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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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Why Don't People Smile in Old Photographs?

Black and white photographs from the 1800s are very different than the photos that you might post on Facebook today. It appears that very few people were saying "cheese" back then. Why weren't people smiling? We have a few theories about all of those serious faces you see in old photos.

First, the people in the photos had to sit very still, because the exposure time for larger photographic plates was up to 15 minutes, sometimes longer. Several years later, there were advancements in camera lenses and exposure chemicals, and this shortened the exposure time to a minute or less. Still, a minute is a long time to hold an expression. It's much easier to hold a serious expression than a smile. This probably accounts for many of the serious faces that we see in old photographs.

It was also a special, expensive occasion to be photographed. You couldn't just whip out your handy digital camera or your cell phone camera. When photography was introduced in 1839, it required relatively expensive equipment and extensive training to be a photographer. For most people, having photographs taken was a rare luxury. They might only have their pictures taken a few times in their lives. People may have believed that serious expressions suited these special occasions. In the late 1800s and early 1900s when cameras became lighter, more portable and much easier to use, there were many more amateur photographers. Taking casual snapshots became possible and consequently, we see many more smiling faces.

Our last theory relates to dental care. It's very possible that many people weren't comfortable smiling, because they didn't like their teeth. Back then it was very common for a person to be missing many teeth, since the cure for a decayed or broken tooth was often simply to pull it. There were no cosmetic dentists in Arlington, and there was no Washington DC teeth whitening services to help improve the mechanics and aesthetics of your smile. Therefore, people with missing, chipped, or very discolored teeth might have preferred to take pictures with their mouths closed.

If you prefer to keep your mouth closed in photographs, come talk to our SmileDesigner team about our cosmetic dentistry options. We'd love to give you a reason to smile in your next photo!

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Foods That Stain Your Teeth

Coffee and tea get all the blame! And yes, these two beverages are two of the top culprits when it comes to staining your teeth. But there are other less obvious foods and drinks that can turn your smile from pearly white to yellow.

Soda, especially dark cola, is a big offender. In addition to the color, the phosphoric and citric acids in soda erode tooth enamel, and the sweeteners in regular soda promote tooth decay.

Red wine and cranberry juice don't just stain your carpet; they stain your teeth too. The same goes for soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and tomato sauce.  A good rule of thumb - if it's the last thing you want to spill on the floor, your teeth don't love it either. (Sorry wine drinkers, white wine may be better to spill on your carpet than red, but it is even more acidic than red and thus will stain too).

Popsicles and slushies are great on a summer day! But they're not so great for your teeth. They stain not only your tongue and lips, but your teeth too.

You may be surprised to know that healthy blueberries, beets, and curry also stain your teeth.

You don't have to give up every item on this list to have whiter teeth. Some of the foods on this list are good for your body even if they might stain your teeth: Blueberries and tomatoes are loaded with healthy antioxidants! This list may also have some of your favorite treats, and everyone wants to indulge on occasion. What can you do to help minimize staining if you do eat some of these foods?

1. Flush staining foods with water. If you're sitting down to eat a bowl of beets, drink a big glass of water at the same time to dilute the effect on your teeth.

2. Drink your soda, coffee, or tea through a straw.

3. Choose sauces and dressings with colors that are not as bright.

4. Eat an apple when drinking a staining beverage. The texture and light color of an apple will act like detergent on your teeth.

5. Brush your teeth (but first, rinse your mouth thoroughly to buffer the acid).

6. Visit us at SmileDesigner to find out about our Arlington teeth whitening and Washington DC teeth whitening services, such as in-office laser bleaching and at-home bleaching.

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Ease Your Child's Dental Anxiety

It's not unusual for a child to be scared about going to the dentist or the doctor. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help your child relax, and it starts with your own outlook about dental visits. If you are relaxed about taking your child to the dentist, your child is less likely to be afraid. Your child will absorb the things you say about the dentist (whether positive or negative), and he or she will also pick up on the non-verbal signals you send about visiting the dentist, such as your overall mood, facial expressions, and body language. So think positive dental thoughts about your upcoming visit to SmileDesigner. Your comfort and health are our greatest priorities!

How can you help ease your child's anxiety? First, start young. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that a dental visit should occur within six months after the presence of the first tooth or by a child's first birthday. Starting at a young age allows children and parents to establish trust with a dentist and begin a routine of regular dental visits.

As preparation for their appointment, talk to your child in a matter-of-fact way about what will happen at the dentist and answer questions in a straightforward manner. You could also read a book to your child about going to the dentist to help them relax.

Once you are at your appointment, the SmileDesigner team will explain to your child what will happen in child-friendly words. As an Arlington dentist and an Arlington orthodontist, our goal is to help any patient of any age relax in the dental chair so we can deliver the best care! We want you to arrive with a smile and leave with an even bigger smile.

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Floss to Help Keep Your Heart Healthy

Your number one reason for flossing is possibly the most obvious one: to dislodge the food particles from between your teeth. No one wants to smile with a piece of green lettuce stuck between their teeth.

If you've been to one of our Arlington dentist offices, we've told you how important flossing is for your teeth and gum health. Flossing not only removes trapped food particles that can lead to tooth decay, but it also combats bad breath and ultimately could save your teeth. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Flossing helps keep your gums healthy.

On top of that, research now supports claims that bacteria within the oral cavity can be associated with heart disease. That means there is a direct association between flossing, or lack thereof, and heart disease.  According to the American Academy of Periodontology, people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease (also called heart disease). One study found that the presence of common problems in the mouth, including gum disease (gingivitis), cavities, and missing teeth, were as good at predicting heart disease as cholesterol levels.

Your mouth and teeth are connected to the rest of the body. Blood flows throughout the body, and bacteria in one area of the body can be transported to another area as well.  Having healthy teeth and gums should be a priority for not only your mouth but your heart as well. Come see us for regular teeth cleaning and preventative care services.



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Dentistry in the 1700s

In honor of the 4th of July, we thought it would be fun (and a little scary) to look back at dental care in the 1700s. Dentistry in the 1700s was much less the exact science it is today. Dentists did a lot of experimentation with creative solutions and new ideas. Simply put, there weren't Arlington invisalign options to straighten your smile or reliable dental implants to replace missing teeth.

Paul Revere is best remembered for his famed midnight ride, but the archetypal American patriot also contributed to early dentistry. A silversmith by trade, Revere also worked as an amateur dentist. He used his skills as a craftsman to wire dentures made of walrus ivory or animal teeth into his patients’ mouths. In 1776, Revere became the first person to practice forensic dentistry in the US when he identified the body of his friend Joseph Warren nine months after the well-known revolutionary died during the Battle of Bunker Hill. He did this by recognizing the wiring he had used on a false tooth for this friend.

The solution at the time for bad teeth was to simply pull them. When George Washington was inaugurated as President in 1789, only one real tooth remained in his mouth! Reports suggest that Washington started losing his teeth at a relatively early age and by middle age had no teeth. At that point, he had to rely on dentures that were clumsy, didn't fit well, and distorted his lips.

Contrary to popular rumors, the teeth in Washington's dentures were not made of wood. Washington had several sets of false teeth. One set, now at Mount Vernon, is made from human and cow teeth and elephant ivory. It is set in a lead base and includes heavy metal springs. Other sets were made from hippopotamus ivory. The ivory dentures tended to stain easily, requiring extensive maintenance such as cleaning with wax, chalk, or Pine and Cedar sticks.

Dentistry and orthodontics have thankfully come a long ways since the 1700s. If you stop into one of our Arlington Dentist offices in Rosslyn or Crystal City, you can enjoy the benefits of modern dental solutions in preventative, comprehensive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry.

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Teeth-friendly Summer Snacks

School's out for summer and the temperatures are heating up in Washington DC, Arlington, Rosslyn, and the areas around us. We hope you find plenty of time to get outside and enjoy the nice weather with a day at the beach or a picnic at the park.

As your Washington DC dentist and Arlington dentist, we want to give you some tips for teeth-friendly summer snacking, because some of the most tempting summer treats (such as popsicles and lemonade) aren't such good foods for your teeth. But you should know that there are some great summer foods that are good for a day at the beach and good for your teeth!

Firm, crunchy, fibrous fruits are great choices. Toss a couple apples and pears in a picnic basket. These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain, and stimulate the flow of saliva (which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles and buffering acid). An apple is also an ideal food for cleansing and brightening teeth between normal brushing. The crunchy apple bits act like a toothbrush and get to work on the stains and particles on your teeth.

Chop up fresh veggies and bring those along with other snacks such as string cheese and nuts. These foods provide calcium and phosphorus which are needed to keep tooth enamel healthy and remineralize teeth (a natural process by which minerals are redeposited in tooth enamel after being removed by acids).

If you find yourself tempted to have a summer treat and eat something with a high sugar or acid content, be sure to drink plenty of water to help wash away some of the sugar coating and buffer some of the effects of the acidity. As always, be sure to brush and floss, and come visit us at one of our Arlington, VA dentist offices this summer for cleaning and teeth whitening services.

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Will Smiling Help You Live Longer?

Research has long shown that smiling and laughter contribute to relaxation and feelings of positivity which can help you relax, bolster your immune system, and potentially lower your blood pressure. All great reasons to smile!

A recent Wayne State University study has expanded on that notion, theorizing that the larger you smile (a.k.a. smile intensity), the longer you may live. As your Arlington, VA dentist and your Washington DC dentist, we are dedicated to giving you more reasons to smile - and smile big!

Professors Ernest L. Abel and Michael L. Kruger conducted a case study that used a sampling of 230 photographs of baseball players culled from the now-defunct Sporting News Baseball Register. The players' 1952 headshots were analyzed by researchers and identified as either "no smile," "partial smile," or "full (Duchenne) smile." The researchers compiled the life data (birth, death, education, marital status, etc.) for the baseball players and controlled for body mass index, career length, marital status, college attendance, and other longevity factors.

The results? Smile big and you might live an extra seven years.

The players with no smile at all lived for an average of only 72.9 years, a full two years less than those who exhibited partial smiles. The players with the biggest grins had an even longer lifespan: Players with full smiles lived to 79.9 years, almost two years longer than the typical life expectancy for an American. That’s an overall difference of seven years of life between those players that chose not to smile and those who gave wholehearted grins.

These interesting results raise additional questions. Did the smiling players live longer because smiling creates the health benefits of positive emotionality such as stronger immune systems, lower stress, and lower blood pressure? Or was it that players with greater health were more likely to feel happy and therefore smile?

Either way, smiling is healthy. At SmileDesigner, we can give you more reasons to show a your big grin with our cleaning and preventative care services, cosmetic dentistry options, and teeth whitening plans.
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