Are you genetically susceptible to gum disease:  Current research proves that up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to periodontal/gum disease.  That for these people, despite having good oral care habits, they may still be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Being able to identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of gum disease, will help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Aging does not mean you have to lose your teeth: Many people still thing that tooth loss is a natural part of aging. By having proper oral hygiene/dental habits and be seeing a dentist regular you can maintain your teeth for a lifetime. However it when a person dose not have good oral hygiene/dental habits and do not see a dentist regular that a person can develop periodontal/gum disease which can lead to tooth loss. Perodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults 35 and over.

The number of dental cavities in the average mouth is going down: People now have healthier mouths then ten years ago, on average e have fewer cavities and people are keeping their teeth longer. The decline in dental decay was larger in kids but the down wards trend is in every age group.    

Over the past last ten years the proportion of seniors age 60 who’d lost all their teeth had decreased from 33% to 25%.   Use of dental sealant was up 64%.  30% of kids had had at least one sealed tooth   However for Smokers: Smokers still remain three times more likely than non-smokers to lose all their teeth.  This figure has not changed from a decade ago.

British scientist warned back in 2010 that dental X-rays given to millions of Britons every year may increase the risk of of thyroid cancer. Researchers found that patients who had been X-rayed by their dentist at least ten times were more likely to develop the disease.  They warn that X-rays should not be given at check-ups or when registering new patients and that dental X-rays should be only be prescribed when the patient has a specific clinical need. With rates of thyroid cancer more than doubling in 30 years, the scientists said that the potential dangers of dental X-rays were often overlooked.

Apples Can Cause More Damage To Teeth Than Carbonated Drinks: According to a new study the high acidity levels in apples can damage your teeth if eat slowly. That drinks most often associated with dietary erosion, such as cola, showed no increased risk.

The study results emphasize that dietary advice should be targeted at strong acids rather than some of the commonly consumed soft drinks. People who ate apples were 3.7 times more likely to have dentine damage, while carbonated drink consumers had no additional risk.

Why a tooth can become sensitive after having a filling: For some people their tooth can become sensitive for a days to weeks after having a filling. There are many reason why this can happen but the most common reason is that part of the tooth and all of the dental decay must be removed for a filling to be placed. In some cases, this procedure can cause sensitivity in the tooth.

As a general rule, the deeper the cavity and closer to the tooth nerve, the more likely there will be discomfort after the dental procedure. If the pain last for over a week it is advise to go back to the dentist to have the tooth re-evaluated.

Dental infections and dental abscess need to be address right away.  Poison from the dental infection can cause death if left untreated and it spreads throughout your body. Just how dangerous a dental abscess is will depend on how soon a person seeks treatment. 

If a person waits until the gum is so swollen that they have difficulty breathing or opening their mouth, the situation is very serious.  If the abscess is causing you dental pain you also need to see a dentist ASAP. It is never a good idea to delay dental care when deal with a dental infection.

Choosing and using the correct toothbrush for you:   Having and using the right tooth brush for your is an important consideration especially when you are using your toothbrush on your teeth at least twice a day.      Here are some tips when picking out your next toothbrush.  Using a toothbrush that has soft bristles is suggested in order to prevent scratching and damage of the gums. Toothbrush heads come in many different sizes. Pick a toothbrush that best fits your mouth.               

M-shaped bristles brushes help to ensure that the bristles reach all tooth crevices. The M-shape ensures that the shape of the teeth is taken in to consideration to allow the bristles to reach all the gaps and remove the food particles collected.    If possible try and pick a tooth brush that has a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head.

Oral health care at home does not stop at brushing and flossing your teeth.  Many people forget about their tongue, however the tongue is a haven for most oral bacteria.  By using a tongue cleaner you help to ensure proper and thorough cleaning of the accumulated bacteria, food particles and dead cells.  Another reason to clean your tongue daily is that it will  also ensure fresh breath.

Stephen Burch, DDS, of 3D Dental Solutions in McLean, Virginia, can Provide Sleep Solutions.  Snoring and Sleep Apnea can effect your personal life as well as your overall health care.      

According to a report done by the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). An estimated 40% of adult men and 24% of adult women suffer from habitual snoring,  In addition, the AADSM has found that 50% of snorers have Obstructive Sleep Apnea.  Sleep Apnea is a dangerous, life threatening disorder that affects nearly 20 million Americans.  In addition 75% of people with TMD/TMJ have sleep apnea and 52% of sleep apnea sufferers have signs and symptoms of TMD.     

3D Dental Solutions, which is located at 8270 Greensboro Drive Suite 101 McClean, Virginia, can answer your questions about your sleep disorder, sleep disorder symptoms and your sleep deficit. Dr Burch can provide patients with a solution to get tested, get treated and get the freedom to sleep better.

Dental Cavities in Young Children on the Rise: A new studies suggest there is a increase of tooth decay in young children. Even with the beneficial effects of fluoride and increased dental care, the study suggests that the increased use of sugary drinks and food in young children may be the cause of the increase of tooth decay.

Asking the right questions regarding your kids dental health care.

Whether for your kids or yourself it is important to be able to communicate with the dentist.   When dealing with your dental health there is no dumb questions, yet for some people they feel embarrassed to ask even simple questions to the dentist about the suggested treatment plan.      

If you do not understand the recommended treatment plan the dentist is advising, make sure to ask questions until you do. You will feel much better and be able to make better decisions for yourself and your family.  If you do not ask questions before dental services are start the dentist will think that you already understand the services and the cost for care.

Question: Do you really need to take kids to the dentist every six months?

Reply: Not necessarily, it is advised that kids and adults see their dentist at least twice a year. However, sometime people depending on their dental health has to see a dentist more then just a twice a year and on rear occasion a person may only really have to see a dentist once a year.