Why does a person sometimes grind their teeth? It may be a response to stress, or a symptom of problems with TMJ disorder. In the short term, teeth grinding can lead to sensitive teeth, soreness or stiffness in your jaw, and facial pain. If the problem continues, it can lead to serious dental damage that may require restorative dental work! For people who grind their teeth at night, a custom oral appliance can help. Your Virginia Beach, VA dentist’s office is able to identify signs of teeth grinding and recommend treatment. Our practice is also here to help you if you have suffered harm to your enamel because of this habit. (more…)
Your Risk For Cavities Could Be Greater Than You Realize
Should you be comfortable with your current approach to smile care, or are you overlooking problems that make you vulnerable to potential dental troubles? The work you put into taking care of your teeth can help you maintain a bright and healthy smile. It can also help you stop problems like gingivitis from occurring, and even help you maintain your general health. Our Virginia Beach, VA dental practice proudly serves our community members by offering preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services. We want our patients to feel confident in the care they receive in the dentist’s office, but we are also happy to provide guidance to help them take better care of their teeth at home! (more…)
Am I Going To Lose An Infected Tooth?
The idea that your tooth has developed an infection can be a scary one, and the symptoms of infection can certainly be alarming as well. With that said, it is possible to restore the health of a tooth that is showing signs of infection…as long as you do not delay treatment for too long. Your Virginia Beach, VA dentist can help you if you are experiencing problems with severe pain, if you are unable to bite properly, or if you have swelling around a tooth. Through root canal treatment, an infection can be dealt with before a permanent dental crown is put in place to protect your tooth. (more…)
Are You Brushing Your Teeth For At Least Two Minutes?
How much time do you dedicate to caring for your smile on a typical day? It is important to think about your oral care routine in terms of how often you clean your teeth by brushing and flossing, but it is also important to think about how thorough these sessions tend to be. If you rush through brushing your teeth, or if you are not giving yourself enough time to reach every part of every tooth, you may be more vulnerable to problems that demand restorative dental work than you realize! Our Virginia Beach, VA dentist’s office offers preventive dental services on an ongoing basis, and treatment options for problems that arise. What you do in between checkups can have a big impact on your relative risk for smile problems. Brushing for at least two minutes during each session is one of many measures that can help you protect yourself from oral health problems. (more…)
Chronic Bad Breath Can Be A Sign Of Gum Disease
It is hardly surprising to find that your breath could use some freshening after a heavy meal, or one with stronger flavors. If you frequently have to do something to mask the odor of your breath, you could be dealing with an oral health issue. Halitosis is one of several issues that can accompany gingivitis. If this condition is identified in time, you can combat it through a persistent oral care routine that works to clear bacteria from your gum line. Fighting gingivitis is important, which is why your Virginia Beach, VA dentist will recommend a special cleaning to fight periodontal bacteria when you show symptoms during a dental evaluation. If not treated in time, the condition can grow more advanced and become harder to control. (more…)
What Can Happen To My Smile If I Ignore A Toothache?
The way you respond to a toothache can be more important than you realize. If you choose to try and ignore the matter, and make changes to your bite function to minimize discomfort, you can put yourself at risk for complications that eventually cost you that tooth! However, if you take the problem seriously, you can have the appropriate restorative dental work performed before this occurs. Our Virginia Beach, VA dentist’s office is prepared to help patients if they experience the disruption of a toothache. We recognize that the pain can become difficult to tolerate, and we can arrange care on short notice if the situation is warranted. (more…)
Smart Oral Hygiene Habits For The Start And End Of Your Day
Even if you only clean your teeth during the start and end of your day, you can affect your smile health throughout it. After all, the choices you make regarding your diet, the amount of water you drink, and whether to indulge in tobacco use, can be factors in your risk for dental problems. With that said, your Virginia Beach, VA dentist certainly encourages patients to stick to a good oral hygiene routine! The work you put into cleaning your teeth when you wake, or before you turn in for the night, helps you fight the buildup of oral bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. With smart care during the day, effective hygiene efforts, and preventive dental exams, you can stay on top of your oral health needs! (more…)
Make An Effort To Lower Your Risk For Tooth Injuries
While there are hardly “good” dental problems to have, it can be particularly upsetting to have a tooth chip, crack, or break in some other way. While accidents do happen, a problem with a dental injury can be more likely if your enamel has been weakened, or if you engage in risky habits. Just as you should take care to protect yourself against tooth decay by brushing and flossing, you should think about what your risk is for dental damage. Our Virginia Beach, VA dentist can talk to you about signs of wear and tear during a dental examination, and we can help you identify habits that might weaken your enamel. (more…)
A Loose Or Broken Dental Filling Is A Cause For Concern
Once a dental filling has been placed, it will have an important role to fulfill. Its presence keeps a tooth safe from further harm after a cavity has occurred, and protect the area where decay formed from a new infection. It also offers structural support so that you can bite and chew without discomfort. Like tooth enamel, a dental filling is not indestructible. After a period of time, it may become loose, or even fall out. It is also possible for this restoration to be damaged. If this occurs, it can put your tooth at real risk! Our Virginia Beach, VA dentist’s office can make sure your tooth is cared for if this happens, and we can provide you with a new dental restoration. (more…)
Heart Disease And Gum Disease – Is There A Connection?
Heart disease is a potentially severe problem, and it may be something you are already taking active measures to prevent. When you think about heart health, you may focus on the importance of diet, as well as proper exercise, to limit risks. There is evidence to suggest that your periodontal health can also play a role in determining your potential for possible heart troubles. Your Virginia Beach, VA dentist can provide important ongoing oral health support through hygiene tips and support at our practice. On top of helping you protect your smile, this care can help you avoid the potentially serious consequences of unresolved gum disease! (more…)
