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

Protecting Your Oral Health Involves Daily Practice. Here’s Why!

By: | Wednesday, July 15th, 2020 | Oral Health

Wednesday, July 15th, 2020


We now know through multiple research projects that what happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth. A person’s dental health correlates directly with their overall health. This is information we can use to help us foster long-term health and wellness. Here, we discuss how our dental office works with patients to maintain relevant oral health goals.

It’s All about Biofilm

Biofilm is not a term that most people hear very often. However, it is the root cause of the most common dental conditions we see today. We all have a biofilm in our mouth. It begins at birth with bacterial colonization and does not end. There are over 700 microbial species in the dental biofilm. One of the critical steps in maintaining a healthy mouth is to manage them.

One way that we help our patients manage oral biofilm is to perform routine cleanings using specialized instruments. A trained dental hygienist understands the benefits of what is called “prophy angles,” a selective polishing technique that helps prevent excessive overgrowth in the biofilm. Additionally, we help patients maintain healthy mouths with demonstration and education.

Oral hygiene isn’t just about brushing and flossing every day. It’s also about consuming more foods and beverages that support healthy teeth and gums and fewer of those that do not. Many people are surprised to discover that their oral health problems are largely caused by their daily habits, including what they are eating and drinking. Beverages such as colas, energy drinks, even lemon water can degrade enamel with acidity. According to studies, younger adults tend to consume such beverages and also tend to brush only once a day. A small change in routine can make a big difference in the integrity of teeth and gums.

Tooth decay is an irreversible disease caused by microbial organisms that demineralize calcified tooth structure. This happens when the oral biofilm is flooded with the bacteria lactobacilli and Streptococcus mutans. These organisms feed on dietary sugars and then turn them into acidic byproducts.

You needn’t know all the details about how cavities and gum disease develop. All you need to know is how to care for your teeth and gums. We can help. To schedule your routine exam and cleaning, call (703)-935-2879.

 

 

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