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Understanding Gingivitis and Gum Diseases

Your teeth are much more important than you might think. Most of us take our smile for granted until we begin to experience problems with it. One of the most common issues that people deal with are gingivitis and gum disease. These two problems, which are the same only better or worse than the other, can cause your teeth to become loose and for your smile to go from being bright and beautiful to unsightly.

What is a Root Canal?

Teeth can be a sensitive subject. When going to see a dentist, there are some things that people might not understand as far as terminology. In this post, we will be defining what a root canal is and how the procedure is performed.

Ten Foods That Strengthen Tooth Enamel

We all know that regular brushing and flossing, in addition to regular dental check-ups, can help keep our smiles looking great for decades to come. However, it’s important to look after our tooth enamel. Avoiding fizzy drinks and sugary foods can help, but did you know that there are some delicious foods you can eat to strengthen your teeth and keep your enamel looking great?

Bruxism Leads To Physical and Dental Health Problems

Bruxism involves repetitively clenching the jaw or grinding the teeth, and it can lead to an assortment of physical and dental problems that include:

Teaching Children About Dental Hygiene

Establishing a good dental hygiene routine at a young age is an important part of lifelong oral health. Children should be taught how to care for their teeth as soon as their first one erupts. Children are more likely to properly care for their teeth into adulthood if they are taught a good oral hygiene routine from a young age.

Dental Care for Pregnant Women

Pregnancy and Dental Care

“Can I go to the dentist while I am pregnant?” This is a question we hear often at our practice. Many women wonder whether or not they can safely visit their dentist for dental treatment during pregnancy. The short answer is, “Yes, most dental treatments are safe” [notes the American Dental Association]. In fact, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay and gingivitis.

Did you know that poor oral health during pregnancy can contribute to “premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction. [according to the American Dental Association]? Dental care is vital during pregnancy and is not something that should be overlooked or ignored.

While you are pregnant, you will have an higher risk of developing gingivitis and will be more likely to have tooth decay or cavities. Pregnant women experience more acid in their mouth due to morning sickness, which can lead to cavities during pregnancy. There is a tendency to have an increase in inflammation and swelling in the gums due to hormonal changes as well as plaque buildup, more likely due to easy gag reflex and hardship of the brushing and flossing of the teeth in the back of the mouth.

Signs of Gum Disease

At Metro Dental Health in Fairfax, Va., we want you to understand the signs of gum disease so that you can seek help as soon as possible to avoid losing any teeth. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes for loss of one or more teeth, and it can lead to severe infections that can spread to the roots of the teeth along with the bones in the face. By understanding the earliest symptoms of gum disease, you can have the appropriate treatment to prevent additional health problems, such as sinus infection, heart problems, and premature childbirth.

Five Dental Crown Care Tips

When you have a large cavity or a damaged tooth, you can visit Metro Dental Health in Fairfax, Va., to learn if you are a candidate for a dental crown. In order to have a dental crown right away, you must have a healthy mouth without any gingivitis. A dental crown is placed over the original tooth to protect it from damage while you chew food. In some cases, our dentist can make a dental crown for a damaged tooth in only one office visit.

Keep Your Dental Crowns In Top-notch Condition

First, our dentist will drill into the natural tooth to remove the bacteria and decay. It is essential to have the infection portion of the tooth removed in case the cavity has reached the soft tissue inside the tooth (called the pulp), including the pulp and nerves. Our dentist will fill the interior portion of the tooth with a durable substance before placing a beautiful customized crown over the natural tooth.

Types of Dental Implants

When teeth are lost due to trauma or disease, a dental implant can be placed to replace the lost teeth. Dental implants are the best option for replacing teeth for the long term dental health of patients. An endosteal dental implant consists of a titanium screw that is surgically drilled into the upper or lower jaw bones. In some cases, it can be inserted the same day that the original tooth is removed. Over time the bone of the jaw grows into the screw, creating a strong structure, much like the root of a natural tooth. When the implant has fully healed into the jaw, the crown of the tooth will be placed which is typically a porcelain overlay. The implant will remain in the jaw for life and the crown will not need to be removed unless there is damage to it, unlike dentures. Without a tooth or implant in place, the patient will experience bone loss over time and may need surgery in the future to correct the issue. The jaw bone will not erode and deteriorate when a dental implant is in place.