Dental Health During the Holidays

This time of year is exciting for many reasons. Quality time with family, travel and delicious food all make the holidays special. It’s also a busy season and in the midst of gift-buying, cooking and attending holiday parties, it is easy to…

Dangers of Chewing Ice for Your Teeth

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Habitual ice chewing is fairly common.   Many people use it as a method to alleviate dry-mouth and curb snacking. While this behavior may seem harmless (and rather refreshing!), the truth is that chewing on ice can wreak havoc on your…

Extended Wednesday Hours–Especially for Teachers!

Teachers do an important job in the Hampton Roads community. You work long hours in order to educate and nurture children, and we understand that it can be difficult to find time to take off for routine appointments like doctor and dental visits.…

Water and Your Oral Health

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We are all aware of the health benefits of drinking plenty of water—better digestion, clearer skin and weight management number among them. But did you know that drinking lots of water also improves oral health? Here’s how. Bacteria and…

All About Root Canals

Have you ever heard the expression, “I’d rather have a root canal than…(insert undesirable thing here)?” Because of the commonly accepted idea that root canal treatment is one of the most painful dental procedures, many people are apprehensive…

Even More Dental Health Myths!

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This week we continue our dental health myth series. You may recall the first of two dental “myths” that are commonly misunderstood as facts: 1) It doesn’t matter if I get calcium from my food or from supplements–it’s all the same.…

When Is the Best Time to Go to the Dentist?

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It may be our passion and profession, but we understand that for most people, going to the dentist can feel like a giant chore. It's important to not let those feelings get in the way of consistent dental care. At Vacendak, we wholeheartedly…

Nervous Nail Biting

An onychophagist, or more commonly a “nail biter,” is a person who habitually bites his or her fingernails. Nail biting is a common oral habit among children and young adults, and is the most common of the typical nervous habits such as…

Dental Care Tips for Caregivers of the Disabled or Elderly

Caregiving for a Disabled or Elderly Loved One You may have an elderly parent, spouse or friend who has difficulty maintaining a healthy mouth on their own. How can you help? Two things are critical: Help them keep their mouth clean with…

The Toothbrush: a History

The toothbrush of today comes in various different colors, shapes, sizes, styles, and power options (if you are buying an electric variant) so choosing the right one can be hard to do when we are inundated with so many choices at the checkout…

The Best Waiting-Room Music for Your Mind

Music can change how we perceive time and how we react to anxiety-inducing situations; the right music can be a total difference-maker in terms of the overall experience for patients in waiting rooms across the country. Exactly how big is…

Amalgam vs. Composite: A Tale of Two Fillings

Dental patients in need of a filling face the choice between an amalgam metallic alloy or composite resin filling. These filling classes are often referred to as “silver” and “white” because of the distinctive color variation. There…