Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum inflammation, leading to a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis.” This condition makes expectant mothers more prone to periodontal disease. If you notice any unusual bleeding or gum issues, it is important to contact your dental provider for an evaluation.

Periodontal disease, if left untreated, does not only affect the mother. Studies have shown that active periodontal disease during pregnancy can pose risks to the baby, including premature birth and low birth weight. The presence of periodontal disease indicates an active infection, which can have serious implications for both mother and child.

Morning sickness is another common issue during pregnancy that can affect dental health. The acidity from vomiting can erode tooth enamel, so it is crucial to rinse your mouth with water immediately after being sick. Maintaining a regular home care routine is equally important. This includes flossing daily and brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.

As you can see, regular dental visits during pregnancy are essential. They allow for professional cleanings and early detection of any dental issues. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices and keeping up with dental appointments, you can help ensure your own health and the health of your baby.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an important part of prenatal care. Dr. Kime Whitman and our Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team invite you to call 703-831-3952 to schedule a visit!

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Another sign of sleep apnea is a scalloped tongue. When the teeth and tongue are in the incorrect position due to an obstructed airway, the tongue will push up against the sides of the teeth and appear to have indentations on the sides instead of having a uniform border.

When our team examines the mouth, we also check where the tongue sits and the size of the airway. If it is positioned too far back, it can obstruct your throat. Other signs of sleep apnea that can manifest are snoring and feeling chronically tired despite a full night’s rest.

If sleep apnea is suspected, we will recommend that you talk to your primary care physician or go to a sleep study center for an evaluation. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea the doctor may recommend a CPAP device or sometimes even a lab-fabricated dental appliance (which we can have made for you). If you suspect you have apnea, please let us know at your next visit!

At Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Kime Whitman and our team are committed to improving your sleep and overall health through effective sleep apnea treatment in Leesburg, Virginia. If you want to learn more or schedule a visit, please call 703-831-3952 today.

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When we administer local anesthesia (numbing) before dental work, it is important for us to know your blood pressure because the anesthetic has epinephrine in it. Epinephrine is necessary to achieve profound numbness (we do not want you to feel pain during the procedure) for the expected duration of time. The epinephrine allows for the anesthetic to take full effect instead of being only partially numb and for it to stay in your system rather than wear off during the procedure.

If you have high blood pressure, we cannot administer a local anesthetic because the epinephrine could induce a cardiac episode. It increases your blood pressure and elevates your heart rate which can lead to a heart attack. This is the last thing anyone wants to happen! Someone with healthy blood pressure does not have to be concerned that this could occur.

It is common for people to be nervous at doctors’ appointments (White Coat Syndrome), so if we take your blood pressure and it is initially high, we will let you sit and relax for a few minutes before taking it again. Usually, this will help to decrease your blood pressure. If it is still outside of a healthy or unsafe range, we will recommend you see your primary care physician for an evaluation prior to proceeding with any dental work that may require you to be numb.

We know this can be inconvenient, but we care about your overall health (not just your teeth) and have your best interests at heart. We want to do what is both safe and healthy for you. If it has been a while since you have been to the dentist, we invite you to schedule a consultation or dental checkup with our dentist, Dr. Kime Whitman at Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. We are here to help you make the most of your smile, safely! Please call 703-831-3952 to learn more or to schedule a dental visit in Leesburg, Virginia.

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Extrinsic stains are superficial, affecting only the outer layer of the teeth. These stains are usually attributed to our daily diet, including common culprits like coffee, tea and wine. The good news is that extrinsic stains can often be removed through routine dental cleanings. Between appointments, maintaining oral hygiene with tools like electric toothbrushes and whitening toothpaste can be particularly effective. Brands such as Oral B and Sonicare are highly recommended by dental professionals. Additionally, using a straw for drinking stain-inducing beverages can significantly reduce their impact on your teeth, helping keep that pearly white sheen.

In contrast, intrinsic stains reside within the teeth, manifesting as a deeper, often yellowish discoloration that cannot be polished away. These stains require a more robust approach, typically involving products containing peroxide. Over-the-counter whitening strips are a good starting point to test for sensitivity and effectiveness. However, they contain a lower percentage of peroxide, which might not be sufficient for everyone.

For those seeking more dramatic results, professional treatments are available. One such option is the GLO system, used in dental offices. This system is designed to minimize sensitivity and can significantly lighten teeth shades in just an hour.

Whether combating extrinsic or intrinsic stains, it’s essential to consult with your dentist, Dr. Kime Whitman at Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, to choose the most effective and safe method of teeth whitening for your smile. We are pleased to offer teeth whitening in Leesburg, Virginia. Please call 703-831-3952 to learn more or to schedule a treatment. With the right approach, you can achieve—and maintain—a luminously bright smile!

The post Unveiling the Secrets to a Brighter Smile: Understanding and Managing Dental Stains first appeared on Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

During your visit for an annual checkup or cleaning, did you know that a routine part of our service includes an oral cancer screening? This important process involves a thorough examination of various areas within your oral cavity and along your neck. Most patients are unaware that during their cleaning, we meticulously check the tongue (especially the sides, which are common sites for oral cancer), under the tongue, cheeks, throat and all the gums and surrounding tissues.

Self-examination is another proactive step you can take at home. We encourage you to regularly check these areas yourself. If you notice any suspicious areas that haven’t healed or subsided within two weeks, it’s essential to contact our office. Prompt evaluation of such symptoms is crucial.

Remember, it’s better to be safe and get checked early. Our team is here to assist you and ensure your mouth remains healthy. Let’s work together to fight oral cancer and keep your smile safe. Your health is our priority, and early detection is key.

Our Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team in Leesburg, VA, is pleased to schedule a visit with Dr. Kime Whitman if you would like an oral cancer screening or book a consultation. You can reach us at 703-831-3952 today!

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Teeth can be sensitive due to a variety of issues; wearing of enamel, gum recession, cavities or periodontal issues. We suggest keeping on top of regular dental checkups to evaluate for these problems, and we can make custom recommendations to help.

Most commonly people will have cold or sweet sensitivity. This can usually be controlled with over-the-counter toothpastes or rinses. We suggest trying a toothpaste with the ingredient potassium nitrate. This can be found in Sensodyne, Colgate or other common toothpaste brands. Check the active ingredients on the back of the box and ensure it has the American Dental Association seal of approval. It will say ADA on the label. That is how to tell if it is a safe and effective product. We recommend using that in conjunction with a fluoride rinse.

If sensitivity is not better within two weeks please contact us to make sure there are not any other underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you have extreme pain, temperature sensitivity, or pain when biting please call our office because it may be a more in-depth issue.

Managing sensitivity in your teeth doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the root causes and implementing the right over-the-counter treatments, such as toothpaste containing potassium nitrate and fluoride rinses, you can often find relief. Regular dental checkups play a vital role in identifying and addressing any underlying issues early on.

Schedule Your Next Appointment

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team in Leesburg, VA, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kime Whitman if you are experiencing prolonged sensitivity or any form of dental discomfort. We can be reached at 703-831-3952 today!

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Why Is Oral Health Important?

Overall health is directly impacted by oral health. The mouth is the first point of entry to the body and is filled with bacteria. The majority of bacteria in your mouth is harmless but poor oral hygiene promotes an environment where the harmful bacteria thrive. In many cases, this harmful bacteria enters your digestive and respiratory tracts and can cause diseases.

Inflammation of the gums or active cavities can lead to systemic issues such as cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, pregnancy and birth complications. There are many recent studies that even link memory issues like dementia to poor oral health.

It is essential to practice good oral hygiene daily in order to protect your oral health. The following are some tips that make an impactful difference to your smile:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use an electric toothbrush (which is significantly more effective than a manual brush) together with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss down and between all teeth daily. Using a Waterpik is also a wonderful adjunct tool to flossing.
• Use mouthwash (without alcohol) to remove food particles after meals.
• Avoid tobacco use of any kind.
• Eat a healthy diet by limiting sugary foods and drinks.
• Replace your toothbrush head every three months or sooner if the bristles are splayed or worn.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Call To Schedule

A healthy smile is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to your dental health, general health and self-confidence. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Kime Whitman and our Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team are here to help you with all of your dental needs. Please give us a call at 703-831-3952 to learn more or to schedule your next dental cleaning and checkup. Your smile will thank you!

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If you treat and or fill these areas early (we look for these during routine checkups and cleanings) they are usually able to be treated with a simple filling. Conversely, if you wait until there is pain, the decay and cavity will require more advanced treatments. This can be beyond just a filling and may require a crown or even a root canal. Also, if the decay or cavity is too extensive the tooth may even need to be extracted, which can lead to more complex issues in the future.

Furthermore, when tooth decay is painful that can mean there is an active infection. Infection can spread to other teeth in the mouth and you can even spread the bacteria that causes tooth decay to other people (via kissing, sharing food or utensils, etc). Therefore, it is important that you treat tooth decay and cavities as soon as possible to avoid more extensive dental problems from arising.

If you suspect you might have dental decay or a cavity, or it has simply been a while since your last dental checkup,  Dr. Kime Whitman and our team invite you to give us a call at 703-831-3952 and schedule a dental cleaning and checkup. At Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we look forward to helping you and your family members with all of your dental needs, including essential preventative care!

The post Why Do You Need To Get a Cavity Treated or Filled if It Does Not Hurt? first appeared on Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

• Use an electric toothbrush (we prefer rechargeable Sonicare or Oral B) It is 10 times more effective than a manual brush.
• Remember to change your toothbrush head every 3 months. When the bristles wear they are not as effective.
• Rinse or take a few sips of water after drinking soda, coffee, etc. This will help restore the pH balance of your mouth and help prevent staining on your teeth.
• Drink through a straw to help prevent stains on teeth.
• Be sure to floss daily. This not only helps prevent cavities in between teeth but removes the plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease.
• Add a fluoride rinse nightly to prevent cavities. You rinse toothpaste off your teeth so they don’t get a great application of fluoride but a rinse can help! We recommend alcohol-free rinses (Purple alcohol-free Listerine, ACT, Therabreath).

Dental health is related to one’s overall health. Keep in mind that bleeding is a sign of infection and healthy gums do not bleed, so be sure to keep on top of your home care and regular checkups! Please give us a call at 703-831-3952 if you have any dental concerns or to schedule an appointment with our dedicated dentist, Dr. Kime Whitman.

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Did you know October is National Dental Hygiene Month? We want to talk about how dental health (and hygiene) relates and impacts your overall health.

Periodontitis, a condition characterized by gum disease, allows bacteria and their harmful byproducts to transition from the gum and tooth surfaces into the bloodstream, where they have the potential to disseminate to various organs. Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease; periodontitis is the progression of this disease which involves the destruction of the bone support that holds your teeth in place.

Should untreated mouth inflammation persist, certain proteins associated with this inflammation may extend their influence throughout the entire body.

The connection between dental health and mental health 

Periodontitis has been linked to a heightened susceptibility to cognitive decline and the onset of dementia. This connection may be attributed to the potential compromise of the blood-brain barrier, facilitating the infiltration of bacteria and inflammatory substances into the brain through the bloodstream, ultimately contributing to cerebral inflammation. Consequently, periodontitis could potentially give rise to cerebral inflammation, a pivotal factor in the progression of dementia.

Source:
Gum disease, tooth loss linked to increased dementia risk in new review

Gum disease puts you more at risk for diabetes 

Periodontal disease seems to increase the risk of diabetes and vice versa. The American Dental Association (ADA) highlights a reciprocal connection between diabetes and periodontal disease. In essence, elevated blood sugar levels heighten the susceptibility to gum disease, while gum disease complicates the management of blood sugar, potentially elevating an individual’s A1C level. Consequently, research has unveiled a correlation between periodontal disease and an elevated risk of diabetic complications.

Source:
What Is the Link Between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease and heart disease 

People with periodontal disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. Periodontal disease increases the amount of inflammation in the body and this is a key contributor to many problems including plaque buildup in the arteries.

Source:
Gum disease and heart disease: The common thread

Gum disease and pregnancy 

Gum disease is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight babies.

Source:

Pregnancy and Oral Health.

Pregnancy and cavities 

Pregnant individuals may face an increased risk of developing cavities, often influenced by shifts in behaviors, including dietary changes. Women who harbor a substantial amount of cavity-causing bacteria during pregnancy and in the postpartum period may inadvertently transfer these bacteria from their own mouths to their infants’ mouths. The early introduction of these bacteria, coupled with exposure to additional sugars through frequent snacking or bedtime bottle use, can contribute to the onset of early childhood cavities, necessitating extensive dental treatment at a young age.

Source:

Pregnancy and Oral Health.

If you have any oral health questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our team at 703-831-3952 today!

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