Teeth whitening is a popular way to achieve a brighter and whiter smile. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth, including over-the-counter whitening treatments and professional whitening procedures. At James River Family Dentistry, we offer Opalescent Professional Whitening and Opalescence Go. How do we Whiten your Teeth? We offer Opalescent Professional Whitening, which [...]
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially deadly disease that affects thousands of people every year. April has been designated as Oral Cancer Awareness Month in the United States, providing an important opportunity to learn more about this condition, understand the risk factors and find out how best to protect ourselves from developing it. What [...]
Thumb sucking is a normal habit for babies and toddlers. In fact, some ultrasounds reveal that babies will suck their thumbs in the womb! This self-soothing reflex helps your child feel safe, secure and comforted. So, why are we suggesting that you help your child stop sucking their thumb? Why Should Thumb Sucking Be Stopped? [...]
The depth of winter is an exciting time for us in the dental field. Why? Every February, for the last 76 years, the American Dental Association has recognized the unique importance of oral hygiene for children by celebrating National Children's Dental Health Month. Many are surprised to learn the tradition of this yearly happening is [...]
Preventing cavities is important. Left untreated, cavities can damage your teeth, cause pain in your mouth, and lead to bigger oral health problems. By following the steps below, you can protect your teeth and avoid cavities. How do you get a cavity? Cavities are holes in a tooth's outer surface (called the enamel). Also known [...]
If you use tobacco or smoke cigarettes regularly, your doctor has likely advised you to stop. You may be familiar with the potential health risks associated with tobacco, but did you know that smoking and tobacco use have a significant impact on your oral health? Your oral health is like a window to the inside [...]
Dental problems like tooth decay and cavities are a result of bacteria that builds up into plaque. Plaque is acidic and will build up around the teeth and gums, which causes tooth enamel to wear away. When tooth enamel wears away, our teeth become more vulnerable to cavities, which are holes in the actual tooth [...]
The idea that dentists are scary is one played on by media of all types and is passed down from generation to generation. But that stigma doesn’t have to exist. Reducing dental anxiety in your children--and yourself--is quite doable. Still, it might still take some effort on your part. Below are some tips for reducing [...]
Do you have a dry or sticky mouth? A sore throat, especially in the morning? Bad breath? All of these may be indications of dry mouth or xerostomia. Xerostomia is when your salivary glands stop making enough saliva. What Causes Dry Mouth? There are five common causes of dry mouth: Side effects of certain medications. [...]
When we think about keeping our mouths healthy, we most often focus on preventing cavities. Cavity prevention is important, but it's equally important to prevent gum disease. We provide education about gum disease, the treatment and causes during every patient visit. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research describes gum disease like this: "Periodontal [...]
