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. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are essential components of maintaining good oral hygiene, but many people are now turning to electric toothbrushes to give their [...]
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 [...]
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 and understanding the treatment options available at James River Family [...]
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 [...]
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 Opalescence Professional Whitening, a [...]
Oral Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects tens of thousands of people in the United States every year. Despite advances in medical technology and treatment, oral cancer often goes undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. That’s why April is recognized [...]
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? [...]
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 [...]
What Are Fluoride Treatments? At James River Family Dentistry, 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 [...]
