Halloween Tips

The holiday season starts with Halloween this week, and we know lots of our patients are going to be eating sugary treats. At Bishop & Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, we don’t want to take the fun out of anyone’s festivities. But we thought our patients may not know what exactly the risks to their oral health are.
One of the most common misconceptions about tooth decay is the notion that the sugar content of a particular food is what leads to decay. It is actually the length of time the teeth are exposed to sugar that correlates with their risk. A starchy food can pose a major threat if a piece of it gets stuck between two teeth for a long time. So while candy isn’t good for the body and can increase tooth decay, it is hard candies that are kept in the mouth for a long time and sticky treats that lodge in crevices which are the biggest problems. Soda and cream-filled caffeinated drinks also present a risk when they are drunk slowly, allowing sugary residue to remain behind.
Patients would do well to brush their teeth after consuming something sugary, but we recognize this is sometimes difficult. They can still limit themselves to eating candy after meals, when they will be producing more saliva, which washes away sugar. They can also try chewing sugar-free gum, which will dislodge some food debris, although they need to be careful if they have old fillings. Another tip is to keep fluoridated water on hand and take swigs from in between sips of soda.
David Bishop, DDS and Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8830 Cameron St, #504, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out acontact sheet.

Cavity Formation

Cavities are just about as common as a cold and although they mostly occur in children, adults need to be aware of them too. It isn’t unusual for bacteria to be found in your mouth, however, when bacteria mixes with acid, food pieces and saliva in the mouth it creates a sticky substance called plaque. The acids in plaque damage the enamel covering your teeth and create holes in the tooth called cavities. Although Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental offers a variety of filling options for cavities, he would prefer you avoid them altogether.
Developing cavities is a process and they just don’t appear overnight. In the early stages, tooth decay can be stopped. The best way to prevent cavities is by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth and the best way to do this is by brushing and flossing daily. Cavities caught in the very early stages can be reversed, however, caries that have destroyed enamel cannot. It is important to schedule a professional cleaning with our doctors every six months to reduce your risk of tooth decay.
If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth decay or cavity treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.

White Spot Lesions

When enamel is being eroded, patients won’t always feel something at first. But at the Silver Spring offices of Bishop & Bishop Dental, we teach our patients to recognize incipient dental lesions in the form of white spots.
The chemical interaction of acid with enamel causes teeth to look glazed or chalky as minerals are being lost. This can be observed in people suffering from chronic acid reflux. However, tooth decay is caused by bacterial infections. Bacteria produce acid, which gets trapped in dental plaque, eroding enamel. If decay is allowed to continue, portions of the enamel could be lost entirely, resulting in caries, also known as cavities.
Patients need to be especially wary of white spots developing around the brackets of traditional braces. Other common places for tooth decay are near the gum line and on the sides of teeth. These are signs that patients need to immediately improve their oral hygiene since white spots can form in as short a time as a month. While lost enamel cannot be regrown, enamel that has suffered mineral damage can restore itself. We also have cosmetic treatments to mask white spots after a dental infection has been removed.
David Bishop, DDS and Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8830 Cameron St, #504, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out acontact sheet.

Facts on Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and widely distributed in nature and is often added to water to help reduce tooth decay. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. Here at Bishop & Bishop Dental, we can discuss professional fluoride treatments with you to see if you are a prime candidate.

When fluoride reaches your teeth, it is absorbed into the enamel. Fluoride helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorus to keep your teeth hard through a process called remineralization. When fluoride is present during this process, the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase. The results are stronger tooth enamel and a cavity-free grin.

If you have questions about fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.

Dental Crowns at Bishop & Bishop Dental

Crowns are used to protect and strengthen teeth that have become extremely weak, decayed or fractured. Covering your affected tooth and restoring it to its original shape and size, dental crowns (sometimes called caps) can help reduce pain, save your tooth from needing to be extracted and keep your smile beautiful and functional. At our office in Silver Spring, MD, we can see if a crown is necessary to save your smile.

Over time, as your teeth begin to weaken, they become more susceptible to problems, including decay, cracks and discoloration. Crowns are usually only necessary if decay has reached the point where the tooth structure is compromised and a filling isn’t enough to stop decay. When a crown is installed, Dr. David Bishop will remove the decay from  your tooth and use core build-up to insulate the nerve and create a surface for the crown to bond to. An impression is then made of this surface so that crown can be custom fitted. Usually made of porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal, the crown is fabricated in a lab and then cemented onto the current tooth. This fabrication process can take between two to three weeks.

Crowns are made incredibly strong to protect the remaining tooth structure, while the custom fit ensures that the seam between tooth and crown is miniscule, which helps protect the tooth from further decay.

If you’re experiencing pain in one of your teeth, stop by our office to see if a crown can save your smile. Schedule an appointment with Bishop & Bishop Dental by calling (301) 608-9270. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com.  

Extractions

If decay has reached too deeply into one of your teeth or if an infection has damaged too much of the supporting bone or tissue, you will need a tooth extraction, and at Bishop & Bishop Dental, Dr. David Bishop can perform one to help you restore your oral health in Silver Spring, MD.

Before the procedure is performed, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the extraction site. If it is a simple extraction, the tooth will be loosened with an elevator and then extracted with forceps. Dr. Bishop may choose to smooth and contour the underlying bone afterward, and once he is finished, he will suture the gums.

After the extraction, it is critical to keep the area clean to prevent infection. A dry, sterile gauze will be placed over the gums to limit bleeding. You must make sure to keep it in place for 30 to 45 minutes while the blood clots. During the 24 hours after the procedure, you should not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously or clean the teeth immediately adjacent to the extraction site. Strenuous activity, hot liquids and straw drinking should also be avoided. A certain amount of pain and discomfort accompanies an extraction, so a painkiller may be prescribed.

If you are suffering pain from decay, infection or impaction, the dentist can determine if a tooth extraction is required to save your smile. Schedule an appointment at our practice in by calling (301) 608-9270. For more information, visit www.bishopdental.com.

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Patients who visit our dental practice in Silver Spring, MD for orthodontic treatment are encouraged to not ignore the importance of brushing and oral health. Not only is brushing important for preventing tooth decay and keeping breath fresh, but food particles can get stuck in between the brackets and wires, which puts our orthodontics patients at an even higher risk for plaque and gum disease. Brushing while having ortho treatment, such as braces, is easy to do once patients learn the proper technique.

 

We ask any patient getting orthodontics treatment to continue brushing their teeth multiple times a day, using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Their regular fluoride toothpaste is acceptable for brushing over and around braces, though they need to hold it at an angle in order to get around the brackets and remove all of the food particles. During orthodontic treatment, our dentist, Dr. David Bishop, asks his patients to brush up to four times a day, including in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and just before bed.

 

Keep in mind that you may need to replace your toothbrush more often when you are wearing dental appliances, such as braces. For this reason, be sure to examine your toothbrush regularly for wear and frayed bristles, which are indications that it’s time for a new toothbrush.

 

Call us at 301-608-9270 to learn more about brushing while having orthodontic treatments.

Dental Bonding

If you live in Silver Spring, MD and have cracks or gaps in your teeth, you might want to consider a dental bonding treatment to restore your smile. Dr. David Bishop has become the go-to local dentist for bonding procedures. Unlike veneers, which are manufactured in a laboratory and require a customized mold, bonding can be done in a single visit.

 

The procedure for dental bonding is non-invasive and quite simple. Patients are not required to be sedated for the procedure. Dr. Bishop will utilize a shade guide in the beginning to match the resin color to the natural color of your teeth so it looks perfectly natural. Dental bonding is not just used to repair teeth that are cracked or damaged, it is also used to:

• Repair decayed teeth
• Improve discoloration of teeth
• Change the shape of teeth

After selecting the proper shade, Dr. Bishop will begin the bonding process. It begins with abrading or roughening the surface of the tooth. The tooth will then be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid. This liquid will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. Once the tooth is prepared, Dr. Bishop will simply apply the tooth-colored putty and mold it to the proper shape and size. The material is then hardened with an ultraviolet light. The final step is polishing the area to give you a fresh, vibrant smile.

 

Come on by Bishop and Bishop Dental in Silver Spring, MD for your dental bonding procedure!

Dental Bridges

If you are missing any teeth, you have probably noticed a difference in chewing and speaking. Missing teeth can greatly affect jaw position and tooth alignment as well. Dental bridges are a unique solution for those with missing teeth. We offer all of our patients the opportunity to restore their smiles with this non-invasive, safe procedure.

 

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Creating a bridge is quite simple. Dr. David Bishop will create an abutment out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are reshaped to support the base of the bridge. After the abutments are created, a mold is cast of the area and sent to a dental lab. The lab uses the mold to create a permanent bridge. He will then fit you with a temporary bridge in order to keep your teeth from shifting.

 

In your follow-up visit with Dr. Bishop, he will set your bridge in place. The bridge will be placed on the abutments and an adhesive will be used to make sure the bridge is set. While getting used to your bridge, it is a good idea to eat soft food for the first couple days. After this period, you will be able to return to your normal eating habits.

 

If you are missing a tooth, you should strongly consider having it replaced with a dental bridge. Dental bridges will restore your smile, help maintain the shape of your face and can prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

 

Come to our Silver Spring, MD location for a consultation with Dr. David Bishop today!

Proper Oral Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential to maintaining your good looking smile. Regular visits to your dentist are the best preventative measure you can take when it comes to proper oral hygiene upkeep. We believe that patient education is a key factor in keeping your mouth healthy!

 

We provide our patients with the tools necessary to maintain a healthy smile. Regular brushing and flossing is a must when it comes to proper oral hygiene. You should also know which toothpaste is best for you.  With the wide array of options available, you need to know which product will work best for their oral hygiene goals.

 

Proper brushing technique is lot more in depth than you might think. While the goal is to prevent cavities and to have a white smile, you might be interested in learning what is known as “correct” brushing techniques. First, your brushing ritual should last at least two minutes. You also need to use the appropriate brush style; this varies person-to-person, so ask us at your next cleaning. You should be using short, gentle strokes and make sure to pay attention to the gum line and hard-to-reach areas such as fillings or crowns. The last step would be to brush your tongue in order to have fresher breath.

 

When it comes to flossing, most people just not their head “yes” when they see their doctor. Flossing is extremely important in maintaining a healthy smile. It might be hard to believe, but flossing is actually more important than brushing. While brushing twice a day is extremely beneficial, you’re not optimizing your oral health potential. Through flossing, you’re able to get in the small parts of your mouth that brushing cannot reach. Places where if bacteria goes untouched, could cause serious damage to your oral health.

 

Give us a call today to schedule your appointment! 

Pregnancy and Oral Health

Pregnancy and oral health

Pregnancy and oral health are two things that go hand in hand when you are expecting a baby. We encourage all of our patients to take good care of their dental hygiene and oral health when they become pregnant.

 

Most women know how vital it is that they take good care of their physical health, but often don’t consider the impact oral health has on their overall health. A surge in hormones can exasperate the way a pregnant woman’s gums react to plaque. As a result, there is an increased risk of tooth decay, loose teeth, and gum disease if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.

 

The following steps are important to follow while you are pregnant.

 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session.

2. Floss your teeth regularly, preferably once a day.

3. Visit dentist David Bishop for a check-up and cleaning.

4. Inform Dr. Bishop that you are pregnant and avoid getting x-rays.

5. Avoid eating sugary snacks as it increases the risk of tooth decay.

 

By following these steps, pregnant women have a better chance at maintaining their good oral health during pregnancy. Contact our dentist, Dr. David Bishop in Silver Spring, MD, to discuss pregnancy and oral health in more detail.

Effects of Red Wine, White Wine, Soda, and More on Teeth

Effects of Red Wine, White Wine, Soda, and More on Teeth

Here in our dental practice in Silver Spring, MD, we offer a variety of treatments and procedures within cosmetic, restorative and periodontal dentistry. However, some of the procedures our patients need can actually be prevented by avoiding certain foods and drinks that cause discoloration, staining, and increased decay due to the sugar content. It is important that we educate our patients on the effects of red wine, white wine, soda and other sugary drinks on their oral health.

 

Food and drinks that can cause increased tooth decay, discoloration, and erosion of the enamel include:

• Wine
• Dark sodas
• Tea
• Sports drinks
• Sauces like tomato or soy sauce
• Berries
• Sweets and sugary snacks

These foods and drinks have a high sugar and acid content, which can damage the enamel of teeth. Some of these beverages, such as tea, can stain the enamel. Patients who still choose to drink wine, soda or tea regularly are encouraged to brush their teeth more often. Even swishing your mouth with plenty of water can help wash some of the acid and sugar from your teeth. Reducing your intake of these food and beverages as much as possible decreases the risk of discoloration that might require regular teeth whitening procedures to restore your smile.

 

Call our dentist, Dr. David Bishop, at 301-608-9270 to learn more about the effects of drinks and foods on your teeth.

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Patients who visit our dental practice in Silver Spring, MD for orthodontic treatment are encouraged to not ignore the importance of brushing and oral health. Not only is brushing important for preventing tooth decay and keeping breath fresh, but food particles can get stuck in between the brackets and wires, which puts our orthodontics patients at an even higher risk for plaque and gum disease. Brushing while having ortho treatment, such as braces, is easy to do once patients learn the proper technique.

 

We ask any patient getting orthodontics treatment to continue brushing their teeth multiple times a day, using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Their regular fluoride toothpaste is acceptable for brushing over and around braces, though they need to hold it at an angle in order to get around the brackets and remove all of the food particles. During orthodontic treatment, our dentist, Dr. David Bishop, asks his patients to brush up to four times a day, including in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and just before bed.

 

Keep in mind that you may need to replace your toothbrush more often when you are wearing dental appliances, such as braces. For this reason, be sure to examine your toothbrush regularly for wear and frayed bristles, which are indications that it’s time for a new toothbrush.

 

Call us at 301-608-9270 to learn more about brushing while having orthodontic treatments.

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Brushing While Having Orthodontic Treatment

Patients who visit our dental practice in Silver Spring, MD for orthodontic treatment are encouraged to not ignore the importance of brushing and oral health. Not only is brushing important for preventing tooth decay and keeping breath fresh, but food particles can get stuck in between the brackets and wires, which puts our orthodontics patients at an even higher risk for plaque and gum disease. Brushing while having ortho treatment, such as braces, is easy to do once patients learn the proper technique.

 

We ask any patient getting orthodontics treatment to continue brushing their teeth multiple times a day, using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Their regular fluoride toothpaste is acceptable for brushing over and around braces, though they need to hold it at an angle in order to get around the brackets and remove all of the food particles. During orthodontic treatment, our dentist, Dr. David Bishop, asks his patients to brush up to four times a day, including in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and just before bed.

 

Keep in mind that you may need to replace your toothbrush more often when you are wearing dental appliances, such as braces. For this reason, be sure to examine your toothbrush regularly for wear and frayed bristles, which are indications that it’s time for a new toothbrush.

Call us at 301-608-9270 to learn more about brushing while having orthodontic treatments.

Effects of Red Wine, White Wine, Soda, and More on Teeth

Effects of Red Wine, White Wine, Soda, and More on Teeth

Here in our dental practice in Silver Spring, MD, we offer a variety of treatments and procedures within cosmetic, restorative and periodontal dentistry. However, some of the procedures our patients need can actually be prevented by avoiding certain foods and drinks that cause discoloration, staining, and increased decay due to the sugar content. It is important that we educate our patients on the effects of red wine, white wine, soda and other sugary drinks on their oral health.

 

Food and drinks that can cause increased tooth decay, discoloration, and erosion of the enamel include:

• Wine
• Dark sodas
• Tea
• Sports drinks
• Sauces like tomato or soy sauce
• Berries
• Sweets and sugary snacks

These foods and drinks have a high sugar and acid content, which can damage the enamel of teeth. Some of these beverages, such as tea, can stain the enamel. Patients who still choose to drink wine, soda or tea regularly are encouraged to brush their teeth more often. Even swishing your mouth with plenty of water can help wash some of the acid and sugar from your teeth.

 

Reducing your intake of these food and beverages as much as possible decreases the risk of discoloration that might require regular teeth whitening procedures to restore your smile.

Call our dentist, Dr. David Bishop, at 301-608-9270 to learn more about the effects of drinks and foods on your teeth.

Pregnancy and oral health

Pregnancy and oral health

Pregnancy and oral health are two things that go hand in hand when you are expecting a baby. We encourage all of our patients to take good care of their dental hygiene and oral health when they become pregnant.

 

Most women know how vital it is that they take good care of their physical health, but often don’t consider the impact oral health has on their overall health. A surge in hormones can exasperate the way a pregnant woman’s gums react to plaque. As a result, there is an increased risk of tooth decay, loose teeth, and gum disease if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.

 

The following steps are important to follow while you are pregnant.

 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session.

2. Floss your teeth regularly, preferably once a day.

3. Visit dentist David Bishop for a check-up and cleaning.

4. Inform Dr. Bishop that you are pregnant and avoid getting x-rays.

5. Avoid eating sugary snacks as it increases the risk of tooth decay.

 

By following these steps, pregnant women have a better chance at maintaining their good oral health during pregnancy. Contact our dentist, Dr. David Bishop in Silver Spring, MD, to discuss pregnancy and oral health in more detail.