“Don’t Ignore a Receding Gum Line” – Advice from your Virginia Dentist
In our Leesburg, VA dental pratice, increasingly we see patients suffering from receding gum lines, which is a dental health condition not to be overlooked. Many American adults currently have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to a more serious disease that is the result of major damage to the soft tissues and bone supporting teeth. Periodontal disease is a major cause of the loss of adult teeth. Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth, is the chief agent leading to periodontal disease. Gums that are red, swollen and bleed easily are caused by gingivitis that is the mildest form of periodontal disease. There is little or no pain and the patient may not know that it...
Effective Gum Care – What you need to know to maintain healthy gums
Many people know the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day, but fewer understand the necessity of flossing just as regularly. Strong, healthy gums are the foundation of good dental health, and taking care of your gums now can keep your teeth healthy for life. Ignoring your gums can be costly and traumatic. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, is caused by an accumulation of plaque. This film of bacteria coats the surfaces of the gums and teeth and can be removed by brushing and flossing. If it is allowed to accumulate, the bacteria can cause a number of issues, including soreness, bleeding gums, swelling and infection. Without treatment, gingivitis can turn into a more serious form of gum disease called periodontal disease. To reduce your...
Know the potential effects of occasional cigar smoking and dental health
You probably already know that even occasional cigar smoking is bad for your lungs and heart, but it can also be detrimental for your dental health. Smoking leads to a host of dental problems, including a higher risk of developing oral cancer, gum disease and leukoplakia, a disease that causes white patches to grow inside the mouth. Cigar smoking also causes tooth discoloration, bad breath, a build up of tartar and plaque on the teeth and may lead to loss of bone in the jaw. According to a 23-year long study conducted by the American Dental Association, cigar smokers experience jawbone loss and tooth loss at the same rate as cigarette smokers. Even if cigar smokers do not inhale, they are still at a greatly increased risk of developing oral and...
I Was Told That I Have Bad Breath. What Causes It And How Can I Get Rid Of It?
Bad breath or halitosis, can be embarrassing. You may not realize it at first, but eventually someone close to you will work up the nerve to tell you. What causes bad breath? Bad breath can be caused by a number of sources or a combination of them. These include: Food Gum or periodontal disease Dry mouth Sinus drainage Smoking/ tobacco Medical conditions Food– we’ve all heard about onions and garlic causing bad breath. This is only temporary while the odors from these foods are still in your stomach and are being digested. Eventually, the odor is expressed in your breath. But if you don’t brush or floss food particles can remain in your mouth and this odor can linger. Gum disease– The bacteria in plaque that causes gum disease gives off...
How to Say “NO” To Tooth Loss – 5 Easy Tips for Better Dental Health
Our teeth are built to last a lifetime, but poor oral hygiene habits and disease can cause tooth loss. These five tips from your Aldie VA dentist can help you avoid infection, trauma and disease so you can keep your natural teeth for life. 1. Avoid trauma. Our teeth are wonderful tools, but you should only use them for chewing foods. Avoid trauma by never using your teeth to remove caps from household products or food containers, cracking shells, kernels or nutshells, chewing on office supplies or pens, tearing twine or thread or loosening knots. 2. Stop grinding. Grinding your teeth can transform your bite and be a ticket to an orthodontist’s office. Don’t take stress out on your teeth; instead, talk to your dentist about getting a...
What’s the health impact of dental grills?
Dental grills are the new fashion statement of teenagers and celebrities alike, but what is the dental health impact? Dr. Lu wrote an insightful article on this topic on Hive Health Media, titled: Are Dental Grills Ruining Your Teeth? About the Author Dr. Nhien Lu is an award winning cosmetic and smile makeover dentist in both Alexandria and Springfield Virginia. Connect with Dr. Lu on Google+