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.

The post How Can Your Next Dental Checkup Quickly Detect Sleep Apnea? first appeared on Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

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.

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.