Hundreds of different bacteria species live in the mouth, most of which are harmless and help with digestion. But sometimes an overgrowth of bacteria, immune diseases, or other pre-existing health conditions can cause tongue discoloration or other mouth symptoms. If you’ve noticed your tongue doesn’t have the smooth, pink appearance it should, these 4 white tongue causes might be to blame. Herndon, VA dentist Dr. Mark Jefferies can help you uncover the cause and achieve a healthy smile. Causes of White Tongue Discoloration You may be familiar with the “mouth-body link,” which is the close relationship between your oral health and your overall health. Oral health problems can cause health problems like heart disease, but the link goes both ways. Systemic problems, like immune diseases, often appear in the mouth, such as lesions associated with HIV. Here are just 4 possible causes of white tongue and what to do about it: 1. Oral Thrush Oral thrush can cause a white or yellow film to form on the tongue and can cause discomfort when eating and drinking. Thrush is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth, which can be a result of poor oral hygiene, a weakened immune system, or antibiotics. Treatment for oral thrush involves antifungal medication, adding a mouthwash, and excellent oral hygiene. Some oral thrush resolves on its own with proper oral care. Your doctor may also recommend adding probiotics to your diet if you experience oral thrush as a result of antibiotics. 2. Oral lichen planus An autoimmune inflammatory problem can cause white patches to form in the mouth and cause sore gums. Most of the time, oral lichen planus resolves on its own, but some cases require a steroid mouth rinse or a steroid spray. 3. Poor Oral Hygiene Most of the time, a white tongue is a result of poor oral hygiene. The tongue has small bumps, called papillae, which can become swollen, inflamed, and discolored if there is an overgrowth of bacteria, yeast, or even with dehydration. Consider adding a tongue scraper to your oral hygiene routine and using an ADA-accepted mouthwash to help with bacteria buildup. 4. Leukoplakia Leukoplakia causes white patches to form inside the cheeks, on the tongue, and along the gums. People who smoke, chew tobacco, or consume excessive amounts of alcohol are at risk of leukoplakia. In most cases, these white patches are harmless, but in rare cases, leukoplakia turns into oral cancer. See your healthcare provider or dentist if you notice white patches in the mouth that do not go away. White Tongue Treatment in Herndon, VA Although most cases of white tongue resolve on their own, it’s still a good idea to visit your dentist to receive a correct diagnosis. Don’t wait until it’s too late to identify a problem with your smile. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jefferies by calling (703) 570-1152 today.
10 Dental Care Tips From Dr. Jefferies
With all the health advice available today, it’s hard to know what’s actually important to your oral health. Dr. Mark S. Jefferies and his dental team in Herndon, VA want you to know the top 10 dental care tips so you can keep your mouth and body healthy for years to come. 1. Brush your teeth every day You’ve been hearing this advice since you could talk: brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing removes leftover food particles that combine with bacteria, which when left on the teeth can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. 2. Flossing is as important as brushing Your hygienist knows when you haven’t been flossing! Flossing is important because it removes plaque from between teeth that a brush alone wouldn’t be able to reach. If plaque remains in these hard-to-reach places, you could find yourself dealing with gum disease, which is linked to cardiovascular problems and Alzheimer’s. 3. Use toothpaste with fluoride Fluoride is an important ingredient in toothpaste because it helps strengthen the teeth. It can reverse early signs of tooth decay such as weakened spots in the enamel or exposed roots that could eventually become cavities. 4. Limit sugar intake, including sugary drinks Sugar contributes to tooth decay because it feeds the bacteria that live in our mouths. Bacteria feed off of the leftover food particles on the teeth, and if the food contains a high sugar content, bacteria can multiply even faster. Reducing the amount of sugar in your diet will help keep oral bacteria at bay. 5. See your dentist twice a year Regular dental exams are essential to preserving your oral health. Your dentist can spot early signs of tooth decay before they become severe, helping you avoid complex dental procedures. They will also perform X-rays to ensure your teeth are well-supported. 6. Maintain a healthy diet A healthy diet is important not just for overall health, but is important for your teeth in ways you might not expect. In addition to good nutrition provided by healthy foods, a lot of fruits and vegetables are crunchy and chewy, which promotes saliva production. Foods that require a lot of chewing are good for the teeth because more saliva means the mouth is naturally washed out more often. 7. Stay hydrated Keeping your body hydrated helps your mouth produce enough saliva, which keeps teeth clean. Saliva washes out the mouth, which removes oral bacteria and leftover food particles. 8. Don’t forget your tongue If your tongue has a white or yellow film on it, you might be forgetting to brush it. When you brush your teeth, don’t forget to run over your tongue to remove foul-smelling bacteria that can cause bad breath. 9. Don’t chew on hard items This may go without saying, but try not to bite down on hard candies or even non-food items like pen caps or fingernails. This can damage teeth. 10. Take care of your toothbrush Your toothbrush doesn’t need any special cleaning, but make sure it dries after each use and there is no leftover toothpaste. Store it upright and exposed to air and your toothbrush will be good to go! Dr. Jefferies’ team is here to help you maintain your oral health. Schedule an appointment today at (703) 570-1152 to keep your smile healthy!
How to Stop Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath can happen to anyone. In fact, studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath, also known as halitosis, at some point in their lives. Dr. Mark S. Jefferies is a Herndon, VA dentist helping patients find solutions to this chronic problem so they feel more confident in their smiles. What Causes Bad Breath? There are a number of reasons you might have bad breath. While most of the causes are harmless, some can indicate something more serious. Bacteria Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria naturally live in your mouth as it acts like a natural hothouse that allows them to flourish. When you eat, bacteria feed on the remnants of food left in your mouth. This process leaves a foul-smelling waste product behind that causes bad breath. Dry Mouth Your mouth may not be making enough saliva. Saliva is important because it constantly washes out your mouth. If you don’t have enough saliva, your mouth and teeth aren’t being cleaned as much as they should be. Dry mouth can be brought on by certain medications, untreated salivary gland issues or by breathing through your mouth. Staying properly hydrated is important to prevent a dry mouth. Doctors recommend drinking 2 liters of water, or eight 8 ounce bottles per day to prevent dehydration. Gum Disease Persistent bad breath that won’t go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth is a common indicator of gum disease. Gum disease occurs when sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque cause your gums to become infected and inflamed. Medical Conditions While it makes sense that gum disease and other mouth infections can cause bad breath, other medical conditions can also cause it. If your dentist has ruled out other dental or oral health issues and you brush and floss every day, your halitosis could be the result of another problem, such as a sinus condition, gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. In this case, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible. How Can I Prevent Bad Breath? Brush and Floss Brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth daily with floss will help rid you of bacteria in your mouth that’s causing your bad breath. Take Care of Your Tongue Don’t forget to clean your tongue when you’re brushing your teeth. If you stick out your tongue and look at the very back, you’ll see a white or brown coating. That’s the area where most of the bacteria that cause bad breath can be found. Use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean them off your tongue. Mouthwash Over-the-counter mouthwashes can kill some of the bacteria or neutralize and temporarily mask bad breath. However, this solution is only temporary. The longer you wait between brushing and flossing, the more likely your breath will be offensive. Keep Saliva In Your Mouth Eat healthy foods that require a lot of chewing, like carrots or apples and stay hydrated to keep plenty of saliva in your mouth. You can chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies. Your dentist may also recommend artificial saliva if these quick fixes do not help. Schedule Regular Appointments With Your Dentist If you’re in the Herndon, VA area and you’re concerned about what might be causing your bad breath, schedule an appointment to see Dr. Jefferies. Regular check-ups will help Dr. X to spot any impending problems such as gum disease or dry mouth and stop them before they become more serious. To schedule an appointment, call (703) 570-1152 or request one online.
These 3 Bad Oral Health Habits Can Damage Teeth
Do you sometimes find yourself chewing ice, biting your nails, or even brushing your teeth too hard? Patient health and safety is our priority here at Dr. Mark S. Jefferies’ Herndon, VA dental office. We understand how important it is to build good oral health habits and to educate our patients about the bad habits that can lead to broken teeth. These habits can also lead to problems like swollen gums, bleeding gums, or even cracked teeth. Let’s talk about how to break these bad oral health habits and preserve your smile. 1. Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard Our teeth are strong — the strongest tissue in the body — but remember that the gums are more sensitive and should be treated gently. Prolonged forceful brushing may cause bleeding or swollen gums, which can lead to receding gum line as well as damaging tooth enamel. Using an ADA-approved soft bristle toothbrush with an ADA-approved toothpaste will help keep your gums healthy. 2. Nail Biting Nail biting is a common habit that many people don’t realize they have or how bad for their teeth it can be. Biting on your nails can cause stress on the jaw and may chip your teeth, depending on the pressure used and whether your teeth are already fragile due to an underlying condition. When you bite your nails, your jaw protrudes at an unnatural angle which may cause headaches and discomfort. Many patients bite their nails from stress, so alleviating the stress can help your avoid the habit altogether. 3. Chewing Ice Cubes or Hard Objects Did you know that even though ice melts pretty quickly, it can still crack and break teeth if chewed? A broken tooth is even more likely to occur if you have a filling or a crown because the structure of the tooth has already been compromised and is not designed to crush extremely hard substances like ice. Also be careful of chewing hard candies or mints and allow them to melt in your mouth instead to make them smaller. You can avoid tooth sensitivity and tooth fracture by avoiding chewing on ice. Family Dentist in Herndon, VA You can schedule your dental appointment with our team online today or call our office at (703) 570-1152. We are looking forward to providing preventative dentistry for your whole family!
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.
How Stress Affects Your Dental Health
The coronavirus pandemic is causing everyone, including our patients, unusually high amounts of stress right now. The stress from the pandemic alone can have negative effects on your smile. As your trusted dentist in Herndon, VA, we want to keep you informed on how stress affects your dental health and what you can do to combat this extra stress. Here are our best tips: Eat a Healthy Diet When people get stressed out, a common coping mechanism is to resort to comfort foods. Unfortunately, comfort foods often leave behind sticky residues and staining agents on your teeth. Foods and beverages like hard-candies, sodas, potato chips, coffee, citrus fruits, and teas are all known to be tough on your teeth. Practice consuming these substances in moderation, even under high stress. This will reduce the amount of buildup that is left on your teeth. If this buildup remains on your teeth, you may experience more plaque and tartar along your gum line which can lead to serious dental concerns like gum disease. Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits When under high amounts of stress, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. However, we want to encourage all of our patients to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits throughout this crisis. Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. This will go a long way in preventing plaque and tartar buildup. While this crisis has thrown off many people’s daily routines, it will only cause more costly dental concerns later on if you neglect your oral health now. Stay Calm, Accidents Happen Unfortunately, dental emergencies do not always happen at the most convenient times. During this crisis, you need to know who to call if you experience a dental emergency. Herndon, VA dentist Dr. Mark Jefferies can work with you to address your dental emergency compassionately and effectively. Our goal is to alleviate your symptoms, restore your oral health, and prevent further injuries to your smile. We work with you every step of the way to ensure all of your dentistry needs are met. Here are some common dental emergencies that we treat in our office: Trauma to the teeth, gums, jaw, or lips A cracked, broken, or chipped tooth Dental infection Dental abscess A knocked-out tooth Broken or loose restorations Severe tooth sensitivity At the family dentist office of Dr. Mark Jefferies, your safety is our priority. That’s why we are here to help you during this crisis. If you find yourself needing dental care, please contact us so we can advise you on scheduling your next dental appointment. We are a Family and Cosmetic Dentistry practice that offers clinical excellence in the areas of prevention, restorative and cosmetic dentistry before, during and after treatment and are committed to establishing lifelong partnerships with our patients. Our team looks forward to seeing you soon!
The Benefits of Fluoride For Your Teeth
Many of the oral health products available in stores contain fluoride as an ingredient. It’s also commonly added to public water supplies due to its’ remarkable ability to combat tooth decay. You might be surprised to know that fluoride has several key benefits to promote your oral health! Dr. Mark S. Jefferies of Herndon, VA is a dentist who understands that the regular maintenance and care of your smile is an important part of your overall healthcare and well-being. Learn more about how fluoride strengthens your teeth and how you can benefit from its effects. What Does Fluoride Do? Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel due to its chemical properties. The hard outer layer of our teeth is known as the enamel, and it protects the sensitive tissues and nerves inside our teeth. Cavities develop when the enamel is weakened by bacteria eating away at plaque buildup, and fluoride can help reverse this by attracting calcium to your teeth to rebuild damage. Fluoride is considered “nature’s cavity fighter” because of its ability to reverse early signs of tooth decay and strengthening teeth. How Does Fluoride Work? Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in all water sources. Our bodies cannot make fluoride on their own. We can only get it from outside sources such as in drinking water or topical fluoride sources like toothpaste or mouthwash. When the body absorbs fluoride, it reverses early stages of tooth decay by helping the teeth replace calcium and phosphorus that make the enamel hard. Minerals present during this process, called remineralization, need fluoride present to allow the enamel to absorb them to keep it strong. Why Kids May Need Fluoride Treatments In children, fluoride works beneath the gum line before teeth have erupted to ensure they grow and develop properly. As children are still learning good oral hygiene, their dentist may recommend a topical treatment such as an at-home gel or an in-office fluoride varnish to ensure they are maximizing fluoride’s tooth-strengthening benefits. Keep Enamel Strong At All Ages Adults need fluoride, too. Many public water supplies have fluoride added to them, and most toothpaste and mouthwash has added fluoride. Combining topical treatments with consuming fluoride keeps teeth strong and can save families from needing expensive dental treatments. Don’t forget to schedule your regular dental exams and maintain good oral hygiene. Fluoride treatments are just one of the many ways you can keep your teeth healthy for the rest of your life. Dental Care in Herndon, VA If you live or work in the Herndon, VA area and are looking for a skilled and compassionate dentist, schedule with Dr. Jefferies. Contact us online or call (703) 570-1152 to schedule a consultation 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.
Maintaining Your Dental Health During The Summer
It’s easy to get carried away with vacation, traveling, and other festivals during the summer. With the changes in your routine, it’s also easy to put your dental health on the back burner. In this post, we will explore some of the best ways to maintain a healthy smile in the summer. 1. Avoid Chewing Ice The summer weather can be brutal, but that doesn’t mean you have to be on your teeth. Chewing ice is one of the most common ways to damage tooth enamel, which can lead to chipped or fractured teeth. The last thing you want to deal with on vacation is visiting the dentist for an emergency visit. Instead of chewing ice, try putting a few ice cubes in your favorite summer drink to help keep you cool. 2. Limit Sugary Beverages The summer is prime time for sugary beverages. Sugar can have adverse effects on your tooth enamel if not properly removed. If you are looking for the ultimate refresher, try drinking water. Water aids in strengthen the enamel and helps keep you cool and hydrated during the summer heat. 3. Schedule Your Routine Dental Visit Regular visits to the dentist are key to maintaining a healthy smile all year around. The summertime is the perfect time to schedule your routine dental exam, especially for children. With summer appointments, you don’t have to worry about scheduling your child’s appointment around their school schedule. Similarly, the same applies to college students. During a routine dental exam, you will receive an in-depth dental cleaning as well s a comprehensive exam. During this time, your dentist can recommend any necessary treatment and schedule your next visit. Visit Our Herndon, VA Dentist Office Are you searching for an experienced dentist in Herndon, VA? Visit Dr. Mark Jefferies of Herndon Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. If you would like to schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning, call (703) 570-1152 or request an appointment online.