Overdue For Relaxation? Take A Break At Your Dentist!

Sedation Dentistry offers patients the ability to conquer their fear of the dentist. If you break into a cold sweat when someone mentions the word ‘dentist’, Sedation Dentistry may be the solution you’ve been waiting for.  Best of all – no needles!  It’s all accomplished with a pill. 

Many adults today, continue to put off seeing the dentist; some for up to several years. This is generally the case due to the fear and discomfort generally associated with dental restorations. Sedation Dentistry offers the solution to patients suffering from dental anxiety. 

You may benefit from Sedation Dentistry if you;

- Dislike dental Injections
- Detest the noise of dental equipment - drills, suction hoses, etc.
- Gag easily and hate the taste during dental procedures
- Have sensitive teeth
- Cannot handle pain well

-Dislike the smell associated with a dental practice

-Are unable to get numb for procedures

- If you need to undergo a complex dental procedure or a treatment that will consume a long period of time

Sedation dentistry enables patients who have a fear of the dentist to undergo dental treatment. Most patients, who have utilized Sedation Dentistry during a procedure, have no memory of their treatment. Sedation Dentistry can be highly beneficial to patients who have deferred seeing a dentist, yet wish to attain healthy teeth and gums.

So, if this sounds familiar or if your spouse, parent, or friend has been avoiding the dentist because of fear or time constraints, please let them know about Sedation Dentistry.  It’s changing lives and smiles daily! 

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/