Teeth can be sensitive due to a variety of issues; wearing of enamel, gum recession, cavities or periodontal issues. We suggest keeping on top of regular dental checkups to evaluate for these problems, and we can make custom recommendations to help.

Most commonly people will have cold or sweet sensitivity. This can usually be controlled with over-the-counter toothpastes or rinses. We suggest trying a toothpaste with the ingredient potassium nitrate. This can be found in Sensodyne, Colgate or other common toothpaste brands. Check the active ingredients on the back of the box and ensure it has the American Dental Association seal of approval. It will say ADA on the label. That is how to tell if it is a safe and effective product. We recommend using that in conjunction with a fluoride rinse.

If sensitivity is not better within two weeks please contact us to make sure there are not any other underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you have extreme pain, temperature sensitivity, or pain when biting please call our office because it may be a more in-depth issue.

Managing sensitivity in your teeth doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the root causes and implementing the right over-the-counter treatments, such as toothpaste containing potassium nitrate and fluoride rinses, you can often find relief. Regular dental checkups play a vital role in identifying and addressing any underlying issues early on.

Schedule Your Next Appointment

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team in Leesburg, VA, to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kime Whitman if you are experiencing prolonged sensitivity or any form of dental discomfort. We can be reached at 703-831-3952 today!

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Why Is Oral Health Important?

Overall health is directly impacted by oral health. The mouth is the first point of entry to the body and is filled with bacteria. The majority of bacteria in your mouth is harmless but poor oral hygiene promotes an environment where the harmful bacteria thrive. In many cases, this harmful bacteria enters your digestive and respiratory tracts and can cause diseases.

Inflammation of the gums or active cavities can lead to systemic issues such as cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, pregnancy and birth complications. There are many recent studies that even link memory issues like dementia to poor oral health.

It is essential to practice good oral hygiene daily in order to protect your oral health. The following are some tips that make an impactful difference to your smile:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use an electric toothbrush (which is significantly more effective than a manual brush) together with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss down and between all teeth daily. Using a Waterpik is also a wonderful adjunct tool to flossing.
• Use mouthwash (without alcohol) to remove food particles after meals.
• Avoid tobacco use of any kind.
• Eat a healthy diet by limiting sugary foods and drinks.
• Replace your toothbrush head every three months or sooner if the bristles are splayed or worn.
• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings.

Call To Schedule

A healthy smile is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to your dental health, general health and self-confidence. Our experienced dentist, Dr. Kime Whitman and our Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team are here to help you with all of your dental needs. Please give us a call at 703-831-3952 to learn more or to schedule your next dental cleaning and checkup. Your smile will thank you!

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If you treat and or fill these areas early (we look for these during routine checkups and cleanings) they are usually able to be treated with a simple filling. Conversely, if you wait until there is pain, the decay and cavity will require more advanced treatments. This can be beyond just a filling and may require a crown or even a root canal. Also, if the decay or cavity is too extensive the tooth may even need to be extracted, which can lead to more complex issues in the future.

Furthermore, when tooth decay is painful that can mean there is an active infection. Infection can spread to other teeth in the mouth and you can even spread the bacteria that causes tooth decay to other people (via kissing, sharing food or utensils, etc). Therefore, it is important that you treat tooth decay and cavities as soon as possible to avoid more extensive dental problems from arising.

If you suspect you might have dental decay or a cavity, or it has simply been a while since your last dental checkup,  Dr. Kime Whitman and our team invite you to give us a call at 703-831-3952 and schedule a dental cleaning and checkup. At Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we look forward to helping you and your family members with all of your dental needs, including essential preventative care!

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• Use an electric toothbrush (we prefer rechargeable Sonicare or Oral B) It is 10 times more effective than a manual brush.
• Remember to change your toothbrush head every 3 months. When the bristles wear they are not as effective.
• Rinse or take a few sips of water after drinking soda, coffee, etc. This will help restore the pH balance of your mouth and help prevent staining on your teeth.
• Drink through a straw to help prevent stains on teeth.
• Be sure to floss daily. This not only helps prevent cavities in between teeth but removes the plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease.
• Add a fluoride rinse nightly to prevent cavities. You rinse toothpaste off your teeth so they don’t get a great application of fluoride but a rinse can help! We recommend alcohol-free rinses (Purple alcohol-free Listerine, ACT, Therabreath).

Dental health is related to one’s overall health. Keep in mind that bleeding is a sign of infection and healthy gums do not bleed, so be sure to keep on top of your home care and regular checkups! Please give us a call at 703-831-3952 if you have any dental concerns or to schedule an appointment with our dedicated dentist, Dr. Kime Whitman.

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Did you know October is National Dental Hygiene Month? We want to talk about how dental health (and hygiene) relates and impacts your overall health.

Periodontitis, a condition characterized by gum disease, allows bacteria and their harmful byproducts to transition from the gum and tooth surfaces into the bloodstream, where they have the potential to disseminate to various organs. Gingivitis is early-stage gum disease; periodontitis is the progression of this disease which involves the destruction of the bone support that holds your teeth in place.

Should untreated mouth inflammation persist, certain proteins associated with this inflammation may extend their influence throughout the entire body.

The connection between dental health and mental health 

Periodontitis has been linked to a heightened susceptibility to cognitive decline and the onset of dementia. This connection may be attributed to the potential compromise of the blood-brain barrier, facilitating the infiltration of bacteria and inflammatory substances into the brain through the bloodstream, ultimately contributing to cerebral inflammation. Consequently, periodontitis could potentially give rise to cerebral inflammation, a pivotal factor in the progression of dementia.

Source:
Gum disease, tooth loss linked to increased dementia risk in new review

Gum disease puts you more at risk for diabetes 

Periodontal disease seems to increase the risk of diabetes and vice versa. The American Dental Association (ADA) highlights a reciprocal connection between diabetes and periodontal disease. In essence, elevated blood sugar levels heighten the susceptibility to gum disease, while gum disease complicates the management of blood sugar, potentially elevating an individual’s A1C level. Consequently, research has unveiled a correlation between periodontal disease and an elevated risk of diabetic complications.

Source:
What Is the Link Between Diabetes and Periodontal Disease?

Gum disease and heart disease 

People with periodontal disease have two to three times the risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. Periodontal disease increases the amount of inflammation in the body and this is a key contributor to many problems including plaque buildup in the arteries.

Source:
Gum disease and heart disease: The common thread

Gum disease and pregnancy 

Gum disease is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight babies.

Source:

Pregnancy and Oral Health.

Pregnancy and cavities 

Pregnant individuals may face an increased risk of developing cavities, often influenced by shifts in behaviors, including dietary changes. Women who harbor a substantial amount of cavity-causing bacteria during pregnancy and in the postpartum period may inadvertently transfer these bacteria from their own mouths to their infants’ mouths. The early introduction of these bacteria, coupled with exposure to additional sugars through frequent snacking or bedtime bottle use, can contribute to the onset of early childhood cavities, necessitating extensive dental treatment at a young age.

Source:

Pregnancy and Oral Health.

If you have any oral health questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our team at 703-831-3952 today!

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What causes sensitive teeth?

There are a few common causes of sensitive teeth. These can be wear on the chewing surface of teeth, gum recession, bruxism (clenching and grinding of teeth), cavities or periodontal disease. If you have sensitive teeth they can be sensitive to temperature or even sweet foods.

Do I need to see the dentist about my sensitive teeth?

We do recommend having a dental checkup if you have not recently to rule out tooth decay or periodontal (gum) issues. Also, we can customize what at home products you can use to help sensitivity.

What at home products help with sensitivity?

There are many OTC products that can help with sensitivity. We usually recommend a sensitive toothpaste coupled with nightly fluoride rinse to combat sensitivity. Usually sensitive toothpastes have one of two ingredients to help with sensitivity- potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride. Both of these ingredients help combat sensitivity but they work in different ways. We have found with personal experience and with our patients that toothpastes with potassium nitrate work well. Sensodyne and Colgate sensitive toothpastes usually have this ingredient (check the back of the box!) Fluoride rinses also help with sensitivity- ACT rinse, Listerine Total Care (it is purple in color) or Therabreath (in the pink bottle).

What if OTC products don’t help?

If you have tried OTC products and they don’t help, there are a few other options we can try. We can prescribe you a Rx fluoride toothpaste that you use daily. Also, an in office fluoride treatment is a great, easy option. We can apply the fluoride varnish for you at cleaning appointments! The varnish alleviates sensitivity for a few weeks to months at a time.

If you have any questions please feel free to give our office a call!

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Now we offer clear retainers, which cover all of the teeth and are more retentive BUT not all are made equal!

The gold standard of retainers are the Invisalign Vivera™ retainers. The material that is used to make these is patented and extremely durable and strong. Some patients even wear these as occlusal night guards to help prevent wear from clenching and grinding! We use a 3D scanner to scan your mouth (so none of those yucky impressions) and send the information to the Invisalign lab where they fabricate your retainers.

Another type of retainer is called the Essix retainer. These retainers are made by a dental lab we work with. The difference between these and the Invisalign retainers is the type of the material and how the retainers are manufactured. The material used for these types of retainers is thinner than the Invisalign material and it is weaker and thus not as retentive. It is also more prone to cracking and wear than the Invisalign retainers. (Ask our hygienist Ashley, she cracked through one in a few months of wear!)

So if you are done with your orthodontic treatment and looking to have retainers made, we recommend going with the  Vivera™ retainers, they last longer, are more retentive and durable!

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Social Services assists families with adoption, oversees the county’s youth shelter, and provides foster care for children, as well as nutritional and financial assistance to low-income families.

Both patients and staff donated toys and clothes for kids between the ages of five and twelve. There was a beautifully decorated Christmas tree set up in the office where patients could drop off unwrapped presents and clothing at their convenience.

Malarie, the patient and insurance care coordinator at Leesburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, dropped the clothing and toys off at Social Services on December 20th.

The patients of Leesburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry were amazing and really came through with the donations. Dr. Whitman and her team are thankful for the generosity and support of their patients in this endeavor to make the holidays a little brighter for children in need!

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