Welcome to the Rye Smiles for Life Blog

According to a study recently presented at an International Association for Dental Research Meeting, people treated for gum disease and receiving maintenance care had lower medical costs than people undergoing initial treatment for gum disease. The study reported that on average, annual medical costs were $10,142 less for stroke patients and $1,418 lower for diabetes patients. The study also reports that people with severe gum disease spent 21 percent more for their health care, as compared to those with no gum disease. So taking care of you teeth is not only good for your health; it’s good for your wallet too! Thanks to Annie in our hygiene department for bringing this information to our attention! If you have any questions about how to maximize your oral health, please contact us.

There has been a paradigm shift in the way we treat dental decay. In the past, we only treated the symptoms of decay (a cavity) but not the cause. With MI paste, we can do both!

The cause of decay is the bacteria in acidic saliva. Several things can promote a low ph in the saliva, diet being the most common. There are over 600 medications which can also affect our saliva, leaving it acidic and a threat to our pearly whites. Aging can also be a factor in salivary acidity. MI Paste is 100% calcium phosphate with 100% bioavailability, meaning we use every bit of it. It is basically milk protein(casein) in a tube. Calcium phosphate balances out an acidic mouth, preventing cavities, reducing sensitivity, decreasing the appearance of white spots on the enamel (orthodontic patients), improving the shine and luster of the tooth and having a natural lightening effect. MI paste is used nightly because that is when the ph of our mouth drops to the lowest.

By supplementing the saliva with calcium phosphate, you can remineralize (strengthen) the deep layers of the tooth much like your daily and professional fluoride applications will remineralize the more shallow layers of the enamel. The two work together as a team.
The next time you visit the dentist, ask about whether you would benefit from the use of MI paste to keep your mouth as healthy as it can be.

If you have any questions about MI paste and whether it can help your oral health, please contact us.

The Surgeon General Report, Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General, notes that “a person is not healthy without good oral health” Absolutely. That is why we ensure that our patients have healthy mouths. We also take advantage of the latest innovations and technological advancements to detect and enable early treatment of a variety of health threats. Prior to 2001 dentistry had no early detection devices. We now do. In-office microbiological testing for decay bacteria identifies periodontal disease pathogens. In-office DNA testing is available for identification of periodontal disease risks and HPV. In-office saliva testing to check the ph, flow and buffering capabilities of the saliva.

An important technological development in the oral health field is the VELscope and Vizilite which use a fluorescent illumination to detect precancerous lesions. Oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, Hodgkins disease, cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid gland, stomach, ovaries and cervix, and has the worst 5 year survival rate among common cancers Cancer survival is dependent on early detection, and part of the reason for oral cancer low survival rates has been late detection: 70% of oral cancer lesions found during a visual exam ALONE are detected in stage III or IV, and one out of four with oral cancer do not have any of the risk factors for cancer. The VELscope technology is safe, inexpensive, and painless.

The next time you visit the dentist, ask about diagnostic testing for early detection of threats to your health. If you have any questions about how technology can help you with early detection, please contact us.

Dr. Rye no longer uses amalgam (metal or silver fillings) to treat decay and almost always recommends replacement of the amalgams with a composite material less likely to expand and compromise tooth structure. The composite material Dr. Rye uses is also tooth color and barely visible to the naked eye. Consistant with Dr. Rye’s opinion that the healthiest smiles are amalgam-free, the FDA recently re-classified dental amalgams and its component parts from a Class I (low risk) to a Class II (moderate risk). Amalgam fillings contain mercury and a powder alloy. Elemental mercury has been associated with adverse health effects at high exposures; however the mercury level released by the dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm to patients. The FDA warns against the use of dental amalgams in patients with mercury allergy. If you have any additional questions about dental amalgams, please contact us.

Bisphosphonate medication is used to prevent or treat osteoporosis (a thinning of the bones) or as part of cancer treatment. In rare instances, some people being treated with intravenous bisphosphonates for cancer have developed osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare but serious condition that involves severe loss, or destruction, of the jawbone. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:
– pain, swelling or infection of the gums or jaw;
– gums that are not healing;
– loose teeth;
– numbness or a heavy feeling in the jaw;
– drainage;
– exposed bone.
If you receive intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (or received it in the past year) and experience any of these or other dental symptoms, contact your oncologist and dentist immediately.
More rarely, osteonecrosis of the jawbone has developed in patients taking oral bisphosphonates to prevent or treat osteoporosis or Paget’s disease.
Most cases of osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with bisphosphonates are diagnosed after procedures such as tooth extraction. However, the condition can develop spontaneously. Also, invasive dental procedures, such as extractions or other surgery that affects the bone, can worsen this condition. Although the risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw after dental surgery in patients using oral bisphosphonates appears to be low, patients receiving intravenous bisphosphonate therapy should advise their dentist of the treatment and may be advised to avoid invasive dental procedures if possible.

The most unattractive thing about a smile are discolored teeth, according to a recent American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) consumer poll. And the numbers prove it! Whitening treatments are the number one requested cosmetic dental procedure and have increased more than 300% since 1996, according to the AACD.

While daily home care and regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, certain foods can help remove stains from your teeth. Foods such as apples, pears, celery, carrots, cauliflower and cucumbers produce saliva which combines with the foods’ natural fibers to naturally clean teeth and remove bacteria.

More White Smile Diet Foods and Tips:

• Strawberries will naturally whiten your teeth.

• Lemons will lighten and brighten too (just as they naturally “bleach” your hair, they can do the same for your teeth)!

• Avoid drinking coffee, dark syrup sodas, red wine and blueberries. All stain teeth quickly.

• Drink from a straw whenever possible this allows food dyes to bypass teeth altogether.

• Baking soda will help remove stains and build up. Brush it on your teeth twice a month, just as you would toothpaste, and rinse.

• Raw veggies are not only healthy to eat, but they will clean your teeth and remove topical stains.

• The mechanical action of chewing sugarless gum can also stimulate saliva and clean teeth surfaces, though not recommended for patients with TMJ.

Being named as a Top Dentist in Washingtonian Magazine is an honor for which I am grateful to my talented team, patients and friends in the dental community. I am thankful for my loyal patients and appreciate the trust they have placed in me.

Everyone is concerned about wrinkles and aging. For a moment forget about those wrinkles and check out your smile – is it making you look older?
Stained, chipped, misaligned and missing teeth can add years to your appearance. For a more youthful look, consider visiting a cosmetic dentist to discuss options to improve your smile. In just one or two visits to a cosmetic dentist’s office, you can enjoy a more attractive smile.
If you teeth are discolored from years of smoking or drinking coffee and cola, professional tooth whitening is a simple procedure that is done in one or two visits to the cosmetic dentist’s office. A hydrogen peroxide based gel is applied to your teeth and often heat is used to accelerate the process. You can enjoy teeth that are up to five to ten shades whiter after professional tooth whitening.
For chipped or highly stained teeth, dental bonding is an ideal option. A tooth colored dental material is sculpted around your tooth to transform its appearance.
If your teeth are cracked or misaligned, porcelain veneers can completely recreate your smile. Tooth colored shells are bonded to the fronts of your teeth to improve how they look.
Even missing teeth can be corrected with dental implants, crowns or bridges which can replace them.
If you are suffering with a less than perfect smile that is adding years to your appearance, consider contacting us today to discuss your options.

The confidence our patients place in us is one of the most rewarding aspects of what we do.  I appreciate John G’s review at Insider Pages.

“This is the most talented dentist in the Northern Va area. He has transformed my look and my wife’s through his attention to detail and commitment to staying up with the latest education and techniques for not only himself but also for his wonderful staff. I am so grateful for the trans-formative work this office provides.”

Please feel free to write your own review by clicking here.

Today’s brides want everything to be perfect on their wedding day – the weather, the dress, the party and now, their smile. According to a recent study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex. If you are one of the thousands of people considering enhancing your smile, why not do it before that walk down the aisle?

When scheduling a smile consultation, consider these guidelines:
• Be sure to find a dentist who will listen to your needs. Many dentists offer consultations, which allow you to discuss your needs one-on-one. Be prepared to discuss how you feel about your smile and what changes you would like to make to achieve a desired outcome.

• Ask to see the dentist’s before and after photographs of actual patients.

• Ask for references. Accomplished cosmetic dentists are proud to share with you the names of other patients who have received the benefits of similar treatments.

• Ask the dentist how they keep up-to-date with new techniques and technology, and make sure they are an active member of the AACD.

• Be sure to find a dentist that matches your personality.

• Expect the dentist to recommend a comprehensive examination before any treatment begins. The dentist should be able to assess all aspects of your dental health, such as gum disease, tooth decay, overall oral function and the potential longevity of the completed cosmetic treatment.

At Ryesmilesforlife, we have different methods of whitening to provide our patients with the life-changing smiles they’ve dreamed of for years. When you’re ready to have that great smile you deserve, contact us to schedule a consultation.