Is your baby teething?

Teething can be a difficult time for both baby and parents. Usually between 4 to 7 months of age, your baby will begin teething. So some children this process can last up to age 3, allowing time for a set of 20 teeth to erupt (push through the gums).

How will I know when my baby is teething?
A few common signs your baby is teething are:
-Your baby may become very fussy.
-He or she may have trouble falling asleep.
-He or she might not want to eat like normal.
-Your baby might start to drool more than usual.

How can I make my baby more comfortable?
Fussiness, sleeplessness and refusing to eat are all behaviors that can result from sore or tender gums. Try soothing your baby's gums by rubbing them with a clean finger, a moist washrag or gauze pad. Letting your child chew on a clean cool teething ring also may relieve some of the discomfort he or she may be feeling. Only use oral gels if it is proscribed and overseen by your child's health care professional.

When should my start to see the Dentist?
As soon as your baby gets that first tooth or by his or her first birthday you should schedule a well-baby visit. This visit allows your dentist to check for signs of early tooth decay along with her to be able to talk with you about habits and conditions that can affect your baby's teeth. Your dentist also can show you the proper way to brush your child's teeth.

Supportive Spouses & Case Success!

Sitting at the front desk in our office, our Office Coordinator heard him say it loud and clear, "that thing is going to make you look so silly. Really? I mean it's just so sexy." The husband of a long time patient was speaking to his wife about her new night guard. It was just a common ribbing from one spouse to the other, simple teasing, joking really; no harm, no foul, right?

A major reason people treated by dentists are not successful with night guards and occlusal guard care is because they don't wear them, either enough or at all in some cases. Your guard may need checked and adjusted, bring it in! Many men and women we've spoken to admit they don't wear them because of their spouse.

An occlusal guard can help patients with a variety of dental
concerns including TMJ, bruxism, mobility and more. (Photo
from Total Care Dentistry)

Our immediate reaction might be considered rather harsh. We wonder if the unsupportive spouse would prefer to have a mate without natural teeth. In some cases, that could be the end result of untreated grinding (bruxism), TMJ, and other serious dental conditions.

According to Dr. Mary Dooley, there are different kinds of guards made for specific reasons individual to each patient. Custom made occlusal orthotics are very hard guards that help with the treatment of TMJ. Night guards help with patients who grind their teeth causing wear beyond what is typical, cracks in the teeth in some cases. Guards are also made for many patients to protect smile reconstruction. Guards are not only an investment in the restored comfort of patients, but also an insurance policy for the investment made in valuable treatment already performed.

We know the husband in our example wasn't trying to do permanent damage to his wife's psyche or teeth. Still, take a moment to consider your spouse. It's the smile that stares at you that you'll be enjoying (or not) later.

Friday Funnies

Happy Friday everyone from Total Care Dentistry!
We found these comics hilarious!
(Thank you to the folks at Dental Art & Humor!)

The 411 on Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Traumatic cases may need emergency room attention, but  here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

· For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, call us right away.

· For a cracked tooth, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist ASAP.

· If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a moist cold compress.

· For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do NOT put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues. It may cause a burn on your cheek or gums. You can swallow an aspirin as you would for any other pain.

· For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

· Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities. A custom made guard will protect your teeth far better than one bought over the counter.

· Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.

· Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

 

     “It is important for patients to  follow with a dental visit. X-rays are imperative, you can’t always feel a problem inside your mouth. Many silent problems are discovered with x-rays and can be treated early and with less discomfort,” says Dr. Mary Dooley.

     At Total Care Dentistry, our patient promise means we will see your emergency the same day. We never want you to be in pain, and will even see new patients on a moments notice. Give us a call at 757-486-4880. (Source: ADA)

 

Candy doesn't cause cavities! (ok, keep reading...)

      We've all heard the phrase "sweet tooth," and many of us have one! It might be that secret desire to go gorge yourself on a giant ice cream sundae with all the sprinkles, nuts and fixing's  possible at the local self-serve ice cream bar, or maybe its that gotta-have-it chocolate bar you grab at the

convenience store when no one's looking. Sometimes you've just got to give in to that need for a sweet fix! We know you do it, we do too!

      No one knows for sure where the phrase originated, some believe it was derived from the toothache you may feel when eating sugar, others say it's just the food-mouth connection. While opinions are split, people have referred to the "sweet tooth" since the 1400's as the desire to eat sweet foods. You can imagine our surprise when we staffers at Total Care Dentistry heard Dr. Dooley say it's OK to have sweets, "go ahead, it's that time of year," she said recently. What????? "Sweets don't give you cavities, that's only part of the story," she continued.

      We had to hear more! Did we just get a free pass to eat sweets? Really? They won't hurt our teeth? Turns out Dr. Dooley's main point was that eating sugary treats isn't bad, as long as you don't let the residue sit inside your mouth afterwards. Candies and treats that are heavily chewed are concerning when you don't brush the leftovers out of the crevices of your teeth. Removing the gummy remnants and even flossing it out of tight spaces makes a major difference!  Don't take this the wrong way, sugar isn't good for you. But simply eating a piece of candy won't hurt your teeth as long as you are diligent about your oral hygiene. Otherwise, the sugar you ate, can eat your teeth. Here's the scientific explanation for all you detail types:

"When sugar is consumed, particularly sucrose, naturally occurring bacteria inside the mouth interact with the sugar and produce acids that demineralize enamel on teeth. This demineralization process creates dental caries (lesions on teeth), which produce pain and, if left untreated, will erode and destroy teeth."  (National Institutes of Health)

That said, if you experience pain or sensitivity when eating sweets, that could signal a problem. Please schedule an appointment to have the tooth examined and treated.


Willy Wonka's dad was a dentist after all, he had to know something about the whole thing, right?

BRUSH!

So the next time a major candy holiday comes around, you can tell you Trick or Treater or Easter basket binger to go ahead... they may get a sugar high and bounce off the walls for a bit... but as long as they brush after they chow down, they should be just fine! Oh, and you should be too!

Sterilization practices key to patient safety

            The case of an Oklahoma Oral Surgeon in trouble  because of allegations of wrong-doing are unsettling to many dental patients. The Tulsa area doctor is accused of using unsanitary and unsterilized surgical tools and equipment on patients in an office he admits has a “higher than normal proportion” of patients of HIV and hepatitis. The surgeon has surrendered his license, still nearly 500 patients have had to be tested for the diseases at the local health department.

            The news is scary, and sad because it is preventable.  Federal and state guidelines are in place to protect against the spread of blood-borne pathogens. We want to assure patients of Total Care Dentistry that we us the most up-to-date methods of sterilization to ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff.  Our staff undergoes routine training at regular intervals to make sure all OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) recommendations and continuing education in the area are completed.  We were excited to welcome an infection control expert into our suite for an extensive review earlier this spring!    

       According to the National Institutes of health Hepatitis is more common than most people think. About 4.4 million Americans have the recurring liver infection and most of them don’t even know it.

     This article was republished from the April edition of the Patient Connection, a monthly newsletter produced by Total Care Dentistry, and Dr. Mary T. Dooley, DDS.

 

 

Your FAQ's: When do I replace my toothbrush?

The Your FAQ's titled posts are truly inspired by our patients and prospective patients. Please take the time to read these thorough explanations of the most common questions we hear in our practice.

Q: "When do I replace my toothbrush?"


A: This is a question we hear quite often. Dr. Dooley's
answer is always the same, even though your toothbrush
usage and kind you use my be different than that of another patient!

You can use the same toothbrush for as long as it maintains it original shape. Ignore those color-changing, or fading bristles, the shape is what matters. Most toothbrushes can keep their shape for about three to six months. If your brush is wearing out sooner, you could be brushing too hard. (Yes, that's a big problem! We'll tell you more about that another time.)

Still don't know if your toothbrush is good enough to keep getting the job done? You can also bring your toothbrush with you to your next visit. We'll take a glance and tell you if it's time to get a new one. Schedule your next appointment online on our website or Facebook page or call us at 757-486-4880.
   

Beach Dentist Shares Clean Dentistry Record

Press Release
February 18, 2013

Beach Dentist Shares Clean Dentistry Record
Every patient has the right to know their healthcare provider is the upstanding, quality individual they purport themselves to be. We understand the unfortunate news of one local practice may have you feeling nervous about the qualifications of the dental health professionals that care for your family. That’s why we at Total Care Dentistry are willing to publicly release a current copy of Dr. Mary T. Dooley’s Department of Health Professions Board of Dentistry license.

With zero complaints or other filings, Dr. Dooley says she is proud of her outstanding record as a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Dental Corps and exemplary record in private practice since opening her doors in 2002. Dr. Dooley has held a Virginia Dentistry license for nearly 30 years.

Dr. Pat Baker, President of the Tidewater Dental Association, spoke with Total Care Dentistry today. He says measures to maintain accessibility to information are in place. "Although we are not a policing agency, we do have a patient relations committee for members of the Tidewater Dental Association." Dr. Baker explained the committee facilitates communications between doctors and concerned patients. We want to help alleviate your concerns and answer any questions about your case and our history you may have.

The Total Care Dentistry office is located at 114 S. Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. Feel free to call us at 757-486-4880 or schedule a time to speak one on one with our knowledgeable staff about how we can help you.

For questions about Total Care Dentistry or Dr. Mary T. Dooley and her Virginia Beach dental services, please contact office coordinator Stephanie Beeler at 757-486-4880.

 

Public Information System
(Download licensee information | DHP Home Page)
Last updated on 02/18/2013

 

License Information

 

License Number	0401006598
Occupation	Dentist
Name	MARY T DOOLEY
Address of Record	VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23454
Initial License	07/09/1985
Expire Date	03/31/2013
License Status	Current Active
Additional Public Information*	No

This serves as primary source verification of the credential issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

*"Yes" means that there is information the Department must make available to the public pursuant to §54.1-2400.2.G of the Code of Virginia. For additional information click on the "Yes" link above. "No" means no documents are available.

Back to License Lookup

 

First Impressions Are Everything!

Cupid's arrow could be deflected by a crooked tooth! It  may seem shocking, but a recent study by Kelton Reseach says we're all being judged at love, in life, and at work, by our teeth! There appears to be a perception that the nicer looking a person's teeth are, the better off the individual in many categories. People are perceived as being nicer, happier, wealthier and more successful.

A more beautiful smile can be achieved in a variety of ways. Here at Total Care Dentistry, we provide smile makeovers with complete restorative services including crowns, dentures and implants.

• Making a Lasting impression: It's important to have attractive teeth as part of a smile because pearly whites make a lasting first impression. Nearly one-third (29%) of Americans say the first aspect of someone's face they typically notice is his or her teeth, and 24% say this is also the facial aspect that they remember the most after meeting someone.
• Straight Teeth = Success: These thoughts also extend to perceptions regarding an individual's potential for professional and financial success. When looking at images, Americans perceive those with straight teeth to be 45% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a job when competing with someone who has a similar skill set and experience. They are also seen as 58% more likely to be successful, as well as 58% more likely to be wealthy.
• Love at First Sight: Not if you have crooked teeth. When it comes to attracting a possible mate on a dating site, those with straight teeth are seen as 57% more likely than those with crooked teeth to get a date based on their picture alone.
• Crooked Teeth = Dull Social Life: Nearly two in five (38%) Americans would consider not going on a second date with someone who has misaligned teeth. Far fewer would ditch someone who lives with his or her parents (23%).
• Straight Teeth = Good Personality: People connect more positive descriptions with men and women who have straight teeth than those who have crooked teeth. Those with straight teeth are 21% more likely to be seen as happy, 47% more likely to be viewed as being healthy and 38% more likely to be perceived as smart.
• A Nice Smile Goes a Long Way : Nearly three in four (73%) Americans would be more likely to trust someone with a nice smile than someone with a good job, outfit, or car.
• The Want List: Having an attractive smile is something important to many Americans. Close to three in five (57%) Americans would rather have a nice smile than clear skin. What's more, 87% would forego something for a year in order to have a nice smile for the rest of their life; more than one-third of these folks would give up dessert (39%) or vacations (37%).

Your FAQ's: Toothpaste 101

(Blog note: The following article is edited from a post of the same title on the website Everyday Health. Follow the link to read the full text.)


Toothpaste is not always paste. It can be a gel, powder, or paste that you brush onto your teeth and gums to help get rid of accumulating plaque and improve your oral health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), toothpaste is important to oral health because it helps to remove plaque and its bacterial buildup on teeth and fights off periodontal (gum) disease. Most toothpaste also contains fluoride, which bolsters tooth enamel and fights tooth decay.

What's in Toothpaste?
The exact composition of different toothpastes may vary slightly depending on the benefits being touted by the particular brand (such as whitening teeth or reducing gum inflammation). In general, toothpastes include the following ingredients:

• Gentle abrasives, such as magnesium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, calcium carbonate, hydrated aluminum oxides, and phosphate salts.
• Glycerol, sorbitol, or other so-called “humectants,” substances that keep the toothpaste from drying out.
• Thickeners like seaweed or mineral colloids, synthetic cellulose, or natural gum to give the toothpaste a homogeneous appearance and texture.
• Fluoride to help make tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
• Flavoring agents that do not cause tooth decay, such as saccharin.
• Detergents, such as sodium lauryl sarcosinate, to make the toothpaste foamy.

How to Pick the Right Toothpaste for Your Teeth
      With the dizzying array of toothpaste choices in a typical drugstore aisle, it can be daunting to try and find one that's right for you. “One almost needs a PhD degree to weather the dental 'aisle of confusion',” says Richard H. Price, DMD, spokesperson for the ADA, and a former clinical instructor at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
     When choosing a toothpaste, the first order of business is to make sure that the product is safe and will do what it claims. Toothpastes containing fluoride are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since they make disease-fighting claims. These products will display a standard “drug facts” panel on the packaging listing active ingredients, warnings, and other relevant information. Toothpastes without fluoride are considered cosmetics and, therefore, do not fall under FDA supervision. However, these products should still provide a list of ingredients. To avoid counterfeit and unregulated products, steer away from any toothpaste that doesn’t clearly state ingredient information or is not properly labeled.
     Confused toothpaste shoppers can find additional guidance by looking for the ADA seal of approval. This symbol indicates that the manufacturer has participated in a voluntary testing program conducted by the ADA to gauge a product’s safety and effectiveness. Any toothpaste containing sugar, for example, will not get the ADA seal of approval.
“With the ADA seal on it, you know that it will do what it says,” notes Dr. Price, who is retired from a 35-year private group dental practice in Newton, Mass.

     Hundreds of oral care products bear the ADA seal. To see a complete list of ADA-approved toothpastes, check out the ADA Web site.

The Benefits of Fluoride in Toothpaste
     A key ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride has broad benefits for people, both young and old. “Fluoride toothpaste is not just for kids — it is beneficial for us our whole lives,” says Price. “The fluoride in the toothpaste heals and remineralizes microscopic cavities as they form, it hardens the tooth surface, making it more resistant to the acid attack of bacteria, and slows down the action of these acid-producing bacteria.”

Fluoride Safety
     Although the FDA requires fluoride toothpaste to carry a warning label urging parents to contact a poison control center if their child accidentally consumes a large quantity of toothpaste, the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs takes the position that the FDA warning overstates the risks of ingested fluoride to children. According to the ADA statement, children cannot swallow enough fluoride from toothpaste during normal brushing to cause any serious problems. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, Price recommends limiting children under age 5 to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and supervising their brushing since most young children haven’t learned to rinse rather than swallow at the end of brushing.

Toothpaste for Particular Tooth and Gum Conditions
     No matter what your personal oral health needs are, there’s likely a toothpaste for you.
If you have sensitive teeth, look for products with ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. To fight gingivitis or tartar buildup, choose a toothpaste that contains pyrophosphates, triclosan, and zinc citrate. In addition, you can find products designed to combat bad breath or formulated with special abrasives to help whiten stained teeth.
“If you have special needs, such as teeth that are sensitive to cold or heat, or problems with tartar buildup, look for toothpastes that address these issues that carry the ADA seal, or speak with your dentist for a recommendation,” Price advises.

Originally published by Clare Kittredge

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD

Wednesday humor

Happy Wednesday! We hope these will humor you through the rest of the week!

 

 

 

 

What makes you smile?

Tooth Truths

Reprinted with permission from televox.com blog

Smile Imaging Available

We've all seen them, those "try it before you buy it" products. They're a great way to really know what you're getting before you cough up the cash. Even high-end hair salons can take a quick picture of you and with the help of a fancy computer program, show your head with the hippest hairstyle so you can test-drive the look for yourself.

Wouldn't it be great if the dentist could do that for you?
Now, we can!

Here's how it works. Lets say you have chips on your front teeth and your smile just looks crooked.  Dr. Dooley has recommended you get 4 crowns but suggests 6 crowns and a special surgery that could completely even out your grin and help you ditch that "gummy" look. Done! But we know your only consideration isn't just appearance, it's cost, too, and you want to make sure you'll look your best.

Enter our new "smile imaging" program that will allow you to see what your restored smile will look like!

We take a picture of your current smile, and with the help of the experts at Bayview Dental Laboratories, use dental imaging software to show you exactly where Dr. Dooley will contour your existing features to create a new, more beautiful smile. The final result can show you with new crowns, whitening, gum surgery, a new denture, you name it! Visit our website for a complete list of services to learn just what we can do for you!

We're sure you'll love this amazing new feature! It's like seeing yourself in the future! This new technology will help you picture yourself with your new smile. Call us at 757-486-4880 or schedule online to find out how we can help make your dream results a reality!

Give Thanks for Good Foods!

There are certain foods that can help you maintain good dental health. Not only are these food choices good for your teeth but they are also healthy choices for your body. Many of these will show up on the appetizer trays at your next holiday party or football get together!

Oranges and Kiwis

These fruits can pack a holiday punch on the table and in your mouth! With Vitamin C as a big part of these fruit, Kiwis and Oranges strengthen the collagen in your gums — fighting periodontal disease.

 

Just section an orange while you make a holiday display like the one pictured, or simmer some on the stove afterwards with some cinnamon and a clove for a great holiday potpourri!

      Celery

It seems like a bland food but it is good for your teeth and gums – it is celery. Why? The extra chewy nature of this vegetable causes our mouth to produce additional amounts of saliva, which helps to neutralize the cavity causing bacteria in our mouth. Although some may think it doesn’t have much taste, the texture of this vegetable is abrasive which cleans our gums and teeth while eating it. A modest dip of ranch or smear of peanut butter is OK.

       Onions

Although strong smelling, this vegetable contains antibacterial sulfur compounds that are found to rid different types of bacteria. The benefits of this veggie are best when eaten raw.

·        

        Cheese     

 A popular food for everyone, cheese is low in carbohydrates and includes calcium and phosphate which help balance the PH level in your mouth. The extra saliva your mouth makes while you chew cheese is also beneficial. Saliva can help protect and rebuild your tooth enamel, strengthening them from the outside.

 

 

·         Making wise decisions in choosing food will help you maintain a healthy smile and healthy body for years to come. Make an appointment with Dr. Mary Dooley at Total Care Dentistry to be sure you get your teeth cleaned at least twice a year to have them professionally examined and cleaned!

Practice Points

Happy Monday!
Here are a few special notes for our patients this week:

We hope you made it through Hurricane Sandy safe and sound. In her wake, our offices closed Monday, October 29th. We want to say thank you to our patients who have been understanding and willing to reschedule. We know the storm caused many inconveniences and appreciate your patience!

Are you needing to schedule your next dental appointment? Call now! Keep in mind our office is closed every other Tuesday and Thursday so that we may share the space with Scott Orthodontics.

Closed: November 6,8,9,22,23

December 4,6,18,20

Closing early at 1pm Dec. 24-January 2

 

Give the gift of oral health! We’re proud to announce Total Care Dentistry is offering gift certificates for the holidays! Gift certificates are available for exam/cleaning/xray packages, in office and take home whitening packages, and “account dollars” that allow the recipient to choose how to use your gift. Call 757-486-4880 today  and ask for details!

 

 

Prosthodontists Gather in Baltimore



The view from the "Top of the World" observatory in
Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
The ACP gathers in cities around the world
annually. Several hundred international guests
took part in the Baltimore meeting this year.

     Our very own Dr. Mary Dooley has just returned from the largest annual gathering of Prosthodontists in America. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) held it’s yearly convention in Baltimore just days after Hurricane Sandy, October 31-November 3.

 

      Dr. Dooley was one of nearly 1,000 professionals who participated in numerous continuing education classes and seminars aimed at further improving service to patients. Many participants treated under-served residents at a free oral health clinic on Halloween. Attendees received much needed care and took home a kit containing a toothbrush, tooth paste, floss and bi-lingual instructions on proper oral hygiene.

The ACP gathering took place
at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront
hotel days after Superstorm Sandy.

     This is the 42nd year the ACP has met on such a scale. Annual session highlights included: new developments in CAD/CAM technology and high-strength ceramics; creating affordable dental health opportunities; understanding the shift toward precision medicine in dentistry; the use of digital imaging and sleep apnea management.

 

6 Tips for a Photogenic Smile

This post is reprinted from Webmd.com. Click here for the original post. You can check out our website for more tips and a list of services including whitening, crowns, veneers, dentures and implants that can help you show off your best grin!

WebMD Feature

By Joanne Barker

Reviewed By Alfred D. Wyatt Jr., DMD

With cameras in cell phones, email profile pictures, and online photo sharing, a camera-ready smile is almost a necessity. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a celebrity or genetically blessed to create a crowd-pleasing smile.

Smile Tip #1: Wear a "Parade" Smile
Photogenic smiles are gentle and natural. Lily T. Garcia, DDS, MS, FACP tells her patients to smile as if they are in a parade. In other words, strike a smile you can hold for a long time. When you smile gently, your face looks relaxed. Your mouth opens slightly, and your lower lip matches the curve of your upper teeth.
"You’ll feel the edges of your upper front teeth gently touching your lower lip," says Garcia, president of the American College of Prosthodontists. Your cheeks may rise a bit, but not too much. It’s the opposite of the quick smile that flashes across your face when you see an old friend. That kind of jumping-for-joy smile makes your eyes squint and your neck muscles tense -- which can make for an awkward-looking photo.
Smile Tip #2: Nix the Double Chin
More worried about your chin than your smile? It’s all about posture. "If you slouch or your head is too bent forward, you won’t like how your smile looks," says Pamela McClain, DDS. She recommends turning your head slightly and dropping your chin so your face is not completely square with the camera.
Smile Tip #3: Make Lipstick Your Friend
If you are a woman, select a lipstick that works with your skin tone. "The right shade of lipstick can make teeth look whiter," Garcia says. Shades like cherry red, wine, berry, plum, or rosy pink are your best bet. The blue-based or pink-based undertones will minimize any yellowish tones in your teeth.
On the other hand, Garcia says that the wrong color, especially one that’s too dark or too red, can detract from your smile. (Psst. Lipstick sticking to your teeth? Might be a sign of dry mouth or excess plaque.)
Smile Tip #4: Work With What You Have
You don’t need perfect teeth to have a camera-worthy smile. Just look at Tom Cruise and his off-center ivories. Garcia points out that the line between his two front teeth, which should line up with the center of his nose, is off to one side. It’s a rather obvious fluke but when Cruise smiles, few people notice it.
Smile Tip #5: Prime Your Teeth and Gums
Getting your teeth and gums camera-ready requires a bit of behind-the-scenes preparation.
If your teeth have yellowed with age, you might take time to try a whitening product from the pharmacy or visit your dentist. Correcting cracked, broken, or missing teeth will likely mean some time with a dental professional.Though you may think of them as supporting actors, healthy gums play a crucial role in a photogenic smile. "You can have beautiful teeth but if your gums aren’t healthy, that detracts from your smile," says McClain, president of the American Academy of Periodontology. Take Julia Roberts, McClain says: "She’s got a big smile, and she has a really nice blend of gum tissue and tooth."
Smile Tip #6: Practice
Your perfect smile might not happen overnight. If you have a big photo event like a wedding or graduation coming up, take time to practice smiling in front of a mirror. You can see how it looks and feels when you hold your shoulders back proudly and strike a natural, unforced smile. You can also play around with turning your head and finding your best angle.
 

National Dental Hygiene Month

“Keep them healthy. Keep them clean.” That’s this year’s National Dental Hygiene Month slogan. Hygienists across America want you to know that brushing your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day will help you maintain a healthy smile.

     Studies have shown that brushing for two minutes is perhaps the single most important step an individual can take to reduce plaque build-up and the risk of plaque-associated diseases, such as cavities and gingivitis. The hectic pace of today's adult lifestyle often leaves little time for the daily oral health care routine needed to prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. An estimated 75% of Americans reportedly have some form of periodontal disease. Ask Dr. Dooley if you have signs of periodontal disease at your next appointment.

     To help our patients manage their oral health 27/7, we've created a series of pages on our website to guide you and your children through proper brushing and flossing techniques. You can even check out our dental videos to see proper techniques in action. Brushing isn't just brushing, accuracy matters and these tweaks to your routine could make all the difference!

 

Dentistry Sign Reappears!

We said the sign would return and here it is!!! Keep your eyes out!




The new sign was hoisted into place!

Crews showed up bright and early to get the job done!

The new "old" sign is visible from Virginia Beach Boulevard and
Witchduck Road intersection, several blocks away!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

You've probably noticed some of the many changes that have been taking place here in our office.  Today's blog post aims at getting everyone caught up on what we've been doing!

Our office is now located at 114 S. Witchduck Road,
Virginia Beach. The building is also home to
Scott Orthodontics and Shall We Dance Studios.

The biggest change this summer, our office moved. June 1st we moved from Great Neck Road, to Witchduck Road. The office is right next to the 264WB ramp to Witchduck Road, near the Sears Home Central building.

A new white sign with a toothbrush can be found at the building marquee, and that's where you'll see our new name! Because Dr. Dooley is like one-stop-shopping for all of your dental needs, we have updated the practice name to now be Total Care Dentistry, Mary T. Dooley, DDS. We think the name sounds pretty nifty! You will also notice the reappearance of Dr. Dooley's green sign from our previous location soon facing Witchduck Road.



We are also happy to display a new logo featuring the new practice name. Thank to all of our patients who took part in either in-office or Facebook voting for the design! Your input is greatly appreciated!

We are very excited to present a new name and
logo! The design speaks to our strong ties to our
area's military families!

We are in the process of redesigning our website to feature services growing in popularity, such as dentures, implants and cosmetic procedures. Never fear, we are always happy to take care of your basic oral hygiene needs to keep you smiling! The site includes videos and testimonials from real patients. You'll also find links to news releases we think you'll want to read, and publish our monthly newsletters!

Don't forget to take advantage of our appointment scheduler, you can send us requests 24/7. The new look will appear at the URL http://www.dooleytotalcaredentistry.com in the coming weeks!



Use your smart phone app to scan this QR code for
instant access to our site at any time. Forms, scheduling
information, and more are at your fingertips!

As you know Dr. Dooley is always on the cutting edge of digital dentistry, and we've added another advancement to the list of offerings. You can now use your smart phone to connect to our website anytime with our new QR code. You'll find it on our Facebook page, on our new business cards and on our google places page. Use it at will! You never know when you might find a special offer along the way!

As we've mentioned in the past, we are still looking for our permanent new home, we will make an announcement when we have this information. Meanwhile, thank you for your patience and understanding!