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.

The post Why Blood Pressure Is Important At Dental Visits first appeared on Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

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!

The post Do You Have Sensitive Teeth? first appeared on Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

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!

The post March Is National Oral Health Month! first appeared on Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.