Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.3, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # DrBunn.com modern dentistry, hometown feeling ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://staging.drbunn.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [News](https://staging.drbunn.com/news/) - [Fluoridated Water](https://staging.drbunn.com/fluoridated-water/) - Is your water fluoridated, click here (Virginia localities). from the American Dental Association Fluoride in Water is Safe and It Works More than 70 years of scientific research has consistently shown that: an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective plus, it prevents tooth decay by at least 25% in both ## Pages - [Home](https://staging.drbunn.com/) - General, family, & cosmetic dentistry. Focus: education & prevention. Modern dentistry, hometown feeling. (540) 382-4441 - [Homecare Recommendations](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/homecare-recommendations/) - history of dental care Dental Care Modern nylon toothbrushes are dominant in developed nations (U.S., Europe, East Asia). Conversely, millions in Africa, the Middle East, and rural Asia/South America use traditional “chew sticks” (miswak, arak), which are chewed to create bristles. These sticks offer natural antimicrobial/fluoride benefits and are deeply rooted in cultural/religious practices. 3500 - [Specialists](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/specialists/) - I recognize that any referral reflects on me, and I want you to receive the same care that I give you, so I have carefully developed relationships with particular specialists to help you. I feel very confident and comfortable in the care you will receive from these health care providers, and their endorsement is based - [Subscribe](https://staging.drbunn.com/subscribe/) - Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLast Email Name Email *EmailConfirm Emailconfirm sign-upSubmitLet’s stay in touch, and all you need to do is subscribe to my newsletter. - [Stop Cavities](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/stop-cavities/) - Recommendations / TipsThere are definitely things to do and to avoid to keep your teeth. Avoid Sugary Foods and Drinks There is help! Zero Sugar sodas are made to taste like the original but without sugar or calories. Diet sodas taste differently on purpose, but not the Zero Sugar ones. Carbohydrates in any form can - [Dry Mouth](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/dry-mouth/) - Recommendations / TipsMoisture Aids Mints, gum with 100% xylitol (bacteria do not grow with xylitol and it stimulates saliva flow). Xylimelts are tablets that can be applied to teeth or even gums (denture patients) and stimulate saliva flow, especially overnight, but anytime, generic available in the dental section of most stores (Walgreens, CVS) Spry Mints - [Info](https://staging.drbunn.com/info/) - Opulent Dental, 115 Akers Farm Rd NE Suite 3, Christiansburg, VA 24073, (540) 382-4441 - [Contact Information](https://staging.drbunn.com/contact/) - Opulent Dental, 115 Akers Farm Rd Suite 3, Christiansburg, VA 24073, (540) 382-4441 - [Cold and Canker Sores](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/cold-and-canker-sores/) - Cold Sores / Fever Blisters Canker Sores Cold Sores / Fever Blisters Rx Valtrex tablets Rx Denavir cream Lysine Fever blisters, also called cold sores (caused by the herpes simplex virus-1, HSV-1) occur usually on the lower lip, but can also occur on the upper lip (even throat, nose, chin, inside cheeks, gums and roof of - [National Children's Dental Health Month](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/national-childrens-dental-health-month/) - February is National Children’s Dental Health Month 2025 slogan, ‘Brushing Fights Cavities’ The annual observance of children’s dental health began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio on February 3, 1941. During that year, February 3-7 was designated as Children’s Dental Health Week in Akron, Ohio. The American Dental Association held the first national observance - [Care of Your Mouth After an Extraction](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/extraction/) - DO’S/DON’TS Bite gently on the gauze pad as directed, ONLY 20-30 minutes. Do NOT change gauze or bite on anything else. Call us if you have notable bleeding 24 hours after extraction. Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and disrupt healing. Do - [QuickTips](https://staging.drbunn.com/goto/) - recommendations to help you achieve the health you desire - [FAQ's/Info](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/) - PREVENTION & HOMECARE Cold and Canker Sores Dry Brushing Dry Mouth Flossing Homecare Recommendations Sealants Sports Mouthguards Stop Cavities Sugar and Sweeteners Toothbrushing Toothbrushing Cannot Damage Teeth or Gums Waterpik Xylitol, Cavity-Free Sweetener OTHER Glossary of Dental Terminology St. Apollonia, Patron Saint of Dentistry Tooth Numbering ABOUT KIDS Children’s Dentistry National Childrens Dental Health Month - [About](https://staging.drbunn.com/about/) - Steven T. Bunn, DDS Dr. Bunn believes that dentistry goes beyond merely treating teeth. He says that he tries to imagine that he is the patient, and that means focusing on dental health with comfort and a long-term perspective concentrating on prevention as an integral part of care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery - [Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/non-surgical-periodontal-therapy/) - Non-surgical therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage gum disease. Along with effective personal oral hygiene allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. Four to six weeks later, periodontal pockets are notably reduced due to gum shrinkage (if the disease - [Login Customizer](https://staging.drbunn.com/login-customizer/) - This page is used for Login Customizer plugin. It will not be visible to your readers. Do not delete it. - [ThemeNcode PDF Viewer [Do not Delete]](https://staging.drbunn.com/themencode-pdf-viewer/) - This page is used for Viewing PDF. - [Copyright and Use](https://staging.drbunn.com/use/) - By accessing this web site you agree to the terms of this copyright and use statement. A USER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY FOR DISSATISFACTION WITH THE WEB SITE IS TO STOP USING THE WEB SITE. The materials on my web site are not intended as a substitute for professional dental / medical advice, and accordingly - [Toothbrushing Cannot Damage Teeth or Gums](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/brushing-cannot-damage/) - People have mistakenly been given the impression that toothbrushing can damage teeth (notches at the gumline), or cause receding gums. Even a hard toothbrush cannot damage teeth, and toothbrushes today could hardly get any softer. An article published years ago very clearly considered the cause for such problems – which is NOT toothbrushing, but people - [ThemeNcode PDF Viewer SC [Do not Delete]](https://staging.drbunn.com/themencode-pdf-viewer-sc/) - This page is used for Viewing PDF. - [Privacy](https://staging.drbunn.com/privacy/) - updated: February 9, 2025 THIS PRIVACY POLICY This Privacy Policy explains how DrBunn.com collects, uses, and discloses information about you when you access or use our websites, or mobile sites that link to this Privacy Policy (collectively, the “Site”). This Privacy Policy may change from time to time. If changes are made, that will be - [Sports Mouthguards](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/sports-mouthguards/) - For more than 50 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has promoted the protective value of wearing properly fitted mouthguards while participating in athletic or recreational activities that carry a risk of dental injury. Some sports require a mouthguard and most recommend one. Safety is essential to maintaining oral health, and a properly fitted mouthguard - [Flossing](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/flossing/) - The most significant impediment to flossing has typically been the floss. It breaks, shreds, and gets stuck. Glide is the floss I recommend (Glide, Glider Threader Floss for bridges and braces, Glider Floss Picks [below]). Three Impediments to Flossing Which floss: the easiest floss is Glide. How you hold it: middle fingers. When you floss: - [Crowns and Bridges](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/crowns/) - Why a crown? A crown can be done for any number of reasons: broken tooth root canal treated tooth (to protect it from breaking) large old filling (that can no longer support the tooth) reshape tooth (for appearance and/or improved bite) A filling really only repairs a small hole. To rebuild, reshape, or protect a - [Wisdom Teeth](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/3rds/) - About Wisdom Teeth What Are Wisdom Teeth How Are Wisdom Teeth Evaluated Problems Caused By Wisdom Teeth How Wisdom Teeth Are Removed Types Of Impactions Pre-surgical Recommendations When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed Post-operative Instructions FAQ's Who Removes Wisdom Teeth Complications From Surgery What are wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth are technically known as 3rd molars. - [Logo](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/logo/) - While in dental school and working waiting tables I developed a friendship with fellow waiter, Supon Phornirunlit, who was studying graphic design (Supon Design Group [Supon Creative, Naked Decor]). At the time, Supon and I vowed that he would design my logo when I started practice. With an idea from my good friend he created - [Sugar and Sweeteners](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/sugar-and-sweeteners/) - Sweets have been an important part of nearly every culture. The importance to dentistry has been the danger of decay from too many sweets; although it is important to note that current information recognizes cavities can also be caused by other sticky foods and complex carbohydrates like potato chips and crackers. Sugar typically has referred - [Xylitol, Cavity Free Sweetener](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/xylitol-cavity-free-sweetener/) - xylitol defined and history benefits of xylitol good taste with no unpleasant aftertaste helps reduce the development of dental caries (cavities) reduces plaque formation increases salivary flow provides one-third fewer calories than sugar, about 2.4 calories per gram safety Xylitol Defined and History Remember: sugarless does not mean cavity-free! Xylitol is a good-tasting sweetener which - [Your Prescription](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/your-prescription/) - The prescription you received is important for any number of reasons. It could be an antibiotic to treat an infection, a pain medication, prescription strength fluoride, something else. It’s important that you receive and use as prescribed. Please do not leave the pharmacy without your prescription because you are told that your insurance doesn’t cover - [Waterpik](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/waterpik/) - The Waterpik is a very useful aid for keeping the gums and teeth healthy. It used to be thought that all it did was rinse things out, but it does much more. Which Model? I recommend the Waterpik personal model WP-660. What It Does (and Doesn’t) It does rinse out food and bacteria, and change the - [Dry Brushing](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/dry-brushing/) - Why Bathroom brushing is for getting food off your teeth, dry-brushing is for getting the plaque germs off your teeth. It is not possible to completely remove plaque brushing as usual in the bathroom. Plaque is what causes decay and gum disease, removing plaque from your teeth is the most important reason for brushing. Dry-brushing - [Toothbrushing](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/toothbrushing/) - Many brushing methods are known. What matters most is how effective a method removes plaque (bacteria or biofilm) from teeth. most widely used technique (American Dental Association) Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes. Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, - [Sealants](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/sealants/) - What Causes Decay? Decay is caused by dental plaque, a thin, sticky colorless deposit of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone's teeth. When food is eaten (not just sugar), the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack the tooth enamel. After repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down, and a cavity (hole) is formed. - [The Tooth Fairy Legend](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/the-tooth-fairy-legend/) - The tooth fairy appears to by a uniquely American legend, with origins in European traditions. The tooth fairy comes when a child has lost a tooth, commonly in the middle of the night. The tooth is left under their pillow, so that the tooth fairy can take it. A treat or money is left under - [Periodontal Disease](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/periodontal-disease/) - Periodontal Definitions FAQ’s Frequently Asked Questions What is periodontal disease? What causes periodontal disease? Are there contributing factors in periodontal disease? The importance of gum tissue. What is gingivitis? What is a periodontal examination? How do I know if I have periodontal disease? Are there different types of periodontal disease? Is periodontal disease transmissible? What - [St. Apollonia, Patron Saint of Dentistry](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/st-apollonia-patron-saint-of-dentistry/) - Workshop of Piero della Francesca; Saint Apollonia, before 1470; Samuel H. Kress Collection; National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC Apollonia was born in Egypt in the 3rd century and died in 249. She was an elderly deaconess, living in Alexandria. She was martyred for not renouncing her faith during the reign of Emperor Philip[1]. One - [Glossary](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/glossary/) - Glossary of Dental Terms Jump to the first letter of the term you're looking for: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z You can also use your web browser's built-in searching capability to find any word or phrase in this glossary. A Abfraction: The notch at the gumline of a tooth that is the result of excessive forces placed on that - [Tooth Numbering](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/tooth-numbering/) - Numbering systems have been developed in order to have a standard way of referring to particular teeth (there are more than 32 different systems). Two are commonly in use in the US today: the Universal Numbering System has been adopted by the American Dental Association and is in use by most general dentists today, and - [Tooth-Colored Fillings](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/tooth-colored-fillings/) - What Are They? Tooth colored fillings are also referred to as composites, because they are composed of a complex composite of plastic and zirconia/silica. Composites were introduced in the 1960s, and have undergone continual improvements in durability, color stability, material handling qualities, and esthetics. Tooth colored fillings are actually bonded to teeth compared to silver - [X-Rays: Types, Intervals, Etc.](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/x-rays-types-intervals-etc/) - I utilize four main types of x-rays to help evaluate areas not visible otherwise. Certainly not every person will have each of these types of x-rays. periapical – single tooth, whole root; taken as indicated bitewing – usually back teeth, half upper / half lower; usually two or four taken; can include front teeth as well - [Root Canal Treatment](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/root-canal-treatment/) - If the nerve of your tooth becomes infected by decay, or damaged by trauma, root canal treatment is often the only way to save your tooth. Inside your tooth’s hard outer shell of enamel is a nourishing pulp of blood vessels, lymph vessels and nerves. The root canals, which contain the pulp, extend to the - [Bite, Bite Guards, Bite Adjustment](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/bite-bite-guards-bite-adjustment/) - Teeth are meant to touch and chew against one another, and to fit like very well designed gears. When teeth don't fit ideally, and one or more teeth touch harder than another, there are significant long-term consequences. The reason for adjusting the bite is to avoid the continued process of damage and destruction that will - [Bruise](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/bruise/) - [Tooth Eruption Chart](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/tooth-eruption-chart/) - [Kids](https://staging.drbunn.com/faq/kids/) ## Categories - [Health](https://staging.drbunn.com/category/health/) - News about health and healthcare. ## Tags - [dry mouth](https://staging.drbunn.com/tag/dry-mouth/) - [xerostomia](https://staging.drbunn.com/tag/xerostomia/)