Dental cysts and granuloma

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA Periapical lesion is a term used to describe various inflammatory changes and processes around the tip of the root (in the bone surrounding the tooth). There are many things that can cause these changes and the most common one is the infection of the dental pulp, or tooth nerve to be …

Common problems with third molars

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA The third molar, also known as wisdom tooth, is the eighth and last tooth that grows in the jaw. It usually appears in the 20s when a person becomes ‘wise”. This is actually a residue of evolution when people needed all their teeth for crushing and grinding hard food. Today, these …

Bad breath – causes and treatment

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by many factors such as food, decayed teeth, gum disease, cigarette smoking, dry mouth, diseases of the sinuses or airways, certain general health conditions, use of certain medications or inadequate oral hygiene. Your dentist can help you find the exact cause of …

An introduction to gingivitis and periodontal diseases

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA Gingivitis and periodontal disease belong to the group of diseases of the supporting apparatus of teeth. According to numerous international studies, these diseases, in addition to dental caries, are the most widespread diseases in humans. It is believed that the vast majority of adults and about 30% of children have this …

New WHO guideline clamps down on intake of free sugars

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA Glucose, fructose, sucrose and table sugar are all examples of free sugars. These sugars are found naturally in honey, syrups and fruit juices, but can also be added to food and drink by manufacturers. The World Health Organization (WHO) explain that much of the sugar consumed these days is concealed within …

Helping Your Child Cope with Braces

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA Unfortunately for some children and young adults the formation of teeth from birth, coupled with the usage and the environmental effects throughout their lives, may cause the need for braces.  While your kids may loathe the thought of having braces and groan at the parents who are recommending it, they will …

What is gingivitis? What causes gingivitis?

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It commonly occurs because of films of bacteria that accumulate on the teeth – plaque; this type is called plaque-induced gingivitis. Gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is more serious and can eventually lead to loss of teeth. A patient …

What is a Root Canal Procedure?

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA The root canal; you may have heard of this eerie and ominous procedure.  If you have never had a root canal procedure, aka Endodontic Treatment, performed and need one, then you may be freaking out!  Your dentist warns you to brush your teeth and floss regularly to avoid it.  Maybe a …

Do Dental X-rays Pose a Health Risk?

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA The Dental X-ray is the most commonly used preventative and diagnostic test that dentists utilize to check for tooth issues in their patients.  It is the standard when going in for your six month to 1 year checkup.  Your dentist may perform Bite Wing X-rays amongst many other types of X-ray …