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Bring the Holiday Grind to a Halt
Very few people would call the holidays a grind. Even those who love this time of year can be affected in ways they didn’t expect. This extended period of extra activity can prove to be exhilarating and joyous, but it can also lead to hidden stressors that can ultimately harm the smile. So while you are hustling and bustling from home to work and from work to those festive holiday parties, remember that your mind and body will also need a break. Otherwise, your subconscious holiday activities may include grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.
Bruxism and Stress
Bruxism is the term used to describe jaw-clenching and teeth-grinding. It is a habit that, if not managed, can cause cracks or chips in teeth and restorations. Bruxism is also a factor in TMJ disorder, in which the jaw stops functioning properly due to excessive tension. Because bruxism is often related to stress, one of the best ways to bring grinding and clenching to a halt is to develop a good self-care routine.
Managing Holiday Stress for a Healthier Smile
A healthy smile is a pain-free smile; one without chipped or cracked teeth. It may seem odd to correlate a healthy smile with good self-care, but when you see how damaging stress-related bruxism can be, taking care of your stress levels becomes more important.
An important note about stress management is that your self-care plan will be unique to you. Many people have been led to believe that meditation is the best way to reduce stress. That may be true for some. However, if sitting still is a difficult thing for you, meditation could be more stress-inducing than relaxing! Consider your personality and your energy level when concocting ways to manage holiday stress. Maybe you’d like to walk through your decorated neighborhood each day after work. Maybe turning off the television and putting on some music would calm your nerves after a long day. When you keep you at the forefront of self-care, you really can’t go wrong.
We wish all of our patients a holiday season that is filled with joy!
Posted on December 30th, 2016
See a Beautiful Smile this Coming Year
It’s the time of year when we think about the future. The holidays may have left us on an emotional high that drives us to make resolutions that will make life better, even if it’s already a splendid journey. There are several aspects of life that improve when you take the time to create and foster optimal oral health. Research indicates that everything from professional success to our general sense of wellness correlates with how we feel about our smile. As you consider how to optimize your life in the coming year, think about how your dentist in Burke can help you secure your healthiest, most attractive smile.
Aesthetic Beauty
As a premier Invisalign provider in the Northern Virginia area, Dr. Price is recognized for helping patients bring out the best in their smiles. Creating more attractiveness doesn’t stop with straightening crooked teeth. We also offer veneer treatments that can disguise significant discoloration, injury such as a crack or chip, or anatomical imperfections like gaps. You don’t have to go through another year feeling dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile. We can help you bring out the best in your natural features.
Health and Wellness
When you hear the words “health and wellness,” you may imagine life habits such as exercising regularly or eating well. Do you also know that the way you take care of your teeth and gums will significantly affect how you feel from day to day? If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to optimize this area of your life, making oral care a priority. We can help you.
Restorative dentistry may be the place we begin building a great smile. Tooth damage doesn’t stop once it begins, no matter how well you brush and floss. If sensitivity or pain occur, contact us for prompt treatment. The more quickly we can address a small problem, the better chance we have of preventing the need for more in-depth care.
Preventive dentistry is also necessary to keep your smile looking and feeling good. Cleanings and exams are the ideal methods of avoiding cavities and gum disease, conditions that can rob you of a healthy mouth and body.
Get the dental care you need to love your smile this year and every year. Call (703)935-2879.
Posted on December 30th, 2016
Think that Checkup isn’t Beneficial? Think Again!
Most of us have so many things that we need to get done each day that we easily find ourselves putting certain things off. This may be a great way to maintain your sanity in today’s fast-paced society, but it could also have a down side, depending on what you postpone and for how long you put that thing off. And, if that thing is your dental checkup, the consequences could be steeper than you imagine. Here are a few of the reasons that routine dental care should be a priority.
- Your dental team is your dream team. A team can make more progress and create better outcomes than one person trying to accomplish a goal alone. This is true when it comes to your oral health. At home, you brush and floss your teeth, and you avoid foods and habits that could cause damage. In the dental office, we evaluate your teeth and gums using magnification. This could bring into view tiny problems that you can’t see when you look in the mirror; problems like plaque and tartar. Why go it alone when you don’t have to?
- The more we see, the less we have to do. Have you ever found yourself skipping dental appointments because you just don’t like the idea of possibly needing a shot of numbing medication? Or because you fear you may need a filling or other type of restorative work? When you finally do see the dentist, you come face to face with the very things you had hoped to avoid. Let’s look at a different scenario. You see your dentist every six months, and you take good care of your teeth in between visits. Then, during your checkup, you are given a perfect bill of oral health. Doesn’t that sound more appealing?
- The less we do, the less you stress. We understand the reality of dental anxiety, and we find this an important matter to address with our patients. As you read the above scenario, can you imagine how good it would feel to have your dental visits fly by without so much as a single shot or drilling? When this becomes the norm, your dental anxiety may melt away quicker than you ever imagined.
Put your dental needs on the front-burner. Schedule a checkup and cleaning at (703)935-2879.
Posted on November 30th, 2016
Busyness is Hazardous to your Smile
Busyness. For most of us, it is the new state of being. We rush out of bed each morning to get straight to our lengthy to-do list. If we’re lucky, we may get a full cup of coffee in us sometime during a hectic morning. Being busy, we are learning, isn’t such a great thing. It can keep us from handling important matters, like seeing the dentist. And that can keep us from having the ultimate quality of life we deserve.
Think it’s ok to put off that dental visit? Here’s why we encourage you not to:
- Healthy teeth are necessary for healthy facial contours. The fact that it is your teeth that give your face its youthful shape is probably not something you think much about. We tend to give our teeth all the credit for our smile, but stop there. Facial beauty would not be what it is without teeth and a healthy jawbone structure.
- Healthy teeth help your stomach. That’s right. Another hidden benefit of strong, healthy teeth is that they work food down into the small particles necessary for proper digestion. If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know what a pain it can be to try to chew under such circumstances. If food is sent to the stomach before it has been sufficiently ground-down, the stomach then has to put more effort into digestion – and that means more stomach acid. More acid in the stomach could mean gas and bloating.
- Healthy teeth are a professional asset! Numerous studies have been conducted to see how the appearance of the smile affects one’s professional success. Some have found that more than 75% of us recognize an attractive smile as an asset. One study uncovered an interesting fact that support this view: that employers really are more likely to offer employment to someone with an attractive smile.
Patients of our Northern Virginia practice receive the kind of care we want for ourselves and our loved ones. We invite you to get to know our services and staff during a personal consultation in our office. To schedule your visit, call (703)935-2879.
Posted on November 15th, 2016
Could that Cup of Joe be a Blow to your Smile?
Do you only drink coffee on days that end in “Y?” If so, we get you. We understand that the love of coffee is actually more than slight fondness. Coffee first, talk second is an expression we can understand, so we would not tell you that you should give up your beloved brew in order to keep your smile in the best possible shape. In fact, we know that coffee-lovers actually have a lot of support in recent research.
Coffee can be Good for your Health
Several studies conducted in the United States and in Europe indicate the various positive aspects of the coffee-drinking habit. Some suggest that a few cups a day can significantly bolster liver health, decreasing the risks of liver cancer as well as cirrhosis of the liver. Due to an elevation of SHBG, or sex hormone-binding globulin in the plasma, coffee is thought to decrease the risk of Type II diabetes, as well. The research goes on and on, and so does the list of health benefits for coffee-drinkers.
Coffee can be Bad for your Smile
If you truly love coffee, chances are you would point to the fact that coffee can lower your risk of heart failure when faced with the disadvantages of your treasured drink. The fact is, you do not need to give up one to have another. There are ways to enjoy every last cup while still enjoying a beautiful, healthy smile. Here’s how.
- Diminish the acidity of your drink by adding cream. The casein protein in dairy products also attaches to tannins in coffee, which inhibits staining. Non-dairy creamer doesn’t count!
- Acidity and tannins can also be diluted with water. Not extra water in your pot or cup, but extra water in your mouth. After lingering over your brew for a few minutes, swish some water over your teeth.
- Give it a rest. We understand the draw that coffee may have for you. But continual sipping from morning to lunchtime could damage your teeth. Take some time in between each cup; maybe an hour or more. It takes a full hour for enamel to recover from the acidity.
Is your smile needing a boost of brightness? Give us a call to schedule a cleaning, or to talk about teeth whitening.
Posted on October 30th, 2016
Your Mouth: It’s How we get to Know you!
Dentists encourage patients of all ages to schedule routine care at six-month intervals. This routine is typically very supportive of ongoing oral health and a general state of wellness. During your visit to the dentist, you expect a thorough examination and a cleaning that will polish away debris. What you might not expect is the full extent of information your mouth may be divulging to the dental team. Here are some of the things we may get to know about you from your mouth.
You love soda (or sports drinks)
It would make sense that what you eat and drink will affect your teeth. Most people know that their teeth will become dull as a result of their beloved coffee habit. However, did you know that your mouth will also reveal whether or not you are an avid soda drinker, and that this has nothing to do with cavities? Historically, dentists have been concerned about how the sugar in soda can increase the risk for cavities. Today, most sodas are not sweetened with sugar, but they are still doing damage. The acidic ingredients in these beverages, and in sports drinks, wash over teeth and eat away at enamel on a large scale. This is noticed as erosion.
You don’t prioritize flossing
For whatever reason, flossing just seems like a challenging and unnecessary task for most folks. That is, until they are about to see the dentist. If you have ever hit the floss the night before your dental exam, know that your dentist was probably well aware. Often, the flossing that is done prior to a dental visit will be a little aggressive, and it will leave clues such as tiny indentations on the gums. Still, if you haven’t been flossing since your last exam, your gums could also be inflamed from gingivitis.
You’re stressed
When you are stressed, you may grind your teeth without even knowing you are doing it. Bruxism often occurs at night, when you sleep. However, your dentist can notice if this is a problem for you by the wear patterns across the teeth at the sides and back of your mouth. Stress can also cause some people to bite their nails, which also has telltale signs like flat edges across the front teeth.
To see your friendly dentist in Burke, call (703)935-2879.
Posted on October 15th, 2016
Kick Dental Anxieties to the Curb
A little fear can serve us well at times. It may keep us from walking down a dark alley, or walking into a busy street. When fear does not serve us is when it stands in the way of something we want or need. Millions of people let unspoken fears keep them from dental care. Avoiding dental care, though, has its own consequences, some of them quite serious. Our practice is known as one of the premier Invisalign providers in Northern Virginia.
However, we also offer general services that can keep your smile looking and feeling its best. But first, it may be necessary to kick your dental phobia to the curb. Here are some common concerns and suggestions for easing them.
- Gag reflex. The strong gag reflex problem seems to be especially concerning for teens. It’s unnerving enough to gag when you brush your teeth at home; you certainly don’t want to share this talent with everyone in the dental office! There are ways to lessen the gag reflex, such as breathing through the nose, and we are happy to work with you to feel more comfortable during your visits.
- Needles? No, thanks. Patients of all ages can feel an aversion to needles, especially those directed at their mouth. Local anesthetic does a lot of good for patients needing restorative care. But, when you are afraid of pre-treatment, you may avoid seeing the dentist. In reality, what can save you from this phobia is seeing the dentist twice a year! Keeping up with routine care typically means staying ahead of dental problems like cavities. This means avoiding needles during dental visits.
- Sights and sounds. We get it, the sounds and other experiences of the dental office are a far cry from those you may prefer, like a fun amusement park, or laughter with friends. Patients who feel anxious about the sound of the drill may erase this fear by wearing noise-cancelling earphones during treatment, even if the drill isn’t being used on them! If it is the instruments used to check teeth that cause anxiety, look at them, find out what they are used for. This can set your mind at ease knowing they will not cause pain.
To schedule a visit with our friendly dental team, call (703)750-9404. We will make your comfort a priority.
Posted on September 30th, 2016
Tips for Invisalign-wearing Teens
It is often during the summer months when parents – and their kids – have the time to take care of dental business. Summertime is a great time to begin treatment such as Invisalign. If this is the timing your teen has experienced, there may be a few things that you want to address before he or she heads back to school. Invisalign is pretty much the easiest and most convenient method we have today to straighten teeth. However, there are aspects of treatment that could pose a challenge for the average teen.
The primary point of Invisalign that draws patients in is the absence of braces. At most, teens may have small “buttons” strategically placed into certain aligners in order to achieve specific movements. Not only are there no metallic brackets covering teeth, or wires that get in the way of eating, but Invisalign aligners don’t even have to be in the mouth 24/7! More like 22/7. Here is challenge #1. If aligners can be removed, and will be removed at certain times, there is A, the temptation to leave them out for longer stretches and, B, a risk that they could be misplaced. Teens may need to be reminded to watch over their aligners throughout each day. The second challenge of Invisalign treatment for teens relates to oral hygiene.
Tooth Talk
Teeth have no super-powers. They can be damaged, even during Invisalign treatment. The threat is oral bacteria. The way to fight this is by brushing and flossing. Even though brackets and wires are replaced with aligners, hygiene becomes even more important during the teeth-straightening process. Here’s why.
In order for teeth to move into alignment, consisted force must be exerted onto them by the Invisalign aligners. These custom-fit trays fully encase teeth up to the gums, pretty much all day, every day. Beneath the aligners, prime conditions for oral bacteria may be set, especially if teeth are not brushed and flossed sufficiently.
There is a great deal of value in frequent brushing as teeth become straighter with Invisalign. If teeth cannot be brushed at the lunch hour at school, teens are encouraged to rinse aligners and the mouth with water after meals. This minimizes the risk for decay, and also helps to preserve fresh breath.
Learn more about Invisalign for teens from your premier provider in Northern Virginia. Call (703)750-9404.
Posted on September 15th, 2016
Keeping it Clean During Invisalign Treatment
If you are considering Invisalign as your treatment of choice to get a straighter, healthier smile, you probably know of the various advantages you gain with this system. Dr. Price has helped numerous patients attain their best smile using the clear, plastic aligner trays made in the Align Tech lab. There are several benefits to this system, most of them stemming from the fact that the aligners used to straighten teeth are not affixed to teeth; they can be removed. This fact does not mean, though, that you do not need to be mindful about how you take care of your teeth during your treatment program.
Cleaning and Maintenance Matter
Aligners are ideal because they do not protrude from teeth, and because they are barely noticeable when they are being worn. They are also ideal because they do not get in the way of brushing and flossing. They do, however, cover teeth completely for the majority of the time treatment is ongoing. If brushing and flossing are not performed sufficiently, there is a high likelihood that bacteria will accumulate within the plastic trays. This increases the risk for gum irritation and gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay. To mitigate these risks, it is necessary to clean all areas of the mouth, as well as the aligners themselves.
Aligner Care
Aligners do not require a great deal of care. Each set is only worn for two weeks, and is then discarded. To reduce the risk of bacterial buildup, clean aligners every time you brush and floss. This does not mean you should brush your aligners. Doing so might just cause abrasions in them, which could invite bacteria rather than repel them. Instead of brushing, just rinse your aligners with warm water (not hot or cold, this could cause shape-shifting that you don’t want!). If you have non-abrasive toothpaste, you may gently rub your aligners with paste using your fingers or a soft cloth.
Tooth Care
Normally, we advise patients to brush twice a day and floss one time each day. Because Invisalign patients have their teeth covered much of the time, we may encourage them to brush after every meal, as often as possible. Understandably, there may be times when this cannot be done. At the very least, meals should be followed by a good rinsing of the mouth before aligners are inserted.
Good oral care is always important. As you straighten your teeth with Invisalign, we are here to support you in managing oral health with the right habits. Schedule your Invisalign consultation at (703)750-9404.
Posted on August 30th, 2016
Want a Healthier Body? See your Dentist!
We have so many ways that we try to keep the body healthy. Some people yoga. Some run marathons. Some people eat a high protein diet, while others stick to high fat and low carb. Whatever your method of keeping your body healthy, it should include taking great care of your teeth. If you look at mounting research, you will see just how much the mouth and the body are entwined.
A healthy smile is generally a more attractive smile. Healthy teeth and gums are not considered sources of pain, because they are in good working order. What we are learning through ongoing research is that a healthy mouth is also a great indicator of health and wellness, and also of life expectancy.
Oral Wellness: the Missing Link?
Could we go so far as to say that keeping your mouth healthy will help you live longer? We probably could, and this would be backed by strong academic evidence. Through years of study, researchers have found direct links between the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and several serious health conditions. In fact, six of the seven leading causes of mortality, including Alzheimer’s, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes, all have ties to bacterium found in the mouth.
How it’s Possible
The idea of microscopic bacteria in the mouth causing deadly health conditions may seem far-fetched. A 2013 study published in Circulation is just one instance in which this is proven otherwise. In this study, as many of half of 101 heart attack events were linked to periodontal or endodontic bacterium. What many experts believe is that the bacterium themselves are just tiny matchsticks that light the fuse on a ticking time bomb that is fueled by systemic inflammation.
When the mouth, or any other part of the body, is infected, there is inflammation in that area. The immune system goes to work fighting this infection. If the original issue does not get resolved, inflammation continues to expand throughout the body. At some point, this becomes too great for the body to manage, and we see the development or worsening of disease.
All is not hopeless. No matter where you are in your oral health at this point, it is possible to mitigate infection and promote healthy teeth and gums. We are here to help you do that. Contact us for your checkup and cleaning.
Posted on August 15th, 2016
