All You Need To Know National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM), observed every February with a different slogan each year. Sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA), the campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of kids' dental health. What is National Children's Dental Health Month? NCDHM is a state health observance movement for [...]
Your oral health can say a lot about your overall health. That's why it's crucial to make sure you're taking the best care of your teeth and gums possible. Electric toothbrushes have become more popular in recent years as people have become more interested in oral health. But are they really worth the investment? In [...]
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, sounds like an adult problem. As long as kids can keep their mouths cavity-free, they're doing just fine, right? Not exactly. In fact, the American Academy of Periodontology said, "Epidemiologic studies indicate that gingivitis of varying severity is nearly universal in children and adolescents," although it usually is less serious [...]
It’s that time of year again when you are busy with school schedules, getting ready for cooler weather, and making upcoming holiday plans. During this hectic time, you may not be thinking about your available or unused dental insurance benefits, but our James River Family Dentistry team is! Whether you have remaining insurance benefits or [...]
Millions of people unconsciously grind their teeth, an action formally known as bruxism. Although occasional bruxism is not likely to cause significant damage, many people are unaware that they have been clenching their jaw and grinding their teeth until worrisome symptoms develop. Recognizing the signs of bruxism and understanding the treatment options available at James [...]
A tooth is a lot more complicated than just the hard enamel exterior. Most of us don’t really know the components of a tooth or what each part does. Understanding the anatomy of a tooth and how the parts work together is an important part of your general dental health. Working from the top down [...]
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 [...]
