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COVID-19 Update & Why We Are Open

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:18:48 GMT

Staying Safe During an Outbreak

As health officials seek to contain the coronavirus outbreak, unprecedented safety measures have been issued for our protection. We want to reassure you that Tysons Corner Dental Care is also taking extraordinary measures to protect your health and wellbeing.

Your Protection Against Exposure

As a healthcare provider, we are held to higher sanitary standards by law. We follow all OSHA requirements including fully sanitizing exam rooms and equipment and wearing protective gear such as medical gloves and masks. Nonetheless, due to the gravity of this situation, we’ve exceeded even those standards by taking these additional precautions:

Screening Travelers: We require patients who have traveled in the last two weeks to complete a questionnaire to detect any coronavirus exposure and/or symptoms. We also keep thermometers on hand to check temperatures for additional screening. If there appears to be any risk whatsoever, no matter how remote, we ask the patient to reschedule for a future appointment.
Social Distancing: If we are unable to see patients upon their arrival, we have them wait in their cars until their treatment room is ready. This prevents people from congregating in the waiting area. We also space out appointment times for additional social distancing.
Hourly Wipe-Downs: We disinfect all common areas just about every hour including door handles, counter tops, faucets, sinks, pens, and the coffee machine.
Magazine Removal: We’ve removed all magazines and printed matter from the reception area to reduce the chance of exposure.

To further protect you and the community, we’ve prepared this message to alert others to the connection between one’s oral health, immune system and bodily diseases—including viruses¹—and provide additional preventive tips.

Link Between Oral Health, Illness and the Immune System

Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria; some are friendly bacteria while others are harmful. When your oral hygiene regimen is properly done and your immune system is intact, the harmful bacteria is kept in check. However, when oral hygiene habits are poor—including insufficient brushing or flossing and too few professional cleanings—the harmful bacteria is allowed to cause tooth decay and gum disease.²

This tooth decay and gum disease create inflammation which, in turn, damages your gums’ blood vessels and allows bacteria into the bloodstream.³ By its nature, this bacteria not only evades the immune system, it manipulates it so the harmful bacteria can continue to survive.⁴ As your immune system weakens, your susceptibility to diseases like the coronavirus and other infectious illnesses increases.

This harmful bacteria can also trigger other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, heart disease, pneumonia and, for expectant mothers, premature birth and underweight babies.² And, as health officials continue to warn us, the coronavirus is more likely to be contracted by those with underlying medical conditions.⁵

Why We Won't Close Our Doors

Despite our own risk of exposure, we refuse to close our doors amid this healthcare crisis. As a frontline healthcare provider, we firmly believe it’s our responsibility to detect and eliminate those oral issues which threaten your immune system and your ability to ward off infectious diseases including the coronavirus and the flu. It’s our mission to do all we can to preserve and protect your health, in good times and bad.

Warning Signs of Oral Decay and Infection

If you are experiencing any of the following signs of bacterial decay or infection, we strongly recommend you come see Dr. Bernard W. Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF or one of our other dentists to address the issue:

Severe tooth pain
Swollen face, cheeks or gums
Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
Sensitivity when biting down

For patients who already have a compromised immune system, eradicating oral decay and infection is even more imperative.
Of course, if you have any signs of illness, stay isolated and seek medical attention as warranted by coronavirus health guidelines.

Preventive Oral Hygiene Tips

Here are some oral hygiene tips to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus and other illness in your household:

Use Your Own Toothbrush: The coronavirus is spread through touching a surface or object which contains the virus and then touching your nose or mouth (and possibly the eyes).⁴ Never share a toothbrush with anyone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus or is ill. As a side note, rinsing the toothbrush will not decontaminate it. To be safe, never share a toothbrush for any reason, even with loved ones.⁶
Don’t store toothbrushes in closed containers: Bacterial growth can occur on toothbrushes when they are covered or stored in closed containers.⁶
Don’t share toothpaste: Sharing toothpaste tubes can spread germs. If a member of your household has been exposed to the coronavirus or other communicable disease or is presently ill, give them their own toothpaste tube to use.⁷
Eat Right: The right nutrition supports all of your body’s vital functions including the immune system. Guidelines include eating fruits, whole grains, a variety of vegetables and proteins—such as seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds—and more.⁸ Dietary guidelines can be found on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services site at www.HHS.gov .
Take Vitamin C: A recent medical study indicates vitamin C helps prevent the common cold and reduces its duration. Moreover, inadequate C increases one’s risk of contracting the flu and makes flu symptoms more severe. As studies continue in vitamin C’s direct effect on the coronavirus, taking this supplement should help support your immune system.⁹

Stay Calm

Despite the alarming headlines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the risk of Americans being exposed to the coronavirus is low and that most cases are mild.¹⁰ That means just a fraction of one percent of all Americans have the virus right now and it’s likely symptoms are mild. Compare that to CDC estimates of at least 36 million U.S. cases of the flu over the 2019 – 2020 flu season (March 1, 2019 to March 7, 2020) with a minimum of 370,000 million flu hospitalizations.¹³

In the meantime, continue to follow CDC guidelines and if you are experiencing signs of oral decay or infection, do not ignore them. Come see us to get it rapidly addressed and eradicated as a health risk.

Best Regards,

Dr. Bernard W. Lynch, DMD, FAGD, LVIF and the Tysons Corner Dental Care Staff

Colgate: “ Eight Common Oral Infections ”
2. Mayo Clinic: “ Oral health: A window to your overall health ”
3. Johnson & Johnson: “ 4 Fascinating Things Scientists Know About the Billions of Bacteria in Your Mouth ”
4. Science Daily: Smile: “ Gingivitis bacteria manipulate your immune system so they can thrive in your gums ”
5. Harvard Health Publishing: “ Coronavirus Resource Center ”
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ Use & Handling of Toothbrushes ”
7. University of Rochester Medical Center: “ Toothbrush Tactics: Give Germs the Brush-Off ”
8. U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services: “ Dietary Guidelines for Americans ”
9. MedicineNet: “ Can Vitamin C Prevent and Treat the Corona Virus? ”
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ”
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S. ”
12. The United States Census Bureau: “ U.S. and World Population Clock ”
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “ 2019-2020 U.S. Flu Season: Preliminary Burden Estimates ”
14. These recommendations/statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have any health condition or are taking any medications, or are pregnant or nursing, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking these or any nutritional supplements.

The 101 on Zoom Teeth Whitening

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Phillips' Zoom Teeth Whitening is a procedure that everyone is talking about. Find out how it stacks up with the competition and the types of results you'll see.

Do you remember the last picture you saw of yourself? Did you find yourself cringing at how yellow your teeth looked?

It's natural for teeth to darken and yellow as we age. Drinking tea, coffee, wine, and soda can exacerbate the problem. Smoking can cause staining as well. But luckily, Zoom Teeth Whitening is an excellent solution to this pesky problem.

What Is Zoom Teeth Whitening?

Zoom Teeth Whitening is a form of laser treatment. It lightens the staining or discoloration of tooth enamel. It is a simple, non-invasive procedure that usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour.

The process combines a special lamp, referred to as a Zoom light or Zoom laser, with a hydrogen peroxide-based whitening gel. Using both, the dentist will bleach each tooth and produce a brighter smile by the end of the treatment.

How Does it Work?

A high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used in the gel that covers your teeth. When the peroxide comes into contact with the intense light emitted from the lamp, it breaks down. Then it dissolves a thin layer over top of the enamel and releases oxygen into the teeth. The oxygen then helps to flush out and get rid of tooth discoloration that has set in.

Think of it like you're giving your teeth a chemical bath. As an added bonus, Zoom whitening does not affect the physical structures of your teeth at all. This low-risk procedure is of the best teeth whitening options out there.

Before You Book

If you're on the fence or want to know more about Zoom, book a consultation with your dentist. At your consultation, your dentist will explain the ins and outs of the procedure. They will review your gums and teeth, and ask you about your goals. Finally, they'll speak to you about potential treatment options. You can also use this time to ask as many questions as you want.

There may be times when your dentist encourages Zoom whitening. For example, if you're undergoing another kind of procedure, like receiving veneers. Zoom whitening may help you end up with a more natural look.

Your consultation may also determine that you are not the right fit for Zoom teeth whitening. Perhaps the procedure would have adverse interactions with other work you've had done.

Preparing for the Procedure

The first thing to do before your Zoom treatment is to book a regular cleaning appointment. Getting your teeth cleaned will help them respond best to the treatment. This is because the cleaning will remove any surface stains or plaque that have built up on your teeth.

On the day of your Zoom appointment, you will most likely need to fill out paperwork. If you haven't done so already, you will also go through a standard exam. During the exam, they will make note of any crowns or fillings. They'll also check to see if your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening.

You can ask your dentist to take note of these specific issues at your pre-appointment cleaning, too.

The Procedure

The full Zoom teeth-whitening treatment usually takes under an hour. It starts with preparing you for the procedure. A dentist or hygienist will place a covering over your gums and lips so that only the teeth are visible. Then they will give you protective eyewear. Then they will put a layer of the whitening gel on top of your teeth and put the Zoom lamp in place for 15 minutes.

This process is repeated three times. Between each session, the dentist checks for progress. If needed, they will adjust the light or add more gel to your teeth.

It may be hard to hold the right position for each session, but they will do their best to help you stay comfortable. Once you're finished with the third 15-minute sitting, the dentist will coat your teeth in a paste. This helps reduce sensitivity, which can occur in some patients.

Zoom Treatment After Care

After your treatment is complete, you will get all cleaned up and are free to go. Of course, it is important to know what you can and cannot consume immediately after your procedure (hint: none of those staining drinks mentioned earlier!). Resuming smoking post-procedure is discouraged. It can rapidly reverse the effects of the treatment and cause greater damage to your teeth.

You will receive a thorough list of what you should avoid eating on your way out. You may also get whitening toothpaste and a custom-fitted set of whitening trays. You can use the trays for touch-ups if you should need them. Your dentist will let you know how long you need to avoid certain foods or beverages. They'll make sure you have everything you need to care for and maintain your new smile.

Considerations and Cost

One thing to consider when looking into Zoom whitening is sensitivity. Sensitivity can occur during and after treatment. The hydrogen peroxide whitening gel removes a thin layer that rests on top of the tooth enamel.

This is called the pellicle . The pellicle keeps your teeth from being sensitive to hot and cold foods. It is important to be aware that your teeth may feel more sensitive after treatment. You may also feel some discomfort during treatment, as a result. This layer will grow back within a couple of days after treatment.

Taking over-the-counter pain medication before your appointment can help lessen these side-effects.

Finally, note that if you are pregnant, nursing, or under 13 years of age, Zoom is not a recommended procedure for you.

How Much Is Zoom Whitening?

You may be wondering what all of this costs. The average cost for the entire procedure runs around $500. This includes the take-home kits you will receive before you leave. Speak with your dentist to determine whether there are payment plans available. These can help you cover the Zoom teeth whitening cost.

Is Zoom Whitening for You?

Zoom Teeth Whitening is a fast and effective way to brighten your smile. If you have lingering questions or want to find out how to book your first consultation, contact us .

Understanding the Basics of Invisalign Care

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

An innovative and effective method of correcting teeth, explore how Invisalign works, who's the perfect candidate, and everything you need to know!

Did you know that 38% of Americans would rule out a second date with someone with crooked teeth?

Our obsession with the perfect smile is world-famous and it's becoming easier than ever to perfect your smile. With the rising popularity of Invisalign, you could have the smile you've dreamed of sooner than you think.

Invisalign is a custom-made solution taking the world by storm but is it right for you? Let's explore everything you need to know about Invisalign.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign works by using custom-made retainers to systematically move the teeth into position over time. You wear the retainers for 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat, drink and brush teeth.

The retainers are custom-designed and 3D printed to perfectly fit your teeth and gums, leaving them barely noticeable.

The process works a little like this:

Consultation You will meet with your dentist to examine your case and they will let you know if you are a good fit for Invisalign. They will talk you through the process and let you know what kind of results to expect. This is a great time to ask any questions you have about the treatment or upkeep of Invisalign.
Custom Treatment Plan Your custom treatment plan will depend on your specific dental needs such as closing gaps or straightening an overlap. The plans will include your 3D scan images taken using new technology - good news for anyone who dislikes molds. This allows you to see a digital progression of your teeth on screen. You watch your teeth moving into place from crooked to perfection - pretty cool!
Pick Up First Retainers When you first pick up your retainers you may need to have attachments fitted to your teeth in order to move them into the right position. This is painless and quick and then you will simply insert the aligners into the correct position. They may feel tight at first as they pull your teeth into place. You already on your way to straighter teeth!
Check-Ups and Fine-Tuning You will wear each set of retainers for around 2 weeks, although this can differ for specific retainers. Along the way, there may need to be bands, attachments or teeth filing to get the final result. You will have these done in your regular checkups and they are nothing to be worried about. These check-ups are also a great chance for your dentist to check that everything is on schedule.
Finalizing Once your treatment plan is completed you could have a permanent wire retainer fitted behind the teeth to keep them in position. Or you might switch to a night retainer. There are different options and you can discuss these with your dentist based on your needs.

Invisalign is a simple, high-tech replacement for traditional braces and could fix your smile in as little as 3 months. It has never been quicker to change your smile while feeling good about yourself. No more noticeable braces, making it perfect for professionals.

How Much Do They Cost?

The price of Invisalign differs depending on the case but is usually slightly higher than regular braces. You will get a quote in your consultation but you should be looking at a price range of $3500 and $8000.

You should check with your insurance provider as many cover Invisalign as a treatment option. Although the cost might be slightly higher, the convenience and speed of Invisalign is often an important factor in their popularity.

Can Anyone Get Invisalign

No matter what your specific dental complaint is, there is a high chance that you can solve it with Invisalign. That's why over 6 million people have used Invisalign to perfect their smile.

They're a popular option for adults wishing to fine-tune or transform their smile due to the transparent retainers. When you have your Invisalign retainers in they are almost unnoticeable.

Invisalign is optimal for those of you with issues including overbites, gapped teeth, underbites, teeth crowding, open bites, and crossbites. However, patients that have problems with back teeth or severely rotated teeth should consider metal braces. This is because Invisalign is not best placed to straighten those issues.

How to Get The Best Results

In order for you to achieve the target results, in the specified time-frame you need to follow the rules. Wear your retainers for the full 22 hours per day. If you don't, you're only lengthening the process for yourself.

Keep your retainers clean by brushing them gently each time you remove them. Another rule is to only drink water with your retainers in. You want to avoid hot drinks or drinks that can stain.

How Long Does It Take?

How long is a piece of string? For this answer, you will have to consult with your dentist. There have been results in as little as 3 months due to the high-tech material used but your case could be much longer.

The average case is around one year. If you just need some minor realignment you could be a good candidate for just a few months but for overbites, overcrowding or other such issues you could be much longer.

Put a Smile on Your Face with Invisalign

Invisalign is a perfect option for those who want noticeable results without the look and complications of metal braces. They look good, work quickly and have 6 million people vouching for their effectiveness.

All you need to do to get the ball rolling is a book a consultation today. You can find out exactly what Invisalign can achieve for you and just how quickly you can expect results. You could have the smile of your dreams in just months without the traditional metal of braces.

Learn more about our cosmetic dentistry options here or contact us with any questions you might have.

Reversing Periodontitis: How to Treat Gum Disease

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Gum disease can happen when the gums become inflamed due to of bacterial overgrowth, but there are ways to reverse it! Find out how to treat gum disease.

Gum disease can be detrimental if it’s not treated early. Periodontitis inflames the gums, bone, and the sections around the tooth. Untreated gum disease is a risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, and other complicated health issues.

Bacterial plaque hardens to form tartar on the teeth surface. The most effective way to prevent periodontal disease is by observing proper dental hygiene. Discover how to treat gum disease below.

1. Good Oral Hygiene

Good oral health involves brushing and flossing daily. It's advisable to use interdental brushes for well-spaced teeth. If the space is smaller, soft picks can be used.

Experts recommend electric brushes for arthritis patients and dexterity problems. Periodontitis can last a long time, and without proper dental hygiene, it may recur.

2. Medications

A variety of cures and medicated mouthwashes are available;

Antiseptic chip; the chlorhexidine-filled gelatin piece controls bacteria and minimizes the size of periodontal pockets. The chips are placed after a root planing operation
Enzyme suppressants contain doxycycline which prevents destructive enzymes from digesting the gum tissues. The suppressants are used in the scaling and planing process or can be swallowed as a pill
Oral antibiotics are taken in the form of capsules or tablets. They’re used to treat persistent gum infections in a short time
Antibiotic microspheres contain the minocycline antibiotic, which is a slow-release bacterial control agent. It also reduces the periodontal pocket sizes
Antibiotic gel is also a slow-release remedy that controls bacteria and shrinks the pocket sizes

Various medical treatments are available for different types of gum disease .

3. Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)

Healthcare professionals possess a variety of hand tools and ultrasonic devices for scaling and debridement. The process allows for the effective removal of plaque and calculus from below the gum line.

Root planing eliminates rough patches which may hold gum disease bacteria. Individuals are advised to plan their visits according to the amount of plaque and calculus due for removal.

Cleaning should be done twice a year, or at regular intervals, depending on the rate at which calculus accumulates.

4. How to Treat Gum Disease: Surgical Intervention

The advanced types of gum disease may be resistant to non-surgical means of treatment. Procedures are available for flap surgery, whereby the gums are pushed back to facilitate the easy removal of tartar.

The dental surgeon then stitches the gums closely around the teeth after the procedure. Surgical procedures are essential for the following purposes;

Rebuild the gum line
Minimize the size and depth of periodontal pockets
Enlarge the bone level and facilitate recovery

5. Bone and Tissue Grafts

The procedure uses natural or synthetic bones to regenerate destroyed bone and gum tissues. Guided tissue regeneration (GTR) is a directed process where tissues regenerate in places where they were lacking. GTR remedies the effects of periodontitis.

A mesh-like substance is placed between the gum and bone to keep them separate. The connective tissues and bone can then grow into the empty bone space. Particular proteins and growth supplements can be used to hasten the bone regrowth process.

Soft tissue grafts involve the extraction of tissues from other parts of the mouth. The extracted tissue is then added to cover the open tooth root.

Abiding by a dental hygiene program will improve the chances for successful dental bone and tissue grafting. Smoking cigarettes is a risk factor against successful dental bone and tissue grafting.

6. Laser Dentistry

Laser dentistry is also a common practice when reversing gum disease. There's various laser equipment available for soft and hard oral tissues.

Laser equipment promotes a shorter healing time compared to conventional surgery. The process is also useful and invades fewer cells and oral tissues. Patients feel less pain and discomfort during the laser treatment, thus little or no anesthesia is necessary.

The process also encourages the regeneration of new collagen, bone, and connective tissues.

7. Natural Solutions: Aloe Vera

The gel from aloe vera has anti-inflammatory qualities which impede microbial activities. The gel is applied to the gums or used in a mouth rinse. The ingredients for the remedy are aloe vera leaf and water.

Ten minutes after squeezing the aloe vera gel on the infected gums, the mouth is rinsed with water. The gel and water could also be mixed to create a mouth rinse.

Experts recommend repeating the process 1-2 times every day.

Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis refers to damaged bone and gum tissues.

Gingivitis

Plaque builds up on the gums, making them appear red and inflamed. The gums easily bleed during brushing, yet the teeth are firmly in place. Proper medical treatment can reverse any damage to the bone and tissue caused by gingivitis.

If left untreated, the condition may develop into periodontitis.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is characterized by the formation of deep and wide pockets. The spaces allow food particles to build up and harbor bacteria between the gums and teeth. The reaction of the immune system against the bacteria results in periodontal disease.

In extreme cases, the sick individual may begin losing teeth. Acute cases of periodontitis can be irreversible.

Types of Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis affects mostly adults and can occur at any age. The gums slowly recede, and teeth begin to loosen as the disease progresses

Acute periodontal disease, also known as necrotizing ulcerative periodontal disease, occurs unexpectedly. The condition is associated with sleep patterns, sleep and nutrition issues.
The periodontal disease which occurs on account of health conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Aggressive periodontitis is also unexpected and progresses rapidly with teeth loosening. It may be localized or generalized, depending on the subtype.

It’s advisable to contact a dental healthcare professional to examine the extent of periodontal disease. A dentist will use a piece of equipment called the periodontal probe in the diagnosis.

Final Thoughts

The early signs of periodontal disease aren't readily noticeable. Swelling and receding gums are external indicators of gum disease. It's essential to know the signs and symptoms to understand how to treat gum disease.

For more tips and information, please visit the other sections of our blog.

Home Remedies: How to Get Rid of Bad Breath Naturally

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Bad breath (also known as halitosis) can have many different causes, but there are things that you can do at home. Learn how to get rid of bad breath naturally.

Have you ever seen one of those old magazine ads for Listerine, where they show some poor soul who can't get a date or a job, or much of anything else for that matter-- due to halitosis ?

According to Smithsonian.com, "Ultimately, the bad-breath campaign was so successful that marketing historians refer to it as the “halitosis appeal”—shorthand for using fear to sell a product.

Today, it's hard to believe that people actually succumbed to these manipulative messages. You must realize, though, that in the early 20th century, when these ads appeared, people weren't swimming in the sea of advertising we are today.

We're a lot savvier as consumers. And our approach to bad breath is much better informed, too. Among other things, we now have a lot of ways to how to get rid of bad breath naturally--which we'll be discussing in this article.

What Causes Bad Breath?

First, though, we'll go over some likely causes of bad breath since, as the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." If you avoid or prevent what gives you bad breath to begin with, perhaps you can ward it off.

What's a more natural cure for bad breath than that?

Here are some specific causes of bad breath:

Things You Eat

Sometimes bad breath is caused by something you ate or drank--like garlic, coffee, alcohol, or cheese. Sometimes it's a bad habit, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, or a high-sugar diet.

Health Conditions

Bad breath could also be the result of certain health conditions, such as diabetes or respiratory and sinus infections. These and other conditions are conducive to dry mouth--the real "halitosis culprit" in many cases.

Gingivitis

Another reason for bad breath could be gingivitis (periodontal or gum disease), which is caused by the build-up of food particles and plaque along the gum line.

You should consider this kind of bad breath as a sign of potentially worse things to come. Ask your dentist about ways to treat gingivitis.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth, and dental caries (cavities).

The best advice overall is to take care of yourself and have regular medical and dental check-ups.

Curing Bad Breath With Stuff from Home--or Your Neighborhood Supermarket

Here are some ways to get rid of bad breath--maybe even without leaving your house. You'll like some of them so much that you'll eat or drink them even when you don't need to get rid of bad breath.

Be aware, though, that there is some debate about the actual benefits of these remedies, as opposed to simply masking the bad breath odor.

Parsley

Would you believe that parsley is a natural cure for bad breath? Remember that box of food you brought back from a restaurant last night (as you always do)?

And remember that parsley spring that is still there on top of the food (as it usually is when you bring restaurant food home)? Well, put it in your mouth and chew.

Mmm... what a fresh taste it has! How come you never realized this before?

Apples and Other Crunchy Produce

Apples taste good and are a versatile food staple. And it turns out that "not only will the crunch help remove plaque from your teeth , but it will also help your mouth generate more saliva, which is a natural way to battle bad breath."

If you don't like apples by themselves, there are some great recipes for them --including ones that combine apples with other breath-friendly foods to make a natural cure for bad breath.

Carrots, celery, and some other vegetables that are similar to those of apples. Any food that calls for a lot of chewing causes the body to produce saliva--which, in turn, cleans and moisturizes the mouth.

Remedies You Can Order Online or Buy in a Health Food Store

These are more specialized products. they might be available in your supermarket, but you also might need to check elsewhere.

Spices and Essential Oils

Clove oil is frequently cited for its antimicrobial benefits , including getting rid of bad breath. The same effect--said to be a mild one--can be achieved from other essential oils, such as lemon, thyme, wintergreen, and parsley.

You might have seen fennel or anise seeds in small bowls in Indian restaurants. "Since ancient times, these seeds have been used to freshen breath. They are still used as “mukhwas,” or mouth fresheners, to cleanse after-dinner breath .

Fennel and anise seeds taste sweet and contain aromatic essential oils that can give your breath a fresh scent.

Probiotic Products

" Oral probiotics contain "good" bacteria that replace or eliminate 'bad' bacteria in the body." Probiotics have worked for digestion generally. Thus there is no reason to think they wouldn't work in the mouth--the first destination in the digestive process.

Apparently, there has been a lot of study lately to determine the effectiveness of probiotics in oral use. So stay tuned...

Non-Food Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Some of these are pretty simple and obvious, like the first one--

Brush and Floss your Teeth Regularly

Good dental hygiene provides the foundation for sweet-smelling breath. Add in a device to scrape your tongue ( yes, scrape your tongue ) and you're all set until your next oral self-care. You should do this twice a day, of course.

Follow up with a good mouthwash rinse. It will be the last stage of cleaning and disinfecting your mouth... then you'll go and eat something, and something else, and then something more--until you're back to do this ritual all over again.

Drink Lots of Water

Like saliva (which is mostly water), it helps keep your mouth clean. It also helps you maintain a good level of bodily fluids.

How to Get Rid of Bad Breath Naturally

We've told you all about how to get rid of bad breath naturally; in fact, we couldn't find anything that isn't natural to tell you about.

Except for visits to the dentist and any other relevant health care providers, every remedy for bad breath is a natural bad breath home remedy. No expensive or painful treatments--

That is unless your oral hygiene is so poor that you eventually need oral surgery. So your halitosis home remedy could turn out to be the cure for a whole lot more.

So, remember those early 20th-century magazine ads we told you about at the beginning of this article? The anxiety they provoked in those who saw them? There's no need to feel anxiety over bad breath.

Just use good sense in choosing foods; brush, floss, scrape and rinse often, and you should be in good shape. If you are not for some reason, though, call your dentist right away!

Northern Virginia Dentist Attends Course on Using Digital Technology and Design in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

Mon, 29 Oct 2018 19:34:40 GMT

Dr. Bernard Lynch Attending Digital Smile Design Course Covering the Use of 3D Scanning, Measuring, and Modeling to Create The Optimal Smiles for his Patients

DSD (or Digital Smile Design) is a protocol that makes use of a multifaceted array of tools, technology and techniques to not only model and design an individual's ideal smile and tooth proportions but also help to create actual 3-Dimensional renderings of the finished design, as well as digital renderings of what the designed smile and tooth shapes will look like on the patient before the procedures are even done.

DSD was founded by the renowned Dr. Christian Coachman - author of many published articles on dentistry surrounding esthetics, smile design, implant rehabilitation and more. He has recently been collaborating with many other well known dentists from around the world and continues to perfect and study concepts involving oral rehabilitation, smile design and practical implementation.

Dr. Bernard Lynch is furthering his already expansive education on this protocol to better serve his Northern Virginia patients. The techniques and protocol involved covers Digital Modeling Technology, 3D Design Software, 2D Design Software, Digital Mock-Ups, a broad and dynamic range of digital scanning technologies, rulers and other measuring implements, in order to treatment plan, optimize, model, and deliver the optimal smile for his patients. DSD takes into account the full appearance of the patient. Measurements are taken for the eyes, nose, and chin, the curve of the smile, as well as the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the face - all to achieve as close to complete symmetry of the patient’s smile. This protocol also makes the patient a co-designer of their own treatment, by involving their own objectives, desires, personality and expectations into the design process.

Dr. Lynch will use his updated and advanced Smile Design skills to better serve his Northern Virginia patients. Dr. Lynch has long has as his goal that each patient he sees receives the very best care he can offer. Focusing on his own continuing education and training to provide higher and higher levels of care, always seeking to increase the standards of dentistry in his area. Keeping true to his focus on high standards and education, he’s also graduated from the highly acclaimed Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and was selected among the top-tier graduates to finish his residency training in comprehensive dentistry at the Hampton Virginia Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Both Dental Care Burke and Tysons Corner Dental Care are ecurrenting offering a special for new patients, and can be reached at 703-348-2641 for Dental Care Burke, and at 703.790.5533 for Tysons Corner Dental Care. Dental Care Burke is located at 9239 Old Keene Mill Rd in Burke, Virginia , and at 8363 B Greensboro Dr in McLean, Virginia .