Worried About Gum Disease? Would You Prefer Cabernet Or Merlot?

Cabernet or Merlot - More benefits than you think!

For many years now scientists have linked the beneficial positive effects of moderate amounts of red wine consumption with prevention of heart disease and cancer. But now they have also discovered that drinking the fruit of the vine could help with the prevention of gum disease!

The heroes here are compounds called polyphenols (found in grape seeds and red wine) which appear to have very strong anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing inflammation, it is theorized that polyphenols may limit the amount of inflammation in the gum tissue, helping to prevent the common disease known as gingivitis.

"Our findings demonstrate that red wine polyphenols have potent antioxidant properties," concluded the study authors from the Université Laval in Quebec, Canada, who presented the study at a meeting of the American Association for Dental Research.

Eighty percent of Americans have some type of gum disease, and it is estimated that 15 percent of Americans between the age of 21 and 50 suffer from an advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. After age 50, 65 percent of Americans will suffer from this chronic gum disease and the risk is higher in smokers, diabetics and people who take steroids and oral contraceptives.

The author of the study, Dr. Fatiha Chandad, stated that more investigation is needed to determine exactly how effective the beverage will be in fighting gum disease. "Consumption of any fruits or vegetables rich in polyphenols could have beneficial effects on the maintenance of good oral health," she adds.

So should you drink up now and not worry about proper brushing, flossing, and visits with your dental hygienist? We sure don’t think so! But it is nice to know that red wine enjoyed in moderation could have a positive effect on your dental health.

At Fairlington Dental, we take your oral health very seriously and want to make sure that gum disease does not rob you of your teeth as it has done to millions of Americans. We check for this condition every single time we do an examination. If you are due to see us or have any questions about gum disease or any other condition, please give us a call right away at 703-671-1001. We’re here for you!

And remember – along with the possible positive effects of red wine, it can really stain your teeth!! Brush and floss often and don’t forget your professional cleanings!!

Sleep Apnea Linked to Heart Disease | National Sleep Foundation - Information on Sleep Health and Safety

Sleep Apnea Linked to Heart Disease National Sleep Foundation - Information on Sleep Health and Safety

Sleep Apnea Linked to Heart Disease | National Sleep Foundation - Information on Sleep Health and Safety

Sleep Apnea Linked to Heart Disease National Sleep Foundation - Information on Sleep Health and Safety

Stop Being So Darn Sensitive !

We've all noticed it from time to time - have some ice cream followed by good cup of hot coffee and OUCH! - your tooth is telling you not to do that!  But how do you know if your tooth sensitivity is a sign of (pardon the pun) a deep rooted problem?

Let's start with a little quiz.  What is the hardest substance in the human body?

a) Fingernails
b) The thigh bone, also known as the femur
c) Your hard-headed uncle's skull'
d) Tooth enamel

If you guessed tooth enamel, you're not only on your way to a winning appearance on Jeopardy but you're ready to understand tooth sensitivity. 

The enamel that covers your teeth is an extremely hard substance and acts as a great protectant.  Inside the enamel is something called dentin, which is a bit softer and actually has small hollow tubes leading right into the nerve chamber.  Irritate that layer and your tooth will let you know!  So if the enamel on your teeth is worn away, sensitivity can set in.  The roots of your teeth are in a similar situation, and receding gums which cause the roots to be uncovered can cause sensitivity as well.  So what can you do? 

First of all, be gentle when you brush and always use a soft toothbrush.  Lots of pressure and stiff bristles do not clean your teeth any better and actually can wear away enamel and gums. 

Some people find that acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause sensitivity, so avoid those if you are in that category. 

Also, there are over-the-counter products, such as special toothpastes and rinses, that can help.  Let us know and we'll be glad to recommend the right one for you.

Unfortunately, many of the causes of tooth sensitivity are also signs of much larger dental problems.  Things such as cavities, defective fillings, or crowns, receding gums due to gum disease, grinding, and many other conditions can cause sensitivity and all of these things definitely need attention from a dental professional. 

At Fairlington Dental we want you to be comfortable and have healthy teeth and gums!  If tooth sensitivity or any other dental issues are causing you concern, please give us a call at 703-671-1001 and we will be glad to see how we can help.  For additional information, visit our website at www.FairlingtonDental.com

We want to get you comfortable again!

The Forgotten Cancer - Have You Been Checked?

Much has been written about early detection for certain cancers, such as breast and colon and while, of course, screening for these cancers is crucial, there is one cancer that often seems to be “forgotten” in the midst of all the media uproar and that is -- oral cancer.


For many, oral cancer does not even truly show up on their radar and, this could potentially be harmful to you and your loved ones, as it has been estimated that approximately 36,000 Americans are diagnosed each year and of those 8,000 will die.

Unfortunately, those numbers are quite high and it is mainly due to the fact that in many, many cases, the diagnosis was made in the advanced stages of the cancer. In fact, the total number of deaths, from oral cancer never really seems to decrease because it is rarely diagnosed in its early stages.

It is, therefore, crucial that everyone be screened, on a regular basis, for oral cancer and your dentist can be your best ally.

Scheduling at least two dental visits each year for your regular check ups and cleanings can be the perfect time to ask your dentist to thoroughly check the inside of your mouth for any signs and/or symptoms that may be developing.

Your dentist can quickly and efficiently do a thorough exam to make sure that your gums, tongue and mouth are free of sores and masses and it is entirely pain free. Your dentist truly can be one of your greatest allies in the fight against disease – so don’t hesitate to talk with him/her about your concerns and your needs.

Don’t forget that eating a balanced diet, staying away from tobacco (especially chewing tobacco) and alcohol will also go a long way in keeping you healthy and happy.

Dear Patient - Are You Missing A Critical Step In Your Daily Routine?

Recent research has shown that most Americans are not doing a simple activity that will keep their smiles looking beautiful, reduce cavities, prevent tooth loss and as many dentists and physicians now believe – significantly reduce the chance of heart disease and strokes.

Even though most of our patients swear they do this activity, according to The American Dental Association, more than 90% of Americans don’t. That simple activity? You guessed it – it’s flossing your teeth. And a quick and strenuous attempt to floss right before your dental visit doesn’t fool us! But please read on, because there is hope for everyone!!

Flossing is the best way to clean bacteria and debris from the spaces in between your teeth and underneath your gums. Left in place, that harmful film can cause cavities and gum disease, eating away at the bone that actually holds your teeth in place and causing your teeth to loosen and eventually be lost. Scarier yet – recent research has linked gum disease to heart disease and strokes. So don’t throw in the towel (or floss!) yet.

Any activity requires practice. You couldn’t drive without lessons and a few thousand miles on the road. You couldn’t type the first time you sat down at a keyboard. And though flossing is much easier than either of those activities, many people try it a few times and then frustratingly proclaim “I can’t floss!” Well with a little patience and practice you can! And some of the better flosses on the market (such as “Glide”) make it much easier than it was in the past.

At Fairlington Dental we really want you to keep your teeth the rest of your life and be as healthy as you possibly can. That definitely involves flossing every single day – and we know you can do it! Feel free to give us a call at 703-671-1001 and we will arrange for one of our fantastic hygienists to give you a flossing lesson or just ask during one of your regular cleaning appointments. There is nothing to be embarrassed about, and your beautiful smile can last a lifetime!

For additional information, visit our website at http://www.fairlingtondental.com/

Beware: Silver Fillings Are Actually Mercury Fillings

For many people, going to the dentist’s office every 6 months, to get a regular check up and cleaning has been something that we have done religiously. After all, investing in good oral care is the best way to ensure that you keep both your pearly whites and your smile for a long time to come.

As it turns out, scientists are now finding that good oral hygiene can go a long way when it comes to ensuring your overall health. However, one area that has arisen some concerns is with one of the components used in teeth fillings – mercury. Silver fillings actually contain more mercury than silver. There have been substantial studies conducted on the effects of having this component in our mouths and, while there may not be 100% conclusive evidence about the health risks associated, many dentists are now using alternative components when it comes to filling those cavities. As a matter of fact, more and more dentists are also suggesting that “old” fillings be replaced with “new” ones in order to remove all potential health concerns.

While this may sound somewhat scary, there is absolutely no need for worry as getting those old fillings removed by a qualified dentist is extremely simple and effective. You are encouraged to discuss mercury removal procedures with your own dentist in order to gain a better understanding of the situation. If your dentist does not believe your fillings need to be removed, you might want to consider consulting with one who specializes in this type of procedure.

A dentist that is specialized in this area can thoroughly explain your options and will be happy to answer any of your questions. While mercury fillings have yet to be deemed toxic by the medical profession, considering healthier, more natural components for your fillings is absolutely a smart move - as well as a very simple and effective one!

Just Like The Real Thing! - Flash Your Pearly Whites Again!

Thanks to today’s advancement in dental procedures and care, the use of implants has become more and more recognized as “the” most viable, efficient and practical method of tooth replacement.

Simply put, implants are artificial tooth roots that replace an missing tooth - these implants are, for all intents and purposes, identical to the “real” tooth, in that they look and perform exactly like the real one and this is thanks to modern technology that allows the dental surgeon to actually place the tooth directly into the bone.

Implants are now used to support dentures and crowns and this process can be applied for one tooth or for a series – depending on the requirements of the patient. Implants are extremely versatile and can be made to accommodate any situation as needed.

Amazingly, the patients, for the most part, get accustomed to these new implants quickly, easily and without any major discomfort and, of course, because the implants look exactly like “the real thing”, many people have also reported a huge increase in personal confidence – finally being able to flash that beautiful smile without worrying about “what their teeth look like”.

Thanks to modern technology and, of course, to those wonderful dentists who actually come up with these breakthroughs – flashing those pearly whites is now something that you can do with pride (again!).

Two Very Frequently Asked Questions at Fairlington Dental

Here are two of the most frequent questions we are asked at Fairlington Dental:

The first one is “Do you see children here?” and the answer is a resounding “YES! We love kids!”

The second is “When should I schedule my child’s first dental visit?” and the answer to that one is: “Between the age of 3 and 5 unless a problem arises earlier!”

Many times a child’s first dental visit involves just a quick peek at their teeth, wiping the teeth and gums with a piece of gauze and giving them a ride up and down in the dental chair. Of course everyone will tell them how good they are and how much fun it is to see the dentist - and that may be the most important part of the visit!

Studies have shown that many people avoid visiting the dentist purely out of fear – and we want to make sure that for the up and coming generation that is a thing of the past. With so many modern ways to make dentistry more comfortable, there simply is no reason to be afraid! But unfortunately, television shows and movies continue to depict things in a negative light. At Fairlington Dental, it is our goal to let children (and adults!) know that dental health is a comfortable, important and even fun part of our overall well being.

Here are a few more easy and important tips to pass along to those with infants or older children:

• Never nurse a baby to sleep or allow them to go to sleep with a bottle. This can cause a very harmful and serious form of cavities. If a baby must go to sleep with a bottle, only water should be used.

• Use a small-headed soft bristle toothbrush with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth. Do it twice a day, and always before bedtime.

• Even though they will eventually be lost, “baby teeth” are very important. Not only do they help children to speak and chew, they also set a straight path for the permanent teeth to erupt. If they are lost prematurely, the adult teeth can be compromised.

• Sealants are a fast, easy and effective way to prevent cavities. Be sure to ask us if your child is ready for them.

At Fairlington Dental, we strive to provide the best and most comfortable treatment possible for patients of all ages. Should you have any questions about children’s dental care – or anything else – feel free to give us a call at 703-671-1001 or visit our website at www.FairlingtonDental.com .

Mercury Fillings - Are They Affecting Your Health?

For over 100 years, dental fillings were silver. It is easy to work with and quite resilient. In recent years, dental professionals have realized the negative effects of silver fillings and the mercury contained within them. Silver fillings are almost 50% mercury, which is one of the most dangerous non-radioactive substances on earth.
Studies have shown that mercury releases an invisible gas from silver fillings, which can harm the immune system and cause developmental disorders.

For assurance of one's well-being, mercury-free fillings and  mercury removal need to be a priority.

If You Have Silver Fillings:

Patients who already have silver fillings should talk to their dentist about safe amalgam removal. Amalgam is an alloy of mercury and silver, which is used in fillings. Once the decision is made to have the fillings replaced, the patient should be sure to talk with a dentist who is experienced and knowledgeable about removing mercury fillings, so that the procedure is done safely and correctly, leaving nothing dangerous behind. A biological dentist is skilled in tasks such as these. When choosing a dentist, the patient should ask about the procedure, ensuring that the dentist is careful to use a vacuum instrument to catch any amalgam pieces that come loose, use a lot of rinse water to dilute any residue, and take the filling in the largest pieces possible to prevent mercury “shrapnel” or excess mercury vapor from being released. Once removed, the fillings can be replaced with safe, tooth-colored composite, porcelain, or even gold.

Planning Ahead for Safe Dentistry:

When seeking a dentist for you and your family, it is important to be proactive and seek out a biological dentist, one who is aware of the health issues of the entire body, and how dental care affects one's entire well-being. Biological dentists understand the impact of toxic elements on the health of the body and specialize in mercury-free fillings and dental treatment. Not only is the use of composite resin fillings safer, but they also are less noticeable and are not metallic tasting. Additionally, often less tooth needs to be removed in order to bond the resin to the tooth in comparison with the procedure for silver fillings.

For additional information visit:
http://www.fairlingtondental.com/

http://www.dentalwellness4u.com/
http://www.mercuryfreenow.com/
http://www.iaomt.com/

Your Best Friends Won’t Tell You (or Ewwww…..That Smell!!)

A common question we get in our dental office is –

“What causes bad breath?”

Many times the complaint is not from the offender but from a long suffering spouse or family member. There are many causes of bad breath (which we call “halitosis”) – some serious and some not. And while many people have decided to just hold their nose and live with it, the good news is diagnosing and treating bad breath is something that can easily be done.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of the reasons people may be slowly backing up during conversations:

• Foods Containing Pungent Oils

Yes – garlic and onions are very healthy, but they also contain oils which may cause an unhealthy reaction to those around you. These odors come from the lungs, last up to 72 hours and can be tough to cover up. Mints, gum and rinses are your best bet – or make sure everyone around you has had the same yummy food as well!

• Routine Illnesses

Colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections all cause yucky smelling mucus (or snot, depending on your age), to get trapped in our mouths, throats and noses, which causes foul breath until the illness is taken care of. Of course, if you have one of these highly contagious problems you shouldn’t be that close to someone anyway! If a sinus infection, sore throat, cough or cold doesn’t clear up in a few days to a week, you should probably see your physician to make sure things aren’t of a serious nature.

• Dry Mouth

A dry mouth lets dead cells accumulate on your gums, tongue and cheeks. And while morning breath is a perfectly normal phenomenon due to lowered salivary activity at night – it shouldn’t last all day. Those who snore, mouth-breath, take certain medications, or even have lasted into middle age are prone to a dry mouth.

• Smoking

Smoking dries out your mouth (see above) and also, tobacco just plain stinks. If lung cancer and heart disease aren’t reason enough to give up the ciggies, maybe a constant foul mouth will help you make that life-saving decision.

• Chronic Diseases or Conditions

Many serious diseases such as lung infections, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, GERD, anorexia, bulimia and others can cause very specific types of halitosis. The good news is that these are on the rare side, but if anything along these lines is suspected, a referral to the appropriate practitioner is in order.

• Poor Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease

Ahhh… this is our favorite! Not because we like people to have poor dental hygiene and gum disease, but because these are very common causes of bad breath and we can usually treat them quite easily. But please don’t wait too long! Gum disease, which usually starts with poor brushing and flossing habits as well as a lack of routine dental visits, can do much more than make your mouth stinky.

In just a short period of time, gum disease can advance and eat away at the gums and bone which hold your teeth in place. The result? Loose, unstable teeth which will eventually be lost if not treated. Catching gum disease early is great as treatment is typically conservative. Wait too long and it gets much more difficult and extensive.

Bad breath is not normal! Seeing your dentist and dental hygienist on a routine basis is your best bet for making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, your smile stays bright, and your breath doesn’t cause others to run in the opposite direction.

If you have any questions about this or any other topic concerning you or someone you care about, please feel free to visit our website @ http://www.fairlingtondental.com/ or simply give us a call at 703-671-1001. Dr. Michael Rogers and his fantastic team are here to help you!