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Is Undiagnosed TMD Causing You Neck And Shoulder Pain?

Do you have frequent headaches or migraines, earaches or tinnitus, tender jaw muscles, or a dull aching facial pain? Do you often have neck and shoulder pain? Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or “TMJ,” and the muscles that work to move the joint. These painful conditions are often called “TMD” for temporomandibular disorders.

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A Letter To Our Patients During COVID-19

Dear Friends, Families, and Valued Patients,

As part of your health care team, we would like to
take the time to let you know that we value your health with the ongoing
pandemic of COVID-19. Executive order passed by Gov. Ralph Northam mandates we
suspend dental treatment except for emergency and urgent patients until,
Friday, April 24, 2020.

If you have an upcoming appointment, we will be in
contact with you soon to reschedule and we will notify you when we are fully
prepared to resume safe treatment for all of our patients.

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Virginia Beach VA Dentist | 5 Tips for Denture Wearers 

Taking care of your dentures can seem like an added chore. Don’t worry, with a little effort your dentures can stay clean. Here are 5 tips for keeping your dentures clean and your smile healthy. 

 

  1. 1. Rinse Thoroughly

Prior to brushing, it helps to rinse your dentures off.  Run them through water to help wash away food and other small particles. Be extra careful when handling your fragile dentures. 

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Virginia Beach VA Dentist | Dental Care Tips While Traveling 

When you are traveling, it can be challenging to keep up with your usual daily routine. For many people, this can include having difficulty finding the time to properly brush and floss. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, we have gathered a few helpful tips to help you stay on track with your oral health while you are away from home.  

Pack Wisely 

Be sure you are traveling with enough toothpaste and floss to last your entire trip,

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Virginia Beach VA Dentist | One Tool for Better Gum Health

Loose teeth, bad breath, and painful, bloody gums – these are among the signs and symptoms of periodontal, or gum, disease. Unfortunately, periodontal disease can also begin without any obvious symptoms. If left undiagnosed or untreated, you could be at risk for irreparable damage to your teeth and gums. The good news is that periodontal disease is preventable. In fact, one of the most effective tools for preventing the disease only takes a minute of your time each day. 

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Virginia Beach VA Dentist | Optimal Gum Health for Seniors

For seniors, it is imperative that gum health is a top priority. As you age, your risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease increases. Periodontal disease is both preventable, and in many cases, reversible. When left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications such as bloody or swollen gums, and even tooth loss. Even more alarming are the numerous studies connecting periodontal disease to other serious illnesses. Here’s what you need to know about gum health as you age. 

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Cosmetic Dentist 23455 | Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth? 

Exercise is important to good health, but can it have a detrimental effect on our teeth?  Studies have shown that exercise and fitness habits can result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion.  Exercise can impact our oral health in many ways, including: 

 Decreased Saliva Flow:  Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and cause the mouth to dry out.  Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria,

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General Dentist Near Me | The Benefits of Adult Dental Sealants 

Although dental sealants are often associated with pediatric dentistry, they can be a beneficial option for adults as well. A dental sealant is a protective, plastic film that helps prevent tooth decay. 

Even with at home oral health care, there are areas of the mouth that can be difficult to reach, making it tough to properly clean. Our dentist can determine whether dental sealants are a viable option in helping give you extra protection from tooth decay. 

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Dentist in Virginia Beach | Look 10 Years Younger 

Your smile is one of the first things a person will notice when you meet.  If you would like to improve your smile with a simple procedure, teeth whitening may be a great option for you, especially if you have stained, dull or discolored teeth. Our dental office is providing teeth whitening services to new and existing patients. 

 Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, over time, discoloration will occur.  The main causes of stained teeth are genetics,

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Dentist in Virginia Beach | To Floss or Not To Floss? 

By now, you have likely seen news reports questioning whether flossing is necessary for your oral health. 

We want to answer your question right away with an absolute YES. Cleaning between your teeth is an essential part of caring for your teeth and gums. 

Whether you use traditional string dental floss, a water flosser, an interdental (between teeth) brush, or other form of interdental cleaning, it is important that you clean between your teeth correctly and on a daily basis. 

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How Can We Help You?

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Our dental office in Virginia Beach provides a variety of services, including cosmetic restorative, and preventive dentistry. We are experts is developing custom solutions for the most complex dental problems and concerns.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Jennifer Roberts

Dr. Rutledge and his staff are both professional and kind. They are extremely welcoming and personable. I feel very confident in their abilities of providing excellent dental care, and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a dentist in the area

- Jennifer Roberts

Phyllis W.

First visit I was warmly greeted by staff and Dr. My hygienist took time to know me and my concerns. She was very experienced and good at what she does. Thank you Karen! See you next time!

- Phyllis W.

Deborah C.

Very understanding and patient. Spent a lot of time getting to know me before ever looking in my mouth. I’m going back to take care of the problems I’ve let linger for far too long.

- Deborah C.

*Smiles pictured thanks to our actual patients.

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Read Our Virginia Beach Dental Blog

Dentist in Virginia Beach

Is Undiagnosed TMD Causing You Neck And Shoulder Pain?

September 9, 2020

Do you have frequent headaches or migraines, earaches or tinnitus, tender jaw muscles, or a dull aching facial pain? Do you often have neck and shoulder pain? Does your jaw lock or stray to one side when you open your mouth? These aches and pains may be related to the jaw joint, called the temporomandibular joint or “TMJ,” and the muscles that work to move the joint. These painful conditions are often called “TMD” for temporomandibular disorders.

More >>
A Letter To Our Patients...

March 21, 2020

Dear Friends, Families, and Valued Patients, As part of your... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 26, 2019

Taking care of your dentures can seem like an added chore. Don’t... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 22, 2019

When you are traveling, it can be challenging to keep up with your... More >>

Virginia Beach VA Dentist |...

August 14, 2019

Loose teeth, bad breath, and painful, bloody gums - these... More >>

Smile Gallery

Dentist in Virginia Beach

James Rutledge Dentistry | 2025 Pleasure House Rd. | Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: (757) 464-0271