Virginia beach Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentistry Blog - Dr. Michael Folck

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Caring for Your Braces

Braces get the job done. Even with newer techniques such as Invisalign offering alternatives for people with slightly crooked teeth, braces remain an effective, time-tested method for correcting serious dental problems in a relatively short amount of time. After 18 to 30 months, a mouth that was once full of noticeably crooked teeth can emerge transformed by braces.

At Dr. Michael Folck's office, serving Norfolk and the surrounding communities, we want to provide our patients with an informed look at their orthodontic options. Most people know that having braces means you need to focus on cultivating good dental habits, but they often don't know exactly what is required of them.

Here is what you should do to keep your braces clean:
  • Avoid excessively hard, chewy, and crunchy foods 
  • Don't chew ice or gum 
  • Brush your teeth after every meal 
  • Use a floss threader and proxabrush to clean braces 
  • Visit your dentist every two to six weeks

Using these steps, you should be able to keep your braces clean and your teeth cavity-free. And if you are strict about maintaining these dental habits, it should make it easier for you to keep your teeth and gums clean after the braces come off.


If you have been thinking about getting braces or want to know about available alternatives, contact Dr. Michael Folck today at (877) 206-3444 and set up an appointment. We are located close to Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the surrounding communities.

posted by Admin at 9:00 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

How Important are Healthy Gums?

When people hear about dental health, they tend to think about teeth above all else. This makes sense if you've ever seen advertisements for dental products: those pearly whites are so eye-catching that it's difficult not to notice them! But any dentist will tell you that teeth can only be as healthy as the gums that hold them in place. Any number of cosmetic dentistry procedures that focus on the teeth, from teeth whitening to crowns, won't look as good with red or receding gums.

One way to think of the importance of the gums to overall dental health is to think of plants in a garden. Plants need soil for their roots to grow, and if there is no soil, or the soil is unhealthy, the plant will die. Likewise, your teeth need to have their roots securely fastened in the gums in order to thrive. Without healthy gums, your teeth will begin to decay and fall out.

Some of the signs of unhealthy gums include:
  • Gums that are red, tender, or swollen 
  • Gums that bleed easily
  • Chronic bad breath
  • Yellow pus coming out of the gums
  • Teeth that look longer than they used to
  • Teeth that feel loose
  • Changes in the way your teeth fit together

If you have any of these symptoms, you should come to Dr. Michael P. Folck's Virginia Beach office for a check-up as soon as possible. Dr. Folck can administer professional treatment for gum disease, and offers cosmetic dentistry solutions like gum contouring for patients who would just like to change the way their gums look.


If you are in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, or the surrounding areas, call (877) 206-3444 to schedule an appointment today.

posted by Admin at 2:13 PM 0 comments

Call or email us today to learn more about Dr. Folck, our office, and what we can do for you. Your first consultation is no-obligation so you've got nothing to lose, and plenty to gain!