You are likely to hear the word “plaque” when purchasing a toothbrush, toothpaste, or visiting our dental office. Due to plaque buildup, it is extremely important to maintain a daily oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day for at least two minutes, as well as flossing regularly. Find out how plaque can harm your smile and what you can do to prevent it.

Plaque—what is it?

If you haven’t brushed your teeth for a while, you might feel a film-like, sticky buildup. Essentially, it is plaque, which is a layer of bacteria that adheres to your teeth. Plaque cannot be prevented, but brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can minimize its accumulation.

What does plaque look like?

Although plaque is technically colorless, it gives your teeth the appearance of being “fuzzy.” Due to its sticky nature, plaque may cause some discoloration because it can attract food particles. As plaque hardens and becomes yellow, it is referred to as tartar.

How are plaque and tartar different?

Plaque that remains on your teeth for several days hardens into tartar, which must be removed. When tartar builds up in your mouth, your teeth may appear yellow and smell unpleasant, making it difficult to thoroughly clean your mouth.

The Effects of Plaque on Your Teeth and Mouth

Without regular brushing and flossing, plaque accumulates and multiplies. Leaving plaque untreated can lead to the formation of tartar (also known as calculus). In addition, plaque produces an acid that damages teeth, causing them to decay. Your teeth may become stained if tartar is left untreated. Plaque is the main cause of gingivitis, which results in swollen, red, or bleeding gums. By having regular dental cleanings and examinations, you can ensure that any buildup on your teeth is thoroughly removed.

Here are some steps you can take.

Plaque buildup can be prevented by maintaining a daily brushing routine. It is recommended that you brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss once a day at the very least. The formation of plaque is a natural process, and when you visit our Woodbridge dentist for a complete examination, we work with you to remove any buildup. It is critical to maintain regular visits to our office in order to minimize and manage tartar buildup. Brushing your teeth all the way to the gum line is particularly important because the gum line is prone to plaque build-up. It is important to brush gently, as vigorous brushing will only cause more harm than good, especially to the gums.

We invite you to schedule a visit to our office so our experienced, professional dental team can clean and examine your teeth providing you with the healthy smile you deserve. Contact Woodbridge Dental Care today.

Are you satisfied with your smile or have you considered changing it? Do you feel ashamed, shy, or extremely confident when you smile at people? If you are ready for a makeover, here is a quick guide to how cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve a beautiful, radiant smile that you can share with anyone, anywhere.

What is the role of a cosmetic dentist?

A healthy, aesthetic smile is achieved through cosmetic dentistry by combining art and science to improve your teeth’s health and alignment. Your appearance can be dramatically improved as a result of this procedure. Having even minor procedures can boost your confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a more positive outlook.

Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry

In cosmetic dentistry, you can improve the appearance of your smile by undergoing a variety of procedures. Whether you want your teeth whiter, better aligned, or to replace missing teeth, there is a cosmetic procedure for you. Here are some examples:

Smile Makeover

A “smile makeover” is a series of dental procedures that are primarily intended to improve your appearance. The procedures can help patients with healthy but misaligned teeth more aesthetically pleasing, often boosting their confidence.

Teeth Whitening

There are several options for teeth whitening, including professional treatments and over-the-counter solutions. Whitening agents are available in the form of gels or strips. If you are interested in professional teeth whitening, you should consult your dentist to find out which option is best for you. A professional teeth whitening treatment can brighten your smile by up to eight shades with safe but effective whitening solutions.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin shell that covers the front surface of the teeth. Using veneers, you can improve the size, shape, color, or length of your teeth. For a beautiful smile, they will create a custom-made shell that will be permanently bonded to your teeth.

Dental Implants

Replacing missing teeth with dental implants is a viable option. Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are inserted by an experienced dentist under the gums into the jawbone. As soon as the dental implant has been placed, the dentist will make a 3D impression in order to create a crown that will attach to the implant and provide you with a tooth that closely resembles your natural teeth.

Orthodontic treatment

Crooked, misaligned, or clenched teeth can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appliances are most commonly worn by teenagers, but they can also be worn by adults. By using these appliances, you gradually straighten and align your teeth, resulting in a more attractive smile and a normal bite.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your smile, our Woodbridge VA dentist can help. With our knowledge and experience, we can help you improve your oral health and create the smile of your dreams. Make an appointment with Woodbridge Dental Care today.

Every now and then, most people experience heartburn and the discomfort associated with acid reflux. However, if it becomes a regular occurrence, your oral health may be compromised. This article will provide you with all the information you need about acid reflux and its devastating effects on your teeth.

An Overview of Acid Reflux

During digestion, the stomach produces acids to break down and digest food. These acids work their way up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. This results in a burning, painful sensation in the chest. Additionally, patients may experience excessive burping, bad breath, an acidic taste in their mouth, difficulty swallowing, and tooth sensitivity.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a condition characterized by frequent acid reflux episodes. Sadly, constant exposure to stomach acids can cause extensive damage to your oral health.

What are the effects of acid reflux on your oral health?

Similarly to acidic foods and beverages, stomach acids can erode or wear your tooth enamel, leaving you with yellow, pitted, and sensitive teeth. When your teeth are repeatedly exposed to stomach acids, they can suffer extensive, irreversible damage. Additionally, the acids can irritate your gums, leading to gum disease, the primary cause of adult tooth loss.

Your oral health is not the only thing at risk from acid reflux. Your overall health can be negatively affected by it. Unlike the stomach, which has a lining that protects it from acids, the esophagus does not. It can be damaged by acid reflux, resulting in extreme pain and difficulty swallowing.

What Are the Best Ways to Protect Your Teeth?

GERD treatment options can be discussed with your primary care physician or gastroenterologist. Medications are available that will alleviate your symptoms and protect your oral and overall health.

In addition to preventing acid reflux, you can minimize the damage to your smile.

• You should limit fatty treats or foods that trigger your heartburn.
• After eating, rinse your mouth with water.
• Acidic foods and beverages should be avoided.
• After eating or drinking something acidic, wait an hour before brushing your teeth.
• After a meal, do not lie down.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water.
• Use fluoride toothpaste on a regular basis.

How Often Should You Seek Professional Dental Care?

Dental visits should be scheduled every six months for everyone, but they are even more crucial for acid reflux patients. Our dental team will keep a close eye on your oral health to treat any problems as they arise.

Dental bonding or dental crowns may be recommended if your tooth enamel has been extensively damaged by acid erosion. These procedures reduce tooth sensitivity and prevent further damage. To save a tooth and alleviate tooth sensitivity, we may recommend root canal therapy in certain cases.

Contact our dentist in Woodbridge VA to learn more about safeguarding your smile from the effects of acid reflux. Keeping your smile healthy for years to come is our goal by providing you with outstanding care and service. Get in touch with Woodbridge Dental Care today to schedule an appointment!

What do you know about the formation of your teeth? The more information patients have about their teeth, the better they can take care of them. In addition, they also have a better understanding of how important it is to take care of them.

The tooth is one of the body’s most anatomically complex structures. A tooth’s tissue composition is found only in your mouth and is unique to your teeth.

Teeth, both primary and permanent

Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, are the first set of teeth that a person develops. By the age of three, most children have all 20 primary teeth. Baby teeth have shorter, thinner roots than permanent teeth, as well as thinner enamel, giving them a much whiter appearance.

These teeth are only the first draft of our bodies. Between the ages of 6 and 12, primary teeth usually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. All baby teeth will have been replaced by the age of 14 by 28 permanent teeth. A full permanent dentition consists of 32 teeth, including wisdom teeth, which may appear in a person’s twenties.

Teeth Varieties

All teeth are not created equal. Your teeth serve different purposes and thus have different shapes. Because of their various shapes and functions, your teeth have names to help you identify them:

• Incisors are the four teeth in the middle of the upper and lower jaws. They’re used for chopping, cutting, and holding food. The section of an incisor that you bite with is wide and thin, giving these teeth the appearance of tiny chisels with a cutting edge.
• Canines are the pointed-shaped teeth. Canines, also known as cuspids (a single-pointed tooth), are located on either side of the incisors. They are used to hold and tear food. Many people mistake them for their fangs.
• Premolars: Following the eruption of all permanent teeth, four premolars, known as bicuspids, are found next to each canine. Premolars are designed to be larger and more powerful than canines and incisors. They have ridges that crush and grind food to make it easier to swallow and digest.
• Molars: The molar is the final type of tooth. The 12 molars are flat teeth at the back of the mouth that are very wide and have several ridges to grind up food so that it can be swallowed. Properly chewing your food with your molars can help you avoid digestive issues and choking.

Your tooth’s components

Your teeth are made up of various layers and parts that connect to your jaw. They are also designed to be long-lasting and to aid in the chewing of any food texture. You can also cut a tooth into three sections:

Crown: The crown is the visible portion of the tooth above the gums, and it is composed of three layers. To begin with, it is enameled. The enamel acts as a shield to protect the inside of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is essential for tooth protection.

A second layer lies beneath the hard exterior. Dentin, which is slightly darker in color, accounts for the majority of the tooth’s material. Dentine is a bone-like substance that separates the hard enamel from the soft and delicate pulp cavity.

The pulp cavity, located at the core, is where the blood vessels and nerves from the roots meet. This is what gives a tooth life and the sensitivity to feel the temperature of our food and drinks, as well as pain.

Neck: The neck is the middle region of the tooth that separates the crown from the root at the gum line. As a neck, it is slightly thinner than the other sections.

Root: The root is located beneath the gum line and contains more pulp. This section of the pulp contains the nerve endings of each tooth as well as the blood vessels that bring nutrients to the tooth. Each tooth has a different number of roots. Molars will have two or three roots, while incisors, canines, and premolars will have one. The long roots that connect our teeth to our jaws are held in place and cushioned by the periodontal membrane that lies between them and the surrounding jaw bone.

You will be able to detect problems with your teeth more quickly now that you understand how they are constructed. However, our dentist in Woodbridge is always available to assist you! How much do you know about the construction of your teeth? We believe that the more our patients understand about their teeth, the better they will be able to care for them. Please contact Woodbridge Dental Care today to schedule an appointment.

It is well known that smoking and chewing tobacco can cause severe health problems, especially for the lungs. There is also the imperative point to note that the mouth and teeth can also be equally at risk. Hence, it is best not to use tobacco at all. The following is what tobacco can do to your mouth.

Chewing Tobacco

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reports that tobacco chewers are 50 times more likely to develop gum and cheek cancer. In addition to causing gums to recede, tobacco also causes exposed roots to be sensitive. This is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause decay as a result. To prevent this from happening, it is advised that chewing tobacco be avoided. Thankfully, our experienced team of oral health professionals can offer you tips on how to break this habit as well as tips on how to improve your oral health.

Smoking

According to the American Dental Association, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day has the potential to cause two teeth to be lost per decade of life. The likelihood of losing teeth increases when you smoke. So, you should avoid smoking cigarettes and cigars. In addition to causing staining, smoking can also lead to bad breath and a less-than-attractive smile.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect many different areas of the mouth, including your tongue, lips, the floor of your mouth, and your gums. There is a high risk of oral cancer developing in men and in people over the age of 50. According to the American Dental Association, in the United States, the prevalence of oral cancer is on the rise, especially among people under the age of 30. If you smoke, it is important to ask your dentist about an oral cancer screening, as well as to arrange to have a full oral health examination. During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and cheeks for signs of abnormalities that could indicate oral cancer. If caught at an early stage, oral cancer can be successfully treated.

If you currently use tobacco, it is highly recommended that you cease using it. Our dentist in Woodbridge and your physician can provide you with assistance in quitting smoking. Having regular oral exams is a good idea for everyone, but those who use tobacco should be particularly vigilant about this. We invite you to schedule an appointment to visit our Woodbridge VA dentist so that we may identify any potential problems. 

For additional tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next appointment, please contact Woodbridge Dental Care.