Oral Health

Xylitol is a natural sugar alternative that has been growing in popularity over the last couple of years. But is this sweet substitute for traditional sugar better for you? Can you still enjoy sweet snacks with xylitol without the guilt you may feel from eating too much sugar? Let’s check in with your dentist in Woodbridge to see how, and if, xylitol is better for you than sugar. 

What is Xylitol?

We’ve already covered the fact that xylitol is a natural sugar substitute, but there’s even more to know about the stuff. Xylitol is found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and even in our own bodies. Its sweet taste can mimic traditional sugar, but there are a few differences between xylitol and sugar. 

Xylitol is lower in calories than sugar (by about 40%!) which means the weight concerns that often go hand-in-hand with eating too much sugar are reduced by replacing it with xylitol. Additionally, xylitol doesn’t increase blood sugar levels the same way sugar does. This can make xylitol a better choice for your sweet fix without the negative side effects on your body and without the need to sacrifice taste.

But the benefits of xylitol don’t stop there. As your dentist in Woodbridge knows, xylitol may also help improve and protect oral health.  

Xylitol & Oral Health? 

So the reality is that we all have bacteria in our mouths. Some of these bacteria are beneficial, but some are dangerous. One of the bad types of bacteria is called Streptococcus mutans, and these bacteria are the main causes of plaque buildup and cavity development. Streptococcus mutans really really love to eat sugar. This means the more sugar we have, the more we feed these bacteria. But there’s another problem. Streptococcus mutans won’t only feed on sugar, the sugar will also help them create more and more bacteria. But this doesn’t happen with xylitol. Streptococcus mutans will still feed on xylitol but instead of fueling bacteria, xylitol starves them and they die off. This can help: 

• Reduce the risk of tooth decay
• Decrease bacteria levels by up to 75%
• Prevent oral inflammation
• Lower the risk of gum disease

Swapping Sugar for Xylitol

Making the switch from sugar to xylitol may be easier than you think. In fact, one of the easiest swaps you can make is by choosing gum that contains xylitol. Chewing gum can increase saliva production, which washes away bacteria, and neutralizes acid to protect tooth enamel. Plus, the added benefit of xylitol can starve bacteria.

Another way you can make the switch is by looking for xylitol in your grocery store baking aisle. You can swap sugar for xylitol in many recipes so you can still enjoy a sweet snack without all of the risks of sugar. 

Keep in mind that swapping to xylitol instead of sugar isn’t enough to fully protect your teeth. You will also want to continue to brush and floss every day, as well as see your dentist in Woodbridge regularly for professional dental cleanings and exams. 

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a colorless and odorless gas occasionally used for dental treatment. Now, while not everyone will be a candidate for nitrous oxide, this type of sedation dentistry has been known to help ease nervous or scared patients during procedures. If you have dental fear, you should talk with your dentist in Woodbridge about nitrous oxide or other sedation dentistry options. 

Why is Nitrous Oxide Used? 

One situation when nitrous oxide may be used in dentistry is when a patient is scared of the dentist. Fear of the dentist is incredibly common in the United States, and about 36% of people in the United States have fear of getting dental treatment. But nitrous oxide can help a patient relax and stay calm throughout their visit. 

Nitrous oxide may also be used if a procedure will take a bit of time. Patients can become uncomfortable laying back in the dental chair with their mouths open for prolonged periods. This may cause them to become jittery, making it hard for your dentist in Woodbridge to work. During these treatments such as a root canal or restorative dentistry, you may benefit from laughing gas or another form of sedation dentistry. 

What Are the Effects of Laughing Gas? 

Many dentists prefer nitrous oxide because the effects wear off quickly. In fact, your dentist will probably give you straight oxygen once treatment is done and you’ll be back to feeling like yourself in no time. Many patients can go right back to their day without downtime. However, it’s still wise to have someone drive you after your appointment. 

Patients may experience some side effects during or after using nitrous such as: 

• Shivering
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Nausea

These symptoms should be temporary and short-lived. To help avoid nausea, only eat a small meal or snack before your appointment.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe? 

Controlled and monitored use of nitrous oxide is considered safe by the American Dental Association. In fact, patients who use nitrous oxide at their dental appointments are still conscious and can answer questions from their dentist in Woodbridge. 

How is Laughing Gas Administered? 

Perhaps one of the best things about laughing gas is that there are no needles involved in administering it. The gas is administered through a small nose mask that allows you to simply breathe in the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture. 

If you’ve been putting off routine dental care because of fear, or if you know you have a strong gag reflex or the need for a longer appointment, talk with your dentist about nitrous oxide or other types of sedation dentistry. Dental care, even bi-annual cleanings, x-rays, and checkups, shouldn’t be delayed. After all, preventive dentistry is the best way to avoid more complex treatment because it allows your team to catch problems early when they’re easier to treat. 

We always stress the importance of seeing your dentist in Woodbridge at least twice a year to protect your teeth from decay, disease, and other tooth troubles. But what happens if you no longer have any natural teeth and wear a denture instead? Should you still visit your dentist regularly? Absolutely! The truth is, your dentist’s job goes beyond treating natural teeth.

Why Are Dental Appointments Important? 

Dental appointments every six months are important for many reasons such as catching tooth decay early. But denture-wears without the worry of decay can still benefit from these visits for a number of reasons. 

• Adjustments

Dentures may feel great when they’re new, but over time, they can loosen or the shape of the mouth can change and make dentures feel uncomfortable. Ill-fitting dentures can rub and cause sores or injuries to the gums. They need to be adjusted every so often to ensure they fit properly and are comfortable. Dentures that slip around or click should be a sign that it’s time to see your dentist in Woodbridge. 

• Longer Lifespan

A high-quality denture that’s properly cared for should last between 7 to 10 years. However, dentures still need checkups to help prolong their lifespan. Unfortunately, dentures aren’t indestructible and can sustain wear and tear. At your dental appointments, your dentist will examine your denture and check for any damage that can be fixed quickly and easily. 

• Oral Health

Oral health includes more than just teeth, so even if you no longer have any natural teeth, it’s still important to see your dentist in Woodbridge regularly. Denture-wearers can be at greater risk of gum disease than those with their natural teeth since dentures can harbor plaque, food particles, and bacteria which can sit on the gums all day and cause an infection. Gum disease can be treated successfully if caught early. But if left alone, gum disease can lead to other problems throughout the body such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. 

• Partial Dentures

Even if you still have some of your natural teeth but use a partial denture to replace only a couple of teeth, you can absolutely benefit from seeing the dentist twice a year. You see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings of your natural teeth as well as for checkups on your partial. Like full dentures, partial dentures can increase the risk of gum disease and decay in natural teeth. 

Both people with a full set of natural teeth and those who wear a denture as a replacement for natural teeth should see their dentist every six months. After all, prevention is the best way to keep serious problems from suddenly popping up. 

The term ‘impacted tooth’ refers to a tooth that was supposed to erupt yet hasn’t. As a result, the tooth can get trapped in the gums. Most commonly, impaction occurs with wisdom teeth, but the truth is any tooth can become impacted. So what exactly happens if you have an impacted tooth? Turn to your dentist in Woodbridge. 

Treatment

The good news is that an impacted tooth doesn’t necessarily always require treatment. If the tooth isn’t causing trouble and there is no concern for the neighboring teeth, your dentist in Woodbridge may recommend leaving it alone. However, in cases where treatment is recommended, solutions can vary from orthodontics to extraction. Each situation is different, and the best impacted tooth treatment for you will depend on your specific needs.  

• Orthodontics – Braces or brackets can be used to move other teeth out of the way to make room for the impacted tooth and can even help pull the tooth down into place. This treatment is most common in younger patients. 
• Extraction – If orthodontics isn’t an option, your dentist may recommend an extraction. This treatment is typically completed under anesthesia at your dentist’s office or with an oral surgeon. It’s a short, routine procedure that should have you recovered in no time. 

Causes

In most cases, an impacted tooth occurs because there isn’t enough room in the mouth for a new tooth to erupt. This is common when children lose baby teeth and the adult teeth are trying to pop through the gums. It’s also very likely to occur with wisdom teeth later in life. The jaw may be too small to accommodate additional teeth, or the teeth may already be overcrowded. Teeth that are growing sideways or at weird angles can also become impacted. 

Symptoms

Even though an impacted tooth sounds like a painful condition, the truth is many times a fully impacted tooth won’t have any symptoms. Partially impacted teeth, however, can exhibit some of these common signs: 

• Bad breath
• Pain in the gums or jaw
• Swelling of the gums
• Headaches
• Bad taste when biting down

Now, it’s important to know the signs of an impacted or partially impacted tooth so you can seek treatment. However, seeing your dentist in Woodbridge twice a year for preventive exams and checkups can usually help spot a potential impaction early before there’s trouble. 

Complications

If treatment for an impacted tooth is recommended, it’s for a good reason. Occasionally complications can occur with impacted teeth, such as:

• Misaligned bite
• Difficulty brushing and, therefore, an increased risk of decay and gum disease
• Abscess
• Nerve damage
• Bone loss

News of an impacted tooth can be concerning for anyone, but don’t worry, there are plenty of treatment options that relieve any symptoms that you have and give you a smile you’re proud of. If you are experiencing signs of an impacted tooth or partially impacted tooth, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Not white enough, not straight enough, not even enough – these are just a couple of things that tend to bother people about their teeth. If you’re someone who isn’t completely happy with the way your teeth look, you may shy away from fully smiling and enjoying life. Nobody should have to live a life like this. That’s why your dentist in Woodbridge is here to help change your smile and change your life. 

Smile Whitening

One of the most common things people do to change the way their teeth look is to use a smile whitening product. These products are available online, in most pharmacies and grocery stores, and through your dentist. However, before you jump into buying just any product, we recommend talking with your dentist in Woodbridge. Sometimes, a regular smile whitening product won’t work on certain types of stains. Other times, teeth may need some initial treatment before they’re healthy enough for smile whitening. To make sure you get the result you want without any negatives, schedule an appointment with your dentist first. 

Dental Veneers

If smile whitening isn’t the best way to whiten your teeth, your dentist may recommend dental veneers. These custom-made thin pieces of porcelain can cover up stains and give you an instant smile boost. But their benefits don’t end there. Veneers can also be used to:

• Fix minor chips or cracks
• Change the size and shape of teeth
• Close gaps in between teeth
• Make teeth appear straighter without orthodontics

Dental Crowns

Often referred to as a ‘cap,’ dental crowns can also cover up various imperfections in a smile. Unlike veneers that only cover the front surface of teeth, crowns will cover the entire tooth structure. Dental crowns are custom-made so they complement the size, shape, and color of your other teeth and can be used to cover large fillings, broken teeth, or misshapen teeth. This treatment requires an artistic eye and can give you a seamless smile. 

Dental Implants

The best way to replace missing teeth is with dental implants. These permanent teeth replacements not only give the appearance of a full smile, but they also help with long-term oral health. Since your dentist will replace both the visible tooth and the tooth root, the jaw bone continues to be stimulated and stays strong. There are different types of dental implants from single-tooth implants to implant-retained dentures, so make sure to talk with your dentist in Woodbridge about what type of dental implant is best for you. 

If you’ve been thinking about changing the way your teeth look, start by scheduling a consultation with your dentist. Come prepared to talk about any areas of your smile that you’re unhappy with, and your dentist will work with you to find the best treatments available. 

Dentures can be a game-changer for many people. They can help restore appearance as well as confidence. Dentures can even help people enjoy the foods they were once unable to eat. Many patients find their dentures a comfortable solution to missing teeth, but there are times when a denture can start to feel uncomfortable. Here’s some advice from your dentist in Woodbridge about what to do if your dentures don’t fit properly anymore. 

Step 1: See Your Dentist in Woodbridge

First thing’s first, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can take a look at how your denture fits and talk to you about any recommendations they have. Don’t try to adjust a denture on your own. You can easily damage the appliance and it can be more costly to replace. 

Step 2: Get Your Denture Relined

Next, it’s important to know that dentures probably won’t last forever without any adjustments. This is because things in our mouths such as gum tissue and the jawbone can change over time and can cause a once-perfect fit to feel off and uncomfortable. This is when a reline will come into play. 

Having your denture realigned can adjust the fit to match the changes that have occurred in your mouth, allowing for a proper fit once again. There are two types of relines – soft and hard. 

Soft Reline – This type of relining is usually completed in your dentist’s office and is usually a quick process. Your dentist will make adjustments using a liquid polymer and allow patient feedback right in the dental chair for a perfect fit. 

Hard Reline – A hard reline still requires a dental appointment and your dentist to examine the current fit. However, with this process, your dentist will take new impressions and send dentures out to a lab to be remade using the new ideal fit. 

Step 3: Consider Alternatives

While dentures are a great solution to replace missing teeth, there are other options available that can provide a permanent, and often more comfortable, fit. Dental implants in Woodbridge can permanently replace not only the tooth but also the tooth’s roots. This provides a more stable base and continues to stimulate the jaw bone, keeping it stronger for longer. Additionally, dental implants eliminate the need for adhesives and overnight soaking. There are many different types of dental implants available including traditional implants to replace one or two missing teeth, mini implants, as well as implant-retained dentures that permanently affix a full denture on just a few implant posts. 

Living with a denture that doesn’t fit properly can be annoying and sometimes perhaps a bit painful. Don’t live with that discomfort, call your dentist in Woodbridge to schedule a checkup and we’ll get you back to smiling confidently in no time. 

When someone is missing a tooth or two, they may find themselves shying away from smiling and even avoiding some of their favorite foods. But the good news is that dental implants from your dentist in Woodbridge can be a game-changer. These surgical implants are permanent and don’t require any soaking or any additional care than your natural teeth. However, the treatment can be intimidating, so we’re here to explain just how a dental implant is placed so you can learn what to expect. 

Placing a Dental Implant

First thing first – there are multiple different types of dental implants, and which one may be right for you depends on your personal needs. The three most common types of dental implants are: 

• Single-tooth implants
• Implant-supported bridge
• Implant-retained denture

All of these options are permanent solutions to missing teeth, and the procedure steps are relatively similar. 

• Exam – The first thing your dentist in Woodbridge will do is a comprehensive exam, including x-rays, to determine which implant option may be right for you and to see just how much jaw bone is available to ensure a viable implant placement. 
• Prep – Once your treatment plan is ready, your dentist will prep the area. This may include extracting a damaged tooth or performing a bone graft to boost the available bone in the jaw. 
• Placement – Next comes the actual placement of the implant post. This metal post will be placed into your jaw bone to form a solid foundation for your final tooth placement. 
• Healing – After the post is placed, it may take a few months for the post to become fully fused with the bone. This is an important step to make sure your implant lasts. 
• Crown – Once the post is ready, your dentist will place an abutment for the final crown to be placed on. The crown, the white part of the tooth, will be custom-made for a seamless, perfect smile. 

Will There Be Pain? 

A dental implant is typically placed under general or local anesthesia, so during the process, you shouldn’t feel a thing. During the healing process, it’s completely normal to experience some mild discomfort. Any pain can be managed by properly following your dentist’s post-op instructions as well as: 

• Gently rinsing with warm saltwater
• Avoiding crunchy and hot foods
• Continuing to brush and floss your teeth while making sure to brush gently near the implant site
• Using a cold compress to help reduce swelling

Most discomfort should go away within 10-14 days. If you still experience pain after 14 days, contact your dentist in Woodbridge to make sure everything is healing correctly and there is no infection or other cause for concern. 

Dental implants can be a great solution to replace missing teeth, but they may not be right for everyone. Make sure to talk with your dentist in Woodbridge about your options so they can make the best recommendation for you. 

You’ve been having some tooth pain. You decided to finally make the call for a consultation with your dentist in Woodbridge. Then you learn that your best treatment option is a dental treatment we’ve all heard of by now, and that’s a root canal. A million thoughts start racing through your mind:

• How long will my root canal take?
• How much will it cost?
• How bad is it going to hurt?

We’re here to soothe your anxiety and calm your fears because the tooth truth is that root canals aren’t really scary at all. 

Root Canals Get Rid of Pain

Instead of causing you more dental discomfort, think of your root canal as the solution that can get rid of:

• Pain when chewing or biting
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Discolored gums or teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth

In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week, which occurs each May, let’s praise this common dental procedure that happens over 41,000 times a day, according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). The AAE also says more than 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States. 

Everything You Need to Know About Your Root Canal

Your dentist in Woodbridge will recommend root canal therapy to repair and save a tooth that’s badly damaged, decayed, or infected. During the actual procedure, the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, removing the pulp and nerve. Your tooth is then sealed to avoid infection. You won’t feel pain, maybe just some pressure. Remember, root canals relieve your pain, not cause more. Sometimes patients experience tenderness in their gums following a root canal, but over-the-counter pain medications will certainly help. 

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take to Complete?

When you need a root canal to help heal your smile, how your treatment progresses will be personal to your needs and schedule. Generally speaking, root canals can take up to two appointments, ranging in length from 30 to 90 minutes. What determines how long your procedure will take is the severity of your individual case. The initial appointment is when we do the actual root canal, where all of the infected pulp is safely and effectively removed from your tooth. The second appointment is when your tooth will get a custom crown, matching the rest of your teeth for a seamless restoration.

More Facts You Never Knew About Root Canals

We hope you’re feeling a little bit better about the not-so-dreadful root canal procedure. As we talked about earlier, root canals are commonly thought to be the most painful kind of dental treatment. Also, a 2016 study found that root canal symptoms varied depending on the type of bacteria in the infection.

Don’t be afraid to see your dentist in Woodbridge because you’re worried about having a root canal. Please schedule a consultation and talk with us! We have the technology and years of training that make the experience as comfortable and easy as we said it would be in this blog.