Blog

Sharing intimate moments with loved ones is often a source of comfort and joy. However, activities like kissing can lead to the spread of over 500 germs between individuals, affecting your oral health. Here’s what you need to know about the dangers of kissing and how to protect yourself.

Colds and Flu If you suspect you’re coming down with a cold or the flu, it’s best to avoid kissing. These illnesses can be easily transmitted through saliva and nasal fluids. By refraining from kissing when you’re sick, you help prevent the spread of these common viruses.

Cold Sores Cold sores, which appear as small, clear blisters around the lips, are caused by a highly contagious virus. Even when a cold sore isn’t leaking fluid, it can still spread to others. If you notice someone has a cold sore, it’s best to avoid kissing them until it has completely healed.

The Kissing Disease (Mono) Mononucleosis, commonly known as mono, is another illness easily spread through kissing. Sharing items like straws, cups, or food can also transmit the virus. To protect yourself and others, avoid sharing food and drinks, especially with anyone who has or might have mono, regardless of how healthy they appear.

Fresh Breath Tips Naturally, you want to have fresh breath when kissing. To avoid unpleasant odors, steer clear of strong-smelling foods like garlic and onions, which can linger long after consumption. Good oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth twice a day, including your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks. Using mouthwash or sugar-free gum can help diffuse strong odors. If these measures aren’t effective, schedule an appointment with us to identify and address any underlying causes of bad breath.

Kissing can transmit numerous germs, so be mindful of the risks associated with cold sores, colds, and the flu. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily is crucial.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy, or to schedule your next appointment, contact Peninsula Dental Care. We are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health.

Remember, for comprehensive dental care and advice, visit Peninsula Dental Care, your trusted dentist in Newport News.

During your child’s next dental appointment at Peninsula Dental Care, you may be advised to have their teeth sealed. Dental sealants are a proactive measure to prevent tooth decay on the chewing surfaces of teeth. To make an informed decision, it’s important to understand how this procedure can impact your child’s oral health.

Why Get Sealants?
Sealants are an effective way to prevent tooth decay, especially on the back teeth, which are more susceptible to cavities due to their deep grooves. Our dentists frequently recommend sealants for children and teens, but they can also be beneficial for adults. Sealants can prevent 80% of decay during the first two years after application and about 50% of decay up to four years after application. Children without sealants have a three times higher risk of tooth decay compared to those with sealants.

At What Age Should Sealants Be Applied?
The first set of molars usually appears around age six, and the second set appears around age 12. Sealants are most effective when applied just after the molars have emerged through the gum line. During your regular dental examination, your dentist in Newport News will determine the best time to apply sealants.

What Should I Expect?
Sealant application is a common and painless procedure. After a thorough cleaning, a special gel is applied to your child’s teeth. Once the gel is rinsed off, the sealant is painted onto the teeth. A small blue curing light is then used to harden the sealant in a matter of seconds.

What Concerns Should I Have?
Sealants generally have no side effects, and allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, if your child has allergies, it’s important to inform your dentist so they can determine the best course of action.

Next Steps
When properly applied and maintained, sealants can last for several years before needing replacement. Regular dental visits are essential to preserve the integrity of your sealants and teeth. If your child had sealants applied years ago and you’re unsure if they need replacement, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Peninsula Dental Care, your trusted dentist in Newport News. We are here to help you maintain your family’s oral health.

It is well known that smoking and chewing tobacco can cause severe health problems, especially for the lungs. However, the mouth and teeth are equally at risk. At Peninsula Dental Care, your trusted dentist in Newport News, we want to highlight the significant dangers tobacco poses to your oral health. Here’s what you need to know.

Chewing Tobacco:
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reports that tobacco chewers are 50 times more likely to develop gum and cheek cancer. Chewing tobacco also causes gums to recede, exposing roots that become sensitive and creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to decay. To prevent these issues, it is advised to avoid chewing tobacco. Our experienced team can offer tips on breaking this habit and improving your oral health.

Smoking:
According to the American Dental Association, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day can cause the loss of two teeth per decade. The likelihood of losing teeth increases with smoking. Beyond tooth loss, smoking causes staining, bad breath, and an unattractive smile. Avoiding cigarettes and cigars is crucial for maintaining your oral health.

Oral Cancer:
Oral cancer can affect many areas of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, and gums. Men and people over the age of 50 are at higher risk, but the prevalence of oral cancer is rising among people under 30. If you smoke, it’s important to ask your dentist about an oral cancer screening. Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment success. During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, and cheeks for abnormalities that could indicate cancer.

If you currently use tobacco, we highly recommend quitting. Our dental team and your physician can assist you in this process. Regular oral exams are crucial for everyone, but especially for those who use tobacco. Schedule an appointment with Peninsula Dental Care so we can identify and address any potential problems.

For additional tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next appointment, please contact our dental office in Newport News.

If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, it may not be possible to regain optimal oral health care without the assistance of professional care. While creating your oral health plan, make sure to start by scheduling an examination and professional thorough cleaning with our team. Once you’ve received professional care, it’s imperative to adopt an at-home care plan to maintain your oral health between appointments.  

How often should you receive professional care?  

Your professional oral health care plan will vary based on your individual needs. For patients with mild to severe periodontal disease, a program involving 4 visits per year may be necessary to keep the disease from progressing. For others with a smile less susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay, 2 visits per year may suffice. Regardless of your individual needs, once set, do your best to keep to your regular schedule. This will prevent harmful bacteria from causing damage to your beautiful smile and affecting your overall health.  

Home Care 

Many don’t realize the regular dental appointments alone do not ensure optimal oral health. In fact, according to the research conducted by the American Dental Association, brushing should occur twice per day for 2 full minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental cleaning should occur daily and can be done with floss or alternative methods, such as with the use of a Waterpik.  

Decay can occur in a few months or less of oral hygiene neglect. Decay can also occur due to an acidic oral environment, underlying health conditions or as a result of a poor dietary habit.  

Oral Health and Overall Health 

Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. The bacteria and infection found in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to important organs. It’s imperative to care for your smile, just as you would your heart, lungs or brain.  

Whether it has been only a few months or several years since you’ve last received professional oral health care, we welcome you at our practice. You’ll receive compassionate care, free of judgement. It’s our goal to help you achieve a smile that you’re happy to display.