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 X-Rays

Dental X-Rays

While examinations are an important part of regular check-up, dental x-rays are needed in order to better detect oral health issues that cannot always be detected by physical or visual examination alone.

 

Here at our Silver Spring, MD dental practice, we use dental x-rays to examine beneath the gums, look at current dental work to see if it needs to be replaced, find infections, see better between the teeth, investigate cavities, and determine the severity of gum diseases. Dental x-rays are also helpful to examine the jaw ligaments, nerves, and bones.

 

Some patients get their x-rays during every 6-month visit with us, while others only need them once a year or when they develop pain or other problems. We provide dental x-rays regularly not just for our patients who are experiencing pain or dental health problems, but to diagnosis dental problems before they become a more serious issue.

 

If you haven’t had dental x-rays in a while, visit our office and dentist David Bishop to get yours right away.

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.

Mini Implants

Mini Implants

If you have a missing tooth, it may make you feel self-conscious, but it can also have a negative effect on other teeth. Leaving a space from a missing tooth can lead to other teeth shifting.

At Bishop & Bishop Dental, we are happy to offer you options when it comes to replacing missing teeth including mini implants. Similar to traditional implants, mini implants involve creating a post, which is inserted into the jaw bone. The post supports a restoration, such as a crown or bridge.

 

A mini implant is smaller than a traditional implant and requires less recovery time. The treatment process is also quicker than a conventional implant. Since the implant is smaller than a traditional implant, it works best on incisors. Small teeth of the lower jaw may also be replaced using a mini implant.

 

Our experienced dentists will be happy to evaluate your situation and determine if you are a good candidate for a mini implant. Individuals who are not a candidate for a mini implant may still be able to replace a missing tooth with a conventional implant.

 

Our team at Bishop & Bishop Dental provide comprehensive dental services including endodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery and dental hygiene. We pride ourselves in providing exceptional customer service for your whole family.

 

For more information on mini implants or to schedule an appointment, please call 301-608-9270.

Importance of Coming in Regularly for Cleaning

Importance of Coming in Regularly for Cleaning

Although you may not think about going to the dentist until you have a problem, such as a toothache or loose filling, routine checkups are important. Coming in for a checkup and regular cleanings plays a vital role in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems.

 

Bishop & Bishop Dental offers a variety of dental services including hygiene. Regular dental cleanings involve removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and gum line. Even if you brush your teeth and floss regularly, you still need a dental cleaning.

 

A professional cleaning involves the use of special tools, which helps remove tartar that brushing can’t. In addition, the hygienist and dentist can detect signs of gum disease early and recommended treatment.

 

Regular cleanings also allow our dentists to follow your dental health and compare your current condition with previous visits. This helps determine if gum disease is progressing.

Current research indicates gum disease may increase your chances of developing health problems, such as heart disease. Maintaining good oral health is not only about having a nice smile and white teeth. Preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy can have an impact on your overall health.

 

For more information on dental hygiene services, or to schedule an appointment, please call Bishop & Bishop Dental at 301-608-9270.

Pediatric Dental Care

Pediatric Dental Care

As a parent, you may wonder when to bring your child to the dentist. Keep in mind, good dental habits start young. According to The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist for the first time by the age of one or shortly after their first tooth erupts. After you bring your child in for their initial appointment, checkups are recommended every six months.

Our dentists at Bishop & Bishop Dental have experience working with patients of all ages including children. Seeing the dentist from a young age is important for a number of reasons including those listed below.

 

Identify Problems Early: Even young children can develop cavities, which need to be treated.

Acclimation: Bringing your child to the dentist when they are young helps gets them used to the routine of a dental visit. This helps decrease fear and anxiety as your child gets older.

Preventive Services: Dental sealants are an example of preventative services, which can be used to prevent cavities in children.

 

Develop Good Habits: Along with helping children get acclimated, starting dental visits young helps children develop good dental habits, which can last a lifetime.

 

Bishop & Bishop Dental offers a variety of dental services for the entire family including restorative, endodontics and orthodontics. For more information on any of our services or to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 301-608-9270.