There have been over 1,000,000 patients who have used Invisalign braces to get the smile they want. Why not let yours be the next success story?

As opposed to conventional braces, the clear, removable design of Invisalign is incredibly convenient. First, daily life goes on without anyone knowing that you’re straightening your teeth. Invsalign aligners can be removed for eating and drinking, which makes meals easier while also promoting good oral hygiene by reducing plaque buildup, tooth decay and periodontal disease. Given its lack of metal parts, Invisalign is also a much more comfortable option than what has been available in the past.

Designed by leading orthodontists and FDA cleared, Invisalign corrects many common issues such as overbite, underbite, as well as spacing and crowding.

The system also has many benefits beyond straightening your teeth:

Healthier gums
Studies show that properly aligned teeth help the gums fit tighter around the teeth, which promotes periodontal health.

Improved chewing and speech
Misaligned teeth and jaws that go without treatment can lead to painful chewing and speech issues. Invisalign works to better align your teeth and jaws.

Easier cleanings
One of the Invisalign system’s best qualities is that it uses no metal bands, brackets, or wires that may trap food and plaque like traditional braces do. Easy to remove. Easy to clean.

Inquire about Invisalign at Leading Washington D.C. Area Dentist

An alumnus of Boston College and Howard University College of Dentistry, Dr. Merai is the leading cosmetic dentist serving Oxon Hill, Fort Washington, Temple Hills, Clinton, Upper Marlboro, Camp Springs, Alexandria and Washington D.C..

For more information on Invisalign or to schedule an appointment with Washington DC dentist, Dr. Merai, visit: http://www.washingtondccosmeticdentists.net/washington-dc-dentists-dental-services/invisalign-braces/

It is well known that frequent dental exams lower the risk almost completely that you will ever have a tooth ache again, yet most people will delay going to a dentist for years!  People will consistently continue their other medical exams and ignore the one part of their body that is always open to germs, bacteria and infection!  Dr. Merai, a Washington DC dentist, advises and educates his patients to get frequent dental exams to prevent decay, diagnose problems before they begin so you don’t become one of the victims of periodontal disease.

Healthier Teeth and Gums Can Lead to a Healthier Life

Research has shown that infections associated with periodontal disease, or gum disease, can lead to other severe health risks.  Inflammatory conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other systemic diseases have a correlation with gum health.  Proper oral health care is crucial to optimum overall health.  Dr. Merai, a Washington, DC gum disease specialist, says that 80% of American adults have some form of gum disease.  Treating symptoms in the early stages helps manage and prevent periodontal disease.

Your gum tissue is not attached to your teeth as high as it looks.  There are very shallow V-shaped pockets between the tooth and gums.  Periodontal disease is an infection of that tissue that supports your teeth.  70 % of tooth loss is from this chronic inflammation.  Dr. Merai serves the Washington, DC area and specializes in gum disease.  Gum disease starts with the basics of not brushing or flossing correctly and a lack of routine in oral health.  Warning signs are:

• Bad Breath
• Red or Swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth

A visit to Dr. Merai, an Oxon Hill gum disease dentist, will start you on the road to maintaining oral health, treat symptoms early, prevent periodontal disease and save you money in the long run.

Dr. Merai and his staff have your best interest in mind in achieving and maintaining a beautiful smile and healthier gums and teeth:  Teeth that you can be proud of inside and out.

Call Dr. Merai, an Oxon Hill and greater Washington, DC area gum disease specialist at 301-567-9844 for more information.

Washington residents can learn the latest news in oral health care, as well as discover valuable tips and advice for maintaining optimum oral health.  Every Monday from 12:30-1pm, Dr. Peter Merai will be featured live on WOL 1450 AM.  Dr. Merai will present news and information on a wide range of important health topics such as side effects of certain medications, the link between periodontal disease and diabetic patients, implant surgery and restoration, sedation dentistry, the relationship of oral health to overall health and wellbeing, healthy diets, exercise and much more. 

An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of periodontal disease, an infection of the tissues that support the teeth.  Research has shown and experts agree that infections associated with periodontal disease can lead to severe health risks including stroke, heart disease and other life threatening systemic diseases. 

Dr. Merai’s goal is to help Washington residents by educating them on how to prevent these very serious diseases and offer nutritional and healthy lifestyle habits as ongoing solutions.  “This is information that unfortunately much of the general public is either unaware of or has turned a blind eye to,” says Dr. Merai, “I hope that by raising awareness of the seriousness of proper oral health care for optimum overall health, Washington residents will take a more serious approach to adopting a healthy lifestyle.”

Washington residents can listen live every Monday from 12:30-1pm online at http://woldcnews.com/ or by tuning their radio to WOL 1450 AM. 

About Dr. Peter Merai

Dr. Peter Merai is one of the most well known general and cosmetic dentists in the Washington DC area. Dr Merai served as a clinical instructor at Columbia University and Howard University. He received his BS in Biology from Boston College and his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington DC.  Dr.  Merai is near completion of a four year part time study leading to his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry.

For more information, visit http://www.washingtondccosmeticdentists.net

There are many causes of bad breath, also called halitosis, and some are serious while other causes are not. But with the help of Oxon Hill Dentist Dr. Peter Merai, diagnosing and treating bad breath is something that can be easily done.

Here are a few reasons why you or a loved one may be experiencing bad breath:

• Foods Containing Pungent Oils

Foods such as garlic and oninos contain oils which may be tough to cover up. The odors can last up to 72 hours so be sure to use mints, gum (sugarless of course) and rinses.

• Routine Illnesses

Colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections all cause mucus to get trapped in our mouths, throats and noses, which causes bad breath. If your sinus infection, sore throat, cough or cold doesn’t clear up in a few days you should consult your physician.

• Dry Mouth

When you have a dry mouth, dead cells are then able to accumulate on your gums, tongue and cheeks. Morning breath is perfectly normal due to lowered salivary activity at night and those who snore, mouth-breathe or take certain medications are prone to a dry mouth.

• Smoking

Smoking dries out your mouth and the smell of tobacco isn’t pleasant either. Kicking the habit is a great way to get rid of your bad breath, along with decreasing your risk of lung cancer and heart disease.

• Chronic Diseases or Conditions

Many serious disease such as lung infections, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, GERD, anorexia, bulimia and others can cause very specific types of halitosis.

• Poor Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease

These are the most common causes of bad breath and here at our Oxon Hill Dental office we can usually treat them quite easily. But gum disease, which usually starts with poor brushing and flossing habits as well as a lack of routine dental visits, can do much more than give you bad breath so don’t wait too long in contacting Oxon Hill Dentist Dr. Peter Merai and his team.

• Food accumulation on your tonsils

Sometimes food particles that are chemically changed by saliva accumulate on the tonsils. They appear as small white or yellow particles that often have a terrible smell. They can be removed with a Q tip but if you can’t see them well it’s best to have a dentist remove them.

If you have any questions about this or any other topic concerning you or someone you care about, please feel free to give us a call at 301-567-9844. Fort Washington Dentist Dr. Peter Merai and his fantastic team are here to help you!

Local Oxon Hill Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Peter Merai is known by residents as a doctor who takes the time to list to his patients’ needs and concerns. Once Dr. Merai meets with a patient at his Oxon Hill Cosmetic Dentistry Office, he works to give them the best and easiest dental solution from Fort Washington to Alexandria.

Premium Dental Care From Well-Known Washington DC Cosmetic Dentist

Our Oxon Hill Cosmetic Dentists offer a variety of procedures, from dental implants and beautiful dentures to veneers and gum disease treatment. Start getting ready for your big summer events now with Invisalign clear braces. Come to local Oxon Hill Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Merai to learn how invisible braces can give you the smile you’ve dreamed of without anyone else knowing that you’re using braces.

Comprehensive Dental Care can handle virtually all phases of dental care so don’t hesitate and visit our Oxon Hill office to learn about all of your dental care options. We specialize in complicated oral rehabilitation, so feel confident and comfortable with taking the next step in your dental care with us.

Invisalign braces offer Dr. Merai’s Oxon Hill patients an ‘invisible’ way to straighten their teeth, an attractive alternative to traditional metal braces for many patients.  The Invisalign system uses a series of ‘invisible’ clear removable aligners to move teeth over time, resulting in a perfectly straight smile.

Dr. Merai says that there are many benefits of getting fitted with Invisalign braces over metal braces.  “Unlike traditional metal braces, the Invisalign braces are removable, so patients can eat or drink whatever they want simply by removing the aligners,” says Dr. Merai.  “This also helps patients maintain proper oral hygiene by allowing them to brush and floss as usual.”

Only trained providers of Invisalign like Dr. Merai can treat patients with the system.  More information about Invisalign braces for Washington DC residents can be found online at http://www.washingtondccosmeticdentists.net/washington-dc-dentists-dental-services/invisalign-braces/

 Gum disease, or periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.

What causes gum disease?

Bacterial plaque––a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth––is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial types. If plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.

Are there other factors?

Yes. Genetics is also a factor, as are lifestyle choice. A diet low in nutrients can diminish the body’s ability to fight infection. Smokers and spit tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than non-tobacco users, while stress can also affect the ability to ward off disease. Diseases that interfere with the body’s immune system, such as leukemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe or harder to control.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, puss between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the way the teeth fit together when the patient bites, and a change in the fit of partial dentures. While patients are advised to check for the warning signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a point where the tooth is unsalvageable. That is why patients are advised to get frequent dental exams.

What does periodontal treatment involve?

In the early stages, most treatment involves scaling and root planing––removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment.

How do you prevent gum disease?

Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk.

Is maintenance important?

Sticking to a regular oral hygiene regimen is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of therapy.

*Source for “What Is Gum Disease?” was provided by The Academy of General Dentistry

Additional information on gum disease (periodontal disease):

Recent studies have linked periodontal disease to clot formation in the brain. The accumulation of gum disease plaque in arteries can lead to a cerebro vascular accident (stroke). Perodontal disease is also linked to heart attacks, kidney involvement, weakened bones, pneumonia, and a disruption of diabetic control.

Learn more about gum disease on our website.