What to do to prevent gum disease? If left untreated, gum disease can lead to discomfort, infection, and even tooth loss. Bacteria in our mouths form a film called plaque. Plaque sticks to our teeth and can lead to gum inflammation. This inflammation can cause our gums to pull away from the teeth creating “pockets” […]
Gum Disease Prevention Read More »
It was a small fall! A miniscule piece of popcorn! A minor foul on the basketball court! But now there’s a chip in your otherwise perfect smile. Is a chipped tooth worth calling Dr. Pike and Dr. Valega? Any time your tooth is injured is time to call our Poolesville and Rockville MD office. Even
Should I fix my chipped tooth? Read More »
Now that you are working hard to improve your dental health and appearance with your braces, it might seem like a logical time to whiten your teeth as well. But should you go ahead with home kits or a professional whitening? The answer might be yes, but not quite yet! Toothpaste The easiest way to
Whitening Teeth with Braces Read More »
Oral surgery can be intimidating, especially if you show any signs of an infection afterwards. Dr. Pike and Dr. Valega and our team want you to be informed about what to watch for after you’ve undergone surgery. Oral surgery procedures are intended to reduce pain and prevent infection. Sometimes complications occur after your surgery, and
Post Oral Surgery: Signs of Infection Read More »
Everyday life can take a toll on the whiteness of our teeth: Foods we love as well as soft drinks and coffee can stain them over time. Poor brushing and flossing can also leave behind tooth stains. Even injuries to teeth or gums can cause some yellowing, and in certain cases, medicines can contribute to
Tips for a Whiter Smile Read More »
When it comes to dental hygiene, “going green” is not the first phrase that comes to mind. But if you are brushing properly, you are also replacing your toothbrush every three to four months as the bristles become frayed and wear down. Sure, that’s a tiny amount of plastic from each of us going to
Eco-Friendly Toothbrushes Read More »
If you have been bringing your baby in for regular checkups since that first tooth arrived, you might expect that he or she is already familiar with Dr. Pike and Dr. Valega and our staff. Often, though, months pass between visits, which is a very long time for a child. How can you make your
Make your child’s next visit to our office great! Read More »
Let’s talk about the science of our teeth for a moment. Our enamel has a very high mineral content, making it extremely strong. In fact, enamel just happens to be the hardest substance in our bodies. But, unfortunately, it is not indestructible! Certain foods we eat can actually damage the surface of our teeth. Some
Educational and Entertaining Enamel Experiments Read More »
One of the most enjoyable parts of looking at family pictures is finding resemblances. You have your father’s brown eyes and your grandmother’s curly hair. You’ve got your aunt’s basketball height and your cousin’s freckles. But some similarities might not be so appealing—could one of those be a family tendency toward gum disease? Studies have
Is periodontal disease genetic? Read More »
An emergency usually evokes panic, and for good reason. Emergencies don’t discriminate when it comes to time or place. They’ll happen during your vacation, at home, while you’re shopping for groceries, at the movies … whenever they can. We’ve identified the five most common reasons for emergency visits to our office, so if you ever
The Five Most Common Reasons for Emergency Visits Read More »
We don't just create beautiful smiles at Pike & Valega DDS in Poolesville and Rockville, MD — we provide our patients with the tools and knowledge they need to practice good oral health for a lifetime.
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