Wayne Myles DDS Blog

From social distancing and stay-at-home orders to face coverings and extensive sanitation, the current pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives. Although the novel Coronavirus has ushered in a “new normal” for the majority of 2020, experts are still conducting research daily on the intricacies of prevention and treatment. Until concrete findings are published, many continue to question which activities are considered safe or dangerous. In fact, patients across the U.S. are delaying their routine dental visits in the name of COVID-19. However, your dentist in Reston is here to share three reasons you shouldn’t put off your oral health during this time.

Did you know that approximately 1.7 million people are diagnosed with diabetes each year? Even worse, an additional 8.1 million people are unaware that they have diabetes. Yikes! While some of the dangers of diabetes include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart disease, it can also have negative consequences on your oral health. In fact, patients with diabetes are vulnerable to dental concerns, like gum disease in Reston. Read on for concerns your dentist has if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

You walk into your dentist’s office to see staff members donning the traditional face mask. Smiling, you walk toward the treatment room and wait for your dentist to arrive. Expecting to see them in gloves and a face mask, you see they’ve added another layer of protection – a face shield. What is the purpose of this piece of personal protective equipment (PPE), and how is it keeping you safe? Let’s find out.

Good hand hygiene isn’t the only thing your dentist is concerned about when it comes to keeping everyone safe from COVID-19. Yes, washing with soap and water is necessary and vitally important during this time but so is maintaining optimal health. Whether it is showering regularly, keeping teeth and gums free of harmful bacteria, or wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) while working, all of these efforts combine to ensure both staff and patients are safe. If you are preparing for an upcoming appointment and want to know what your dentist is doing to maintain personal cleanliness, read on.

This month, dental practices across the nation are reopening their doors so patients can get the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic services that they need. The uncertainty of COVID-19 can make a simple dental visit seem risky, especially if you’re not aware of what safety precautions your dentist in Reston is taking to keep you safe. With 18 new safety protocols in place, you’re sure to feel comfortable and confident that your dentist truly is prioritizing your health. Read on to learn about five of the ways they’re making the dental office safer during COVID-19.

The threat of COVID-19 is real, but that doesn’t mean you have to dilute your affection when you get to see your friends, family, or dentist again! If you’re a hugger like so many other people, it can be tempting to not jump in for a good old bear squeeze. Unfortunately, that direct close contact can increase your risk of becoming sick. Plus, with social distancing practices still in place, it’s important to remain at least six feet away from people whenever possible. Read on for some creative greeting ideas to keep yourself safe but still express your excitement when you get to see somebody after weeks of being in quarantine.

Bleeding gums are never something to take lightly. In fact, it is one of the most identifiable signs of periodontal disease (gum disease). If left untreated, you could be faced with various oral and health-related conditions and problems. So, what should you do if you notice the signs? As the world battles a current pandemic, COVID-19, let a dentist explain when you should treat your problem at home and when to seek the help of a licensed professional.

It is certainly a strange time in our world right now, as billions of people are being told to stay home in an attempt to combat the infectious respiratory disease now known as COVID-19. Also referred to as Coronavirus, it is having a major impact on businesses both large and small as well as hospitals and even your local dentist’s offices. So, what should you do if you are facing a dental crisis and need an emergency dentist? Learn just how impactful COVID-19 is to your oral health and what the ADA recommends you should do depending on the severity of your individual problem.

You should already have a good idea who your emergency dentist is; when you or a loved one breaks a tooth or is suffering from a painful infection, you need to know who to call right away to have the problem properly addressed. But how will you know when you’ve found the right practice to turn to in the worst-case scenario? Keep these 4 factors in mind whenever you’re searching for a new emergency dentist.

Unless you work in a dentist’s office, you may be unfamiliar with the term “periodontal disease.” Considered a clinical term for what is otherwise known as “gum disease,” this harmful dental problem can wreak havoc on not only your oral health but your overall well-being, too. What you think is only affecting your mouth can actually lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s and Dementia. As someone who relies on the expertise of dental professionals to know the appropriate terms and provide quality care, take a few minutes to learn more about this common oral disease and what you can do to prevent it.