Time To Floss In Mt. Vernon May 17th, 2013
Many residents of the Mt. Vernon, and Alexandria area are finding that they just don’t have time to floss and that it’s difficult to fit it into their daily schedule. If you’ve found this to be true, here are some ideas for when to fit this important dental health habit into your day.
- The most common time is right before bed, but make sure your aren’t too tired to do a good job.
- Right when you wake up is also an option, but if food is left between teeth all night, it has a chance to turn into plaque.
- Try just after lunch, but before you go back to work.
- Floss while you are in the car sitting in traffic. It’s easier one-handed with the pre-strung floss pics. (You might get some strange looks from other drivers, but it’s worth it.)
- After you exercise – keep some floss in your gym bag.
- While you’re watching the nightly news.
I hope this gives you some ideas to help you make flossing part of your daily routine. Flossing is essential for anyone who wants to have a healthy smile and avoid gum disease.
If you want to improve your smile, look into cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, invisible braces, teeth whitening or dental implants.
My name is Dr. James D. Geren and I am a family dentist for Alexandria and Mt. Vernon. Helping my dental patients establish good habits is important to me, as well as helping them achieve the smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening and complete smile makeovers.
We are currently accepting new patients, so give us a call at 703-996-4666 to make an appointment!
Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, Virginia
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/
Saliva And Alexandria’s Dental Health May 10th, 2013
Hi. I’m Dr. James D. Geren. Welcome to my Alexandria family dentistry blog. Today we’ll be looking at the complexity and importance of your saliva. Though most people may think it’s gross, saliva is essential to dental health as well as digestion.
Saliva is mostly water, but a small portion of it is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is a key factor in the development of cavities and other forms of tooth decay.
The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gum disease.
Now that Mt. Vernon area residents know how important saliva is to dental health, I’m sure you can see why ample salivary flow should concern you. For most of my cosmetic dentistry patients, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands to release saliva. However, dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is an ailment that should be dealt with quickly before oral health complications occur.
If you are in the Mt. Vernon, or Alexandria area and are looking for quality dental care, please contact my office today at 703-996-4666. We have been providing general and cosmetic dentistry in Alexandria since 1983.
Our caring, compassionate staff would be happy to talk to you about cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental implants, dental crowns, and the other services we provide to our valued patients.
Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria Virginia
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/
Is a Perfect Smile Possible In Alexandria? May 3rd, 2013
Are you considering a smile makeover in the Alexandria or Mt. Vernon area? Are you skeptical of promises of a ‘perfect smile’ a ‘celebrity smile’ or ‘a dazzling, youthful smile’? Let’s talk about the most popular cosmetic dental procedures and the results that can be expected.
Composite Veneers
The application of porcelain veneers at James D. Geren, DDS can remedy a multitude of aesthetic dental problems and is often a better cosmetic dental solution than dental bonding. Veneers can correct tooth chips, tooth cracks, minor tooth misalignment, tooth discoloration, unattractive tooth shape, and disproportionate tooth size. Can a porcelain veneer create a perfect tooth? While a veneer cannot fix a decayed tooth, it can turn an unsightly tooth into an aesthetically perfect tooth.
Tooth Bleaching
Tooth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment that dramatically improves a smile. However, some cosmetic dentists will guarantee fantastic results for any patient that desires a whiter smile. At James D. Geren, DDS in Alexandria we only recommend tooth bleaching for clients that are good candidates for the process. If you have all-natural teeth that are dull or stained, tooth whitening will brighten your smile. If you have several crowns in the front of your mouth, or gums that have receded, conventional tooth-whitening may not improve your smile.
Call 703-996-4666 to schedule a tooth-whitening consultation.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
If you have a mouth full of metal fillings, you may be interested in tooth-colored fillings. To get an idea of how the inside of your mouth would look without metal, have someone without any fillings open their mouth. Do you remember when your mouth looked like that? Would you like to bring your smile back to its pre-filling appearance? It is possible with tooth-colored fillings at James D. Geren, DDS.
These are just a few of the cosmetic dental solutions that create perfect smiles for our Mt. Vernon cosmetic and family dentistry clients. You can see a complete list of our services at http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/.
Healthy Teeth And Your Alexandria Diet April 26th, 2013
Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Alexandria area residents. As your family dentist, it’s my job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy. Everyone in the Mt. Vernon area knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local cosmetic dental practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.
A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.
All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out tooth colored fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.
Just as certain diet choices in the Mt. Vernon area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.
Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve your gum and dental health.
If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth in the Alexandria area, contact James D. Geren, DDS – Family Dentistry at 703-996-4666. We would love to hear from you.
-Dr. James D. Geren, DDS, MAGD
5 Tips For Mt. Vernon Residents With Mouth Sores April 19th, 2013
Hi. I’m Dr. James D. Geren. When my Alexandria area family dentistry patients get mouth sores, I advise them to evaluate what they’re eating and make some changes. By following these tips, you too can avoid the discomfort of eating and help to increase the speed of healing.
1. Eat soft or pureed foods. Don’t worry, you won’t have to eat baby food, plenty of adult dishes fit the bill, such as:
cream soups
yogurt
hot cereal
mashed potatoes
puddings
2. Keep your meals bland for a while. I know it’s no fun, but watch out for overly spicy, tart, salty or acidic foods while you have a mouth sore.
3. Also, keep it cool. Eat only food that is at room temperature or is served chilled.
4. Use a straw so that whatever you are drinking can bypass the mouth sore altogether.
5. Try to moisten dry foods. This can be done by adding sauces, dressings, and gravies to your meals. Yum!
I hope that these suggestions will help you the next time you suffer from a mouth sore. If you are looking for a family and cosmetic dentist in the Mt. Vernon area, consider my practice, James D. Geren, DDS. We have been serving the Alexandria area since 1983. Call us at 703-996-4666 to schedule and examination and consultation. We offer a complete menu of general and cosmetic dental procedures including:
dental crowns
sedation dentistry
cosmetic dentistry
dental implants
You can also visit us on the web at http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/patient-services/.
Call today!
Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, Virginia
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/
Mt. Vernon Wants Silver Screen Smiles April 12th, 2013
With the constant media coverage of celebrities, many Mt. Vernon area dental patients are interested in having a smile like the stars. With an experienced dentist and the right smile makeover procedures, anyone can have a smile they want to show off.
Many smile makeovers include teeth whitening. There are a variety of ways this can be done. Most drugstores sell over-the-counter whitening strips and gels. Your Alexandria dentist can recommend an effective one, or he or she may offer in-office bleaching. This is a quick way to see whiter teeth in less than an hour.
For missing teeth, most Mt. Vernon cosmetic dentists will recommend a dental implant. Because a dental implant is anchored into the jawbone, it looks and feels just like a natural tooth. A dental implant prevents jawbone recession and the shifting of adjacent teeth.
Porcelain veneers are especially popular in the Mt. Vernon area. They cover the front of the teeth and are custom-made for each individual patient. These are useful for Alexandria patients who have broken or chipped teeth, stained teeth, or gaps between teeth that they would like to hide.
Enamel shaping, bonding, and braces are other successful treatments that can be used to help your teeth look their best.
I’m Dr. James D. Geren, a trusted Alexandria dentist. If you are looking for quality dental care in the Alexandria or Mt. Vernon area, I hope you’ll give us a call at 703-996-4666.
We offer cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, dental implants, and dental crowns.
Oral Rinses: An Extra Measure Of Tooth Protection For Alexandria Kids April 5th, 2013
Hello, I’m Dr. James Geren of James D. Geren, DDS. Alexandria parents usually know the basics on children’s oral health: limit sugar, make sure they brush and floss regularly, take them to the family dentist for twice-yearly exams and cleanings, discourage between-meal snacking, see that they get enough calcium and Vitamin D, etc. Many parents in the Alexandria area also give their kids fluoride supplements if their municipal water supply has an inadequate level of fluoride.
Is there anything else a concerned parent can do to promote children’s oral health? Yes! Have children use an oral rinse that contains fluoride.
Fluoride supplements help strengthen teeth that are still forming, but fluoride rinses help teeth that have already come in. A fluoride rinse is an added measure of protection.
I recommend Alexandria children use an oral rinse after they brush and floss. They should swish it around in their mouth for thirty seconds or so, and then spit it out. (Make sure your child doesn’t swallow it!) This should be the last substance in their mouth before they go to bed. The fluoride will remain on the teeth and help prevent new cavities from forming. It can also help stop any demineralization that has already begun by accumulating in the tiny fissures and fortifying the enamel.
At James D. Geren, DDS, we focus on preventative dentistry for Mt. Vernon and Alexandria area families. We believe that today’s children can enjoy healthy teeth for life.
In addition to all general dentistry procedures, we also offer complete cosmetic dental smile makeovers. If you are interested in transforming your entire smile with precision cosmetic and restorative dentistry, call us at 703-996-4666 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria Virginia
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/
A New Reason To Eat More Fish In Alexandria March 29th, 2013
Hello Alexandria dental blog visitors, welcome to the James D. Geren, DDS blog. I am Dr. James D. Geren.
I came across an interesting dental article on the Web MD Health News site the other day. The article is entitled ‘Fatty Fish, Nuts May Prevent Gum Disease.’ Author Jennifer Warner explains that a recent study links diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) with a lower risk of periodontitis.
Gum disease is a common dental issue for many Mt. Vernon area folks. When gum tissue pulls away from a tooth, it forms a pocket. (You know what they say about Nature abhorring a vacuum.) This pocket is a warm, moist place for bacteria to flourish. If periodontitis goes untreated, the tooth and jaw bone are at risk. During dental examinations, I carefully measure gumline pockets and examine all teeth for gum disease.
“Researchers found that people whose diets were rich in PUFAs were as much as 30 percent less likely to have gum disease than those who ate little or none of this type of fat.”
Foods high in PUFAs include salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, sardines, herring. Oils high in PUFAs include safflower oil, soybean oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and margarines made with the previously mentioned oils. Almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds and flax seeds are high PUFA nuts/seeds.
I don’t know many families in Alexandria that regularly eat mackerel and herring. Maybe some of us could benefit from becoming more adventurous when it comes to seafood.
The possible prevention of gum disease is not the only reason to eat high PUFA foods. These foods pack a nutritional punch and have myriad health benefits. The next time you are stocking up at the local Costco, you may want to add some salmon and walnuts to your list.
It is important to understand that diet alone will not treat or prevent gum disease, however it may be an additional tool for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
If you have not been to your Alexandria family dentist in a while, I urge you to schedule an examination and cleaning today. We are currently taking new dental clients at James D. Geren, DDS.
If you are interested in teeth whitening, smile makeovers, tooth-colored fillings or invisible braces, call us today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. James D. Geren
James D. Geren, DDS
8101 Hinson Farm Road, Suite 114
Alexandria, Virginia 22306
703-996-4666
http://www.cosmeticdentistalexandria.com/about-us/about-dr-geren/
Celebrating The Past And Looking To The Future At James D. Geren, DDS March 22nd, 2013
It has now been 150 years since the first dental license was issued to Sir John Tomes. Mt. Vernon dental patients should be grateful for the advances made in dentistry during the past 150 years.
There was a time when local blacksmiths and wig makers would also extract teeth with forceps to make a little extra money. Anyone could call themselves a dentist. Often these untrained people broke the jaws of the person they were trying to help. Ouch!
At James D. Geren, DDS, we celebrate with the Mt. Vernon dental community and marvel at the many advances made in the history of dentistry, particularly cosmetic dentistry.
One of the modern treatments that has helped countless Alexandria patients is invisible braces. This non-visible orthodontic therapy is custom made for each patient. They are transparent and removable and will help you achieve your desired smile in about 3 to 18 months.
I am Dr. James D. Geren. My training didn’t end when I graduated from dental school and opened my practice in Alexandria. As a cutting-edge cosmetic and family dentist, I continually seek training so I can expertly perform the latest procedures. In addition, our practice uses the most advanced dental materials available.
If you are one of the many Alexandria residents who has dreamed of an esthetic improvement to your smile, we invite you to make an appointment with James D. Geren, DDS to discuss a smile makeover. Complete smile transformations are completed as quickly and professionally as possible – sometimes in just one visit!
One of our most sought after treatments at James D. Geren, DDS is Cosmetic & Family Dentistry and many Alexandria folks are enjoying a brighter smile because of family dentistry.
At James D. Geren, DDS we have been serving the residents of zip code area 22306 since 1983 and would love to provide you and your family with professional, friendly dental care.
Sedation Dentistry In Alexandria For Kids And Parents March 15th, 2013
At James D. Geren, DDS we know that many children in Alexandria fear going to the dentist. I am Dr. James D. Geren and my staff and I at James D. Geren, DDS want to make your child’s first visit to my family dentistry practice a positive experience. Regular dental check-ups from toddler age are an essential part of oral hygiene.
Alexandria parents can follow these guidelines to help prepare their child for a dental visit.
1. Talk about the exam with your child. Answer any questions with uncomplicated answers
2. Don’t share your bad dental experiences with your child
3. Don’t imply that the exam will be painful
4. Help your child understand that this is an important part of staying healthy
5. Don’t offer a reward for visiting the dentist
It is important for parents to make sure they aren’t anxious about cosmetic dental visits because children can sense their stress.
At James D. Geren, DDS we have been treating children and adults since 1983. Our professional, friendly staff can calm the nerves of a fearful child and help them have a gentle dental experience.
If you or your child has had a bad dental experience or is unable to stay calm while visiting the dentist, ask us about sedation dentistry. We want all of our patients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible while receiving excellent dental care.
For simple dental procedures topical anesthetics are applied to the gums and other tissues reducing oral sensation. If you require more sedation, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia are safe solutions.
James D. Geren, DDS also offers complete smile makeovers which may include dental implants, teeth whitening, dental veneers, or any other cosmetic dental procedures required. All of these can be done with some type of sedation if required.
Don’t let your fears or your child’s fears keep your child from having a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact James D. Geren, DDS today!
I am Dr. James D. Geren and I am proud to have served dental patients in the Alexandria community for over 20 years. Through continuing education and state-of-the-art equipment, we are able to offer you and your family the high level of dental care you’re looking for.
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8101 Hinson Farm Rd Suite 114
Alexandria, VA 22306
703-996-4666
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