Northern Virginia Dental Associates

Questions About Oral Health? Take a Look at These Great Resources

Oral health doesn't just mean that your teeth are in good shape, your oral health also has effects on your overall well-being. Keep your whole body healthy by contacting Northern Virginia Dental Associates today at (888) 862-0095 or by checking us out on the web. Take a look below to learn more about the procedures we offer and any questions that we can help you with.

• Did you know that gum disease can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke? Explore this article from the American Academy of Periodontology to learn why it is so important to seek treatment for gum disease during its early stages.
• Bad breath may be caused by a number of factors, including common dental problems. Check out this article from USNews.com for more information about some of the surprising causes of bad breath.
• Visit this article from WebMD.com for more information on enhancing your smile.  
• Are you a good candidate for porcelain veneers? Browse through this article from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry to learn about the uses and benefits of dental veneers.
• Find out more about tooth whitening procedures by reading over this article from the American Dental Association. 

Could You Benefit from a Smile Makeover?

Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry which focuses on improving the aesthetic qualities of the teeth rather than just promoting their overall health. While the best way to determine if a smile makeover is right for you is to consult with your cosmetic dentist, there are certain signs that you might be a good candidate for a smile makeover.

You Are Unhappy With the Color of Your Teeth
Your teeth become stained over time for a number of reasons, including poor oral hygiene habits, consuming darkly colored foods and beverages, use of certain medications, and the presence of large restorations. Your teeth may also become discolored due to the natural aging process, which allows the naturally yellow-colored dentin below your enamel to show through the surface of your teeth. When you are suffering from tooth discoloration or staining, in-office tooth whitening with your dentist may be a great option.

You Are Suffering From Chips or Cracks
Individuals who are suffering from small chips, cracks, or fractures may also benefit from a smile makeover. Dental veneers, for example, can be used to conceal teeth that are chipped or broken as well as teeth that have suffered early wear and tear. Crowns, inlays, and onlays are also a great way for individuals with irregular tooth surfaces to improve the condition of their smile.

You Have Certain Malocclusions
Oral malocclusions or “bad bites” not only affect the look of your smile but can also increase the chances of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease. This is because crooked teeth are often more difficult to keep clean. Invisalign offers dental patients a way to correct many different malocclusions using clear, removable aligners rather than metal brackets and arch-wires.

The experienced family and cosmetic dentists with Northern Virginia Dental Associates are ready to answer all of your questions about smile makeovers. Give our Springfield office a call at (888) 862-0095 to schedule an appointment. 

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!