bacteria can spread. Make sure you know when to visit your family dentist by reading over the periodontal disease risk factors discussed in this article.

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Bacteria-filled plaque constantly builds up on your teeth throughout the day. Failure to floss and brush your teeth on a regular basis allows this plaque to spread below the gum line, where it infects the gingival tissues and other structures surrounding your teeth. For this reason, individuals who have poor oral hygiene habits and those who do not schedule routine cleanings with their dentist are at a greater risk for periodontal disease.

Tobacco Use
Periodontal disease has been linked to chronic inflammation of the gum tissue. Smoking cigarettes or cigars or using chewing tobacco can all inflame the gum tissues and therefore increase your risk for gum disease.

Uncontrolled Medical Conditions 
Many individuals who have certain preexisting medical conditions that make it harder for the body to fight infection are at a higher risk for periodontal disease. This includes—but is not limited to—individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, leukemia, HIV, and AIDS.

The best way to determine if you are at risk for developing periodontal disease is to consult with your Springfield dentist. Give the providers with Northern Virginia Dental Associates a call at (888) 862-0095 to set up an oral examination and a professional cleaning. We also offer cosmetic dentistry, root canals, and pediatric dentistry services. 

Understanding the Plaque on your Teeth

Dental plaque refers to a sticky, colorless film which constantly forms on the teeth. In this video, the American Dental Association provides a basic overview of dental plaque. Plaque mainly consists of bacteria which releases acids into your mouth. Over time, this acid can break down the enamel of your teeth and boost the risk of cavities. You can help reduce plaque buildup by brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once per day, and visiting your dentist. Check out this video for more information about preventing plaque buildup.

Can you remember the last time you had your teeth cleaned? Give the Springfield family dentists with Northern Virginia Dental Associates a call today at (888) 862-0095 to set up a comprehensive cleaning.