If you deal with regular heartburn or acid reflux, you are probably focused on the discomfort in your chest and throat. What often gets overlooked is what that stomach acid is doing to your teeth every time it makes its way up into your mouth. At Forest Smiles in Forest, Virginia, Dr. Shane Claiborne, Dr. Emma Schmidt, and Dr. Maysa …
How to Treat (and Prevent) Canker Sores
If you have ever bitten the inside of your cheek and then noticed a small, painful sore show up a day or two later, you have likely experienced a canker sore. These small mouth ulcers are common and usually harmless, but they can make eating, talking, and even brushing your teeth uncomfortable until they heal. At Forest Smiles in Forest, …
Dental Crowns: What You Need to Know
If your dentist has recommended a crown, it is natural to have questions before moving forward. How long will it actually last? Will the procedure hurt? Is it the same thing as a cap? Below, we answer the questions patients ask most about dental crowns, using guidance from the Cleveland Clinic. At Forest Smiles in Forest, Virginia, Dr. Shane Claiborne, …
Teeth Whitening: Frequently Asked Questions
A brighter smile is one of the most requested changes in cosmetic dentistry, but it also comes with a lot of questions. Is it safe? Will it hurt? Why do some whitening treatments seem to work better than others? Below, we answer the questions patients ask most, using guidance from the American Dental Association and the Cleveland Clinic. At Forest …
Water Flosser vs. String Floss: Which One Actually Works Better?
What the Research Actually Shows Flossing is one of those habits almost everyone knows they should do more consistently, and the rise of water flossers has a lot of people wondering if there is finally an easier way to get the job done. So which one actually wins: the classic string floss your dentist has recommended for decades, or the …
Tooth Sensitivity: Causes, Fixes, and When to Worry
What’s Actually Causing Your Tooth Sensitivity? That sharp jolt when you bite into ice cream or sip hot coffee is one of the most common dental complaints out there, and it can show up seemingly out of nowhere. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tooth sensitivity happens when the protective enamel on your teeth wears down or your gums pull back, …
TMJ Disorders Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
What Causes TMJ Disorders? If your jaw clicks when you chew, aches when you wake up, or feels tight and sore by the end of the day, you are far from alone. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, temporomandibular disorders, often shortened to TMD or TMJ, affect an estimated 5 to 12 percent of the general …
The Real Causes of Bad Breath, and How to Fix Them
How to Get Rid of Bad Breath for Good Almost everyone has worried about their breath at some point, whether it’s before a big meeting or right after lunch. But if bad breath keeps coming back no matter how often you brush, it may be a sign of something more than just your last meal. According to the Mayo Clinic, …
Are You Too Old for Dental Implants? What Seniors Should Know
Why Dental Implants Might Matter Even More as You Age It is one of the most common reasons older adults talk themselves out of dental implants before ever scheduling a consultation: the belief that they are simply too old for the procedure. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, that belief is a myth. The organization does not set …
Bleeding Gums? Here’s the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis
What Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease? If you’ve ever noticed your gums bleeding when you brush, you may have wondered whether that is something to worry about. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 47 percent of American adults, about 64.7 million people, have some form of gum disease, and that number climbs to over 70 …