Overcoming Dental Avoidance

Your comfort is our greatest priority! We realize that sometimes people can feel nervous about going to the dentist or they may avoid dental appointments altogether. As your Washington DC dentist, it's part of our job to put your mind at ease before the appointment and take great care of you during the appointment.

If you are one of those people that tends to put off dental appointments, what is your reason?

Is it Cost Concerns?

Many individuals avoid going to the dentist simply because of the cost or because they have no dental insurance coverage. However, maintaining regular dental health doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Preventative care is your best defense against more expensive procedures that may be needed if small dental issues are allowed to become major dental problems through neglect. In terms of keeping dental costs down in the big picture, the sooner you visit SmileDesigner, the better!

Is it Dental Anxiety?
Some people feel nervous about going to a dentist, because they are afraid of possible pain. Other people may put off going to the dentist in the fear that they will need additional dental work. In other words, many of us would rather avoid and deny there is an issue instead of risk having to deal with the ramifications of a problem.

If you are one of the individuals who fears going to the dentist, a great way to work through your fear is talking to your dentist. Tell us your fears, and we will offer you practical solutions to help you overcome your feelings. At SmileDesigner, we have the latest in technology and training, including Drill-Free Dentistry, which helps us remove decay in its earliest stages without pain.

With any treatment plan, we will talk with you in advance, so that you understand your options and understand the process. Your comfort -- both physical and emotional -- is of the upmost importance to us!

If you've been avoiding your Washington DC dentist, give us a call at SmileDesigner to schedule an appointment.

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Is Diet Soda as Bad for Your Teeth as Drugs?

Are you aware of the dangers that diet soda poses to the health of your teeth? According to Dr. Mohamed Bassiouny, who is a professor of restorative dentistry at the Temple University School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth just as badly as harmful drugs like methamphetamine and crack cocaine.

Why does this occur?

It may not seem to make sense that a beverage so commonly consumed could cause similar dental issues as something as harmful as illegal street drugs. However, the cause behind the issue is easy to understand. Bassiouny states the following in a study published in the journal “General Dentistry,” which explains the correlation between diet soda and drugs:

“Crack cocaine, methamphetamine and soda (sweetened or not) are all highly acidic and cause similar dental issues.”

In his study, Bassiouny discovered that women in their 30s who drank 2 liters of diet soda daily for at least three to five years will experience decay similar to those suffered by a 29-year-old methamphetamine addict or a 51-year-old habitual crack cocaine user.

The good news:

For those of us who love our diet drinks and hate to think of life without them, there is hope. It is possible to enjoy a diet soda if we make sure it is in moderation. Bassiouny's study followed women who drink 2 liters of soda daily, which is more than the average soda drinker consumes.

Also, if you drink diet soda, be sure that you have good oral hygiene habits and proper dental hygiene. It is very possible that Bassiouny's study subjects were not taking care of their dental health.

If you have a diet soda habit that you just can't shake, it is extra important to take care of your teeth with proper brushing and flossing habits and regular visits to your dentist. Schedule an appointment with your Washington DC dentist SmileDesigner so that we can identify if your diet soda habits are causing damage to your teeth. And if they are, we can take steps to repair the damage and help you develop better dental health habits.

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Hiking in Great Falls Park - a perfect reason to smile

As the hot summer months are replaced by the cooling breezes of the fall, we still have several great weekends ahead of us to enjoy the outdoors! As your Washington DC dentist, I love to take advantage of the beauty that surrounds us just outside the city. Washington DC and Arlington, VA residents have only a short journey to make if they want to visit Great Falls. With scenic overlooks, winding hiking trails, an array of wild animals enjoying their natural habitat, and pet-friendly walking areas, Great Falls Park is the perfect escape from the tourist packed streets of DC. Driving is the easiest way to reach the park; however, there are also carpooling, metro, and cab options. Check out the Great Falls Park website for travel tips.

http://www.nps.gov/grfa/planyourvisit/trafficandtraveltips.htm

When traversing the trails surrounding the Potomac River, it is important to remember a few items.

1. Pack water. Even during cool weather it’s easy to become dehydrated and you'll be thankful to have water with you. Did you know that drinking water also contributes to fresher breath? So bring water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth fresh!

2. Pack snacks. When you reach particularly breathtaking panoramic views of the Potomac River, you’ll want to pause for a snack to further enjoy nature at its finest. Dentist approved and recommended snacks that are easy to carry on hikes include hard fruits (like apples), vegetables, and nuts.

3. Bring a camera! No matter what trail you take, the Great Falls Park provides the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your smile, rinse your mouth with a bit of water before snapping a picture. Rinsing with water will help cleanse teeth and remove food debris. If you want an even whiter smile, remember to visit us for regular teeth cleaning and Washington DC teeth whitening services.

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