At Mark Jefferies Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we recommend treatments designed to address your needs, improve your oral wellness, and enhance the aesthetic of your smile. With our tailored treatment plans, you can rest assured that your oral health is in good hands. We only recommend the best dental solutions for you so that you can feel confident about your smile. We have everything you and your family need for optimal dental health, including dental implants to TMJ treatment. Please schedule a consultation with us today to see how we can help you achieve optimal oral health. November is TMJ Treatment Awareness Month! This November, we’re raising awareness for TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. TMJ is a common but often misunderstood condition. By informing patients about its symptoms and treatments, we will help get as many people as possible to find relief. What is TMJ? TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joints, the two hinges connecting your jaw to your skull. If you place your fingers just in front of your ears and open your mouth, you can feel these joints at work. TMJ can refer to any problem affecting these joints, but most commonly, it refers to a condition called Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD). TMD occurs when the muscles and ligaments surrounding the TMJs become tight and inflamed, causing pain and stiffness in the jaw. TMD can also cause clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw, and even migraines and earaches. What Causes TMD? Several factors can contribute to TMD, including stress, teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism), misalignment of the teeth or jaws (malocclusion), arthritis, and injury to the head or neck. In many cases, it is a combination of these factors. How is TMD Treated? Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for TMD. These include home remedies and professional treatments such as: Ice Packs Ice packs can help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from symptoms. Simply apply an ice pack to the side of your face for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Try using heat packs or massaging the muscles around your jaw. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Over-the-counter pain relievers are a standard treatment for TMD. They can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The most commonly used pain relievers for TMD are ibuprofen and aspirin, but other options include naproxen and acetaminophen. If over-the-counter pain relievers do not provide sufficient relief, prescription medications may be necessary. However, speaking with Dr. Jefferies before starting any new medicines is crucial, as some medications can worsen TMD symptoms. Orthodontic Treatment to Correct Misalignments Many people don’t realize that orthodontic treatment can do more than improve the appearance of your smile. In fact, orthodontic treatment can also be used to treat many different medical conditions, including TMD. Orthodontic treatment can correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws that may be causing or exacerbating TMJ symptoms. In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be the only treatment necessary to relieve TMJ symptoms. Physical Therapy Physical therapy can be an effective way to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the TMJs. This can help to relieve pain and improve jaw function. Our team can help you with jaw and head exercises to improve your range of motion and muscle relaxation techniques. And More If you are suffering from TMD, the first step is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jefferies. He and his team can diagnose TMD based on a physical examination and review of your medical history. From there, he will develop a personalized treatment plan to get you on the road to recovery. In addition, we can guide how to avoid activities that may aggravate your symptoms. TMJ Treatment in Herndon, Virginia Don’t suffer in silence this November—if you think you may be suffering from TMJ/TMD, contact us today! We’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan so you can start feeling better ASAP.
3 Signs It’s Time To Call The Dentist
Sometimes, it’s difficult to know when to call the dentist’s office and schedule your next appointment. As your trusted dentist in Herndon, VA, we want to provide some tips on maintaining your best oral health. Rest assured that when you visit us, our team takes the time to understand your dental health needs better, discuss your concerns, and build a treatment plan suited to your every need. Here are three signs that it’s time to contact our dental office: Bleeding Gums Bleeding gums are one of the only noticeable signs that you might be developing gum disease. Otherwise known as a “silent” disease, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. If you notice that your gums are bleeding whenever you brush or floss your teeth, this is a good sign that it’s time to schedule your next dental appointment. It is very likely that your gums are bleeding due to a buildup of plaque or tartar around your gum line. Plaque and tartar are essentially hardened bacteria residues that can eat away at your gums and infect the bones that hold your teeth in place. When you come to visit us for an oral health and wellness visit, we remove all plaque and tartar from your gum line to help stop the progression of gum disease and restore your oral health. Dental Pain or Discomfort Any dental pain or discomfort should be reported to your dentist as soon as possible. Toothaches, jaw pain, or dental damage need to be evaluated and treated in a timely manner to help prevent further damage or discomfort. Even if your pain subsides, it’s important to have all dental concerns evaluated so that they do not return in the future. While some minor health issues go away on their own, dental concerns largely do not. In fact, it is very common for dental concerns to get worse over time. That’s why we encourage our patients to call us immediately if they experience a dental emergency. We are here to help you restore your smile and ensure the longevity of your dental structures. Our goal is to alleviate your symptoms, restore your oral health, and prevent further injuries to your smile. It’s Been Over Six Months Since Your Last Appointment We recommend scheduling an oral health and wellness visit once every six months. This is because most dental concerns, unfortunately, do not have any noticeable symptoms. It’s best to have your teeth evaluated by a professional dentist as often as possible to ensure any underlying issues are taken care of before they require more costly care. We perform a full range of preventive care services in our Herndon, VA dentist office. We are proud to deliver exceptional dental care that is designed to meet your unique needs using conservative treatment options to preserve the natural integrity of your smile. If it has been over six months since your last dental appointment, please schedule an appointment with our compassionate team today. We look forward to seeing you soon.
3 Snacks To Avoid During Quarantine
As the COVID-19 crisis persists, many of our patients have had to postpone their preventative dental care appointments to a later date. As your trusted dentist in Herndon, VA, we wanted to provide some tips on how you can continue to care for your teeth while at home. A healthy diet supports a healthy smile. Here are three snacks to avoid during this quarantine: Candy Candy is notoriously tough on your teeth. Gummy candies coat their sugars in a sticky residue which makes them cling to your teeth surfaces. These sugars get into the crevices of your mouth and will eventually harden into plaque or tartar if left there. Sour candy contains harmful acids that wear down your tooth enamel and can cause tooth sensitivity over time. We especially see this causing a problem for our younger patients who include a lot of candy in their diet. When you are craving a sweet snack, try reaching for some apple slices instead. They are coated in natural sweetening agents that are known to leave you with fresher breath. They also contain Vitamin C, which will help your mouth fight off gum disease. Potato Chips Potato chips can be just as hard on your teeth as candy is. This is because they are excessively starchy. These starches break down to simple sugars in your mouth as they are digested. This means that the starches can cling to your teeth surfaces just as easily. In addition to the starches, potato chips are also very crunchy. For our patients who suffer from jaw pain or a TMJ disorder, this snack should definitely be avoided to prevent pain or discomfort. Crunchy snacks like potato chips overwork your jawbone as you chew them. Instead, try opting for a softer snack like cubed or sliced cheese. Cheese is a great snack for your smile not only because it’s easier to chew but also because it contains calcium, which is a necessary nutrient for your smile. Soda Soda might as well be considered a snack with all the sugar that is included in it. Even if you choose sugar-free soda, the carbonated acids coat your enamel and wear it down over time. Not only does soda contribute to tooth decay but it also contains a lot of staining agents. Sodas are filled with artificial colors that can cause tooth discoloration or dullness. If you do indulge in a soda, make sure to drink it with a straw to help it avoid coating your teeth. However, a better alternative to soda would be a glass of water or a fruit smoothie. Fruit smoothies are delicious, fun to make, and great for your teeth. Put any kind of fruit you want into a smoothie, but we suggest kiwis and strawberries. These fibrous additions are filled with calcium and vitamin C to help your dental health out even more. Schedule An Appointment As your premier family dental practice in Northern VA, we take great pride in providing high-quality dental care, while staying true to your dental needs and goals. We value patient education and work on an individual basis to provide you with information specific to your oral health needs. Our office will continue to be available for dental emergency procedures and / or virtual dental consultations. All existing appointments have been postponed and will be rescheduled as soon as we are able to return to the office. The return date is tentatively May 18, 2020. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office directly.
7 Signs You Should Schedule A Dentist Visit
While visiting the dentist is probably not first on your list of things to do, your body may be telling you otherwise. Herndon, VA dentist Dr. Mark S. Jefferies offers comprehensive dentistry for all ages, whether you need a regular check-up or have complex dental concerns. So when might it be time to see your dentist? 1. You have pain in your mouth It might seem obvious, but pain in the mouth is not normal. Pain is the body’s way of letting you know when something is wrong, and mouth or tooth pain could be an indication of a problem in the teeth or jaw bone. It’s important not to let mouth pain go untreated, because many dental problems are linked to problems in other parts of the body. 2. It has been a while since your last exam Most dentists recommend dental exams every six months. This gives them the opportunity to check for cavities, remove hardened plaque from teeth, and catch any minor issues before they become more complicated. If you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, it might be time to schedule an appointment. 3. You feel a tingling sensation when you eat sweet food or brush your teeth The first indication you have a cavity may not be tooth pain. An early indicator of a cavity can be sensitivity to temperature or sweet food. If you feel tingling or an electric sensation when eating something sweet, or a particular area is sensitive when brushing your teeth, you may have a cavity. The earlier they’re treated, the better. 4. You have a constant bad taste in your mouth If you feel like there is a bad taste in your mouth that just won’t go away even after brushing, you may have advanced tooth decay or halitosis. Oral bacteria produce foul-smelling acids that can cause bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. Tooth decay needs to be addressed in its early stages to avoid gingivitis, infection, or even tooth loss. 5. Your teeth are discolored If your teeth are significantly discolored or have yellow deposits along the gum line, see a dentist. Discolored teeth can be an indication of a problem inside the teeth, but it also happens naturally over time as we eat highly-pigmented foods. Yellow deposits along the gums indicate hardened plaque, called tartar, that needs to be removed to avoid tooth decay. 6. You have cosmetic dentistry questions Have you been wondering about teeth whitening, dentures, implants, or fixing crooked teeth? Your dentist will be able to answer any questions you have about your cosmetic goals and design a unique treatment plan to help you refresh your smile. 7. You are missing one or more teeth Tooth loss can happen for many reasons and is not necessarily a result of poor oral hygiene. Regardless of the reason, missing teeth should be replaced to preserve your oral health. Your dentist can talk to you about tooth replacement options such as implants, bridges, or even dentures. Herndon, VA Family Dental Care Dr. Jefferies’ practice offers comprehensive, affordable, and experienced dental care to patients of all ages. We can help keep your smile healthy with customized treatment plans based on your unique needs. To consult with our team, schedule a consultation online or call us at 703) 570-1152 today!
Do You Know Your Teeth?
Our teeth play a large part in shaping our mouths, eating, talking, and smile. But how well do you know them? Do you know which one is a bicuspid and which is a molar? Dr. Mark Jefferies is a Herndon, VA dentist who helps educate patients about their teeth and how to keep them healthy. Primary vs. Secondary Teeth Humans grow two complete sets of teeth in our lifetime: primary teeth and secondary teeth. Primary teeth are commonly known as baby teeth, and secondary teeth are the adult teeth. Baby teeth begin growing when we are about six months old and are usually in place by age three. Secondary teeth begin replacing primary teeth between the ages of six and twelve years old. The average adult has 32 adult teeth, but they are not all the same. There are four types of teeth that serve different functions in the mouth, similar to the way the players on a football team all have different positions. They play their own role but work together as a team. The Types of Teeth Incisors: Incisors are the eight teeth in the front of your mouth that you see display when you smile. There are four on top and four on the bottom and are used for biting pieces of food into smaller, chewable pieces. Canines: These teeth have a sharp, pointed appearance and are named after the fangs of a canine (dog). There is one canine on either side of each set of incisors, making it a total of four canines in the mouth. Canine teeth are used for tearing and ripping food. Bicuspids: These teeth, also known as premolars, are used for chewing and grinding foods. We have four bicuspids, two on the top and two on the bottom, one on either side of the canine teeth. Molars: There are eight molars in the mouth and they are located in the back of the mouth, as they are used for chewing and grinding food. There are four on top and four on the bottom. Molars commonly experience tooth decay due to how much they are used and the fact that they are more difficult to clean thoroughly. Some people grow third molars in early adulthood, which you might be familiar with as wisdom teeth. These have a higher probability of growing in incorrectly and may need to be removed if they cause problems. Comprehensive Dental Care in Herndon, VA Knowing your teeth will empower you to understand your oral health and prevent tooth decay. Knowing that molars are difficult to clean and more prone to tooth decay means you can take extra care to make sure they are cleaned properly, and if you’re experiencing pain, you can specifically tell the dentist where your symptoms are. For answers to more complex dental questions or concerns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jefferies.
Do I Need A Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings are an essential part of preventive dental care. To achieve a healthy smile, ideally, you should practice preventive dental care at home and in the dentist office. During a routine dental exam, also known as a preventive care visit, a dental hygienist will perform a thorough dental cleaning. Unlike your typically oral hygiene routine, a dental cleaning is designed to remove tartar and plaque buildup from the teeth. Essentially, a dental cleaning removes what daily brushing and flossing cannot remove. Most dentists recommend patients receive a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year, usually during their preventive care visit. When plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth, it can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping the teeth clean can vastly reduce your risk of developing complex dental problems. If you have not received a dental cleaning recently, you may want to schedule a preventive care examination. Herndon VA dentist Dr. Mark Jefferies offers a full range of preventive, general, and oral health services for patients of all ages. How Often Should I Get A Dental Cleaning? In many cases, most dentists will recommend you get a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year. However, some patients may need a dental cleaning more frequently. It will depend on your particular case. For instance, patients at high risk for gum disease may need to have their teeth cleaned regularly. What Factors Affect How Often You Visit The Dentist? As mentioned, the presence of certain factors will influence how often you will need to have your teeth cleaned. If you are pregnant, smoke, have a compromised immune system, have gum disease, or are at high risk of developing tooth decay, you may benefit from more frequent dental cleanings. Talk to our team to determine if you need to increase the frequency of your dental cleanings. Dr. Jefferies will be happy to answer any questions you may have, as well as help you improve the health and overall condition of your smile. If you would like to learn more about your options, contact our Herndon, VA dentist office.