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.

Washington DC dentist, Washington DC teeth whitening

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.

Washington DC dentist, Arlington dentist, Dentist Rosslyn VA

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.

Washington DC dentist, Arlington VA dentist, Washington DC teeth whitening

Why a Family Dentist is a Great Choice

It's that time of year again: the kids are heading back to school. If your summer was too busy for a visit to your Washington DC dentist, make an autumn appointment with SmileDesigner. We perform dental services for both adults and children, which makes it an easy stop for the entire family.

Choosing a family-oriented dentist that can take care of the entire family is great for your kids on many levels. If your child has dental fears, his or her mind is often eased by the idea that you, the parent, goes to the very same dentist office. Convenience is another advantage of a dentist that provides care to all ages. Choosing a family dentist allows you to schedule your cleanings at the same time as your children’s cleanings. It also streamlines billing as all the dental insurance goes through one office.

Choosing a family dentist also allows your children to grow up seeing the same dentist. Many pediatric dentists will not see children past the age of 18, and many teenagers feel they are too old to go to a pediatric dentist anyway. However, if you start with a family dentist, there will be no transition from a childhood dentist. This will make things easier on your child as they will never have to find a “new” dentist. You will also have a full patient history already established.

So if summer has passed you by without a cleaning, give us a call at SmileDesigner to schedule an appointment for both you and your child. We take care of a wide range of services for all ages.

Washington DC Dentist, Washington DC teeth whitening

All About Toothpaste

Toothpaste is a critical part of our daily dental hygiene routine, and you've likely been using it every day for many years. How much do you really know about toothpaste? Here's a quick crash course in all things toothpaste.

All toothpaste will vary slightly in composition. However, most toothpastes include the following ingredients:

• Thickeners: Thickeners such as synthetic cellulose, mineral colloids, seaweed or natural gum gives toothpaste its unique texture and appearance.

• Abrasives: Gentle abrasives such as dehydrated silica gels, magnesium carbonate, phosphate salts and hydrated aluminum oxides give toothpaste its cleaning ability.

• Moisturizing agents: Sorbitol, glycerol or other humectants substances keep toothpaste from drying out.

• Detergents: Sodium lauryl sarcosinate is an example of a toothpaste detergent. The detergent's job is to make the toothpaste foamy.

• Flavor: Flavoring agents are found in toothpaste to give it its taste without causing tooth decay.

• Fluoride: Fluoride helps make tooth enamel resistant to decay. Fluoride toothpastes are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Additionally, whitening toothpastes contain whitening agents or chemicals. If you're considering using a whitening toothpaste, look for a brand that has a seal of approval from a reputable dental organization — such as the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. This seal indicates that the toothpaste is effective at removing surface stains. If you have a tendency toward gum sensitivity, whitening toothpastes could potentially cause irritation (which will go away once you stop using it). If you are concerned about this or experience irritation, talk to us about our Washington DC teeth whitening options for in-office and at-home treatments. 

So how do you choose the right toothpaste for you? You can find a toothpaste that is perfect for your needs if you know what to look for. If you have a specific condition such as sensitive teeth or gingivitis, look for toothpaste that treats those conditions. Look for the American Dental Association’s seal of approval on products. 

Also, talk to us at your next appointment, and we can recommend a toothpaste that would be a great fit for you specifically. As your Washington DC dentist, we are here to help you make decisions about your at-home dental care as well. 

Washington DC dentist, Washington DC teeth whitening

Four Steps to a Healthy Smile

Your smile is one of the first features that others notice about you. Follow the tips below to transform your smile into a dazzling masterpiece:

Step 1 - Visit your dentist:

Make sure you visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning. During a dental visit, your dentist will examine your mouth and spot any signs of potential problems such as gum disease. Discovering problems early (when treatments are the most effective) is crucial. Our team at SmileDesigner is committed to identifying and treating your dental problems as quickly and painlessly as possible, so you can start smiling again!

 Step 2 - Brush often:

Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of dental hygiene. Brushing removes food particles, which encourage bacteria growth, and brushing also freshens breath while cleaning your teeth. Using toothpaste with fluoride also helps strengthen your teeth. Remember, brush for at least two minutes to achieve the best results. Consider purchasing an electronic toothbrush with a built-in timer. While using this product, you will always know you have brushed for an adequate amount of time.

Step 3 - Floss daily:

Flossing effectively removes any bacteria from between your teeth that your toothbrush missed. This action also helps prevent inflammation and gum disease. You should floss your teeth at least once a day. Make sure that one of those times is right before bed. When we are sleeping, we produce less saliva, which leaves our teeth and gums more vulnerable to bacteria. Therefore, it's imperative that we floss before we go to sleep. As your Arlington, Virginia dentist, we are more than happy to show you proper flossing technique during your next visit with us. 

Step 4 - Eat a healthy diet:

Eating a healthy diet is beneficial to your body and your smile. If you eat plenty of calcium-rich foods, your bones and teeth will be strengthened. Vitamin C also boosts gum health. Avoid diets high in sugar and eat acidic foods in moderation.

Arlington VA dentist, Arlington Virginia dentist, Arlington dentist, Washington DC Dentist, Dentist Rosslyn VA

Healthy Teeth Can Help You Find Success

It's a well-known fact that having healthy, well-aligned teeth and gums will lead to less cavities and greater oral health. However, have you ever considered the impact that good oral health has on your self-confidence or your successes in life?

Can healthy teeth translate into career success? Maybe. You have around 15 minutes to make a good first impression when you interview for a job. When you have clean, straight, white and healthy teeth, it can help you make a great first impression on a potential employer. We all know how important it is to dress for success. However, dressing for success includes other aspects besides your clothing. It also includes your overall appearance, which involves your smile. Therefore, combining your professional attire with a healthy smile will enable you to make a fantastic first impression.

An attractive, healthy mouth full of teeth will enable you to smile at your potential employer or any individual whom you are meeting for the first time. Because a genuine smile makes others feel at ease and shows your personality, a smile is an important aspect when making a first impression. A person who attempts to hide his or her teeth and neglects to smile can sometimes seem unapproachable. Be sure to always flash your pearly whites when making that all important first impression!

When you have nice teeth, your self-confidence will skyrocket because when you have an attractive smile, you may find yourself more willing to get close to people without feeling anxiety. Having misaligned or unhealthy teeth has just the opposite effect as it often leads individuals to shy away from certain social situations and thus negatively affects their self-confidence.

Our team at SmileDesigner would love give you a smile that will boost your confidence. We offer a variety of services, including Invisalign to straighten your teeth, dental implants to replace missing teeth, and teeth whitening services to give you a brighter smile. 

Arlington Dental Implants, Arlington Teeth Whitening, Arlington Invisalign, Arlington Orthodontist