Flossing is Important! Why is flossing so important? Because even with proper brushing, the areas between your teeth don’t get completely cleaned. And most cavities start between your teeth! To keep your teeth and gums healthy you must use dental floss to remove the plaque between your teeth at least once a day. How to…
DetailsBasic Dental Lingo Ever hear all those dental words being thrown around and feel out of the loop? Here is a guide to common dental terms that you may need to know. Cuspid Your teeth that come to a point (right next to your front teeth) are called cuspids. Sometimes they are called canines as…
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We wish everyone a wonderful Holiday. While we hope you indulge in many treats and feasts, we ask that you keep your oral hygiene in mind. Acids found in food and liquids can have a harmful affect on your teeth. Each tooth has a hard protective layer called the enamel. When acids come in contact…
DetailsXylitol Do you find yourself frustrated by reoccurring cavities? Many people look to Xylitol products to finally find a solution to becoming cavity free. Xylitol is a sugar substitute, occurring naturally in the fibers of foods like berries and mushrooms, which just happens to prevent cavities as well. Because Xylitol isn’t actually a sugar, it doesn’t feed…
DetailsInvisalign® Frequently Asked Questions What are aligners made out of, and what do they look like? The virtually invisible aligners, made of a thermoplastic material uniquely developed for the Invisalign treatment plan, look similar to teeth-whitening trays. A series of Invisalign aligners are custom-made for you, to move your teeth in sequence determined by Dr.…
DetailsFAQ’s Regarding Your Insurance FAQ’s regarding your BC/BS plan: Some of our patients have been calling and asking some great questions regarding Dr. Valle’s decision to no longer participate with Carefirst, Blue Cross/Blue Shield. We have come up with the following to answer many of the questions we have been asked: Q: If you no…
DetailsFall Allergies In the past year, 16.9 million adults and 6.7 million children were diagnosed with seasonal allergies. One of the worst symptoms of this malady is sinus pressure. Sinuses are pockets of bone lined with mucous membranes, the most “famous” of which lie in our face. When congestion develops in our maxillary sinuses (so named for their location…
DetailsWhat’s in Your Drink? We all know sugary soda is hard on our teeth, but here are a few things that might surprise you. According to a study in the Journal of General Dentistry, all soft drinks contain enough acidity to damage tooth enamel, and result in weaker teeth, sensitivity, and cavities. Researchers found that the non-colas such…
DetailsCan Your Teeth Take the Pressure? You may not know it, but your teeth are like a ruler that can be bent back and forth until it breaks. Constant pressure on your teeth can cause them to crack, splinter, and break. This condition is called “abfraction.” An abfraction looks like a notch in the top…
DetailsOral Health and Heart Disease Everyone knows exercise is good for the heart and mind, but you may not be aware that poor oral hygiene can cause heart disease. If you have poor oral hygiene, you can end up with bleeding gum tissue. Bleeding tissue in the gums provides an entry point 700 for bacteria found in…
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