Q: I drink a lot of coffee, and I love my red wine. However, lately I have noticed that my teeth are not as white. Is this a normal part of aging, and can I reverse it?

A: Yes, it’s normal, and yes, we can greatly improve your look. Teeth darken in color as
a result of staining. The stains are usually brown, yellow and orange or a combination.
Pigments in food cause a gradual darkening of teeth. Tea and coffee are the most
common causes of discoloration. Smoking, or antibiotics also take their toll. Consult a
good dentist for effective, safe teeth whitening techniques.

Q: I have a broken tooth on the right side of my mouth. It’s making me a nervous wreck because I’m realizing that’s the side I like to chew on. I’m taking lots of over-the-counter pain pills. The thought of just walking into a dentist’s office literally makes me shake with anxiety. What else can I do to ease the pain? Ice? Heat? Help!

A: In the past, going to the dentist was a painful experience, and one which people
dreaded with good reason. Not only were procedures often painful, but the sound of the
drill often upset people as well. Well, all that is history. Dental equipment is far more
sophisticated. The sound of the drill is now no more than a soft whine, and pain relief
is readily available. Dental procedures are now virtually painless, so don’t put off your
dental appointment. If anxiety still gets in the way, we use medications, such as “happy
gas,” so go head, and make that appointment today.

Q: I am 45, and in four months I’ll hope to be getting ready for a class reunion. In the past few years, I’ve had a lot of dental work done, and I wear an upper denture. To be honest, I hate the way it feels, and I hate the way it looks. I don’t look like the old “me.” Even my speech is affected. Shall I try to get this fixed, or just forget about going to the dance?

A: Send in that RSVP to the reunion, and make an appointment to have your denture
adjusted. A consultation with your dentist will reassure you that your smile, your fit, and
your speech, will be improved before the big event.

Q: I’m a boomer. Is it too late for me to get braces? When I was a teenager, I felt like I was lucky not to be a “metal-mouth.” But now I feel self-conscious about my crooked teeth. Shall I put orthodontia on my bucket list?

A: No, it’s not too late! Old, as well as young people need to look good, and to feel
good about themselves. The way we look affects our confidence. When we feel good
about how we look, we are more sociable. When we can chew properly, we maintain our
nourishment. This all affects general health.

Q: I’m kind of a worrier, and through the years, I feel like my teeth are grinding down. I stop myself when I’m aware of it, but I can’t do anything about grinding my teeth in my sleep. Or can I?

A: Normal eating eventually causes the chewing and biting surfaces of teeth to be worn down, and the teeth become flattened and shorter. This is called attrition. If you grind your teeth as well, this is called bruxism, and it can cause serious tooth wear. Consult
with your dentist about a night guard, and painless plastic insert that will not only stop
the grinding, it might help you get a much better night’s sleep.

Q: When I drink ice-cold drinks, my teeth actually hurt. I also feel uncomfortable
when I drink piping hot coffee (the way I like it), or very sweet foods. Is this
normal?

A: This can be caused be teeth wearing down and the dentine becoming exposed.
Sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods and drinks causes pain. This pain can be sharp,
but will stop when the cause is removed, i.e., when the food or drink is no longer in the
mouth.

Q: I looked in the mirror today, and actually saw my gums drooping! Is this what they call “long in the tooth”? What can I do about it?

A: Most people have gum disease at some time or another, which results in gum
recession or shrinkage. Untreated gum disease causes the gum to lose its original
attachment to the tooth. The gum then reattaches itself to the tooth at a lower level. The
tooth then looks longer, the gums bleed easily, and the teeth can eventually become
loose. Before all that happens, see your dentist for a good gum treatment strategy.

• Ask for an appointment that is earlier in the day while the child is fresh and awake. Do not plan the appointment during nap times or when the child might be cranky.
• Build excitement before the appointment. Inform your child of the upcoming visit a few days beforehand, allowing ample time to discuss the event and answer any questions.
• Bring a favorite toy or blanket so they have something comforting to hold.
  Give positive feedback after the visit. Tell your child how proud you are of them and how beautiful their teeth are.
• Help your child use their new toothbrush when you get home.
• Some children are more cooperative when their parent is not present. In this instance, we recommend that you bring your child to the exam room and leave him or her in our care.
• If you remain in the room with your child, please sit out-of-the-way but be nearby. This allows us to establish a one-on-one relationship with your child.
• Allow your child to answer all questions directed at him or her.

• Teeth darken in color as a result of staining.
• The stains are usually brown, yellow and orange, or combinations of these colors.
• Pigments in food cause a gradual darkening of teeth. Tea and coffee are the most common causes of discoloration.
• Smoking causes severe staining. The nicotine sticks to the teeth,and is difficult to remove.
• When nerves and blood vessels in the teeth die, the teeth become grey or black.
• Some antibiotics taken over long periods can stain teeth grey.

o Attrition

• Normal eating eventually causes the chewing and biting surfaces of teeth to be worn down.
• The teeth become flattened and shorter.
• Attrition is the name given to this kind of tooth wear.
• Bruxism is a condition marked by the involuntary habit of grinding and clenching of teeth, often during sleep. It causes serious tooth wear that can result in the loss of teeth, and jaw-joint pain.

o Abrasion

• Abrasion is the wearing away of the tooth surface at the gum line.
• Brushing teeth too vigorously is the cause.
• Abrasion and attrition cause the sensitive dentine layer of the tooth to be exposed.
• Tooth sensitivity
• This can be caused by teeth wearing down and the dentine becoming exposed.
• Sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods and drinks causes pain.
• This pain can be sharp, but will stop when the cause is removed,i.e. when the food or drink is no longer in the mouth

o Gum disease

• Most people have gum disease at some time or other.
• Gum recession, or shrinkage results from gum disease.
• Untreated gum disease causes the gum to lose its original attachment to the tooth.
• The gum then reattaches itself to the tooth at a lower level.
• The tooth then looks longer.
• As a result of gum shrinkage, spaces appear between the teeth where the gums used to be.
• The gums will bleed easily, and the teeth will become loose.

o Bone recession (shrinkage)

• The bone around the teeth will be affected by gum disease.
• The tooth loses its supporting bone, and becomes loose.
• Gum and bone disease (periodontitis) are major causes of toothloss.>

“The awards I achieved and the numerous professional organizations I am a member of,” such as the Omicron Kappa Epsilon Honor Dental Society, The American Dental
Association, the Virginia and the Richmond Dental Association,
doesn’t bring me as much joy as my patients’ ThankYou notes. It is
my patient’s joy and presence that keeps me motivated.”

- Dr. Babik

A local contributor to educational and cultural art institutions, Dr. Babik is a
proud sponsor of high school, middle school, and elementary school athletics and special
venues. Furthermore, as a carrying gesture which is well appreciated by members of the
community and environmentalist organizations like Green-America in utilizing a green,
environmentally-friendly approach, Dr. Babik’s office is paperless and has an efficient
and unique organic environment to be less costly on patients and to our shared
environment.

“We are proud to be forward-thinking, utilizing modern technology to service our patients and we provide detailed, individualized information to help all patients make informed, intelligent decisions.” - Dr. Babik

Our Dental practice offers a unique dental experience you won’t soon forget. Our patients
consider us to be a step above the rest. You’ll experience:

• The latest techniques in dentistry.
• Personal care by a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist.
• A dentist who will listen to your specific goals and concerns.
• An honest evaluation of what can (or cannot) be done to accomplish your wishes.
• On-time appointments.
• Relaxing dental chairs that massage your body.
• Watching DVDs with Video Eyewear while you receive your dental care.

“I never thought I would be so motivated and
looking forward to my dental appointment” – Musician and Sensational Guitarist, Hart Dementi

At Dr. Babik’s office, we understand you are making a very important decision–

your smile is with you for the rest of your life! So we will provide you with detailed,
individualized information to help you make an informed, intelligent decision. We also
understand and respect that your privacy and your time is of paramount importance. We
believe that when you choose us as your dental provider, we are entering into a long-term
relationship built on mutual trust and shared respect. So…Let’s get started!

As a former professional Volleyball player, Dr. Babik takes inspiration from other athletes and utilizes sports to reach out to the youth with the message that “Teeth are the Gateway to Good Health!” He sponsors the Ethiopian Ski Team, a two-time Winter Olympics competitors; and he is the official dentist of our local Professional Soccer Team, The Richmond Kickers. Providing dental access to the Kickers players, office staff, and coaching teams has transcended Dr. Babik’s dental health message to the Kickers’ thousands of fans and youth soccer players that “Teeth are the Gateway to Good Health.”

“The First thing you notice when you enter Dr. Babik’s office is that him and his staff are always providing service. It’s more than just a career to Dr. Babik, it’s a pursuit of Excellence!” - Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers’ Head Coach

“With the help of Dr. Babik and his great team, I was able to overcome my paralyzing fear of dentists, regain my confidence and greatly improve my life and appearance. I’ll never forget him!” - Ms. Salerno

Welcome to CrossRidge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a state-of-the-art dental facility located within the beautiful neighborhoods of Glen Allen, Virginia.

Your treating dentist is Dr. Majd Babik, a Magna Cum Laude graduate from VCU School of Dentistry (2003), who has also accomplished an Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of Florida. Dr. Babik is one of thirteen siblings and works with several of them. All are equally dedicated to providing the most advanced dentistry techniques. Their dedication and attention to detail earned the practice the “Best of Glen Allen” award from the U.S. Commerce Association for the past three consecutive years, and the “Seal of Excellence” from the Consumer Research Council of America.

Our patient-family is composed of working professionals, retirees, and young adolescents. For your comfort and convenience, our office is opened Mondays through Fridays from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. and although limited in access, our dental office is also opened on Saturdays from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. Send us an e-mail below or call our office at (804) 755-8050 in case you have further questions or in need to make a dental appointment.