Our genes play a big role in shaping who we are. You may know you inherited your grandmother’s eyes or your father’s quick wit — but what about your oral health? Many people do not realize that certain smile “traits” are inherited, while others are shaped by habits and lifestyle choices. Below, you will find you more about the role genes have in oral health from your dentist in Potomac Falls. Knowing can help you keep a cleaner, healthier smile for life!

Perhaps you have dental insurance through your employer, or maybe you decided to purchase it on your own. In either case, you might view your policy as a nice “safety net” in case you ever have a dental emergency. However, seeing your coverage in that light means you could be missing out on hundreds of dollars’ worth of benefits every year! Let’s discuss four reasons why you should use your dental insurance before the end of 2019.

Are you thinking about getting porcelain veneers near Sterling? These thin, custom-made pieces of dental porcelain have the potential to totally transform the way your teeth look. They can disguise a broad range of aesthetic flaws, make you appear younger, and perhaps even give your confidence a big boost. Still, you likely have questions about this treatment, one of which may be “Exactly how many porcelain veneers do I need?” Let’s discuss some factors that go into determining the answer to that question.

The way your teeth look can have a direct effect on your self-esteem. You may hesitate to smile in photos, or you might be shy when you meet new people. Plus, some dental problems that impact the way your teeth look can also have a bearing on your oral and overall health. What can you do to correct the issues that are stopping your smile from reaching its true potential? Talk to your dentist about getting a smile makeover.

We often read about Tongue-Tie (T.T.) [and Lip tie (L.T.)] in babies, often in conjunction with inability for the baby to properly latch during breastfeeding. What about T.T. in adults ? Consider some signs and symptoms related to T.T. in adults (as well as in childhood and adolescence).

TENS is an acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Essentially, the therapy delivers ultra-low frequency electrical impulses to the nerves that control the muscles associated with facial expression and jaw function. It works by reducing inflammation, increasing blood flow, releasing endorphins, and stimulating muscles to function aerobically. When muscles are in spasm, as often happens in TMD, they contract and shorten, which hinders blood flow. When TENS therapy increases blood flow to the area, it promotes muscle relaxation. TENSing allows your dentist, not just to provide temporary pain relief, but also to move your jaw to a more proper resting position.

Oftentimes, cancer begins so subtly that its symptoms don’t become obvious until it has advanced to the point where it is extremely difficult to treat. That is why doctors so strongly encourage patients to regularly get checked for signs of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other forms of this devastating disease. Oral cancer is no exception to the rule. Regularly visiting Dr. Bryce in Potomac Falls for oral cancer screenings could be the key to early detection, and thus a key to survival. Now is the perfect time to talk about why screening is so important and how you can recognize signs of this serious condition.

Over the years, science has provided us with a number of ways in which we can slow down or perhaps even prevent Alzheimer’s. For example, exercise, learning new things, eating a healthy diet, and fostering healthy relationships may all play a role in promoting long-term brain health. But did you know that maintaining healthy gums may also be pivotal in preventing Alzheimer’s? Your Potomac Falls Dentist, Dr Bryce, is here to discuss recent research that points to a strong connection between gum health and brain health.

Dr. Robert Bryce in Sterling is interested in more than just your oral health; your overall well-being is also a priority. While Dr. Bryce is working to make sure that you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile, he and his team are taking steps to make sure that everything in the dental office is properly sterilized. Why is sterilization so vital, and what specific steps should a dentist take to protect you from harmful microorganisms? Let’s talk about this important subject.

Many people who regularly snore use nasal sprays, uncomfortable sleeping positions, or other techniques to cut down on the noise they make at night. Those who snore due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may even employ a CPAP machine to fight their snoring and help them breathe easier at night. But did you know that a simpler solution may be available for you? The ProSomnus MicrO2 device is an innovative and comfortable oral appliance that could help you stop snoring and enable you to enjoy higher-quality rest.