Newport News Dentist

At Peninsula Dental Care, we know that gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize. Most patients do not recognize bleeding and swollen gums as precursors to gum disease. This month, September 2017, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease.  Peninsula Dental Care wants to help spread the word.

Per Dr. Pham and Dr. Becker, early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums and ultimately a health body. Dental studies are published every year, linking oral health, including the gum health, to other areas of the body such as your heart and blood vessels.  One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Here are the signs that you can watch for:

• Red and swollen gums
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or halitosis
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs with you, your child or family members, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Newport News office.  Dr. Pham, Dr. Becker and our team can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

12821 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23608

Dentist Newport News

Did you know that 1 in 5 cases of total tooth loss is linked to diabetes? Diabetes affects your entire body including your mouth and teeth. Here are a few ways diabetes can impact your oral health:

Gum Disease

An early warning sign of potential gum disease is bleeding while you brush or floss. At this stage, gum disease may still be avoided by maintaining proper oral hygiene and a balanced diet. Research suggests that if your blood sugar isn’t under control, it can worsen gum disease. When gum disease becomes severe, it can break down the bone that supports your teeth and lead to tooth loss.

Dry Mouth

According to studies, people with diabetes have less saliva. Symptoms may include a dry tongue, cracked lips, and constantly feeling thirsty. Medications and higher blood sugar levels can also contribute to dry mouth. You can manage your blood sugar levels to help improve these symptoms. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get the saliva flowing.

Change in Taste

Diabetes can alter your sense of taste and certain flavors may not feel as rich to you as they once did. Try considering this as an opportunity to explore new tastes, spices, and textures to your food. Be cautious of adding sugar to your foods, as this could negatively affect your diet. Make sure to see our dentist if you have persistent issues with taste.

Infections

Diabetes affects your immune system and can cause you to be more prone to infections in the mouth. Oral thrush is one common infection among many who have diabetes. It will look like a white layered coating on your tongue and on the inside of your cheeks. This is a reaction to the yeast thriving on high levels of sugar that can be found in your saliva. Oral thrush may leave a bad taste in your mouth, but it can be treated.

Slow Healing

Diabetes can slow down the process of healing any injuries, cuts, or sores in your mouth. Poor blood sugar control can prevent sores from healing quickly and properly. Be sure to see our dentist if something in your mouth hasn’t healed properly.

If you have diabetes and want more information on its impact on your oral health, schedule your next visit and talk to our doctor.

12821 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23608

Family Dentist in Newport News, VA

Dental development starts from approximately the 6th week in pregnancy through late adolescence. It involves the formation, eruption, and shedding of the 20 primary deciduous teeth, as well as the formation and eruption of the 32 permanent teeth. Throughout this development, the teeth are subject to both genetic and environmental influence.

In addition to their role in speech and facial aesthetics, the teeth provide a system of mastication with incising, tearing, and grinding capabilities. The structure of teeth allows them to survive the forces and wear of mastication.  Therefore, changing in the composition or structure of the teeth affects their durability and resistance to fracture.

Each tooth has a visible crown that projects above the gum, with one or more roots extending into the alveolar bone of the maxilla or mandible. The crown and root meet at the neck of the tooth. The tooth forms a peg and socket joint with the alveolar bone and is held in place by a membrane that allows slight movement of the tooth.

Four components of teeth are:

• Enamel
• Dentin
• Pulp
• Cementum

Enamel

Dental enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body.  It protects the tooth crown from fracture and wear. The enamel is produced by cells called ameloblasts.  Because the ameloblasts are no longer present once the tooth is fully formed and erupted, dental enamel has no regenerative capacity.

By weight, normal dental enamel is 96 percent mineral, 2 percent water, 1 percent protein, and 1 percent other components.  The structure of enamel provides its strength and resistance while making it less brittle.  Changes in the mineral, water, or protein content of enamel alter its appearance, strength, and resistance to wear and caries.

Dentin

Dentin is the most abundant dental tissue. It functions as the substructure for the enamel and largely determines the size and shape of teeth. Dentin is produced by the dental pulp. The production of dentin is increased in response to environmental stimuli such as trauma, tooth wear, or caries.

By weight, dentin contains about 60 percent mineral and 20 percent organic components, including protein.  The structure and composition of dentin give teeth the ability to flex and absorb tremendous functional loads without fracturing.

Pulp

The dental pulp is a specialized tissue made of odontoblasts, which are dentin-producing cells, fibroblasts, blood vessels, nerves, and a complex matrix. It provides the neurosensory function.  The pulp continues to produce small amounts of dentin throughout the life of a tooth.  Maintaining a healthy dental pulp until the root of the tooth is fully formed and has walls thick enough to sustain the forces transmitted from the crown during mastication is important.  Prompt and appropriate treatment of dental trauma and caries in children is critical to the sustenance of oral health.

Cementum

Cementum is made of type I and other collagens, proteins, and a mineralized matrix. It covers the root surface and helps to prevent the tooth from becoming fused to the adjacent alveolar bone. It is structurally similar to bone. In addition, cementum provides the tissues by which the tooth is anchored to the periodontal ligament and the alveolar bone. These structures form a flexible sling that holds the tooth in place while allowing the movement necessary under the forces required for chewing.

Contact our office today.

12821 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23608

Family Dentist in Newport News, VA

Nearly everyone has at least one habit that they wish they could break. Did you know that some of them can affect your oral health? Here are a few common habits and tips for how to break them.

1. Nail Biting

Why it’s harmful: Your dental health may suffer from nail biting by possibly chipping your teeth or impacting your tooth. You place pressure on your jaw when you leave it in a protruding position for long periods of time. You could also tear or damage your gums.

The solution: Some patients find it helpful to wear a mouth guard to deter form nail biting. Other ways to reduce nail biting include using therapy techniques, reducing stress, or applying bitter tasting nail polish.

2. Brushing Too Hard

Why it’s harmful: It’s best to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Make sure to not brush too hard since this can lead to damage to the teeth and gum irritation. When you brush too hard, you risk gum recession and not cleaning your teeth efficiently.

The solution: Instead of brushing hard, use a soft toothbrush and apply a proper pressure. Let your toothbrush bristles touch your gums at a 45 degree angle and reduce the force of your brush on your gums.

3. Grinding and Clenching

Why it’s harmful: This can chip or crack your teeth as well as cause muscle tenderness and joint pain. You may also experience a painful sensation when chewing or inability to open your mouth wide.

The solution: Stay aware of your teeth grinding and clenching and use relaxation exercises to keep from doing both. A mouthguard can also help protect you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. This will reduce any tooth pain, or muscle soreness and give you a better sleep. Our dentist can provide recommendations for how to combat teeth grinding.

4. Chewing Ice Cubes

Why it’s harmful: Tooth enamel and ice are both crystals. When you push two crystals against each other, it can cause one to break. This may be the ice and sometimes it may be the tooth.

The solution: Try drinking beverages without ice or use a straw instead.

5. Constant Snacking

Why it’s harmful: If your diet consists heavily of sugary foods and drinks, you are at a higher risk of forming cavities. The cavity-causing bacteria feast on leftover food and produces acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

The solution: To reduce snacking, eat balanced meals so that you can feel fuller, longer. You should avoid sugary foods when snacking. If you are tempted to eat the occasional sugary snack, just make sure to drink a glass of water after to wash away the leftover food.

6. Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Why it’s harmful: Using your teeth as a tool to hold items, open bottles, cut through thread, or other functions can put you at risk for chipped or broken teeth or jaw injuries.

The solution: Your teeth should never be used to hold or open items or to cut things when you don’t have scissors at your disposal. Look for your scissors or find someone that can give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you for it and you’ll be saving yourself from potentially costly and painful dental complications.

Contact our office today.

12821 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23608

Family Dentist in Newport News, VA

The single most cost-effective measure for reducing dental caries is fluoridation of public water supplies.  Fluoride forms a complex with the apatite crystals in dentin and thus lending strength to the entire structure. Fluoride also promotes re-mineralization of carious lesions.

Brushing 2-3 times daily with a fluoridated toothpaste is very important.  In high-risk individuals, additional fluoride therapy in the form of fluoride varnishes has been effective.

The key for the prevention and control of dental caries and advanced gum disease is the active promotion of oral hygiene. The components of a good regimen should include:

•  Regular brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste 
•  Dental flossing after each meal
•  Dietary counseling to reduce the ingestion of sugar-rich foods
•  Use of topical fluorides and oral anti-microbial rinses
•  Consider smoking cessation
•  Regular visits to dental professionals

Vaccines based upon various immunogens from Streptococcus mutans have been explored.  However, the prospect for an effective and safe vaccine remains remote and unlikely to be available for clinical use in the near future. Contact our office today.

12821 Jefferson Avenue
Newport News, VA 23608