5 Dental Habits to Adopt As You Get Older

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As you age, your teeth become more vulnerable to dental problems. Older teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay, infection, and loss. You can help prevent some of these problems by maintaining your teeth and taking care of your dental health.

The professionals at Niles Dental can help. We provide services for patients to help them maintain healthy teeth as they get older. There are many things you can do to maintain your oral health. See below.

1. Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth is common among seniors, because dry mouth is a side effect of many medications. Unfortunately, dry mouth can be bad for your teeth and gums. Saliva is an important tool for washing away bacteria and avoiding gum disease. When your mouth is dry, you’re at increased risk for a range of oral health problems.

Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and dry mouth.

2. See the Dentist Twice Per Year

If you don’t see your dentist in Woodbridge, VA twice annually, now is the time to start. Come in for cleanings twice per year to help avoid cavities and infection.

3. Watch for Signs of Dental Problems

Know the signs of a dental problem. Toothaches, swelling, bad breath, and bright red gums are all signs of dental infection and gum disease.

4. Brush Gently

Brush your teeth gently to avoid damaging your tooth enamel. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

5. Consider Sensitivity Toothpaste

Your teeth may get sensitive as you age. Use sensitivity toothpaste to avoid this problem.

Is it time for your dental cleaning in Woodbridge, VA? Call Niles Dental today to get started.

Is Gum Disease a Genetic Problem?

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Treatment for periodontal disease in Woodbridge, VA is a common reason for dental office trips. Many patients are surprised to learn that genetics can play a part in the development of gum disease. Take a closer look at gum disease as a genetic issue and how to lower your risks despite the genetic predisposition for the condition.

The Genetic Factor of Periodontal Issues

Genetics can play a role in periodontal disease, meaning if your family has a history of gum problems, you might be more at risk. Your genes can affect how your body responds to bacteria in your mouth, which can impact gum health. Therefore, the dentist may ask you about the oral health of your immediate family members during a visit.

How to Deter the Risks of Gum Disease

Regardless of your genetic risks, certain steps can help lower the likelihood of experiencing problems with your gum health. A few things you can do to reduce your risks of problems with gum disease include:

  • Be adamant about your oral hygiene habits: Brush thoroughly and be sure to floss daily to remove plaque around the gum line and prevent gum disease.
  • Visit the dentist regularly and don’t skip cleanings: Schedule check-ups and cleanings as directed by the dentist to catch and address issues early.
  • Stay away from tobacco and vaping: Smoking and other tobacco products like smokeless chewing tobacco can significantly increase your risk of gum disease. Likewise, vapes made with a high amount of sweeteners can contribute to gum issues.

Talk to a Woodbridge Dentist About Periodontal Health

If you have concerns about your genetic risk for gum disease or need guidance on maintaining optimal oral health, don’t hesitate to talk to a Woodbridge, VA dentist. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options to help you manage your periodontal health effectively. Reach out to the team at Niles Dental to schedule an appointment.

Foods to Avoid for Better Dental Health

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Food is one of the greatest joys of life. While several different types of food are healthy for your teeth and gums, others are not. It’s best to avoid these troubling foods if you want optimal oral health!

Here at Niles Dental, your dental health is always our main concern. Our team of dental professionals can provide the trusted services you need. Call us today to find the most reliable general dental care in Woodbridge, VA!

In this post, we’ll discuss the top foods to avoid for better dental health.

Chewy Candy

Chewy candy can be a nightmare for your teeth, especially if you have braces. This food easily gets trapped between your teeth and along your gums, making it difficult to remove. Not only can this be annoying, but it can also lead to a buildup of bacteria. This bacteria makes acid by burning sugar, which works to dissolve the protective layer of tooth enamel.

Citrus Fruit

Although citrus foods have a lot of nutritional benefits, they can be harmful to our dental health. The problem lies with the acidic nature of these foods, which can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel. Try to limit eating the more acidic fruits like lemons and grapefruits, and opt for less acidic varieties like oranges.

Hard Candy

While you should avoid chewy candy, hard candy is also a no-no. These foods take a long time to dissolve, allowing bacteria to flourish. The longer surgery foods stay in your mouth, the worse it is for your dental health. Additionally, biting down on hard candy can also lead to issues like chipped teeth.

Pickles

Pickles are very acidic, making them a poor food choice for your teeth. The acid in this food can cause excessive tooth enamel erosion, making you more prone to dental complications.

Niles Dental is here to provide top-of-the-line oral health solutions. Call us today to work with the top dentist in Woodbridge, VA!

5 Benefits of Routine Dental Checkups

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Are you due for a dental checkup? If it has been over six months since you’ve seen the dentist, then it’s time to make an appointment with Niles Dental today! We’re happy to offer the most dependable dental checkups in Woodbridge, VA.

Keep reading to learn the 5 benefits of routine dental checkups.

Catch Problems Early

Dental issues can be extensive and expensive. This is especially true if you let a dental problem go untreated. When you visit your dentist for routine checkups, they can examine your teeth and gums and look for any areas of concern. This is a great way to catch dental issues early on before they become more serious.

Save Money

As dental checkups can prevent oral health issues, these appointments can save you tons of money. For example, leaving a cavity untreated can lead to needing root canal treatment, which is more costly and extensive than a filling.

Improved Dental Health

During a dental checkup, your dentist examines your teeth and gums and typically provides in-depth teeth cleaning. This can take your oral health to the next level!

Whiter Smile

Dental checkup appointments involve thorough teeth cleaning, flossing, and examining your entire mouth. By receiving this type of care every six months, your teeth can appear brighter and whiter!

They’re Affordable

Another advantage of routine dental checkups is that they’re cost-effective! In fact, these preventative visits are often fully covered by insurance, compared to other, more extensive treatments that are usually only partially covered.

Are you ready to experience exceptional dental health with a glowing smile? Contact Niles Dental today to get started! We offer dental checkups, fillings, root canal treatment, and more! Call us today to work with a leading dentist in Woodbridge, VA.

How Can Pregnancy Change My Oral Health?

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During pregnancy, your body undergoes a variety of changes. Many of these changes are well-known, including hormone shifts, morning sickness, changes in appetite, and others. One thing that isn’t as well known is that many pregnant women experience changes in their oral health. Your dentist in Woodbridge, VA, can help you navigate these changes.

Pregnancy and Oral Health

During pregnancy, you may notice that your gums sometimes bleed when you brush your teeth and potentially at other times as well. This happens because of rises in hormone levels that cause the gums to swell.

Pregnancy can also put some people at higher risk for problems like gum disease. Gum disease during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk for preterm birth, so it’s important to stay on top of your oral health and hygiene while pregnant.

Can I Visit the Dentist While I’m Pregnant?

Yes, you can visit the dentist while you’re pregnant. In fact, it’s very important to maintain healthy teeth and gums when you’re pregnant. If you’re pregnant, be sure to tell your dentist when you come in for your dental exam. Your dentist may put off your dental x-rays until a time after your pregnancy.

If you need a cavity filling or root canal, it’s important to get this done. By the time you’re in your third trimester, laying on your back for extended periods of time may be an issue, so talk to your dentist when you’re having a problem to find out what the next steps are.

Need A Dental Examination? Call Your Dentist Today

At Niles Dental, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain their dental health and oral hygiene. Call today to schedule your next dental exam in Woodbridge, VA.

Tips to Make Your Toothbrushing Experience More Productive

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Toothbrushing is probably the most important thing you do daily to care for your teeth. When you’re brushing your teeth, you brush away bacteria and food particles that can turn into plaque and tartar. If you can keep plaque and tartar off your teeth, you can help prevent gum recession and disease.

As yourdentist in Woodbridge, VA, we highly encourage you to brush your teeth twice daily. Below are four things you can do to make your tooth-brushing experience more productive.

1. Brush for 2 minutes at a time.

Experts recommend brushing your teeth for two minutes at a time to remove particles from your teeth. It’s important to avoid brushing for longer than two minutes at a time because this can contribute to gum recession. You can ensure that you’re brushing your teeth for the right amount of time by timing yourself or by listening to a song that’s two minutes long while you brush.

2. Use a dentist-recommended electric toothbrush. 

Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at removing plaque while brushing. This can help keep your teeth cleaner. To ensure you’re getting the most out of your toothbrushing experience, use an electric toothbrush your dentist recommends.

3. Be gentle.

You don’t need to scrub hard to remove plaque and tartar! Using gentle movements, you can get rid of plaque and help protect your gums simultaneously.

4. Get a tutorial from your dentist.

The next time you come in for adental cleaning and examination in Woodbridge, VA, ask your dentist at Niles Dental to give you a tutorial on how to brush your teeth.

Need a dental appointment? Call today to get your appointment scheduled.

4 Benefits of Using an Electric Toothbrush

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Brushing our teeth is a simple activity we do every single day. It keeps our teeth clean, fresh, and free from plaque and tartar. While many of us use a standard toothbrush to maintain our oral health, some utilize the electric alternative—and the reasons why may surprise you.

Keep reading to learn the four benefits of using an electric toothbrush.

More effective cleaning

For starters, electric toothbrushes do a better job at cleaning. These devices create thousands of brush strokes per minute, significantly more than what you get with a standard toothbrush.

Easy to use

While a manual toothbrush can effectively clean teeth and gums, it can be difficult to use. This is especially true for those with hand mobility issues. If you’ve ever felt like brushing your teeth was a workout, consider investing in an electric toothbrush. These devices do all of the hard work for you!

Want to learn more about electric toothbrushes? Whether you need more information or want to book an appointment for dental care in Woodbridge, VA, contact Niles Dental today!

Less waste

Electric toothbrushes may also contribute to less waste for the user. When you’re ready for a new toothbrush, electric models allow you to only replace the head of the brush. With manual toothbrushes, you have to replace the whole device, leading to more waste.

Great for braces and other appliances

If you have braces or another dental appliance, effectively cleaning your teeth and gums can be difficult. This is where an electric toothbrush can help! These devices help you reach those nooks and crannies you can’t access with a manual toothbrush.

Want to learn more? Need to schedule a professional dental cleaning? Whatever the case may be, call Niles Dental today! We’re happy to have a skilled and reliable dentist in Woodbridge, VA.

Important Questions to Ask the Dentist At Your Next Appointment

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When you visit the dentist in Woodbridge, VA, you’ll have an opportunity to ask your dentist questions. Take this opportunity to learn more about how you can maintain healthy teeth and gums! Knowing what to ask is helpful, so we’ve written some questions that might get the conversation started.

1. Are My Teeth and Gums Healthy?

Most likely, your dentist will communicate with you about how healthy your teeth and gums are. However, asking may help the conversation along. Depending on your dentist’s response, you may feel prompted to ask follow-up questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up and learn more about the status of your oral health.

2. How’s My Oral Hygiene Routine Working?

Your dentist will be able to tell if you’re taking good care of your teeth and gums. By asking if you’re doing a good job brushing and flossing, you open the door for conversation about what could be improved. Your dentist may show you what you can do to brush your teeth better, or may mention where you’re missing places during your usual cleaning routine.

3. What Can I Do To Take Better Care of My Teeth and Gums?

Maybe you should buy an electric toothbrush, or perhaps you need to visit the dentist more frequently. Asking this question gives your dentist an opportunity to tell you what you can do to take better care of your teeth and gums. This will help you get started on the road to excellent oral hygiene.

Want to find out how you can improve your oral health? Call Niles Dental to make a dental appointment in Woodbridge, VA. Our dental professionals are waiting to help you.

Best Foods for Excellent Dental Health

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Did you know certain foods can actually improve your dental health? Adding the following foods to your diet can do wonders for your teeth and gums:

Leafy Greens

Due to the many health benefits, leafy greens should be a staple in your everyday life. As they’re great for your overall health, this includes your teeth and gums. Try to eat as many leafy greens as possible, such as spinach, kale, chard, or collard greens. These vegetables contain high levels of calcium, B vitamins, and folic acid, all of which provide lasting benefits for your oral health.

Looking for general dentistry services in Woodbridge, VA? If so, make an appointment at Niles Dental today!

Dairy Products

As dairy products help your body produce more saliva, this works to protect your teeth. That said, yogurt, milk, and cheese can be very beneficial for your dental health. Also, yogurt and cheese are rich in calcium, which strengthens teeth. Just make sure to find yogurt that’s low in added sugar. If you can’t eat dairy, look for nut milk rich in protein and calcium.

Apples, Carrots, and Celery

Apples contain fiber and help the body stay hydrated, which is excellent for your teeth and gums. Furthermore, this tasty fruit increases saliva production. Celery is also great for your dental health because it works to remove leftover food particles and bacteria from your teeth. Carrots are another fantastic choice, as they’re rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.

If you’re looking for more ways to strengthen your teeth and improve your dental health, make an appointment at Niles Dental today! We’re happy to have an experienced and reputable dentist in Woodbridge, VA. Call us for more information!