Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a preventable problem that can be serious when proper measures are not taken to ensure good dental health. While tooth decay might not be life threatening, the negative impacts upon your life can be significant.

In order to prevent tooth decay, it is important to have good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing your teeth every day and visiting your dentist for a thorough cleaning and exam at least twice per year. Another way to prevent tooth decay is to limit the amount of sugary and acidic foods and drinks that you consume. Foods that have many carbohydrates and sugars leave deposits on your teeth and form plaque. This plaque can damage the structure of your teeth, causing decay.

Sensitive Teeth

Your teeth naturally expand and contract to drastic changes in temperature. If you have sensitive teeth, it may be painful to have hot or cold food and beverages. With time, the enamel on your teeth may be worn down, and the teeth may form cracks that can cause pain when the interior of the tooth is exposed. If you have extremely sensitive teeth in Ashburn, Virginia, be sure to call our office today to see how Dr. Amit B. Patel can help restore your teeth.

Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, can be caused by a buildup of bacteria and plaque in your mouth. Without proper brushing and flossing techniques, food particles that are left in the mouth can deteriorate and contribute to bad breath. While it is normal to have temporary bad breath from foods such as garlic, onions, or anchovies, consistent bad breath can be a sign of a much bigger problem such as gum disease. If you experience constant bad breath, please contact our office today to schedule an exam.

Canker Sores

Canker sores are small sores that occur inside the mouth and are often recurring. Canker sores can be irritating and painful, affecting eating and speaking. The duration of a canker sore can be reduced if you use proper antimicrobial mouthwashes or topical agents. A canker sore can be identified by a white or grey base that is surrounded by a red border. If you have a canker sore, avoid eating citrus and acidic foods such as lemons, apples, and tomatoes, as these can aggravate the sores. Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious. If would like further information about canker sores, please feel free to contact us at Ashburn General Dentistry.

Children

It is important to be proactive in maintaining good oral health in children. Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease, affecting nearly half of first-graders and perhaps as many as 80 percent of children by the time they graduate high school. Poor dental health can have dramatic impacts on a child’s academic performance, and millions of school hours are missed each year by children due to oral health problems. It is important to educate your children on proper dental hygiene, ensure that your children have a healthy diet, and visit the dentist on a regular basis. If you have any questions about children’s dentistry in Ashburn, Virginia, please feel free to contact our dental office.