Posts Tagged ‘Dr. Steve Bunn’

February – National Children’s Dental Health Month

Getting kids started out right with their teeth is a mission of mine, and I hope yours too. Dental health has long-term implications for heart disease and stroke. Most dental problems can be avoided if usual prevent practices are followed. It is the standard of care to see little ones for a dental checkup by age 1 (well-baby checkup). If it’s time to get your children in for a checkup consider getting them in during National Childrens Dental Health Month.

I practice general, family, and cosmetic dentistry, and offer a wide range of services to all ages. All the dentistry I do is cosmetic: I do not use silver / amalgam fillings and have not since 1986. My focus is on education and prevention. I know that you can get a filling, or crown, or cleaning with any dentist – what makes a difference is how you receive the service, and I make every effort to help you feel welcome, comfortable, and respected.

• laser cavity detection
• tooth-colored fillings
• implants 1
• non-surgical periodontal treatment, root planing / scaling
• crowns, bridges, veneers
• teeth whitening
• bite guards
• nitrous oxide
• digital x-rays
• dentures (partial / complete)
• root canal treatment 2
• sealants
• sports mouthguards
• extractions  3

• 1 I restore the implant (make the crown / bridge), the actual implant is done by the oral surgeon or periodontist.
• 2 Some root canal treatment by the endodontist – as needed.
• 3 My commitment is to keep teeth and gums healthy (many extractions are treated by the oral surgeon or periodontist)
• I refer to specialists for your well being.

This time of year I’m sensitive to a couple needs that people have: 1) to get planned treatment done before the end of the calendar year, and 2) time off for students and others that make it more convenient for appointments.

We are closed December 24, 25 and 31. I will be out the week of Christmas, December 21-25, but otherwise will be available for appointments during my normal office hours.

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”
- Miguel de Cervantes

Toothbrush

• REGULAR soft, smaller is better, angled helps. My favorite is an Oral-B toothbrush.
• ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH, Sonicare (FlexCare H6911).
• DENTURE BRUSH, for retainers, bite guards, dentures.

Toothpaste

• DRY BRUSHING, brush until your teeth feel smooth (soft), not by time, click here.
• TARTAR PROTECTION (ingredient: pyrophosphate)
  >> preferred: PEROXICARE,  ADVANCE WHITE, or COMPLETE CARE (Arm & Hammer)
• SENSITIVE, 5% potassium nitrate (with tartar protection / control): Colgate Sensitive Enamel Protect, Colgate Sensitive Multi Protection, Sensodyne Full Protection or Sensodyne Tartar Control with Whitening. Colgate and Sensodyne have the only desensitizing toothpastes with tartar control (not just any one, but only these four listed).
• BIOTENE for dry mouth. Also for canker sores, it has no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).

Sensitive toothpaste warning label

If I have recommended that you can/should use Sensodyne toothpaste, it is best used exclusively all the time.

• Q: Why does the package state that if the pain or sensitivity still persists after 4 weeks of use, we should visit the dentist? [from the Sensodyne web site]
• A: The FDA requires this statement on the packaging of all over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes. Sensitive teeth may indicate a more serious problem that may need to have prompt care by a dentist. Your dental professional may recommend that you use Sensodyne daily if he or she has ruled out other dental or medical issues.

Between Teeth

• FLOSS, waxed is easy, but even easier is Glide™. Professional flossing: floss on middle fingers.
• GLIDE FLOSS PICKS, for kids. These are GREAT for adults and children, click here.
• GLIDE THREADER, floss threaders for under bridges, splints, and/or braces.
• INTERDENTAL BRUSH (Oral-B) or PROXABRUSH® (Butler), save your handle – replace the brushes. The Oral-B handle is much easier to use. Butler and Oral-B make travel versions. Use this from both the cheek side and tongue side.
• OTHER, floss holders, toothpicks, Stimudents®, etc.

Rinses

• SALT WATER, more effective than mouthwash any day. A saturated solution (4 teaspoons / pint of water or 1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water) swished between teeth for at least a minute. More effective because: much more comfortable and tolerable, antibacterial, no alcohol, easily available, cheaper. Time of day doesn’t matter, often leaving it premixed in the shower is very helpful (pint bottle with a sport top).
• THERASOL, antibacterial (ethoxylated tertiary amine and capryl/capramidopropylbetaine). Special order, click here.
• PEROXYL, diluted, flavored hydrogen peroxide (1.5%).

I specifically recommend against PerioGard, Peridex, chlorhexidine gluconate. Although these products are antibacterial, the side effects of increased tartar and stain are too great, AND there is an equally effective solution: TheraSol.

Irrigation

• Waterpik® (model WP-60W) With baking soda, two teaspoons per full reservoir at the highest pressure setting that is comfortable, click here. Wall mounting bracket available (1.800.525.2774). [220 volt internationl model, WP-60E - special order from Water Pik].

Etc.

• Xylitol, cavity-free, products.
  • Fragmints (mints)
  • Xponent gum
  • Dr. John’s Candies

Sorbitol and mannitol are the primary sweeteners in most sugarless gums, and although they reduce decay compared to sucrose (commonly referred to as ‘sugar’), xylitol does not cause decay.

• NICOTINE REDUCTION (patch / gum / lozenge / Rx tablet – inhaler) an aid to overcome the physical dependence of tobacco.
• DENAVIR, prescription required, antiviral cream for cold sores.
• FLUORIDE SUPPLEMENTS, prescription required, for children up through age 16.
• VITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS: Centrum or it’s equivalent. You can check the effectiveness/requirement by your fingernails.
• Sea-Bond Denture Brightening Gel Cleanser (formerly Ban-A-Stain), for retainers, bite guards, dentures. Available in drug stores.
• STRESS REDUCTION: physical exercise, meditation, biofeedback, medication, nutrition.
• BRUSH / SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE, stain is from bacteria that “pick-up” dark pigments from your diet. Tongue scrapers can also help prevent halitosis.
• DECAFFEINATED coffee, soda, tea.
• DISCLOSING SOLUTION to show where plaque remains on teeth, click here (2 Tone Disclosing Solution).
• CANKER COVER for canker sores, more info click here.
• KANKA®, ORAJEL® for irritations from braces, retainers or dentures.

SOAK for dentures, biteguards, retainers: plain, undiluted, white vinegar.

Frequently Asked Questions

• GENERAL INFORMATION
  • Bruise
  • Glossary of Dental Terminology
  • St. Apollonia, Patron Saint of Dentistry
  • Tooth Numbering
  • Transferring Records from Another Office
• PREVENTION & HOMECARE
  • Cold and Canker Sores
  • Dry Brushing
  • Flossing
  • Homecare Recommendations 
  • Sealants
  • Sports Mouthguards
  • Sugar and Sweeteners
  • Toothbrushing
  • Toothbrushing Cannot Damage Teeth or Gums
  • Total Joint Replacement, Antibiotics Before Dental Visits
  • Waterpik
  • Xylitol, Cavity-Free Sweetener
• DENTAL TREATMENT
  • Bite, Bite Guards, Bite Adjustment
  • Care of Your Mouth After An Extraction
  • Crowns and Bridges
  • Dental Implants 
  • Laser Cavity Detection (DIAGNodent) 
  • Low Income Dental Services
  • Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
  • Periodontal Disease
  • Root Canal Treatment
  • Teeth Whitening
  • Tooth-Colored Fillings
  • Specialists
  • Wisdom Teeth
  • X-Rays: Types, Intervals, Etc.
• ABOUT KIDS
  • Children’s Dentistry
  • National Childrens Dental Health Month
  • Tooth Eruption Chart
  • Tooth Fairy

Please check back regularly for updates and more topics.

Phone
   703 . 971 . 2788

Address
   5115 Franconia Rd, Suite D
   Alexandria, VA 22310
   in the Rose Hill Shopping Center
   with Dr. Eric Mestas

Hours

• Monday, Tuesday  7 am – 5 pm
•  Thursday  7 am – 2 pm
• Friday (2nd & 4th Fridays)  8 am – 2 pm

Transferring Records, click here.

Email contact.us@drbunn.com 
No appointments or cancellations via email. If you have questions about insurance plans or coverage, please call Pat or Mariela.

vCard

Topics appropriate for email vs. a face-to-face visit include those subjects which are not time sensitive or emergency situations. If you are faced with an emergency, make an appointment with your appropriate healthcare provider or go directly to the emergency room instead of asking for advice via email. Consultations and second opinions are not provided via email since direct examination is absolutely necessary to evaluate any condition accurately.

Health History
You can save yourself some time by clicking on the link(s) below, to print the health history, filling it out and bringing it with you to our office:  Adult Health History, Child Health Hisory.

Cancelling Appointments
We exclusively reserve time for each person and if you must cancel an appointment a 24 hour notice is appreciated. If you are unable to keep an appointment without notice there is a $50 broken appointment fee.

Welcome to my updated website. It’s clearly in progress, check back shortly.