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!