Ask Dr. Beth: What, exactly, are cavities?

Dr. Beth Faber and team know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist – especially during their orthodontic treatment – is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly are cavities and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed. Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach

• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink

• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months – or as recommended – for a teeth cleaning and check-up

If you don’t have a general dentist, Dr. Faber would be glad to provide a few recommendations in our area!

We hope you’re having a great holiday season!

Season's Greetings from Dr. Beth & team!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Faber Orthodontics reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us here, or on our Facebook page, all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Happy Holidays!

Ask Dr. Faber: “I’m 36 – am I too old for braces?”

Of course not! At Faber Orthodontics, nobody, and we mean, NOBODY, is "too old" to straighten their teeth!

In fact, Dr. Beth Faber and our staff recently came across a fascinating statistic: the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed 24 percent since 1996! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: folks want to look and feel great. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned and sparkling teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing—very wisely, we might add—to invest in orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Faber can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Faber would love to have you visit for a complimentary consultation. Please give us a call at (804) 443-6419 to set one up!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Faber Orthodontics!

Are you wearing your mouthguard?

With winter sports right around the corner, many patients here at Faber Orthodontics will once again pick up the ball, bring the cleats out of seasonal retirement and hit the fields for the return of sports action! During this time, however, Dr. Beth Faber and our team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this fall and winter, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as basketball, wrestling and hockey.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Dr. Faber and team will tell you protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our office or ask us on Facebook. Stay safe!