Northern Virginia Dental Associates

Looking For More Tips About Taking Care Of Your Teeth? Then Visit These Sites!

Great oral health habits for you and your family mean easier dental visits, less money spent on dental care, and brighter, more dazzling smiles. Northern Virginia Dental Associates offers oral care for the entire family. Whether you need to schedule an appointment for your child's first visit or one of yourself, give us a call at (888) 862-0095. You can find more information on dental health and how to get an early start on good dental hygiene on these websites:

• Find out more about dental fluoride treatments and what happens when you receive one at the dentist’s office on ADA.org.
• Explore the many types of dental X-rays your dentist can use to examine your teeth and mouth on MedicineNet.com.
• Read more about how using a pacifier or sucking their thumb past the ages of two to three can affect your child’s bite on ScienceDaily.com.
• Get more tips to start your baby on the road to a healthy mouth on KnowYourTeeth.com.
• You can find the information you need to understand the link between juice and tooth decay on ExplorerNews.com. 

What Every Parent Should Know About Their Child's Oral Health

Your child’s oral health is every bit as important as their overall health. Regular visits to your pediatric dentist, along with healthy dental habits at home, will help ensure that your child’s smile is healthy and happy. Follow these tips to get your child started down the right path to great dental health.

Starting Early is Important
As soon as your child’s first teeth erupt, you can begin taking care of them. Schedule your child’s first visit to the pediatric dentist within six months of their first tooth, or around their first birthday. Talk to the dentist about how to care for your child’s teeth and maintain regular checkups as recommended by the dentist. Getting early dental care and keeping up to date with your child’s care can not only promote healthy teeth but also lower the costs of dental care in the future.

Use The Bottle and Sippy Cup Wisely
Never put sugary drinks, such as juice or soda, into your child’s bottle. If your child wants a bottle before a nap, use only water to prevent early tooth decay caused when sugars stick to teeth. Dentists especially recommend against using juices as a substitute for water or milk. This remains important as your child grows, since using a sippy cup while they transition from bottle to regular glass can promote tooth decay behind the front teeth.

Pacifiers and Thumb-sucking Can Affect Oral Development
Using a pacifier or sucking their thumb is a natural and healthy habit for your young child. However, these habits should be curbed by about the age of three to prevent them from affecting your child’s oral health. Prolonged thumb-sucking or constant pacifier use can affect the alignment of your child’s teeth and jaws and require orthodontic treatment later to correct in life.

You can get more information on healthy early dental development by visiting Northern Virginia Dental Associates for skilled and dependable pediatric dental care. Call us at (888) 862-0095 for the answers to your questions or to schedule your child’s first dental visit. You can find additional dental information for you and your child by browsing our website. 

How to Take Care of Your Teeth During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes a number of changes in your body, and it can affect your oral health as well. It’s important to let your dentist know that you’re pregnant and talk to him about the changes that may affect your teeth and mouth during this time.

This video explains the importance of good dental health for mothers-to-be. Be sure to schedule regular visits to your dentist, and don’t neglect brushing and flossing on a daily basis. It’s easy to develop mild gum disease during pregnancy, and diligent daily oral care will keep your gums and body healthy.

If you’re interested in learning more about keeping your teeth and gums healthy during your pregnancy, contact Northern Virginia Dental Associates. To set up your first appointment, call our Springfield office today at (888) 862-0095. 

What to Expect from Your Dental Checkup and Cleaning

Regular checkups with your dentist are an important part of maintaining outstanding oral health. Your dentist will examine your teeth and mouth as well as perform a professional cleaning. These visits monitor ongoing problems and aim to catch cavities and gum disease before they can progress and cause pain or damage to your smile.

Addressing Medical History
You may be asked for an up-to-date medical history, especially if you are a new patient. Your dentist needs to know about any conditions that can affect your oral health, such as diabetes or pregnancy.

Taking Dental X-Rays
Your dentist may take dental X-rays during your checkup. This allows him to view hidden or difficult-to-see areas, such as between teeth and inside the jaw. Dental X-rays are safe and valuable tools that aid in the detection of problems at an early stage, especially conditions that are not detectable visually.

Receiving A Dental Examination
Your dentist or hygienist will check the health of your mouth, including your salivary glands, lymph nodes, and tongue. You may receive an oral cancer screening. There will be a physical examination of your teeth and gums using tools such as mirrors and dental explorers. Your dentist uses these observations to confirm or detect areas of tooth decay or other problems, and will then explain his findings to you.

Having Your Teeth Cleaned
During your professional cleaning, your dentist will use various tools to remove hardened dental calculus from your teeth. This will include a thorough cleaning just below the gum line, as well as flossing thoroughly between your teeth. Your dentist will brush and polish your teeth using a high-powered dental tools to remove buildup and stains. You may also receive a fluoride treatment to help strengthen your teeth against tooth decay.

To schedule a checkup and cleaning with Northern Virginia Dental Associates, call (888) 862-0095 today. We utilize advanced technology for effective dental care, including digital X-rays and intraoral cameras. You can find out more by visiting our website to explore our practice and meet our dentists. 

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