Dentist Woodbridge

Toothpaste does a great job of cleaning teeth, but there are many other uses for toothpaste that you might not expect. The same ingredients that help polish our teeth can also soothe some common ailments, make items sparkle, and get rid of stains and pungent smells. Read these tricks on how toothpaste can do much more than leave your smile looking bright.

Relieve irritation from bee stings and insect bites. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the sting/bite to stop the itching and decrease any swelling. The toothpaste dries up the wound and helps it heal faster.

Remove crayon and other marks from painted walls. Rub a damp cloth with toothpaste gently on the marked-up wall and watch the marks disappear. The best part is that it won’t remove the paint off the walls.

Prevent mirrors from fogging. Rub toothpaste on the mirrors and wipe it off before your next shower. This will help you save time during your morning routine by not waiting for the mirror to clear up.

Remove scuffs from dirty shoes. Apply toothpaste directly to the dirty or scuffed area, then scrub with a brush and wipe clean. Stubborn stains may require additional toothpaste or multiple applications to remove completely.

Make silver jewelry and diamonds sparkle. Rub toothpaste onto jewelry and leave overnight. Wipe clean with a soft cloth in the morning. You can also shine diamonds by gently scrubbing them using a toothbrush, toothpaste and water.

Remove scratches on DVDs and CDs. This technique works well on only shallow scratches and smudges. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste to the disc, rub gently and rinse clean. Repeat the process if there are many scratches.

Decrease the size of a pimple. Apply toothpaste to the affected area at night before bed and wash it off in the morning. Toothpaste will dry out the area and speed up the healing process.

Deodorize hands. Pungent foods, cleaning products and fragrances can linger on your hands no matter how many times you wash them. Try washing your hands using a small dab of toothpaste in addition to soap and water.

Fill in small nail holes in walls. Squeeze toothpaste into the hole and use a putty knife to remove excess toothpaste. Let the toothpaste dry and your wall will look good as new. If needed, you can also touch up the paint.

At your next dental appointment, be sure to tell our  Woodbridge dentist how you decided to use toothpaste other than for your teeth!

Dentist Woodbridge, VA

Studies show that more than 99% of adults say an attractive smile is an important personal asset. Read more about the surprising benefits for achieving a healthy and beautiful smile below.

We welcome new patients. It is our promise to provide dental care that will give you a healthy smile for your lifetime. To schedule an appointment, please contact our Woodbridge dentist.

Dentist Woodbridge

Dental problems are never fun. Not being able to eat or speak properly can drastically decrease your overall confidence. If you are experiencing a dental problem, it is never too late to get it fixed. Brushing and flossing twice a day along with regular dental cleanings are essential in preventing dental issues.

Here are some common dental problems and how to fix them.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. Patients suffering from a toothache are likely to have tooth decay. Depending on the severity of the decay, the best treatment is either a filling or a dental crown.

Missing Teeth
Having missing teeth makes eating and speaking more difficult. There are multiple options for those who have missing teeth, including dentures, partials or bridges. However, dental implants are the ideal treatment because they are a permanent solution that looks and feels natural.

Discolored Teeth
Teeth whitening may be a great option if you have dull, discolored or stained teeth. It can also be used to help reverse effects of aging or stains from food and tobacco. Teeth whitening may be an excellent way to restore your smile, while contributing to a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Gum Disease
Over half of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth and is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Studies have shown that gum disease is also linked to heart attacks and strokes. Proper brushing and flossing twice a day can help prevent this disease.

Wisdom Teeth
About 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year from 5 million people. Just because your wisdom teeth are not a source of pain doesn’t mean that there is nothing wrong. Most of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they don’t have room to grow properly and may cause problems. Having the wisdom teeth extracted is often the best option for many patients.

For more information on common dental problems, contact our Woodbridge VA dentist. We offer a variety of dental services to meet your general, cosmetic and restorative needs.

Woodbridge VA Dentist

According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Ask our Woodbridge dentist for more information on how to brush your teeth for a healthier smile.

Dentist in Woodbridge

Welcome the new year with a renewed commitment to living healthy. Commit to a resolution that will keep your overall health in good shape as well as your oral health. Here are some dental health tips to consider that will keep you smiling and feeling great.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum disease. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and other nutrients that help to improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery can help remove plaque and acids from teeth.

Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. It also increases your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and oral cancer. Smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers. If you currently use tobacco, consider chewing sugar-free gum. It can stimulate the flow of saliva and can help wash away bacteria.

Limit your alcohol intake
You may already know that excessive alcohol intake can have an effect on your overall health. But it can also impact your oral health. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, those who consume excessive alcohol have increased gum recession. Studies show that people who regularly consume alcohol are also less concerned about their basic health and oral needs.

This year, do yourself and your teeth a favor. You can maintain a healthy diet and improve your oral hygiene. For more information on how you can improve your oral and overall health this new year, contact our Woodbridge dentist.

Dentist in Woodbridge

Veneers are aesthetic solutions that may be recommended for those who are interested in restoring the color and appearance of their teeth. Veneers can be used to:

▪ Re-shape teeth
▪ Improve the look of your teeth due to stains
▪ Fix teeth that are chipped, fractured, crooked or broken
▪ Close gaps between teeth

Veneers are custom-made to fit over your natural teeth. The foundation of your natural teeth must be strong and healthy in order to be a candidate. Results from veneers can be very drastic, and instantly improve the appearance of your smile.

For more information, contact our Woodbridge dentist.

Dentist Woodbridge

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and is one of the most common health conditions in our population. It is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that forms around the gum line, and creates pockets between teeth and gums. This disease can progress and contribute to deteriorating oral health and overall health, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and pregnancy complications.

Although periodontal disease may progress without pain, it is important to take note of symptoms to prevent further overall health problems.

Symptoms
• Gums that bleed during and after brushing teeth
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Painful or sensitive teeth

Health and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk, severity and speed of gum disease development, including:

Proper Dental Care – Maintaining good oral health consists of professional cleanings by your dentist at least twice a year, as well as proper brushing and flossing. Brushing eliminates plaque from the surfaces of teeth and flossing removes food particles between teeth and under the gum line.

Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet – Proper nutrition can help strengthen your immune system and fight off infection. Eating foods that are high in vitamin E and vitamin C can help your body repair damaged tissue.

Reduce Stress – Stress makes it difficult for your body to fight off infections since it weakens the immune system.

Avoid Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth – Excessive force on your teeth and tissues may increase the rate at which these tissues are destroyed. This pressure may speed up the breakdown of the periodontal ligament and bone.

Stop Smoking – The chemicals in tobacco products is a significant risk factor for the increase of gum disease. People who smoke tend to collect more tartar on their teeth and often develop deeper periodontal pockets once they have gum disease.

If you experience any symptoms of periodontal disease or for more information on prevention, please contact our Woodbridge dental office.

Dentist Woodbridge

Registered dietitians at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognize a link between mouth health and nutrition. Oral infectious diseases, as well as acute, chronic and terminal illnesses with oral symptoms can impact not only our ability to consume food properly, but also our health and nutrition status.

Learn more about the link between nutrition and oral health from your dentist in Woodbridge VA.

Woodbridge Dentist

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! This day marks an event where everyone can feast and eat all the food that their tummies can handle. It is one of the few days of the year when people break their diets and really indulge at dinner.

During this time, recipes can be found on how to stay on a healthy diet this holiday while still being able to enjoy delicious meals. However, maintaining good oral health is also essential to your overall health. While there are certain foods that will prevent you from packing on a few pounds, there are foods that will prevent you from tooth decay as well.

Here are some foods that you should eat to keep your smile healthy this holiday:

• Include celery and carrots into your stuffing. Both vegetables contain beta carotene, which helps your body create vitamin A – a nutrient essential for building strong teeth!
• Eat lots of turkey this holiday! Turkey is high in phosphorous, which is needed for tooth development.
• Pumpkin pies are a good source of vitamin C and helps to supply the calcium needed in the development and re-mineralization of teeth.
• Side dishes made with greens and winter vegetables, such as green beans, asparagus and butternut squash, are great sources of vitamin A and C. These nutrients prevent soft, bleeding gums and help protect against oral cancer.
• Eating cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and forming plaque!

Consider including these foods in your Thanksgiving Day feast and then you can give thanks for many more years of healthy teeth! Drink plenty of water during and in between meals to avoid tooth decay caused by foods that are high in sugar. Remember to brush your teeth and floss after dinner to maintain optimal oral health!

Contact our dental office in Woodbridge for more information on what foods you should eat on Thanksgiving Day!

Woodbridge, VA Dentist

In 3500 BC, the Babylonians and Egyptians used chewing sticks to clean their teeth. Look how far the toothbrush has come! Learn more about the history of the toothbrush from your dentist in Woodbridge.