Dr. Stephen A. Price

NORTHERN VIRGINIA GENERAL DENTISTRY &
INVISALIGN PREMIER PROVIDER

Call today for your free no obligation consultation: (703)-935-2879

6035 BURKE CENTRE PKWY | SUITE #200 | BURKE, VA 22015

Dental Facts That Need to be Understood

Dental Facts That Need to be Understood

Dental care is integral to good oral and general health. Therefore, the persistence of misunderstood ideas about oral care doesn’t serve us at all. Often, the belief in outdated and unfounded misconceptions keeps people from asking their dentist questions that could promote healthier teeth. Here, we want to clear up a few of the most commonly misunderstood dental facts so you can avoid unnecessary discomfort and stress.

Baby Teeth Don’t Need to Be Brushed

Baby teeth will fall out, so strict oral care is not necessary. This could not be more inaccurate. Early dental care, including visits to the dentist, is vital to a child’s lifelong oral health. First, when a baby and toddler receive routine tooth-brushing from a parent, they learn the importance of this habit and are more likely to maintain it throughout life. Second, when a child begins seeing the dentist at a younger age, they are less likely to develop dental anxiety. Finally, baby teeth are placeholders. They are needed to create space in dental arches for the primary teeth that are developing directly behind them. When baby teeth become decayed, the development of primary teeth may be affected.

Sugar is Sugar

There is an expectation among patients that their dentist will tell them to avoid sugar. Sugar is indeed bad for our teeth. More than knowing this, it is important to understand why. How exactly does sugar lead to cavities and other problems? It’s a matter of timing. When we eat a sugary treat, the bacteria in the mouth convert that sugar to acid in less than 30 seconds. Then, the acid lingers in the mouth for about half an hour. The more we snack on sugary drinks and treats, the more acidity is washed over our teeth and gums. From this perspective, it is better to enjoy a sweet treat and then let the mouth restore healthier pH levels before eating again. An even better idea is to consume water after having something sugary. Don’t just drink the water, swish it around in the mouth. This will dilute sugar acids and help enamel to remineralize more quickly.

These are just a couple of the common misunderstood dental facts that persist today. We’re happy to share real facts with you during your visit to our Burke office. To schedule your exam and cleaning, call (703)-935-2879.

Teeth Shifting? It’s Not Just a Teenage Problem!

As a premier Invisalign provider in Northern Virginia, Dr. Price works with patients of all ages to correct alignment issues. Quite a few who come to our office mention that their misalignment concerns only recently began. Teeth may shift at any time in life, which can come as a surprise. While the ultimate goal is to address the situation, many people are interested to know why their teeth have moved out of optimal position. The problem may stem from one of several factors.

Age

Throughout life, the jaw and facial bones may change somewhat. This can affect how teeth fit in the mandible. In particular, the lower front teeth are inclined to sit behind the upper front teeth. To maintain this, the lower teeth may crowd together, leading to turning or even overlap depending on the extent of shifting.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the term we use to describe teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching behaviors. Many people engage in grinding and clenching when they sleep so are unaware of the stress their jaw and teeth are under. The pressure that is exerted onto teeth by bruxism can cause shifting as well as several other problems. A nightguard can be custom-made to decrease the force on teeth.

Tooth Loss

In childhood, tooth loss is necessary for permanent teeth to grow in. Tooth loss as an adult can be problematic. If a tooth falls out, is injured, or needs to be extracted, our priority is to replace structure as quickly as possible. Teeth butt-up to one another for support. The space that is created by tooth loss depletes the support of surrounding teeth, inviting them to shift.

Whatever the cause, at whatever age, misaligned teeth can create unnecessary self-consciousness. As troubling as a crooked smile can be, this problem is one that can be easily corrected. Invisalign is a reliable solution that is appropriate for many people. In some cases, it may not even be necessary to straighten a tooth or teeth. Veneers can be made to cover a turned tooth, fill gaps, and generally enhance the appearance of the smile.

To learn more about how we can help you correct shifting teeth, call our Burke office at (703)-935-2879.

Why Should Diabetics Be More Concerned of Their Oral Health?

Diabetes is more than just elevated glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. By and large, diabetics and those who are in the pre-diabetic phases may suffer from complications involving the kidneys, heart and other vital organs. Your oral health is no exception. Here at our Springfield dental practice, we have seen a lot of patients who suffer from oral health conditions due to difficulties with their blood sugar levels.

Apart from lowering your resistance to infection and slowing down the healing process, the following oral health conditions has been associated with  persistently elevated sugar levels in the blood:

  • tooth decay
  • gum disease characterized by swollen, tender gums and/or gums that have pulled away from your teeth
  • impaired taste
  • persistent infection
  • salivary gland dysfunction
  • persistent bad breath

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, we encouraged you to get in touch with us. We also suggest that you have your blood sugar levels in control first and inform us about the medications you’re taking. 

For a free no-obligation consultation, call us at (703) 750-9404 or fill out this contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a naturally beautiful smile!

 

How to Quickly Recover from Your Springfield Tooth Extraction

Here at our Virginia dental practice, tooth extractions could range from being a surgical procedure to a more complex type of surgery. The former is applied when the tooth is still visible in the mouth and the extraction will only require minimal equipment such as forceps and an elevator. On the other hand, the latter is required when the teeth in question cannot be easily accessed because they have not fully erupted or they are fractured under the gum line.

The key to quickly recovering from your tooth extraction is to allow the blood clot to form to help cover the extraction site. Here are a few tips to how to promote such quick and safe healing!

  • Take it easy following extraction. Avoid bending and heavy lifting for the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Exercises may be postpone as well.
  • Do not wait for pain to set in. Take pain relievers as prescribed. This applies as well to antibiotics if you have been prescribed with it.
  • Numbness is normal for the first few hours following extraction yet if you still feel numb after 6 hours post-procedure, it is best to contact your dentist right away. Although the effects of the anesthesia may have been extended, it is best to let your oral surgeon know about it.
  • Avoid rinsing vigorously or drinking through a straw for the first 24 hours. After this initial period, you can rinse at least 3 to 4 times a day with a combination of salt and warm water to rid your teeth of food debris.
  • Brushing should be done once the swelling has subsided. When brushing, be careful not to brush near the extraction to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
  • Stick to a liquid or soft food diet during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Do you still have questions about tooth extractions here in our Springfield clinic? For a free no-obligation consultation, call us at (703) 750-9404 or fill out this contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a naturally beautiful smile!

 

Taking Care of Your Dentures

Wearing dentures, whether partial or full, is a popular tooth replacement option here in our Springfield dental practice. Dentures are ideal if you have lost your permanent teeth as a result of injury, gum disease, or severe dental cavities.

Apart from huge cosmetic improvements, dentures also make it easier for you chew and speak. In addition, wearing dentures also help avoid your face from sagging, making you look older than you really are. Despite the lack of teeth, it still pays to practice good oral hygiene habits when wearing dentures. Below is quick guide to taking care of them! 

  • Before brushing the rest of your mouth and teeth, rinse your dentures to remove food particles stuck in between.
  • Use soft-bristled toothbrush and  a non-abrasive cleaner when cleaning your dentures to reduce the chances of getting them scratched.
  • When not wearing your dentures, soak them in a covered jar filled with water to avoid them from losing their shape.
  • Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your mouth and teeth too particularly hard-to-reach areas such as your gums, your tongue, and the roof of your mouth. 

Do you have any questions about getting dentures in Springfield, Virginia? For a free no-obligation consultation, call us at (703) 750-9404 or fill out this contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a naturally beautiful smile!

 

7 Signs That You Should Pay Your Dentist a Visit!

Oral health is something everyone should care about — from toddlers to the elderly. However, majority of us still fail to regularly see the dentist each year and end up paying for complex dental procedures (when they could have been prevented through regular dental visits).

So when exactly should you visit our Springfield dental practice?

1. Your gums start to appear puffy, swell, and bleed.
2. Your teeth are starting to be sensitive to hot and cold.
3. You have problems chewing and/or swallowing.
4. You notice that your mouth is often dry.
5. You have persistent bad breath.
6. You want to improve the appearance of your smile.
7. You have been experiencing persistent toothache.

Get over your fear of seeing the dentist and get in touch with us today!  Our office provides a people friendly atmosphere where even the most anxious of patients feel comfortable. For a free no-obligation consultation, call us at (703) 750-9404 or fill out this contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a naturally beautiful smile!

 

 

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