To my dear NOVA Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics patients and families, I hope this email finds you well as you adjust to our “new normal”. The purpose of this correspondence is to update you on the current status of the office closure and provide some tips, guidance, and answers to frequently asked orthodontic questions during this time. As of today, March 26, Governor Northam has ordered all medical/dental practices to cease all non-emergency procedures until May 1, 2020.  This prohibits all orthodontic procedures that are not absolute emergencies (severe pain or risk of infection).  The goal of this mandate is to help curb the spread of infection of the virus and preserve … [Read more...]

If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know they’re not fun and can be seriously disruptive. Tooth pain can make daily activities miserable and affect sleep patterns, appetite, mood and ability to focus. Toothaches can be even tougher for kids, especially if they can’t identify or communicate exactly what’s going on. Here are a few things to look for if your child complains about tooth pain, along with some strategies for temporary pain relief and warning signs that mean you should call your pediatric dentist. What Are the Signs of a Toothache in Children? Sometimes when we have a toothache, it’s hard to identify what’s causing the pain, especially in younger children who may not always have … [Read more...]

Our teeth are a big part of the first impression we make at almost any age, and it seems like kids always notice the details -- whether it’s a classmate’s braces or an overbite. When it comes to self-esteem, braces are a mixed bag. What we see is a trade-off between the temporary inconvenience of treatment and the major long-term confidence boost that comes withfixing orthodontic problems. In most cases, orthodontic treatment is a big win when it comes to self-esteem, but sometimes it takes a while for that to become clear. For an orthodontist, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a young person walk out of our office after completing treatment with confidence soaring and a beautiful … [Read more...]

X-rays are an important part of all dental care, including pediatric dentistry. They let us know when something’s wrong and help us keep track of development as your child grows. But not every kid needs an X-ray at every check-up. Since X-rays use low levels of radiation, we’re conservative about when and why we use them for your child. Instead of taking a one size fits all approach, we save X-rays for when they’re truly needed. Why Do Kids Need Dental X-rays? Children’s mouths are growing and changing, and their dentist needs to stay up to date. Kids are also more likely to get tooth decay than adults, so pediatric dentists need to be especially vigilant. Catching cavities early is … [Read more...]

Is my orthodontist a dentist? Is my dentist an orthodontist? We know it can get a little confusing, especially as new technology makes it easier for some general dentists to offer orthodontic treatment. What’s important to remember is that while your dentist and orthodontist receive much of the same training, their specialties and focus are very different. If your child is receiving orthodontic care, you’ll look to your different oral health providers to meet different needs, and one doesn’t replace the other. What Is A Dentist? A dentist is an oral health specialist who has completed dental school and earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. While … [Read more...]

That first baby tooth is always a special milestone. There’s just nothing cuter than a drooly pair of bottom front teeth in a tiny mouth. But not every baby gets her teeth at the same time, and not every child loses her baby teeth on the same schedule. While dental professionals offer general guidelines on timing for both primary and permanent teeth, there’s usually no need to worry if your little one is behind or ahead of the curve. However, there are some situations involving delayed emergence of baby or adult teeth that call for a visit to your pediatric dentist. When Should My Child’s Teeth Come In? Did you know that when babies are born, their teeth are already formed in their gums … [Read more...]

Orthodontic care is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Braces are an investment in your child’s oral health and appearance for life, but they can cause minor complications if families don’t pay attention to basic dental hygiene and follow-up care. We know that the benefits of high-quality orthodontic care outweigh any drawbacks and most complications can be avoided by strong, positive communication with your orthodontist and active engagement from your child. What Are Some Complications With Braces? It’s a little ironic, but sometimes the braces that are helping to straighten your child’s bite can make basic dental care more challenging. Teeth with braces can be harder to … [Read more...]

Every parent wants their children to have strong, healthy teeth. Your pediatric dentist is an important partner in making this happen, but good habits at home can make the biggest difference. Good habits and preventive care are key, and nutrition is one of the top factors in building strong teeth from the start. Strong Teeth for Life: Nutrition is Key Great nutrition from an early age is one of the most important gifts we can give our children. This means providing healthy meals and snacks and also becoming a role model in our own eating habits. Children will eat what’s available and accessible, and it’s our job to make sure the right things are in our fridges and pantries. Here are some … [Read more...]

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the dental care world, there’s nowhere that applies more than dental sealants. Sealants can reduce the risk of cavities on molars by 80 percent, according to the American Dental Association. Both the ADA, the Centers for Disease Control and family dentists around the country are proponents of sealants because of their remarkable track record of prevention. What Are Sealants? The grooves and pits in molars trap food particles and are prone to cavities. Covering those grooves can have a big impact on cavity prevention. Sealants, made of a composite resin containing special plastic material, are applied to the back … [Read more...]