Vienna Dentist: Could Your Asthma Be Affecting Your Oral Health This Fall?

Dentist in ViennaAsthma is easily triggered during fall months. Did you know that asthma can contribute to your oral health? Treatments for asthma, such as corticosteroids inhalers can cause dental conditions such as dry mouth and oral thrush. These conditions may cause problems such as increased plaque, cavities, gingivitis, TMJ disorder, and poor smelling breath. Please contact our dental office in Vienna, VA  if you’d like to schedule an exam to address oral health conditions related to asthma treatment.

Asthma suffers are often forced to breathe through their mouths, which causes dry mouth. Furthermore, dry mouth is also a side effect from asthma inhalers. When dry mouth is present, less saliva is produced. Saliva is very important for keeping your mouth clean. Dry mouth increases your risk of developing tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. If you notice a drier than usual mouth, please contact our Vienna dentist. Doing so can help prevent additional dental problems.

Oral thrush may occur when the inhaler causes an increased growth of yeast (thrush) in the mouth and throat. Thrush produces white patches on the tongue and throughout your mouth. Rinsing your mouth with water or fluoride mouthwash after using your inhaler will help decrease the growth of thrush. The use of inhalers can also irritate your mouth and cause lesions, which we provide treatment for at our office.

If you suffer from asthma, we recommend paying close attention to your daily oral hygiene habits, as you may be more prone to inflammation and disease. Although asthma sufferers may be more vulnerable to dental problems, routine dental care at home and quality dental care from our dentist in Vienna will greatly reduce these risks.

Contact our Vienna, VA dentist to schedule an appointment today!

Dentist in Vienna: Does Your Oral Health Put Your Heart at Risk?

dentist in vienna, dentist in vienna va, vienna dentist, vienna va dentistAt our office, our Dentist in Vienna and team not only care about your dental health but we also care about your overall wellness. Your overall wellness includes the health of your heart. You may not realize it, but there is a close connection between your heart and mouth.

Extensive research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that heart disease is the number one life threatening disease. Both gum and heart disease are inflammatory diseases. This can explain why heart disease and gum disease can occur at the same time.

The cause of periodontal disease (gum) is from a build up of plaque, which inflames your gum tissue. The build up of plaque creates pockets of harmful bacteria that settles into your gums and can eventually settle into your bloodstream. The mouth is a direct passageway to your body’s bloodstream. The same bacterium that causes gum disease has been discovered in heart arteries. Gum disease is powerful enough to attack and thicken the carotid arteries in your heart. When you receive treatment for gum disease from your Dentist in Vienna VA, it not only reduces inflammation in your gums but also reduces inflammation throughout your entire body to lower risk of heart complications.

With your Vienna Dentist, preventive care is the best care.
When you prevent an advanced oral disease, you are also decreasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. Avoiding periodontal disease benefits you and your overall health. To do this:
• Brush your teeth twice daily
• Floss daily
• Rinse with an anti-bacterial mouthwash
• Schedule routine check ups

Schedule dental visits twice a year for an exam and a professional cleaning.
To schedule an appointment with your Vienna VA Dentist, please give us a call at our convenient Vienna dentist office.

Vienna Dentist – Tips for Keeping a Fresh Smile while ‘On the Go’

vienna dentistFor many people, brushing during the day can almost seem impossible and inconvenient at times. Being consumed by work, school or even travel can prevent us from keeping a fresh and healthy smile. However, there are quick and easy solutions that your Dentist in Vienna recommends to help keep your smile fresh while on-the-go.

Carry a Travel-Sized Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth becomes more convenient try practicing carrying around a travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste that you can quickly use for an after lunch cleaning. Brushing your teeth after a meal is a great way to help maintain optimum oral health. Not only will brushing your teeth keep your mouth healthy from bacteria and decay but it can also help save you from embarrassing bad breath or help to eliminate the fear that something is stuck between your teeth.

Tongue Scrapers
As you brush, be sure to make time to brush your tongue as well. In between your taste buds, lie residue build-up which may be contributing to foul breath. At a drugstore, you can purchase a tongue scraper, or you can use your toothbrush to gently brush your tongue. Your Dentist in Vienna VA will agree that your oral health can be improved with proper tongue care.

Quick Rinse with Mouth Wash
Don’t have time to brush your teeth? Try mouthwash. Mouthwash is a simple, fast and convenient way to freshen your breath during the day. All that it requires is a simple swish. This simple ‘swish’ will not only freshen your breath, but it will also help prevent the build-up of plaque and cavities as it loosens particles in the mouth. There are many different products of mouthwash available, so be sure to ask your Vienna Dentist or hygienist about which mouthwash they recommend for you.

Chewing Gum
Chewing gum is a great temporary alternative when you need a fresh smile while on the go. If you do not have the time to brush your teeth or use mouthwash after a meal, chewing a piece of sugar-free gum for at least 20 minutes can help ward off bad breath. Also, chewing gum can help stimulate the production of saliva which will help wash away any lingering particles left on your teeth.

Although these simple tips will not be as invigorating or as thorough as your at home routine, they will surely help to temporarily improve oral hygiene quickly and conveniently. If you have any questions about how you can improve your oral health, contact your Vienna VA Dentist.

Vienna Dentist – What You Drink Impacts Your Smile

There are a number of ways to improve your smile in addition to your regular visits to the Vienna Dentist, brushing and flossing. What you drink can have an impact on your oral health, so it is important to know which beverages are helpful and which are harmful. The following are beverages that are be helpful in strengthening your smile and maintaining good oral health.

Water
Drinking water is very beneficial to your gum and tooth health. Your Vienna VA Dentist recommends mainly drinking water, as it can serve as a rinsing agent to clear your mouth of debris left behind from food you have consumed. Additionally, fluoride in water can help to strengthen your tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay.

Dairy
Dairy products, such as milk, can help your teeth stay strong. Milk provides calcium and phosphates, which strengthen your teeth and help your smile to stay bright. If you opt for enriched milk, it can also serve as a source for Vitamin D, helping your body to use the calcium.

Unsweetened Tea
Unsweetened tea can be helpful to your teeth because green and black teas contain polyphenols. These interact with plaque-causing bacteria to combat cavities and decay. Tea can prevent bacteria from growing and spreading in your mouth, helping your smile to stay healthy.

Conversely, there are some beverages that can be harmful to your oral health. In order to keep your mouth healthy, your dentist Vienna recommends avoiding the following drinks.

Acidic Beverages
Citrus drinks, such as orange juice, contain acids that can wear on your teeth. If you choose to consume acidic drinks, your Dentist Vienna VA recommends rinsing with fluoride after drinking to help prevent tooth decay.

Coffee
Drinking coffee can stain your teeth and dim your smile. In addition, added sugar can linger and produce bacteria that can turn to plaque. Try to avoid coffee if you can. Otherwise, your Vienna dentist recommends rinsing after consuming coffee.

If you choose to consume beverages that can be harmful to your teeth, you can still combat these choices. For example, chewing sugar free gum can help to clear away harmful bacteria, preventing tooth staining and decay. Additionally, rinsing with mouth wash can also help to kill germs. However, these are supplements, not substitutes, to your regular oral hygiene regime. You should still continue to brush and floss daily, and you should be visiting your Vienna VA Dentist to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile.

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Adam Park

Myths About Cavities – Vienna Dentist

A cavity is caused by the bacteria in your mouth building up and turning to plaque. If the plaque is not brushed away, it can turn to tartar, which is a harder substance that your Vienna Dentist uses special equipment to remove. If the tartar and plaque are not removed, either by the dentist or by practicing good oral hygiene at home, it will begin to eat away at the enamel on your teeth, leading to decay, and a cavity will eventually form.

Although many people know that cavities are caused by poor oral hygiene, there are several myths about cavities circulating. It is important to have a better understanding of cavities so that you can take the necessary steps in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. Your Dentist Vienna has debunked some of the myths that have been going around to help you stay better informed.

If I have a cavity, I’ll know about it. In the beginning stages, cavities do not show symptoms. You will start to experience discomfort when the decay has advanced to a more severe stage, causing damage to the nerve.

If I brush, it’ll go away. Although brushing and flossing are great tools to prevent cavities, a cavity should not go untreated. This can cause the condition to worsen, which could lead to emergency, restorative dental care such as root canal therapy. By making regular visits to your Dentist in Vienna, your dentist will be able to detect the cavity and treat it before it escalates any further.

Cavities are the leading cause of tooth loss. Although cavities can cause tooth loss, this is not the leading cause. Periodontal (gum) disease is the true leading cause of tooth loss. It is especially important to visit your Vienna VA Dentist if you are experiencing any symptoms of periodontal disease such as swollen, bleeding gums or atypical teeth sensitivity.

If you suspect that you have a cavity, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your Dentist in Vienna VA. The sooner you catch a cavity, the more easily and comfortably it can be treated.

Vienna Dentist – Is Your Jaw Sore?

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) are issues you experience with your jaw, as well as the joint and facial muscles surrounding your jaw. This can cause stress and discomfort in your daily life. Symptoms of TMD include tension and tenderness in your face or jaw, difficulty with opening your mouth wide, locking or clicking or your jaw, difficulty in chewing, a tired feeling in your face, and swelling on the side of your face.

Your dentist in Vienna can examine your jaw in order to diagnose TMD. Your dentist will check for locking of the jaw while opening and closing your mouth. Additionally, your bite and facial muscle function will be examined, and your dentist will evaluate your jaw pain and tenderness. In some cases, x-rays will be taken to check your jaw, jaw joint, and teeth for irregularities.

It can be difficult to diagnose TMD and TMJ because the symptoms of these are similar to symptoms of other health issues such as toothache, arthritis, and sinus problems. However, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist Vienna if you experience any of the symptoms of TMD and TMJ.

There are precautions your Vienna dentist recommends to avoid TMD and TMJ problems from arising. First, you can avoid hard foods and excessively chewing gum. Although gum can have many oral health benefits such as preventing cavities and tooth decay, it can tire your jaw and cause some soreness if you are not accustomed to regularly chewing gum.

Another way to prevent TMD problems is to develop and practice relaxation techniques to reduce tension in your face and jaw. Clenching, especially in your sleep, can cause tension in your jaw, so you can reduce soreness by learning to relax your jaw. For example, by placing the tip of your tongue at the roof of your mouth, your jaw will automatically relax, reducing some of the tension. If you struggle with clenching your jaw while you sleep, you may want to consider getting fitted for a mouthguard from your dentist Vienna VA.

If you are feeling soreness or tenderness in your jaw, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Vienna VA in order to receive a proper diagnosis and to explore your options. Your dentist can help you to maintain a beautiful, healthy mouth that is free of discomfort.

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Adam Park
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Dentist Vienna – Pick Up A Pack (Of Chewing Gum)

If you are in the habit of chewing sugarless gum on a regular basis, you’ll be happy to know that this can have a positive effect on your oral health. It is a simple way to give your oral health a little boost. If you don’t typically chew gum, your dentist Vienna VA recommends picking up a pack.

Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. Your saliva washes away acids, sugars, and food debris in your mouth, preventing tooth decay and cavities. The flow of saliva can help to strengthen your tooth enamel, helping you to maintain strong, beautiful teeth. Your dentist in Vienna recommends chewing gum right after you eat for about 20 minutes to best fight off cavities caused by food consumption.

Chewing gum has aesthetic benefits, as well. It can ward off bad breath and brighten your smile. By washing away the food debris that may have remained in your mouth from your last meal, chewing gum rids your mouth of any lingering odors. Additionally, it prevents the acids and debris in your mouth from staining your teeth, leading to a healthier, whiter smile.

Not only does chewing gum protect your teeth, but it can also help your gums. Chewing gum reduces plaque build-up, which is a way to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease. Although this is not a cure to gum disease, chewing gum is a helpful way to supplement your oral hygiene in between visits to your Vienna dentist.

In order to maximize the benefits of chewing gum, your dentist in Vienna VA recommends that you look for sugar-free gum, specifically gum that has been sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol prevents harmful bacteria from lingering in your mouth, reducing your risk for cavities. Additionally, xylitol can help to repair damage to enamel, strengthening your smile.

While there are many benefits to chewing gum, there are also complications that can arise if you chew excessively. Frequent gum chewing can lead to inflammation and soreness in your jaw, causing TMD and TMJ. Also, you are putting stress on your facial muscles when you chew, which may cause headaches.

Although chewing gum can be beneficial to your oral health, it is still very important to floss daily and brush twice a day. Chewing gum should serve as a complement, not a substitute. Additionally, you should regularly schedule visits with your dentist Vienna to ensure that you maintain the best possible oral health.

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Adam Park
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Dentist Vienna – Your Oral Health & Alzheimer’s Disease

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive mental deterioration which leads to loss of neurons and intellectual abilities such as memory and reasoning. This can occur in middle or old age, and it hinders social and occupational functioning. Alzheimer’s Disease is caused through a combination of hereditary, lifestyle, and environmental factors, affecting the brain over time and leading to brain shrinkage. Alzheimer’s is a terminal disease, and while the average life expectancy after diagnosis is eight to ten years, some people may live up to twenty years with it.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

The following are warnings signs to the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease:

  • Confusion with time or place
  • Difficulty with problem-solving
  • Loss of memory, specifically short-term memory
  • Issues with spatial orientation and visual image comprehension
  • Changes in mood and/or personality

The Link Between Oral Health & Alzheimer’s Disease

Although studies have not yet yielded conclusive results, research suggests that there is a possibility that exposure to inflammation in the mouth can quadruple your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This inflammation can be caused through chronic periodontal disease, which your dentist in Vienna says is a preventable risk factor. If this link is confirmed, scientists will have proven that the prevention of periodontal disease can also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s later in life.

What Does This Mean For You?

While the studies are still inconclusive, this link has the potential to further demonstrate the importance of maintaining good oral health for your overall well-being. Your Vienna dentist highly encourages daily brushing and flossing in order to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and inflammation in the mouth. Additionally, regular visits to your dentist Vienna VA will help you to maintain a beautiful smile, as well as overall good health.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, you should not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist Vienna. Your dentist wants to help your beautiful smile to last a lifetime, especially since your oral health contributes to your overall health.

 

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Vienna Dentist – Preventing Dry Socket

After having a tooth extracted by the dentist in Vienna, it takes time for your mouth to heal. You have just undergone a procedure that will benefit you in the long run, and you are looking forward to your once-again healthy smile. During the healing process, though, it is important to take certain precautions to avoid a condition called alveolar osteitis, or dry socket.

When you have a tooth extracted by the dentist Vienna, a blood clot forms over the socket in order to keep the bone and nerves protected. Sometimes, though, this blood clot can become dislodged prematurely. If the mouth has not healed sufficiently at the time of the dislodging, the bone and nerves are exposed to air, liquids, and food, and dry socket occurs. It is an uncomfortable experience that can last for about five or six days.

While dry socket is definitely something to keep on your radar, it is an uncommon occurrence in most patients. Dry socket is most likely to develop within the first week or two after you have had a tooth extracted, and only about 2% to 5% of patients develop this condition. Still, the Vienna dentist recommends the following precautions in order to prevent this from happening to you.

First, you should avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours after the extraction. It is important to rest up and avoid excessive movement while your mouth begins to heal. Your dentist Vienna VA also recommends that you avoid drinking through a straw for at least a week after receiving an extraction. The suction from the straw could cause the blood clot to dislodge. Additionally, you should avoid spitting in order to reduce the risk of dry socket. After the initial 24 hour period, you should begin gently rinsing with warm salt water about four times a day in order to remove any food particles in the area.

Although some patients have a greater risk of developing dry socket than others, all patients can avoid this condition by closely following after-care instructions from the dentist in Vienna VA.

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Dentist in Vienna – Caring For Dental Implants

If you have received a dental implant from your dentist in Vienna, you have invested both time and money into the future of your smile. It is important to protect this investment in order to maintain good oral health. There are certain steps you should take after undergoing a dental implant procedure in order to care for your mouth.

After the procedure, your mouth might be tender at first. This tenderness only lasts about ten to fourteen days. Your dentist Vienna recommends a diet of warm soup, soft foods, and cold foods during this time. Additionally, you should refrain from smoking. Although the healing time for a dental implant tends to vary depending on the patient and the situation, it generally takes between two and four months for your mouth to fully heal after receiving a dental implant. You will not experience discomfort throughout this period, though.

Once your mouth has healed, caring for an implant is very similar to caring for a natural tooth. Although an implant cannot develop a cavity, it can still undergo the same wear-and-tear as a normal tooth. When not maintained properly, there is a risk for peri-implantitis to occur, which is similar to periodontal disease. However, this is easily preventable through regular check-ups, as well as daily brushing and flossing.

In order to maintain good oral health, it is important to continue to regularly visit your Vienna dentist. Your dentist can clean the areas that you are unable to reach. Additionally, your dentist Vienna VA will be able to check the surrounding gums and bone to ensure that they are healthy.

As always, your dentist in Vienna VA recommends thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Paying attention to your oral hygiene will ensure that your implant survives. If you continue to maintain good oral hygiene, your implants can last a for the rest of your life without a need for replacement.

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