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 [...]
What Does it All Mean? Just the thought of setting foot into a dentist's office is anxiety-inducing for countless people. Visions of intimidating dental tools being placed in the mouth while a dentist rattles off a laundry list of unfamiliar terminology often cloud the minds of nervous patients. An excellent way to combat some of [...]
If caught early, oral cancer is very treatable with surgery and radiation therapy. The best thing to do is to visit your dentist regularly and be aware of any symptoms you might notice, like a sore throat or something unusual in your mouth! Oral cancer is one of the most deadly cancers in the world, [...]
Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time, but over 40 percent of adults may experience a stab of pain when they eat or drink something hot or cold, sweet or sour, or breathe in a draft of cold air on a wintry day. Even brushing and flossing can cause sharp pain. The good news [...]
At James River Family Dentistry, our dentists routinely recommend flossing as a valuable part of oral health care. When performed properly, using dental floss to remove debris between teeth and at the gum line is safe and beneficial. A daily regime of flossing helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. Here are some [...]
At James River Family Dentistry, we encourage our clients to use air flossers and water picks in addition to a good oral hygiene routine, including brushing and manual flossing. Both air flossers and water picks are designed to clean between and around teeth daily to help you quickly remove stubborn plaque and debris. Air Flossers [...]
A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of the premolars or molars in patients. The sealant quickly bonds to the surface of the tooth, filling in the grooves to provide a protective barrier against decay. Brushing and flossing are excellent ways to remove food particles and plaque from the [...]
Everyone wants white teeth for a bright smile. Some people have naturally whiter teeth than others, but everyone is subject to the staining of their teeth from the food and drink they consume on a regular basis. Some of these foods are healthy and some are not, but all can cause permanent staining of the [...]
Our teeth represent our identity in so many ways. When they're healthy and pearly white, our teeth give people the impression we take good care of ourselves. On the other hand, teeth that are missing, cavity-filled, or just plain crooked make people believe we lack proper hygiene and are lower class. This is why good [...]
