Preventative Dentistry For Whole-Body Health

Maintain Your Smile And Your Overall Wellness, Too

At Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry, Dr. Diane Pham understands that your oral health and your overall health are linked. That’s why we offer expert preventive care that helps protect your oral health and your whole-body health, too. From comprehensive exams and teeth cleanings to personalized lifestyle and oral hygiene advice, our team’s top priority is to keep you healthy, happy, and smiling brightly for years to come.

The Oral Health & Whole-Body Health Connection

Your oral health isn’t separate from your overall health. Your mouth is just one part of a larger system, and each part affects the other. Wondering how your oral health can influence your whole-body health, and vice versa? Here are just a few examples:

• Inflammation from gum disease is linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke
• High levels of oral bacteria lead to a higher risk of developing pneumonia
• Damaged, painful teeth can make it harder to eat nutritious and healthy foods 
• Bacteria from tooth infections can spread from your teeth and gums into the rest of your body
• Diabetes can raise your risk of developing gum disease, especially if it’s not properly controlled
• Some health conditions and certain medications can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), leading to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease

At our office in Vienna, VA, Dr. Pham takes a holistic approach to dental health and whole-body health. She’ll take the time to learn more about you, your health history, medications you’re taking, and your lifestyle and habits. This allows her to provide personalized preventative care that protects your teeth, your gums, and your overall health.

Our Preventative Dentistry Services

Teeth cleanings & oral exams

Six-month cleanings and oral exams are at the heart of everything we do at Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry. Routine cleanings allow our team to remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar from your teeth, while oral exams ensure that Dr. Pham can keep an eye on your oral health. By seeing us every six months, you can dramatically reduce your risk of gum disease and cavities, and you can get care right away if Dr. Pham notices any oral health issues.

Digital X-rays

We typically recommend that new patients get a set of X-rays during their first visit with Dr. Pham. Existing patients usually need X-rays about every 12 months. X-rays let Dr. Pham and our team see below the surface and look for things like hidden tooth decay, signs of infections, old or worn-out dental work, and much more.

Oral cancer screenings

We offer oral cancer screenings as part of every six-month visit. Dr. Pham will look for lumps, discolored tissue, and other common signs of oral cancer. While this type of cancer is relatively rare, it can be very dangerous if it’s not caught early. Thanks to routine oral cancer screenings, you can get peace of mind after your visit to Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry.

Fluoride treatments

Fluoride treatments are a great way to strengthen teeth and fight back against tooth decay. This treatment involves painting a fluoride varnish over your teeth, leaving it in place for a few minutes, then rinsing it away. The fluoride attracts minerals that strengthen your enamel and protect your teeth from cavities.

Dental sealants

Sealants are another great option for cavity-prone kids, and they can be a good option for adults, too. In this treatment, Dr. Pham will apply a thin layer of plastic resin to your back teeth. Then, she will harden it with a UV light to form a strong barrier. This prevents food particles, bacteria, and acid from contacting your teeth directly. In turn, this dramatically reduces your risk of tooth decay.

Our Top Tips For Oral & Overall Health

Wondering what else you can do to maintain a beautiful smile, healthy gums, and good overall health? Here are a few tips from our team.

• Maintain great oral hygiene – You should brush two or three times per day with fluoride toothpaste, floss your teeth once per day, and use alcohol-free mouthwash to kill bacteria.
• Watch what you eat and drink – Staying away from sugary snacks and drinks will reduce your risk of both cavities and gum disease.
• Stop using tobacco/nicotine – Smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco/nicotine products are all associated with a much higher risk of cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, and tons of other oral and overall health issues.
  
  
• Stay hydrated – Proper hydration stimulates saliva flow. This is important since saliva helps rinse away food particles, bacteria, and acid that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
  
  

Never skip six-month checkups – Along with great oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle habits, seeing Dr. Pham and the team at Capital Esthetics & Family Dentistry for a checkup every six months is the best way to keep your mouth healthy.