How Are Modern Fillings Different?

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No one wants to get a cavity, but when it happens, it’s nice to know that you have a choice of fillings. Unlike the fillings from decades ago, modern fillings are more suited to today’s needs. They offer improved appearance, higher durability and more safety. Here’s more information about how modern fillings are different, and what you can expect from your dentist in Woodbridge, VA.

What Were Traditional Fillings Made From?

For decades, amalgam fillings were the standard in dentist offices around the world. They were made from a mix of materials like mercury, tin, silver and copper. Though they did the job, they had several drawbacks. For one, they didn’t last as long as modern fillings. It was common for them to disintegrate over time or fall out. Worse, in later years it was found that the mercury in the fillings caused a health hazard; so much so that some patients had their mercury fillings removed when modern fillings became available.

What Are Modern Fillings Made From?

Modern fillings can be made from materials such as composite resin, porcelain and glass ionomer cement, all of which are commonly used. Composite resin fillings are arguably the most popular, since they offer the dental patient a choice of hues. This means that, unlike traditional metal fillings that were highly visible, resin fillings blend in with the natural color of the teeth. They aren’t quite invisible, but one would need to look very hard to detect modern resin fillings in the molars.

When you need cavity fillings in Woodbridge, VA, trust the professionals at Niles Dental. Note that you can still get amalgam fillings that are made of metal and are silver-colored. These are more visible, yet they feature the best benefits of modern fillings, just like resin composite fillings. Contact us today to learn more!

Ways To Maintain Your Child’s Oral Health During the School Year

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School takes a lot of time out of your child’s day, making everything at night rushed and busy. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how important dental care is during the school year.

Your child’s dentist in Woodbridge, VA can help. At Niles Dental, we’re a resource for parents caring for their child’s teeth. Here’s what you can do to manage your child’s oral health during the school year.

Choose Sugar-Free Snacks When Possible

Sugar causes cavities and can lead to serious dental problems. One thing you can do to prevent these problems is to choose sugar-free snacks for your child’s lunchbox. Nuts, cheese, peanut butter crackers, boiled eggs, and sunflower seeds are all good examples of foods that can help your child maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Keep Up With Toothbrushing

It’s easy to let toothbrushing fall by the wayside during the school year. Don’t let that happen! Keep up with toothbrushing. If you brush your child’s teeth, do it nightly at the same time (so you won’t forget). If your child brushes their teeth, follow up with them to ensure they got the job done when they were supposed to.

Some other toothbrushing tips include:

Be sure to brush their teeth for two minutes each time (or give them a timer so they can do this themselves).

Change their toothbrush every three months.

Schedule Your Child’s Regular Dental Appointment

Stay current with your child’s pediatric dental exams in Woodbridge, VA. Call Niles Dental today to schedule your child’s next dental exam.

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.

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.

The Dangers of Childhood Thumb Sucking

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So, your child sucks their thumb—what’s the big deal? Well, it’s a huge deal that could lead to lifelong problems for your child. But don’t worry, yourdentist in Woodbridge, VA, can help!

Childhood Thumb-Sucking is Normal Until It Isn’t

Childhood thumb-sucking is a natural reflex that children use to self-soothe themselves. In other words, thumb-sucking helps comfort your child. However, going on for too long could damage your child’s mouth and teeth.

The Dangers of Childhood Thumb Sucking

Most children will stop sucking their thumb after six months of age. And about 30 percent of children will continue to suck their thumb through preschool. However, if your child continues to suck their thumb after that, it could lead to serious and sometimes permanent damage.

For example:

  • Misaligned Teeth
  • Speech Impediments
  • Open Bite
  • Overbite
  • Social Impacts

How Your Dentist Can Help Stop Your Child’s Thumb Sucking

Your dentist has a variety of tools and techniques that can help stop your child’s thumb-sucking. For example, dentists frequently use a specially designed oral appliance called a tongue crib to stop thumb sucking. A tongue crib (along withearly pediatric dentistry in Woodbridge, VA) uses stiff wires that are placed in your child’s mouth that will obstruct them if they try to suck their thumb.

A tongue crib can be used if all other methods have failed. The tongue crib is extremely effective. And the results will benefit your child for the rest of their life.

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Woodbridge, VA?

If your child seems to have a thumb-sucking problem, pleaseContact Niles Dental today. Early intervention is the key to preserving your child’s dental health now and going forward. Let’s work together to ensure your child gets a happy, healthy, lifelong smile.

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.

How to Get The Most Out Of Your Dental Insurance This Year

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Most dental insurance use calendar years to track coverage limits for patients. With every new year, the coverage amount resets. This means that if you haven’t used all your benefits this year, now is the time to see the dentist in Woodbridge, VA, to ensure that you get the most out of your dental insurance.

Know What’s Covered In Your Plan

Every dental plan is a little different. Knowing what’s covered in your plan and how many benefits you haven’t used up this calendar year can help you decide which benefits you’d like to make use of before the year is up. Touch base with your dental insurer to find out how much you have left on your plan so you can make informed choices moving forward.

See the Dentist Twice for Cleanings

Most dental insurers cover two visits to the dentist for cleaning each year. If you haven’t been to the dentist twice this year for cleanings, make an appointment to see the dentist one more time before the year is up. If you don’t, the benefit won’t roll over, so you’ll be missing out.

Try To Fit In Procedures Before the End of the Year

If you have any dental procedures that need to be addressed, now is the time to fit them in, unless you’re nearing the limits of how much your insurance company will cover for the year. When you call your insurance company, you’ll be able to find out whether you’re nearing these limits. If you aren’t, call Niles Dental to schedule your next dental appointment in Woodbridge, VA. We’ll work with you, if possible, to fit in any dental procedures that need to happen before the end of the year.

What’s Causing My Toothache? What Should I Do?

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A toothache can be an upsetting and overwhelming problem, especially if the problem is severe. If you have a toothache, your dentist in Woodbridge, VA can help. Knowing the potential cause and when to seek help for your toothache will help you take the first step in getting treatment for this problem.

What Causes Toothaches?

Toothaches occur for many reasons. Sometimes you can tell whether you’re having a serious problem or a temporary inconvenience by the severity of your pain. Below are some of the reasons that toothaches can occur.

  • Cavity. A cavity is an area of decay in the tooth enamel. Cavities can cause minor to significant pain, depending on the severity of the problem. If you have a cavity, you may be able to see the spot on your tooth. Get help from a dentist.
  • Crack in the tooth enamel. A crack in the tooth enamel can cause intermittent pain as you bite down and consume things like cold drinks. A cracked tooth can lead to a problem like an infection down the road, so you should get treatment for this problem.
  • Minor injury to the area. You can cause a minor injury to your gums by chewing a piece of food that gets stuck between your teeth or under your gums. This type of pain is usually not severe and will go away on its own.
  • Infection. An infected tooth can cause a very unpleasant and persistent toothache. An infection in the tooth is a dental emergency.

How Can I Get Rid of My Toothache?

If you have a toothache, you may need a cavity filling or root canal therapy in Woodbridge, VA. Call Niles Dental to make an appointment and get treatment for the problem.

Tips for Relieving Anxiety at the Dentist

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It’s completely normal to experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. While it’s more common in children, adults can also get anxious during these appointments. Luckily, there are several anxiety-reducing tips to keep in mind.

Keep reading to learn about a few ways to relieve anxiety at the dentist.

Voice Your Concerns

First things first, tell your dentist about how you’re feeling. While you may feel embarrassed, remember that it’s very common to experience anxiety at the dentist, even for adults. Luckily, many dental experts have specific tactics to make you more comfortable. Also, be sure to ask questions. Some patients feel better when they understand what’s happening during the visit. The dentist can clearly explain each step from start to finish, which may alleviate some anxiety.

Consider What You Eat or Drink

If dental anxiety is a problem, try to avoid eating foods high in sugar before your appointment. This can make you jittery and increase feelings of anxiety. Furthermore, you should avoid caffeine, which can also impact your nerves.

Are you searching for dependable pediatric dentistry services in Woodbridge, VA? If so, contact Niles Dental today to make an appointment!

Try Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are a great tool for staying calm and relieving anxiety. However, it does take practice. To start, close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose. Hold your breath for a few seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Try to keep a clear head and focus on your breathing. Repeat this several times until you feel more relaxed.

Don’t Avoid Routine Dental Visits

Many people experience dental anxiety because they fail to visit the dentist every six months. When you see the dentist on a routine basis, the process can become much easier as you get more accustomed to the treatments and procedures.

Call Niles Dental today to work with the leading dentist in Woodbridge, VA!