February 17th, 2012
Cavities occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, called tooth decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth). While it is very important to brush and floss every day to remove food particles and plaque, regular cleanings and checkups at Gainesville Dental Associates is the best way to help avoid cavities.
Our team can discover cavities during your regular dental checkup. The tooth surface feels soft when probed with a dental instrument. X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye. In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.
Don’t wait for a toothache!
Remember, the longer you wait to treat a cavity, the more extensive your treatment will be. A small cavity can be treated with a filling, while a large cavity that weakens the structure of your tooth may require a crown. If the decay is so bad that it causes the nerve or pulp of the tooth to die, a root canal or tooth removal may be your only options. If you think you may have a cavity, contact Gainesville Dental Associates and schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure you leave with a healthy, pain-free smile!
Tags: cavities, dentist Gainesville VA, Gainesville Dental Associates
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February 8th, 2012
In my 37 years as a dental hygienist, the worst decay situation I have seen came from gum chewing. That is gum with sugar in it, not sugar-less gum. You can chew sugar-less gum all day and not get decay. In fact, gum sweetened with Xylitol will help retard decay! But gum sweetened with sugar can decay the top half of a tooth in a very short amount of time. We encourage our patients not to accept gum from others unless they know that it doesn’t contain sugar. Read the labels. One family that comes to mind had five children, and their parents were not aware how destructive bubble gum could be. The two oldest children chewed bubble gum with sugar and they both had decay in most of their 6 year molars. They then had to have root canals, crowns put on those teeth, as well as large fillings put in their 12 year molars.
As preventive specialists, we would like to see our patients avoid the pain and expense of a situation like this. We recommend frequent dental visits where we can clean the teeth, place sealants and treat w/fluoride to help interrupt bad habits that can lead to decay.
- Gainesville Dental Associates’ Dental Hygienist, Sandie Pierce
Tags: dental hygienist, dentist Gainesville VA, Gainesville Dental Associates, sandi pierce, sugarless gum, tooth decay, xylitol
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February 3rd, 2012
Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, say Drs. Theo Batistas, Tony Chehade, Faline Davenport, Donald Campbell, Carlos Aponte, Sukh Sidhu, and Melissa Quiggins . Cardiovascular disease remains American’s number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.
Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Gainesville Dental Associates. In observance of Heart Month, Drs. Theo Batistas, Tony Chehade, Faline Davenport, Donald Campbell, Carlos Aponte, Sukh Sidhu, and Melissa Quiggins say it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Gainesville Dental Associates, please give us a call today.
Tags: dentist Gainesville VA, Donald Campbell, Faline Davenport, Gainesville Dental Associates, gainesville dentist, gum disease, Jason Abel, oral health, patient testimonials, Theo Batistas, Tony Chehade
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January 27th, 2012
While mouthwash is not an alternative to regular brushing and flossing, it can help keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. There are several different types of mouthwashes available, and all of them will help do different things for your smile. The most common types of mouthwashes are:
• Fluoride – fluoride is the most used type of mouthwash available, and is used to strengthen the enamel of the teeth while preventing cavities and tooth decay.
• Antiseptic – an antiseptic mouthwash is used to kill bacteria and germs in the mouth. Most commonly used before and after a dental surgery, antiseptic mouthwashes can also help to fight gum disease, and halitosis (chronic bad breath). Antiseptic mouthwashes can affect your sense of taste and may stain the teeth, so it is recommended that you consult your dentist before using this type of mouthwash.
• Combination – a combination mouthwash is designed to help prevent tooth decay, freshen the breath, and maintain the health of your smile.
• Prescription – for patients with gum disease, or any signs of gum disease, you may need a prescription mouthwash. Prescription mouthwashes, like Peridex of PerioGard, are used to treat gingivitis, and other forms of decay.
There are also many different brands of mouthwash. Some common brands include:
• Scope
• Listerine
• Act
• Crest
• Tom’s of Maine (all-natural)
• Plax (anti-plaque rinse)
• Breath Rx
• Orajel
• Targon (special mouthwash made for smokers)
• Rembrandt (whitening mouthwash)
If you are curious about which kind of mouthwash would work best for you, be sure to ask us at your next appointment. If you have a favorite mouthwash, let us know by posting a comment for others to read!
Tags: dentist Gainesville VA, Gainesville Dental Associates
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