When we talk about a proper oral hygiene routine (and we sure do talk about it a lot!), we often put most of the focus on caring for your teeth. While brushing and flossing your teeth are important parts of maintaining a healthy mouth, there’s one part of your hygiene… Read More…

If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry. But as your dentist in Charlottesville knows, cosmetic dentistry is really just a broad term that actually describes a variety of dental treatments that can enhance the appearance of your smile. Knowing what options are… Read More…

Have you ever found yourself laying in bed, trying to get comfortable, and you randomly think, “where am I supposed to rest my tongue?” Surprisingly, this is a very real and very common thought many people have but may not share. If you’re one of those people, you’re in luck… Read More…

As published in The Daily Progress on December 23, 2019. Original posting here: https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/dozen/dozen-a-dentist-who-brings-a-smile-to-many-a/article_c8a8f920-2c3f-5c49-a118-538ac761eb98.html  By TYLER HAMMEL thammel@dailyprogress.com | (434) 978-7268 Dr. Jack Kayton “has a tremendous sense of duty and an amazing sense of humor; he makes the whole room laugh at every board meeting,” said Colleen Keller, executive… Read More…

Almost all of us have experienced the annoyance and pain associated with tooth sensitivity. In fact, the Academy of General Dentistry estimates that 40 million American adults have sensitive teeth. That’s quite a lot of people who suffer from those unexpected zings of nerve pain every day. So many, in… Read More…

If you’ve surfed the internet at all over the last few years, chances are you’ve seen claims of how certain DIY smile whitening treatments can transform your teeth. While we understand how tempting it can be to try these easy and affordable trends to get a brighter, whiter smile, your… Read More…

Tooth loss is, unfortunately, incredibly common. In fact, more than 36 million Americans don’t have any natural teeth. For these people, dentures can be an excellent solution. Dentures not only replace teeth, they can also help restore confidence and the lives of those who get them. However, your dentist in… Read More…

We know it’s a pretty gross thing to talk about, but to your dentist in Charlottesville, spit is a pretty important part of oral health. Even though it may be considered rude to spit, or maybe to even talk about it, this extra saliva plays a key role in keeping… Read More…

On November 14, the world will celebrate World Diabetes Day, a momentous occasion that serves to bring awareness to the seriousness of diabetes. In fact, more than 30 million Americans alone are living with the disease. But why is your dentist in Charlottesville talking about a disease that affects the… Read More…

This time of year, there’s football and Halloween fun festivities. There’s also a lot of fright and anxiety going on, and your dentist in Charlottesville isn’t referring to haunted houses and ghosts. We’re talking to the patients who genuinely dread having a dental appointment looming on their calendar like a… Read More…

We know it’s October, and we don’t really want to talk about it, but the holidays will soon be here. We already know one of the biggest fall favorites is Halloween, coming at the end of this month. Your dentist in Charlottesville knows that this is the time of year… Read More…

Have you ever heard someone talk about the connection between your body, mind, and soul? Your dentist in Charlottesville thinks that maybe our mouths should be included with this special connection, too. The fact is that current research and dental technologies are continuing to evolve and improve. As this happens,… Read More…

If there’s one thing your dentist in Charlottesville will tell you after losing a filling, it’s don’t panic. We know that having a dental restoration come loose or fall out can be annoying, and even a bit painful. If you’ve lost a filling, you’re probably trying to figure out what… Read More…

We all know that traditional smoking can put us at increased risk for many serious health concerns such as heart disease and cancer. But what about these newer, ‘safer’ electronic cigarettes that claim to help people quit smoking or at least cause fewer health risks? As it turns out, these… Read More…

As we get closer to Senior Citizens Day on August 21st, our dental office in Charlottesville wanted to dedicate a blog to some of our most treasured and favorite patients — our seniors and their families. Today, we’ll focus on some of the most common oral health risks that tend… Read More…

Even though our teeth are made up of one of the toughest materials in our bodies, the truth is, sometimes our natural teeth won’t last forever. Whether it’s due to trauma, gum disease, or decay, it’s not uncommon to have a tooth fall out or to have one removed. If… Read More…

That time has come again. It’s time to see your dentist in Charlottesville. But this time can be different. Whether it’ll be the first time visiting a new office or you’ve been going to the same dentist for many years, there are a few things you can do ahead of… Read More…

Summer is officially here, and the team at our dental office in Charlottesville is ready to soak up the sun and enjoy those long summer nights with family and friends. Besides sunshine and warm days, summer also tends to come with picnics, weddings, and other events packed with yummy foods…. Read More…

Like any type of emergency, a dental emergency can be serious, and you should act quickly. But not all dental emergencies require the same type of treatment. Knowing what to do if you have a dental emergency is key to successful treatment and easing any pain you have. At our… Read More…

It’s very rare that a day goes by at our Charlottesville dental office where we don’t rely on the power of x-rays to help us plan for or even complete a case. We’re able to get a good look at everything from your teeth and gums to your jaw bone… Read More…

We all know the old advertising slogan – “Milk. It does a body good.” This is mainly in part because it’s rich in calcium, a nutrient that’s vital to helping your teeth and bones stay strong enough to last a lifetime. At our Charlottesville dental office, we always want you… Read More…

Have you ever wished that your teeth were whiter? We understand. We all want a bright, white smile that we’re happy to show off to the world. But many things can cause tooth discoloration — from your daily cup of coffee to your nightcap glass of red wine, or delicious… Read More…

This month is Oral Cancer Awareness Month — a month-long dedication to increasing the public’s knowledge of this serious and scary disease. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we’re all about doing whatever we can to help keep our neighbors healthy, so we’re spreading the word about just how serious… Read More…

Bruxism is just a medical term for grinding or clenching your teeth, usually while you’re asleep. That’s what makes teeth grinding hazardous to your oral and overall health, because there’s a good chance you don’t even know you’re doing it! Our dental office in Charlottesville is here to help you… Read More…

In honor of National Nutrition Month, we thought now is the perfect time to talk a little about the changes you can make to your diet that can help to improve not only your oral health but your overall health too. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we always recommend… Read More…

Everyone has experienced a bout of bad breath at least once in their life. Whether it was caused by a particularly potent meal, your daily cup of morning coffee, or maybe something unknown, bad breath is something that goes beyond embarrassment. In fact, the team at our dental office in… Read More…

There’s nothing quite like the discomfort of a toothache, and yet, there’s actually an entire day dedicated to them. February 9th is recognized as National Toothache Day, and in honor of this strange holiday, our dental office in Charlottesville is sharing some of the best ways you can make an… Read More…

Wisdom teeth are often a topic of concern for many patients, and we get asked a lot of questions about these sometimes pesky teeth. How do you know if you need to have your wisdom teeth removed? What happens if you don’t extract wisdom teeth? Does the procedure hurt? We… Read More…

If you have questions about dentistry, you’re not alone. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we love answering questions from our patients and neighbors in order to help them get a strong, healthy smile. Let’s take a look at four of the most common questions we get asked. Are Dental… Read More…

As we prepare to enter the new year, people all over the world are making resolutions to get healthier. Whether that means going to the gym more often or eating healthier, the team at our Charlottesville dental office wants to get involved by helping you set realistic resolutions. Here are… Read More…

So you’ve been told you need to have a tooth extracted. Going through this treatment may even sound appealing if you’ve been suffering from tooth pain. But the team at our dental office in Charlottesville wants you to know that you may have another option available. Consider a Root Canal… Read More…

Protecting your smile and maintaining good oral health goes beyond daily brushing and flossing. In fact, many things that cause tooth damage are a result of the things we do every day, sometimes multiple times a day, without realizing it. The team at our dental office in Charlottesville wants you… Read More…

Quitting smoking may be one of the hardest things some people ever have to do. But the health benefits of kicking the habit sooner rather than later are worth the effort. This November, the American Cancer Society is sponsoring the Great American Smokeout to help provide smokers with tools and… Read More…

Pumpkins can easily pull off the look of a crooked grin, missing teeth, and a devilish smile. But when it comes to our own teeth, we prefer to have them straight and white, and we really don’t want to see gaps. That’s why our dental office in Charlottesville offers multiple… Read More…

It’s National Dental Hygiene Month at our Charlottesville dental office and dental offices around the country! This celebration is dedicated to all dental hygienists and serves to recognize these valued team members and everything they do to keep our patients healthy. These 31 days are also for promoting the importance… Read More…

Bad breath is an incredibly common thing that we hear about everyday at our dental office in Charlottesville. Affecting nearly 80 million Americans, bad breath can be embarrassing and affect the lives of those who have it. But bad breath sufferers don’t need to live that way forever. There are… Read More…

Eating a healthy dose of whole grains every day can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and even cancer. But there’s another lesser known benefit of whole grains that our dental office in Charlottesville wants you to know about. Research has shown that a diet rich in… Read More…

We all want to have a smile that we’re happy with and proud to show off. However, if your smile isn’t as white as you’d like it to be you may choose to hide your grin behind tightly closed lips. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we can help transform… Read More…

Talking about spit isn’t incredibly glamorous, but it sure is important. Especially for those who produce too much of it. When someone has too much saliva, they may be embarrassed and uncomfortable by the common side effects of something called hypersalivation. At our dental office Charlottesville, we want these patients… Read More…

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your smile, there are a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry treatments that can transform your look. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we’ve helped many patients restore their confidence by restoring their smiles through cosmetic dentistry. One of the most common cosmetic dentistry… Read More…

Electric toothbrushes have been gaining popularity over recent years, and many claim to remove more plaque, tartar, and bacteria than traditional manual toothbrushes. But the team at our dental office in Charlottesville wanted to find out if these promises are actually true. Here’s what we know… According to the ADA… Read More…

Getting older is a natural part of life, and as we age our healthcare needs tend to change. Oral health is no different. Our dental office in Charlottesville is committed to protecting smiles through every stage of life, and this month we want to dedicate our blog to the seniors… Read More…

The truth is, men are more likely to skip the recommended bi-annual visits to the dentist. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, many American men simply don’t go to the dentist unless they have a problem. However, by maintaining dental appointments twice-a-year they can prevent many of these problems… Read More…

There are 1,440 minutes in a day. Dedicating four of those minutes to brushing your teeth will not only help protect your smile and keep your breath fresh, but it can also protect your overall health. While brushing your teeth may seem like a pretty simple task, there are a… Read More…

At our dental office in Charlottesville, we know that there are a lot of things that can affect oral health — from genetics to tobacco use, to not brushing enough to eating too much sugar. But can your allergies actually be one of those things that puts you at increased… Read More…

At your bi-annual dental appointments, you most likely have dental x-rays taken. While these images are an important diagnostic tool, just what are they showing and why are they important? At our dental office in Charlottesville, we don’t want any patient to have anything done and not know why. That’s… Read More…

Every year, we dedicate one of our April blogs to help do our part for Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer may not be talked about as much as other forms of the disease, but it’s still a very serious form of cancer that affects thousands of Americans every year…. Read More…

At our dental office in Charlottesville, we occasionally have a patient who is concerned with a recurring dream where they lose their teeth. Sometimes one tooth becomes curiously loose and just pops right out. Other times the whole mouth of teeth begins to crumble, leading to a totally toothless smile…. Read More…

The luck of Irish tends to be with everyone during St. Patrick’s Day, whether or not there’s an ounce of Irish in them. Besides wearing a lot of green, one of the most common ways to celebrate this holiday is by drinking a lot of beer. At our dental office… Read More…

February is recognized as American Heart Health Month and is designed to raise awareness of the widespread problem of heart disease in the United States. While this is certainly a valuable promotion, what does it have to do with our Charlottesville dental office? We’re glad you asked. Join us as… Read More…

When we think of things that cause cavities, we typically imagine a diet packed full of sugary sweet treats. But our dental office in Charlottesville wants you to know that eating a lot of sugar isn’t the only thing that increases your risk of developing cavities. In fact, there are… Read More…

The charcoal toothpaste craze seems to be everywhere, and it also seems like everyone is using it to finally get the white smile they’ve always dreamed of. But can this messy black stuff that looks like it’s sure to stain teeth actually whiten them? The team at our dental office… Read More…

A little too crooked or a little too gapped… a smidge too yellow or a lot not right… there are plenty of reasons you may be unhappy with your smile. If you’re one of the many people who doesn’t like your smile, you’ve come to the right place. The wide… Read More…

We are all aware that there are certain foods your dentist in Charlottesville just isn’t a big fan of. These foods typically include super sweet candies and treats, popcorn with hidden damaging kernels, and of course sugary sodas and juices. But there may just be one more to add to… Read More…

Nobody wants to struggle with the embarrassment of bad breath. But during this time of year it may seem like a bigger deal than normal. With all the close-talking at holiday parties and potential surprise moments under the mistletoe, bad breath can damper anyone’s good time. At our dental office… Read More…

Thanksgiving is day dedicated to giving thanks for all that we have in our lives. The typical thankful sentiments of life, health, family, and friends usually top the list. This Thanksgiving, the team at our Charlottesville dental office wants to give you one more thing to be thankful for, something… Read More…

‘Tis the season of sniffles and coughs, body aches and congestion. It’s officially the time of year when the flu can make for a miserable few days. But it doesn’t have to take its toll on you or your family. Our dental office in Charlottesville is here to help you… Read More…

A root canal tends to create a lot of apprehension and fear in many patients. After all, the treatment has had plenty of bad things said about it in the past, and its inaccurate reputation of being scary and incredibly painful has stuck with it throughout the years. However, the… Read More…

This Halloween season is just like any other — packed with costume preparations, decorating with ghosts and pumpkins, and preparing for a night of trick-or-treating. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we love all the fun that Halloween brings to our patients and neighbors. But as you may have guessed,… Read More…

Whether you work a typical 9 – 5, Monday through Friday job, or your schedule typically varies, the truth is Americans spend quite a bit of time at work each week. No matter what your job responsibilities are, several of the most common workplace habits can affect almost every type… Read More…

Most of us will experience the unpleasant sensation of tooth pain at least once in our lives. And as anyone who has had a toothache before will tell you, it’s pretty unbearable. Tooth pain is unlike any other kind of pain. It can come on suddenly and sometimes it seems… Read More…

When we think of probiotics, we typically think of how they can aid in keeping the stomach healthy. But at our dental office in Charlottesville, we became aware of how some probiotics can assist oral health, too. Let’s take a closer look at the research that supports the idea that… Read More…

Every six months or so you come into our dental office in Charlottesville to have your bi-annual teeth cleaning. This typically means a little bit of gentle scraping to remove plaque buildup, a thorough flossing, and a finishing polish. While one purpose for these hygiene visits is indeed to get… Read More…

We all know that we should exercise regularly to keep our bodies healthy. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we also know that exercising can be beneficial for our smiles. However, just like too much exercise or improper form can lead to injuries or trouble with overall health, we also… Read More…

During your appointments at our Charlottesville dental office, you may have heard your dental team talk about “occlusion”, and you may have thought to yourself, “What are they talking about?” Basically, occlusion is just a dentist’s way of describing the way your top teeth come in contact with your bottom… Read More…

Have you been feeling a little off or just not yourself? When you’re not your best, you might be able to figure out why by simply sticking out your tongue. When you visit my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re always on the lookout for any bumps or discolorations, just like… Read More…

By now you probably know that the human body is made up of mostly water, and we need to drink plenty of it each day just to keep our organs and other important parts functioning properly. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we understand how important it is to stay… Read More…

Nail biting is a habit that can affect not only the appearance of your nails, it can also cause damage to your oral health. As with any habit, nail biting can be difficult to break, but at our dental office in Charlottesville, we’re hoping that by providing our patients some… Read More…

If you’ve ever been to your dentist in Charlottesville and experienced several gentle pokes to your gums followed by hearing some numbers, you’ve had what’s called a periodontal charting. This charting is helpful when evaluating overall oral health and can give your dental team some insight to a proper treatment… Read More…

Using tobacco products of any kind can not only have a detrimental effect on your overall health, there are multiple oral health diseases and problems that can also occur from the habit. Smokeless tobacco, also referred to as, dip, chew, spit, or snuff, is no exception. During this Oral Cancer… Read More…

Frenectomies aren’t all that common in adults, but there are specific instances when the team at our Charlottesville dental office may recommend one to an adult patient. But why exactly would a frenectomy be needed, and what is it? We’re here to talk all about frenectomies and the benefits behind… Read More…

Wisdom teeth are often first seen on x-rays conducted during regular appointments at our Charlottesville dental office. Most often, we can see them as they’re beginning to erupt through the gums. It’s also when we’re most likely to recommend that they be removed. In fact, about 90% of Americans get… Read More…

Having sensitive teeth can be brutal. The sharp, shooting pain that often accompanies tooth sensitivity can put a damper on enjoying favorite foods. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we don’t want any of our patients to suffer from sensitive teeth, but we understand that a lot of them do…. Read More…

You know the feeling. You’re happily chewing away on your lunch, talking with a coworker when all of a sudden, you hear a crunch. You feel the pain. You realize you’ve just bit your cheek (or lip, or tongue — doesn’t really matter, it all hurts!). This painful accident can… Read More…

Sugar is every dentist’s worst enemy. It negatively affects oral health and puts teeth at increased risk for decay, cavities, and can lead to more serious dental and overall health problems. At our dental office in Charlottesville, we care about our patients’ smiles and well being, which why we’re strong… Read More…

At my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re dedicated to caring for our neighbors’ smiles no matter what their needs may be. However, we’re limited to seeing only our human neighbors. But that doesn’t mean we can’t provide our animal-loving patients with a few pointers on dental care for their pets…. Read More…

The oral care aisle at your local supermarket is flooded with a rainbow of mouthwash choices and flavors. But what do they all mean? Can there be a right mouthwash for each individual need? At my dental office in Charlottesville, we think so, and we’re here to explain several options… Read More…

A Complete Transformation of Your Life and Smile Is your mouth full of issues, some big, some small, and you’re feeling overwhelmed? Think dentures are the only solution to address all of your dental problems and have a nice complete smile again? Think again. If your dentist has recommended a… Read More…

Everyone wants a white smile, but everyday habits can really take a toll on our teeth. Red wine, smoking, coffee, tea, and many other culprits have a tendency to transform our once pure white grins into dull, discolored smiles. The good news? It doesn’t have to be permanent. There are… Read More…

As time goes on, things change. Your smile is no different. Lifestyle factors like drinking red wine, smoking, or grinding your teeth can all have an affect on your grin and can add years to your appearance. Even old dental work can cause you to look older than you really… Read More…

Over the years, I’ve treated numerous patients with diabetes at my Charlottesville dental office. We always want every patient to make sure they’re taking great care of their teeth, but it’s important for folks with diabetes to be even more vigilant about maintaining their oral health care routines. Why? Unfortunately,… Read More…

At my Charlottesville dental office, we take gum (or periodontal) health seriously. Gum disease is avoidable, but can lead to bigger problems if left untreated. This month is National Alzheimer’s Disease and Awareness Month, and we want to remind patients who may be in charge of caring for aging loved… Read More…

We may be celebrating Halloween and all things spooky this month, but your smile shouldn’t be scary. My dental office in Charlottesville is dedicated to getting rid of your dead tooth or teeth once and for all with magical solution known as a dental implant. A Step-By-Step Guide to How… Read More…

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and at my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re dedicating this blog to hygienists and celebrating the variety of services they provide to patients on a daily basis. Let’s take a look at some of the things hygienists do and how they become qualified to… Read More…

Lockjaw and jaw lock are two very similar terms that could mean two very different things. While both insinuate the jaw becoming stuck, or ‘locked,’ and both can have similar symptoms, only one is actually related to dentistry. At my Charlottesville dental office, we want to explain the difference between… Read More…

We’ve all been told about the importance of oral health from the day we were old enough to pick up a toothbrush. But when you have something you have to do every single day (seriously, every day is a lot!) it’s easy to get complacent and rush through the necessities…. Read More…

Believe it or not, a smile can do more for you than just help you look good in your latest Instagram picture, although that’s a nice benefit too. At my Charlottesville dental office, we love to see our patients show off their smiles, not just because it boosts their self… Read More…

Dental care is important for everyone. But there are differences when it comes to the oral health needs of men and women. In fact, men are more likely to suffer from serious dental problems than women, and that’s worrisome for everyone at my dental office in Charlottesville. Let’s look at… Read More…

Oral piercings, whether it’s the tongue, the lip, or the cheeks, may help you express yourself, but despite how cool they look, they also come packed with concerns. All of us at my Charlottesville dental office want you to be able to do what you’d like with your body, but… Read More…

A quick peek into your mouth can reveal a lot about you, and we’re not just talking about your oral health. Your mouth can say a lot about your overall health too, and may even tell your team at my Charlottesville dental office a few things about your daily habits…. Read More…

Each June the American Headache & Migraine Association (AHMA) observes Migraine & Headache Awareness Month to bring knowledge and understanding about these disorders that plague nearly one out of eight Americans. So what’s this have to do with my Charlottesville dental office? More than you may think. What’s the Difference… Read More…

When we think of drinks that are terrible for smiles, we usually automatically turn to soda. And while these sugary, carbonated beverages are absolutely bad for our teeth, there’s another type of drink that may be just as concerning. We’re talking about sports drinks, and at my Charlottesville dental office,… Read More…

If you’ve ever seen an old photograph of family members, or a black and and white picture from way way back, you probably noticed how not a single person is smiling. Not even the slightest crack of a grin. Just stoic, expressionless faces. At my Charlottesville dental office, we’re in… Read More…

Asthma is a serious, potentially life-threatening disease that causes airways to narrow and makes breathing really difficult. While there is no cure for asthma, there are several treatments available to help re-open airways and make breathing a bit easier. However, at my Charlottesville dental office, we also know these medications,… Read More…

Whenever we hear the word ‘cancer,’ it’s always terrifying. And oral cancer is no different. It’s a very serious, potentially life-threatening disease that’s more widespread than many people realize. At my Charlottesville dental office, we believe in early detection, knowing the signs, and treating it proactively. We also believe in… Read More…

If you suffer from chronic canker sores, or even if you’ve only ever had one in your life, you know the discomfort and embarrassment that can result. Canker sores are a complex thing to understand, but at my Charlottesville dental office, we’re here to help. What Causes a Canker Sore?… Read More…

At my Charlottesville dental office, we’re all about getting and keeping smiles in their best shape possible. But we need your help. When it comes to maintaining a healthy mouth, there are few things we recommend avoiding, or at least using in moderation. Check out our list of things that… Read More…

Each March 20th the dental community comes together to promote oral health across the globe for all ages. World Oral Health Day was established to bring awareness to the issues surrounding oral health and educate everyone on the effects oral health can have on the rest of the body. At… Read More…

The second most common disease in the United States is tooth decay. The first is the common cold. Of course we all know that we can catch a cold by kissing, but cavities? Sounds pretty far fetched. But guess what everyone at my Charlottesville dental office knows? Catching a cavity by… Read More…

As far as certain organs may seem from each other, our bodies work as one. This means that when there is a problem in our mouth, it can lead to more than just cavities or tooth loss. It can lead to all kinds of health problems. One of the most… Read More…