At my Charlottesville dental office, we love to see our patients smile. Not only because we are in the business of creating healthy, beautiful grins, but also because we know the health benefits behind showing those pearly whites. We’d like to share a few reasons you should smile more and… Read More…

When the first snowflakes fall, everything becomes blanketed under a snow-white covering. It’s only after time passes and the snow melts when plowed piles start to look grimy and muddy. Your teeth are no different. Over time, wear and tear causes discoloration and a drab smile. My Charlottesville dental office… Read More…

It’s here! With the holiday season in full swing, social shindigs, tons of entertaining fun with friends, family, and colleagues is finally here. While sipping a cocktail or munching on some delightful treats, be sure you’re ready for a smooch in the midst of mistletoe with clean, fresh breath. Stop… Read More…

It’s around this time of year when we’re bombarded with parties, family celebrations, and impromptu get togethers. It’s also when we tend to have more alcohol available to us than any other time of the year. While we know you understand the serious complications drinking too much alcohol may have… Read More…

It’s that time again. Time for feasts, family, shopping, and all the craziness the holidays bring. Between scheduling parties, buying presents, cooking food, and finding room for the in-laws who just told you last week they’re staying the whole month (ahh!!), stress levels are bound to be high. When we’re… Read More…

Do you have a pack of gum near you? Most of us do. Pick it up and check out the ingredients. Does it contain sugar? How about high fructose corn syrup? Saccharine? We don’t recommend any of these. In fact, if your gum does not contain one key ingredient, we… Read More…

Every time you come to my Charlottesville dental office for a hygiene visit, we hand you a roll of floss. While we are sure you use most of that floss on your teeth (You floss every day, right?), there are actually other super useful ways dental floss can improve your… Read More…

At my dental office in Charlottesville, we recommend brushing for at least two minutes, twice a day, every day. But we know there are times when brushing may not be an option. Perhaps you forgot your toothbrush or ran out of toothpaste. When these things happen, it’s common to turn… Read More…

As parents, sometimes when our offspring announce their intentions we can barely contain our horror, fear, or, perhaps less flatteringly, our unwillingness to accommodate phases that make extra work for us. But if your teenager has decided to stop eating meat, don’t worry. According to the American Dietetic Association, a… Read More…

You wake up each morning, eat your breakfast, then head to the sink to brush your teeth and give your grin a thorough flossing. You’re doing everything correctly, right? Maybe. The truth is, oral hygiene isn’t as simple as just making sure you brush and floss. At my Charlottesville dental… Read More…

Whitening teeth has become quite the craze in recent years. With easily accessible and varied forms of whitening out there, anyone can take their smile from dull to dazzling in a matter of a few sessions. But is it good for you? Can your teeth be too white? At my… Read More…

We get this question a lot at my dental office in Charlottesville. While it’s not a cut-and-dried answer, we can definitely explain a few pros and cons behind both of the common flossing methods. Floss Picks Pros Ease of Use. Many people prefer floss picks over traditional floss because they’re… Read More…

Do you spend a lot of time soaking in your nearest swimming pool during the summer months? We don’t blame you. Kicking back on a raft, playing an intense game of Marco Polo, or swimming laps for exercise are great ways to beat the heat. But did you know that… Read More…

There are many things that can hurt your teeth. Not brushing and flossing on a regular basis is one, avoiding visits to my dental office in Charlottesville is another. But some things are not as obvious and just and harmful. As we discuss some of the ways you could be… Read More…

Maybe it’s the sound of the drill. Perhaps it’s the smell. Or it could be a lingering bad memory. No matter the reason, the fact remains that 80 million Americans aren’t getting the dental care they need because of dental fear. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we recognize this… Read More…

Food. It’s one of life’s best necessities. It’s fun to prepare, it’s great to eat, and the flavors are what makes it enjoyable and exciting. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re huge fans of food, but there’s one thing that bothers us a little bit. Remember when you learned… Read More…

Jack Kayton, DDS is tremendously proud to have been named in the Top Dentists in Charlottesville, VA by OpenCare.com, and especially proud to be a Patients’ Choice Winner. THANK YOU! Voted 2015’s best Dentist in Charlottesville, VA Verified by Opencare.com

At my Charlottesville dental office, we’d like to educate our patients on this dangerous disease during this Oral Cancer Awareness Month. When it’s caught early, Oral Cancer is highly treatable, that’s why we want to share some facts about it with you.. Oral Cancer Facts Oral cancer kills 8,000 Americans… Read More…

Cavities are one of the most common dental concerns we hear about at my dental office in Charlottesville. While worries about cavities are valid since they can lead to pain, sensitivity, and more serious oral health conditions, there are many beliefs behind cavities that just aren’t true.   Fact or… Read More…

If someone were to blindfold you and lead you into a dental office, we bet you’d be able to guess where you are simply by the smell. You know what we mean. The crisp, clean, sanitized aroma of dental offices is incredibly distinguishable, but what makes it smell that way?… Read More…

Smoking is one of the most addictive habits out there. It’s also one of the worst things for your health. When you think of smoking, do you think of lung cancer? Perhaps emphysema? Or maybe it’s heart disease. While all of these are very real possibilities, at my Charlottesville dental… Read More…

You brush your teeth at home twice everyday, you floss at least once a day, so why is visiting my dental office in Charlottesville regularly so important? Professional cleanings and consistent checkups are crucial to maintaining a healthy mouth and body. Money. Regular appointments and cleanings can help you save… Read More…

Every February, we place a lof of focus on hearts. There’s heart candy, heart shaped boxes full of chocolate, and we’re all about making our significant others feel loved. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we like all the things that go along with spreading the love, especially the heart…. Read More…

Coughs, stuffiness, colds, and the flu are at their peak this time of year. While we all try our best to keep germs away by washing our hands, avoiding other sick people, and exercising, there are times when catching the bug is basically unavoidable. At my dental office in Charlottesville,… Read More…

The type of dentistry we practice at my dental office in Charlottesville, that ensures comfort, oral health, and overall wellbeing, wasn’t always the norm. If we go back a few years, a mere 9,000, we find some extraordinarily crazy beliefs, wild practices, and a dental philosophy that’s much different from… Read More…

It never fails. You’re at an important business dinner with your boss; you’re meeting a blind date for a first-time brunch; you’re at your significant other’s parents’ house for Sunday family dinner and a piece of spinach quiche gets wedged between your two front teeth. Embarrassing dental moments like those… Read More…

There’s a lot to celebrate during this time of the year – health, family, love, and friendship. Typically we show each other our appreciation by sharing gifts, celebrating, and eating with our families. However, if you’re hiding your smile during these joyous occasions instead of grinning wide, it may be… Read More…

Thanksgiving has been celebrated since the Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered around the first feast-filled table in 1621. While not much has changed in the way we celebrate the holiday since then, a lot has changed in terms of what we are thankful for. At my dental office in Charlottesville,… Read More…

Every November at my dental office in Charlottesville, we like to acknowledge American Diabetes Month which is dedicated to raising awareness to the disease the affects nearly 30 million Americans. Diabetes destabilizes blood sugar and may create a lot of problems throughout your body including issues with your eyes, nerves,… Read More…

Is there something about your smile that you don’t totally love? Something that you feel is keeping you from having your ideal smile? At my dental office in Charlottesville, our patients often express their discomfort with a variety of imperfections, but one of the most common concerns we hear is… Read More…

The foods you choose to eat can not only affect your overall well-being, they can also contribute to a healthy, or unhealthy, smile. At my dental office in Charlottesville, we’re focused on ensuring that both your smile and your body are healthy, strong, and in the best shape possible. That’s… Read More…

There are a variety of reasons you may be in need of a new dentist. Perhaps you’ve moved to a new town or your former dentist is retiring. No matter the reason, picking the right dentist for you isn’t an easy task. After all, you’re looking for someone you can… Read More…

We’re all familiar with the thought that it’s a fashion faux pas to wear white after Labor Day. While we’re not fashion experts, at my dental office in Charlottesville, we tend to disagree with this rule. Here, white smiles are always in style and we’ve got some tips on how… Read More…

If you’ve been avoiding us, we won’t take it personally. In fact, a large percentage of Americans avoid seeing the dentist. There are many reasons people skip out on visits to my dental office in Charlottesville. We’d like to cover some of the main reasons and let you know that… Read More…

There’s a lot of information that’s important for my patients know. That’s why I try to educate them about their oral health at every visit. But there are some “VIPs,” or “very important points,” that I want to make sure everyone who visits my dental office in Charlottesville understands, learns,… Read More…

During the warm summer months, there are tons of yummy foods available for us to snack on – fresh fruit, delicious salads, and mouthwatering barbeque. But not all of these foods are healthy for your teeth. At my Charlottesville dental office, we’d like to talk about smile-friendly summer snacks. As… Read More…

When people sleep in the same room, there’s always a chance that someone will not get a good night’s sleep. Whether it’s because one of the individuals steals the blankets, or the other one is a loud snorer, co-sleeping can sometimes be less than ideal. However, with all of the… Read More…

We’ve all heard of some good urban legends throughout our years – alligators in the sewers anyone? What makes an urban legend a classic is when it’s believable. But at my dental office in Charlottesville, we don’t really like those urban legends about dentistry – especially when they scare our… Read More…

When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is a dental emergency. They can be painful, and, sometimes, just a pain. There are several ways you can help prevent a dental issue while on vacation, but if one does happen, my dental office in Charlottesville has… Read More…

Almost all of us have experienced a toothache. The pain and inconvenience often associated with a toothache is enough to really put a kink in your plans and your life. And while we’re always happy to help relieve toothache pain at my Charlottesville dental office, a toothache can also strike… Read More…

Are you a chronic teeth grinder? Not really sure if you are or not? It’s not surprising: of the roughly 30 million people teeth grinders out there, very few realize that they grind. A common reason could be that teeth grinding or clenching is often done either while sleeping or… Read More…

Many people walk to the fridge, pull out a can, and pop open the tab of a quenching can of diet soda when they’re thirsty. It’s better for you because it’s diet and there is no sugar in it, right? While you’re correct in the fact that there’s no sugar,… Read More…

Cancer treatment can cause some unwanted side effects in your body. It can also cause some dangerous problems in your mouth. Many of oral health side effects that occur as a result of chemotherapy can cause treatment to be delayed or even stopped. And when dealing with a serious disease… Read More…

We all know that when you are either planning a pregnancy or experiencing one, that visiting your doctor is extremely important. What you may not know is that it is just as important to talk with your dentist in Charlottesville. In 2009, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry developed oral… Read More…

 We’ve covered a lot of information about how to get and keep your smile healthy and strong at my dental office in Charlottesville. However, there are many common habits and situations that can cause damage to your teeth, and chances are, you’ve done at least one without ever thinking about… Read More…

Berries can cause it. So can coffee and wine. In fact, even age can contribute to a discolored, dull smile. But no matter what has caused your smile to lose its luster, your Charlottesville dentist can help get your smile it’s very best for your special day. No matter what… Read More…

 Every April, the dental community observes Oral Cancer Awareness Month and works to increase public awareness about a dangerous and deadly disease. The truth is, according to the American Dental Association, an estimated 42,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. With a number this high, I want… Read More…

At the Charlottesville dental office of Dr. Jack Kayton, we always like to educate our patients on their oral health, so we talk a lot about periodontal disease, cavities, and the proper at-home care for a healthy mouth. Today we’re going to share some little known fun facts. The average… Read More…

While they are many things that do cause cavities and can increase your susceptibility to cavities, at the Charlottesville dental office of Dr. Jack Kayton, we want to debunk some of the commonly accepted myths about these pesky pockets of decay. MYTH #1 Sugar is the Prime Cause of Cavities… Read More…

During the month of February, there’s a lot of talk about love and hearts, roses and candy, kisses and hugs. And while you probably already know our stance on those little candy hearts and boxes of chocolate (easy on the sweets!), you may be surprised to learn that at the… Read More…

While the origin of this February 9th holiday is unknown, it’s definitely a holiday we support. Toothaches are painful, and they’re not something we ever want you to experience. That’s why Charlottesville dentist, Dr. Jack Kayton, wants all of his patients to see National Toothache Day as an important reminder… Read More…

Stress. We all experience it, some of us more than others. It can result from a high pressure job, hard times in life, or when there’s just too much to do. And while a little stress is to be expected, too much stress can cause serious health problems throughout your… Read More…

The ball has dropped, the champagne has popped, and the resolutions are in full swing. Everyone has started putting a lot more pressure on their appearance, how much they weigh, and on changing their lives. Sometimes this means buying a gym membership and new sneakers, other times it begins a… Read More…

Time, food, certain habits, and plenty of other things can cause your smile to transform from bright and white to dull and dingy. You may think it’s a quick, easy fix with a stop at your local drugstore to pick up one of those teeth whitening kits. However, Dr. Jack… Read More…

In addition to following a good home oral healthcare routine of flossing and brushing, maintaining biannual checkups at Dr. Jack Kayton’s Charlottesville dental office is the best thing you can do for the health of your smile, and your body. When you stop in for your six month appointment, we’ll… Read More…

Flossing isn’t just something all of us at the Charlottesville dental office of Dr. Jack Kayton recommend as an optional part of your oral healthcare routine. In fact, flossing is absolutely crucial for a healthy mouth and healthy gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once a… Read More…

For most people, brushing their teeth is simply something they do. It’s ingrained into their routines. They wake up, brush, go about their day, brush, go to bed. The fact that they’re brushing should be good enough, right? At Dr. Jack Kayton’s dental office in Charlottesville we don’t think so,… Read More…

Walking down the toothpaste aisle at the local supermarket can be an overwhelming experience — especially if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for. When choosing the right toothpaste for your smile, there are a few important characteristics to take into consideration other than just simply your favorite flavor or… Read More…

Sports are a great way to stay active, healthy, and have a lot of fun. They can also be a hazard to your mouth. In fact, most dental injuries occur as a result of a contact sport. But don’t worry, you don’t need to stop playing pickup basketball on Sundays… Read More…

There are many foods that can cause damage to teeth and some are more obvious than others. While it’s never surprising to hear dentists talk about how bad sugar is for your teeth, there are other foods that should also be covered when discussing healthy eating habits for your smile…. Read More…

No one gets excited about the idea of a missing tooth, except maybe for little children waiting for the tooth fairy.  Unfortunately there are so many opportunities to lose a tooth – car accidents, a slip on the ice, sports, sometimes even an exuberant puppy could knock a tooth out…. Read More…

Now that we’ve covered the basics of periodontal disease, the symptoms, and how the infection can affect the rest of your body, all of us at Jack T. Kayton III, DDS want to talk about the importance of prevention. Preventing gum disease is the best way to keep your mouth,… Read More…

Our last blog touched on the basics of periodontal disease, the signs and symptoms, and the importance of getting any questionable areas checked out immediately. Today we’re going to discuss why a quick diagnosis of gum disease at our Charlottesville dental office is so important. Gum disease is a condition… Read More…

Our first annual Kayton Summer Kickoff patient appreciation event at Carter Mountain Orchard was a huge success – even with the rain postponement and a band change. The team had so much fun, and by all appearances, so did you! The crowd, the music from The Local Vocals, and the… Read More…

During checkups at the dental office of Dr. Jack Kayton, DDS in Charlottesville, you’ll notice we take our time to thoroughly check your gums. You’ll hear us assign numbers to each tooth; these numbers correspond with markers on special tool we use to measure the pockets in your gums. The… Read More…

  You know if you’re close to home and a dental accident or sudden toothache happens, you can call Dr. Jack Kayton in Charlottesville, and we’ll do everything we can to help you. But accidents can happen anywhere – whether it’s one mile from home or 1,000. If you have… Read More…

Unless you’ve ignored any symptoms of pain or problems with your wisdom teeth, or if you’ve haven’t been to your Charlottesville dentist lately, you shouldn’t worry about them at all! What are wisdom teeth? The wisdom teeth are technically called the third molars. They usually start to come in during… Read More…

Our teeth are made for biting and chewing food, talking, and giving your face its structure. Period! Tooth enamel seems like a hard surface, but it’s not made to withstand excess pressure or habits that erode it. Our teeth are made for biting and chewing food. Period! Tooth enamel seems… Read More…

Uncomfortable? Inconvenient? You may have heard a lot of other “tall tales” about root canals as well! At our dental office in Charlottesville, we do everything we can to make sure you’re relaxed, comfortable, and as pain-free as possible for all of our procedures, from filling a cavity, to periodontal… Read More…

There’s so much to think about when a new baby arrives. It can be pretty daunting! When your baby is a newborn, dental care might be the last thing on your mind. Or like many people, you may think that baby teeth aren’t that important since they’ll eventually fall out…. Read More…

How many times a day do you think you wash your hands? We’ve all become more diligent about preventing exposure to germs. Although some sources say we’re washing our hands too much, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says hand washing is the best way to avoid the spread of… Read More…

Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness month, I want to talk to our Charlottesville dental patients about the risks and prevention of oral cancer. It’s not a cancer that gets talked about much, but it can be very serious if it’s not caught early. The American Cancer Society states that… Read More…

Are you one of the many people who are afraid to go to the dentist in Charlottesville? You’re not alone! Nearly 75 percent of adults in the U.S. have some anxiety before visiting the dentist, and about 5 to 10% of us are true “dental phobics.” There are many reasons… Read More…

Our average life span in the U.S is currently over 80 years of age. In 1965, life expectancy was 65, and in 1990 it was 78. Tooth loss is one of the results of aging and as the population ages, so do the number of people who have lost some… Read More…

Are your children active in sports? Are you? Up to 39% of dental injuries are sports related. Some sports, like football or hockey, seem obvious in the need (and requirements) for mouth guards. But it might surprise you to know that other sports carry a higher risk of injury than… Read More…

Have you ever broken off a piece of a tooth? If you’ve done it within the past few years, then you’re probably familiar with dental bonding. Dental bonding in Charlottesville is one of the most versatile methods of restoring teeth.. A bonding treatment only takes about 30 to 60 minutes,… Read More…

That may seem like a silly question. After all, everywhere you look, people seem to have bright, white, seemingly perfect smiles. Are you considering tooth bleaching to get your smile whiter than white? Be careful! Your teeth may seem tough, but the bleaching craze can take its toll on the… Read More…

Who’s usually the photographer in your family or circle of friends? If it’s almost always you, could it you feel shy because your smile isn’t as attractive as you’d like? There’s no need to hide behind the camera any more. A smile makeover Dr. Jack Kayton can give you the… Read More…

Whether it’s a quick peck on the cheek or something more special, don’t let chronic bad breath ruin your holiday kisses. Halitosis, or bad breath, can be temporary, like “garlic breath.” But if you’re getting signals that your breath is consistently offensive, this could be a symptom of something more… Read More…

What’s better than a winter holiday? Why, a winter holiday in Virginia, of course. A place where our country’s history and traditions meet Southern charm and gracious hospitality. And of course, delicious treats and all our favorite foods. But watch out! Some of our favorite goodies aren’t so good for… Read More…

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and we’d like to remind you of not only the health consequences to smoking, but the dental complications as well.  While it’s important to recognize that not all lung cancer patients are tobacco users, it’s equally necessary to acknowledge smoking as the top risk… Read More…

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we can’t wait to tell you all that we are thankful for here at Dr. Jack T. Kayton Cosmetic & Family Dentistry. I know that I am personally thankful for my supportive family as well as my terrific staff – my extended dental family.  Our… Read More…

It’s my job to offer every patient the opportunity to receive the best and safest materials I can find. That’s why I have chosen not to offer metal fillings in my office. Instead I use composite fillings for cavities that need a smaller repair and porcelain inlays or onlays for… Read More…

Halloween is such a fun time! Dressing up and going trick-or-treating can be one of the highlights of a kid’s year. But you also know what sugar can do to your children’s teeth. We know the dilemma – we are parents too. As long as you are careful and limit… Read More…

There are quite a number of aquatic centers and pools here in Charlottesville. We think that’s wonderful because swimming is great exercise for your whole body. Unfortunately, for some people, swimming in a pool can cause some tooth sensitivity and damage! It’s true. You know how bad acids are for… Read More…

You keep up on your dental hygiene and your regular checkups so that your teeth stay healthy and strong. But did you know that what you eat could actually help your teeth too? Here are a few hints and tips on things to add or subtract from your diet for… Read More…

As we age, the enamel on our teeth thins and our teeth become darker. More of the darker dentin below the enamel shows and teeth are more prone to staining from red wine, coffee, tea and smoking. It’s why darker smiles look older! We have a couple of great solutions… Read More…

It used to be that if you were a heart patient, protocol indicated that you always needed a course of antibiotics before your dental treatments – even before a cleaning. That added up to quite a lot of antibiotic use. New studies are showing that the risks of taking preventive… Read More…

Time can take a toll on your teeth. Regardless of well you take care of your smile with regular dental exams and checkups, sometimes a tooth will chip, crack or break. If the damage is small and there’s no pain, you may be tempted to not even call the dentist…. Read More…

Sometimes the unexpected happens – a car accident, sports, all those sodas finally catching up with you, medications that discolor your teeth in ways that can’t be bleached… If something happens to your front teeth, it be really life altering. Broken, discolored, chipped or damaged teeth in the front of… Read More…

While your eyes may be the windows to your soul, your mouth is the window to your overall health. That is why we take our Charlottesville patients’ oral health so seriously – and why we recommend regular check-ups in between what may seem like more advanced dentistry. Even having your… Read More…

ABC News recently aired a story based on an article published by the Academy of General Dentistry reporting the effects of sports drinks on our teeth. The acid levels in these drinks – drinks that we consume to improve performance and rehydrate during sporting activities – can ruin tooth enamel…. Read More…