Last updated 1 year ago
Many adults in the United States suffer from some form of periodontal disease. Fortunately, your family dentist can often provide treatment for periodontal disease before it leads to more serious health complications. Read on to learn more about periodontal disease:
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Also known as gum disease, periodontal disease refers to a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth. There are many forms of periodontal disease, including gingivitis, which is the mildest form of periodontal disease and may cause little to no discomfort, and periodontitis, in which plaque spreads and grows below the gum line until it destroys the underlying tissue and bone.
What Are the Risk Factors?
While periodontal disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene habits and the buildup of bacteria-filled plaque, there are a number of factors that may increase your risk for developing the condition:
- Excessive intake of sugary and acidic foods
- Poorly contoured tooth restorations
- Anatomical abnormalities of the teeth
- Increased age
- Family history of gum disease
- Oral contraceptives
- Use of cigarettes or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
How Does Periodontal Disease Manifest?
The signs of gum disease will vary based on its progression, but the most common symptoms include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gum tissue, tender or bleeding gums, pain while chewing, loose teeth, receding gums, and pockets or abscesses near the gum line.
What Are the most Common Complications?
It is important to have periodontal disease treated as soon as possible to prevent tooth loss, bone deterioration, and the risk of additional health consequences. Research has shown a link between periodontal disease and heart attack, stroke, low birth weight babies, and diabetic complications.
The longer you wait to have periodontal disease treated, the greater your risk of requiring more extensive restorative dental procedures. For more information on periodontal disease, call the cosmetic and family dentists with South Riding Family Dentistry at (703) 327-0327.
Last updated 1 year ago
Regular checkups at your family dentist are an essential part of maintaining proper oral health, and may involve a number of preventative services, including fluoride treatments and dental sealants.
Dental sealants are thin, plastic-based coatings applied to the grooves of the back molars. These sealants are designed to protect the chewing surfaces of the teeth from decay by preventing the buildup of food particles and bacteria-filled plaque within the deep grooves.
Uses and Indications
Sealants are typically applied to the permanent molars in the back of the mouth. Dental experts recommend that the dental sealants be applied shortly after these molars have erupted. The first molars may erupt around age six, while the second molars tend to appear by age 12.
Procedure
Your family dentist will apply the sealant in an easy procedure that doesn’t involve removal of any of the tooth structure. After cleaning the tooth, the dentist will place a special gel on the chewing surface of the tooth for a few seconds. The tooth is then washed and dried before the sealant is painted within the grooves. In some cases, the dentist may use a special light to harden or cure the sealant.
Results
Sealants can last anywhere from five to ten years and may be reapplied during routine dental checkups. While these nearly-invisible coatings help to protect the teeth from early decay, it is still important for patients to maintain proper oral hygiene habits to preserve their long-term oral health.
The best way to determine if you or your children could benefit from the placement of dental sealants is to consult with your dentist. Let the professionals at South Riding Family Dentistry help you protect the integrity of your teeth—contact us today at (703) 327-0327. You can also visit us online to set up a consultation or to learn more about our services.
Last updated 1 year ago
An estimated 80% of all cavities are caused by food and bacteria buildup along the deep pits and fissures of the chewing surfaces of the teeth. While there are a number of treatment options for cavities available, one of the easiest ways to prevent tooth decay due is through the use of dental sealants, which work to protect these grooves from plaque and bacteria buildup. Watch this clip for a closer look at how dental sealants can decrease the risk of tooth decay.
With several years of experience, the family and cosmetic dentists with South Riding Family Dentistry are devoted to providing our patients with a broad range of comprehensive dental services. For more information on our treatments or locations, contact us at (703) 327-0327.
Last updated 1 year ago
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests that all children see the dentist by their first birthday or whenever their first tooth erupts. While going to the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience regardless of age, preparing your child for his or her first dental appointment doesn’t have to be a difficult task.
Teach Proper Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the first ways to prepare your child for that first dental appointment is to help him or her begin practicing proper oral hygiene habits as soon as possible. Showing your child how to brush and floss properly will help prepare him or her for a dental checkup as well as yield better results during the actual appointment.
Explain What Will Go On
The next step toward preparing your child for a dental visit is to explain the process so that he or she knows what to expect. Provide a basic rundown of what happens during a dental checkup and cleaning so that there are no surprises during the appointment.
Take Your Child to Your Appointment
A great way to make your child’s dental visits easier is to show that you also undergo dental checkups and cleanings. Consider letting your child sit in during one of your own checkups so that he or she can see what happens and understand that the experience is normal.
Meet the Dentist
Your child should feel comfortable with his or her dentist. Consider setting up a pre-appointment prior to your child’s checkup so that he or she can meet the family dentist ahead of time and begin building a relationship.
Here at South Riding Family Dentistry, our family dentists have the skills and experience necessary to provide patients of all ages with excellent care. Make sure your child enjoys proper dental health by contacting our Chantilly or Herndon, VA offices at (703) 327-0327.
Last updated 1 year ago
The primary cause of tooth pain is infection of the gums and even the teeth themselves. In this video clip, The View explains a number of ways to keep your teeth healthy and pain-free.
It is important to understand that individuals experiencing tooth pain have often waited too long to undergo treatment. For example, cavities and gingivitis often do not cause pain or other symptoms until they reach more severe stages, which means the longer you wait to undergo routine dental treatment, the higher your chances of experiencing pain.
Don’t let untreated gingivitis or cavities lead to the need for bigger, more invasive restorations. Get the dental care you need by contacting the family dentists with South Riding Family Dentistry at (703) 327-0327.
