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Taking A Fear-Free Trip To The Dentist Office

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Do you ever put off scheduling an appointment to the dentist just because of fear? Having a fear of the dentist is very real and studies have shown that nearly seventy-five percent of adults have a fear of visiting the dentist, and of those, about five to ten percent have such a strong fear, they suffer from dentophobia. So how do you schedule yourself an appointment with the dentist knowing that you might have a panic attack? Find the best and kindest dentists in town who understand your fear and will do everything they can to help you through your dentist visit.

Cross, Lavinder, Quinn, and Park Family Dentistry is the best fear-free dentist office in Virginia

We are not only committed to helping you and your family have the healthiest and happiest smiles around, but we also want to make sure that you are cared for and comfortable. We have the equipment and expertise of a big city dentistry, but we make sure to take care of all of our patients with a gentle touch and great chair-side manner. You deserve skilled, experienced dental care along with a comfortable and calming environment.  

Here are what a few of our customers have said about our gentle touch and fear-free dental care

  • “I have an extreme Dentist Phobia. Dr. Williams and his staff put me right at ease. The whole office is great from the front desk on. Thank you so much!” ~Sara Harris Driscoll. 
  • “Dr. Cross took good care of my daughter, this was her first time to the dentist. The staff was friendly and they always provide great service.”  ~Turahn Lenoir
  • “Dr. Ward is the best. He makes sure you are comfortable throughout the whole process and the staff is awesome too.” ~Stekeshia Craighead. 
  • “Amazing staff and very professional. Dr. Quinn treats you with compassion and is very attentive to your dental needs and situation. I highly recommend them.” ~ Bill Bower

Let our talented and caring dentists help put you at ease and have a great experience at the dentist. We will help make sure your oral health is taken care of while making sure that you are comfortable. Our patients are our number one priority, and we believe everyone should feel safe and cared for at the dentist. Contact us today to ask any questions or to schedule your first true fear-free dental appointment.

Three Tips For Getting The Best Dental Services

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Choosing the best dental practice with the best dental services can be tricky. You need to not only find a dental practice that has great chair-side manner but also has excellent services that you and your family need. Finding the best dental office for you and your family does not have to be difficult or stressful. Here are three tips to help you find the best dental care for your family: 

  • Reviews: The best way to know the quality in service of anything is to read reviews. We read reviews for movies, restaurants, and more, so why not read reviews for finding a great dentist? Here are just a few of the reviews from some of our satisfied patients who have visited Cross, Lavinder, Quinn, and Park Family Dentistry: 
    • “It had been a while since I have had the courage to go to the dentist! They not only got me in ASAP but made me feel so welcome in the process!! Had an extraction by Dr. WIlliams today; quick and painless outside of pressure mild discomfort! Can’t wait to get the whole family in there.” ~Amber Elaine Goodman.
    • “Dr. Quinn is the best! I’ve been coming here for 2-3 years now, and I’ve literally never had any significant pain after any work he’s done. I’ve had many fillings, a few root canals, and so much more. He’s a master of his craft!” ~Drew Bond
  • Services: In addition to having great reviews, you also need a dentist’s office that is capable of performing all the services that you and your family need. At our offices, we have a wide variety of services that fit everyone’s needs in your family. 
    • Preventative Dentistry: It is recommended that adults regularly visit the dentist at least once a year. During your examination we will focus on best oral hygiene practices, check your bite and jaw for any issues, check for risk of tooth decay, do a gum disease and oral cancer screening, and take dental x-rays if necessary. 
    • Children’s Dentistry: We will gently clean your children’s teeth and remove any plaque or tartar, leaving your child with a happy, healthy mouth. We work with you to make sure that they start getting the proper foundation for oral health. 
    • Orthodontics: Once your children get older and have all their adult teeth, orthodontics may be the next step in oral health. Having straight, properly-aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and healthier longer. Also, a straight smile gives you a happier and more confident demeanor. We also provide Invisalign®, retainers, and aligners. 
    • Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic dentistry is more than just dental: it’s about improving your quality of life. We understand that not every smile is the same, so each cosmetic solution is customized to fit your family’s individual needs. Our services include porcelain dental veneers, teeth whitening, bonding, and dental implants.
    • Sleep Apnea Treatments: There is nothing quite as scary as not hearing someone breathe for a long time while sleeping. Their long pauses in breathing may be a result of sleep apnea. If you or anyone in your family has been diagnosed with sleep apnea, we are here to help not only put your mind at ease but also help improve the health and sleep of those diagnosed with sleep apnea. 
  • Insurance: When it comes to paying for dental services, it is always nice to know that your insurance provider has your back. You need to make sure that your family dentistry will accept the insurance provider that you have. Here are the insurance companies that we are providers for: 
    • Delta Dental Premier
    • Cigna
    • Metlife PPO
    • Aetna PPO
    • Sun Life Financial  
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Following these tips will help ensure that you and your family get the best in dental care and services. Contact our dental offices and schedule an appointment for everyone in your family today for better oral health.

Daleville Dentist | Coffee and Your Teeth

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Coffee is well-known as hazardous to teeth, but there are things you can do besides cut it out completely. Here are some things to know about coffee’s effects on your oral health and diet, as well as how to mitigate them.

Contrary to popular belief, the pigments that give coffee its color can stain your teeth regardless of whether you take your coffee black or with cream. These pigments embed themselves in microscopic crevices and pits in your tooth enamel and are difficult to remove. To counteract this, don’t give the pigments time to set. When drinking coffee, drink quickly instead of sipping over a long period. Enjoy, then rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid. In addition, following your recommended schedule of dental cleanings can help prevent stains. Whitening can improve the color of your teeth if mild staining has started. Ask our doctor how best to keep your smile bright.

Coffee can have minor benefits for your nutrition, but there are also things to beware. Drinks that are high in dairy fat or sugar can add substantial calories, as well as contributing to the chance of tooth decay. Try making your own coffee at home, where you can control the ingredients used. Minimize your use of creamer and sugar, or try using non-fat or sugar-free substitutes.

Coffee can still be a healthy party of your life if you take some care to protect your teeth. For more tips or to schedule a professional cleaning, contact our office.

175 Market Ridge Lane | Daleville, VA 24083
Phone: (540) 992-1004

Vinton Dentist | What to Know About E-Cigarettes and Your Oral Health

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The hazards surrounding vaping are not entirely clear. More research is needed in this area, but a recent study indicates that e-cigarette vapors could be damaging to your mouth. Here’s what you need to know.

The Vapor Ingredients

Electronic cigarettes are not regulated in the same way tobacco cigarettes are, meaning that their contents can be inaccurately labeled without any oversight. Contents that e-juice usually contains include nicotine, glycerin, chemical flavoring, and propylene glycol. Some of these substances are safe in food, such as chemical flavors, but the effects of inhaling them is not well researched. Heating these chemicals can form dangerous carcinogens such as formaldehyde. E-cigarettes might also include tiny metals and particles that you inhale while smoking.

What This Means for Your Oral Health

A recent study from UCLA found that vapors from an e-cigarette can kill the cells in your oral cavity, or the area of your mouth beyond your teeth and gums. The study placed oral cells in an environment where electronic cigarette smoke was produced for 24 hours, in a machine simulating how a person would smoke. During the test, 85% of the cells died. According to the lead author of the study, they plan to move forward to test the impacts in humans.

These cells are your mouth’s defense by helping to release antioxidants. As the cells die off or become less effective, your mouth becomes more vulnerable to oral diseases.

Another study by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded e-cigarettes are just as bad for your gums as tobacco cigarettes are. Nicotine, which both types of cigarettes contain, is a known factor in contributing to gum disease.

Steps You Can Take

Since the e-juice industry is largely unregulated, it is best to avoid smoking electronic cigarettes. The carcinogenic contents pose serious risks to your health, especially to your mouth. Your mouth relies on the functions of these important cells to defend itself against dangerous bacteria and other substances. Without your mouth’s natural defense system, you open yourself up to oral disease.

Make sure you are regularly visiting our office, especially if you are a smoker of either tobacco cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes. Our experienced dental team will perform a complete oral examination during your visit to check for signs of oral disease. Being proactive is your best defense against combating oral disease.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to scheduleyour next visit, please contact us.

224 W. Virginia Ave
Vinton, VA 24179

(540) 342-8756

Roanoke Dentist | How to Beat Bad Breath

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Due to the anxiety or embarrassment it can cause, halitosis – or bad breath – can be difficult for many people to face. However, clean-smelling breath may be easier than you think. Try these solutions to overcome halitosis and regain your confidence.

  1.    Maintain oral care – Brushing and flossing your teeth is incredibly important to warding off bad breath. Make sure to brush at least twice a day and floss once a day.
  2.    Quit smoking – Cigarettes and other tobacco products are a common cause of halitosis, in addition to more serious concerns like oral cancer or gum disease.
  3.    Chew sugar free gum – Carry a pack of sugar free gum to chew between meals. It can stimulate saliva flow, mask odors, and prevent tooth decay that might indirectly cause bad breath. Avoid gum that isn’t sugar free, as this can introduce more sugar to your teeth that might contribute to decay.
  4.    Mouthwash – While it is only a temporary solution mouthwash can be a quick way to provide relief from halitosis. However, if you feel you need to use mouthwash several times each day, contact our office for an exam to check for the underlying cause of your bad breath.
  5.    Clean your tongue – When brushing your teeth, make sure not to ignore your tongue. Brush it gently with a wet toothbrush or use a tongue scraper with care. This helps remove bacteria and food particles that can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.
  6.    Dental visits – Tooth decay, gum disease, and many other dental health issues can be the source of halitosis. By maintaining your recommended schedule of cleanings and examinations, we can work with you to treat any underlying causes of bad breath and ensure your optimal oral health.

Halitosis can be prevented by targeting underlying concerns such as tooth decay. Schedule a visit with our office for a cleaning and an examination and enjoy the clean taste of fresh breath.

1930 Electric Rd. | Roanoke, VA 24018
Phone: (540) 989-1170

Dentist in Daleville | 6 Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children

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Oral health is important at every stage in life. Just because your children are going to lose their primary (baby) teeth eventually doesn’t mean that we can ignore the importance of dental care. Tooth decay can be painful and uncomfortable to treat. To protect your child’s smile, it is vital to understand optimal preventive care.

  1. Explain the important of routine dental care to your children and turn brushing and flossing into something fun that they look forward to each day.
  2. Schedule routine appointments to our office for cleanings and dental exams. Your child should start seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges. Make sure to continue visiting us twice a year for optimal oral health.
  3. Include crisp and fibrous foods into your child’s diet. Fruits and vegetables high in water content help keep your child’s mouth hydrated. Foods such as apples increase saliva which inhibit bacteria from sticking to their teeth.
  4. Avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar. Soda, juice and candy are all treats that most children love to eat. However, these can be detrimental to your child’s teeth and overall health.
  5. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. Water flushes bacteria and acid away from teeth. Encourage your children to drink water especially after eating.
  6. Ask us about dental sealants for your children. Sealants can add a layer of protection to your child’s teeth where bacteria build up to prevent damage.

Tooth decay starts out as a small problem, but left untreated can lead to serious oral health issues. By adding a few minor habits into your daily routine, your child’s oral health can change for the better. Simple changes in diet and routine can keep cavities at bay.

Call us today to schedule an appointment for your child.

175 Market Ridge Lane | Daleville, VA 24083
Phone: (540) 992-1004

Vinton Dentist | 3 Steps to a Healthy Smile

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Did you know that tooth decay is the single largest cause of school absences? The longer decay goes untreated, the worse it gets. Not only can this mean costlier expenses for you, but it also jeopardizes your child’s oral health and education. You can help your child have a healthy, happy smile by taking a few steps to defend against tooth decay. Here are three steps you can take at home.

  1. Reduce Excessive Sugar

Sugary foods feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Limit your child’s sugary intake by keeping candy, soft drinks, juices, and other sweets to a minimum. If your child does indulge in a sugary snack or treat, make sure they brush their teeth afterwards.

  1. Follow a Consistent Brushing Routine

One of the best steps you can take for your child is to help them establish a daily brushing routine. They should brush for at least two minutes both morning and night. Try brushing at the same times each day so that it becomes a habit. We also strongly recommend that parents monitor their children to make sure they are brushing correctly and safely. It’s important that children avoid swallowing toothpaste or mouthwash.

  1. Strengthen Teeth with Dairy Products

Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, particularly cheese, yogurt, and milk. Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth. Increasing the amount of calcium in your child’s diet can help strengthen tooth enamel, one of the natural defenses against decay. If your child is lactose intolerant or cannot consume other dairy products, we suggest you talk to our team for additional solutions.

Healthy teeth start at home. Implement the three simple steps above with your child at home to ensure they have a happy, healthy smile. The single most important step you can take for your child is to bring them in to see our team. Regular oral health examinations for your child are essential to ensure that their teeth are healthy and growing properly.

Contact our team to schedule your child’s next examination today.

224 W. Virginia Ave | Vinton, VA 24179
Phone: (540) 342-8756

Dentist in Roanoke, VA | Changing Your Spots: White Areas on Teeth

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roanoke dentistWhite spots on your teeth can be irritating and affect how you feel about your smile. The good news, however, is that they are preventable and rarely cause for concern. Here are things you should know about what causes white spots, how to prevent them, and what options are available should you already have them.

 

What causes white spots on teeth?

  1.       Dental Fluorosis – This can happen when a child consumes or is exposed to too much fluoride during the development of their teeth. While undesirable, this is harmless and can happen before teeth even emerge. The most common cause of fluorosis in the US is the use or ingestion of too much toothpaste.
  2.       Poor Dental Hygiene – Forgetting to brush regularly can cause white spots to develop.
  3.       Braces – Wearing braces for an extended time can affect the coloration of your teeth and create white spots.
  4.       Acidic or Sugary Foods – These foods can damage your teeth as well as change the color of their enamel. Rinsing your mouth after you consuming acidic or sugary items can help negate these effects.

 

How can I prevent them from appearing?

Following a proper oral hygiene regimen is the best way to prevent white spots on teeth. Ensure your child uses the correct amount of toothpaste – children under 3 should use a smear the size of a rice grain, and children over 3 should not use more than a pea-sized amount. It is common for children to accidentally swallow or fail to spit out toothpaste, so be sure to supervise your child as they are learning.

 

What are options for treatment?

If you are already dealing with white spots, you have options. Whitening or bleaching can make the coloration of your teeth more uniform. Dental veneers can restore the entire appearance of your teeth, solving not just the problem of white spots. In some cases, topical fluoride or enamel microabrasion upon the white spots themselves can do the trick.

 

Our doctor will recommend the optimal solution for treating white spots on your teeth. Contact our office for a consultation today.

Cross, Lavinder, Quinn, & Park Family Dentistry 1930 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 989-1170

 

Roanoke Dentist | 3 Simple Ways to Reduce Tooth Decay

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Dentist in RoanokeA happy smile is a healthy smile! There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are a few suggestions from our team.

Eat a Tooth Friendly Diet
Reduce the amount of sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on these substances.

We suggest you reduce grains, beans, seeds, and nuts in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diet such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots.

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat
Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal at home dental care routine. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth.

Dental Sealants
Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, dental sealants can benefit adults and those who have a higher risk of decay. Dental sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the tooth. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and minimizes exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down enamel.

When left untreated, tooth decay can cause discomfort and spread to other healthy teeth. You can combat tooth decay by reducing sugars and acids in your diet and brushing and flossing regularly. For some patients, dental sealants might be a solution.

Don’t forget to schedule your next visit to our office. Our team can provide a professional cleaning and check for signs of tooth decay.

Cross, Lavinder, Quinn, & Park Family Dentistry
1930 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 989-1170

Dentist in Roanoke, VA | Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

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Most serious oral health issues can be prevented by maintaining an effective routine of dental hygiene and in-office care. However, you could be at higher risk for some oral illnesses due to hereditary factors. Awareness and proper treatment can help minimize these risks. Here are a few of the most common oral health concerns that are affected by genetics.

Tooth decay – One of the most common oral issues, some tooth decay has been linked to a genetic deficiency of a protein called DEFB1. If your parents experienced an unusually high rate of tooth decay, then you may want to be more vigilant regarding your own dental care.

Oral cancer – Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Our doctor recommends annual oral cancer screening for early identification and treatment. In addition, certain lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Periodontal disease – Recent research has found that some forms of gum disease may be linked to mutations in genes that affect immunity and inflammatory response.

Misaligned or supernumerary (extra) teeth – Genetics can play a role in having misaligned or even extra teeth. The size of your jaw is determined mostly through heredity, and is the most common reason for an overbite, underbite, or dental crowding.

Canker sores – In most cases, canker sores are an isolated reaction to fatigue, stress, or menstrual cycles. However, there are certain inherited diseases that count canker sores among their symptoms. Crohn’s disease and Celiac sprue are two such conditions.

While you may not be able to avoid hereditary oral health issues entirely, we can help minimize or even reverse their effects with proper treatment and care. If you suffer from any of these inherited conditions, contact our office for an oral health evaluation. We can help.

Cross, Lavinder, Quinn, & Park Family Dentistry
1930 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 989-1170