Author: Dr. Austin Westover

Just like you have a well visit from your general practitioner each year to make sure your body is healthy; you need to have a dental check at least once every six months to make sure your teeth and mouth are healthy. Most dental checkups are quick, but they make sure to do a comprehensive Read More

Losing teeth is an exciting time in any young child’s life. Not only does this mean they are growing up, but it also means they are due for a visit from the Tooth Fairy! There are so many creative things that go beyond just putting money under a pillow that can create wonderful memories that Read More

Halloween is almost here, and with it comes a ton of candy! While indulging in your favorite treats is part of the fun, it’s important to take care of your teeth to avoid the real scare – cavities. Here are a few tips from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry Read More

Traveling is already stressful, so we don’t want caring for your Invisalign to make it even worse. The good news is that there are a few small changes to your packing routine that can alleviate Invisalign- related stress taking away from your vacation. When you’re in a new place, far from your orthodontist’s office, it’s Read More

At Westover Family Dentistry, Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash understand that hearing you have a cavity can be unsettling. Most people immediately think of drills and uncomfortable procedures. But do you know what’s actually happening when we treat a cavity? As experienced dental professionals, we are committed to restoring your teeth to optimal Read More

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. The culprit for this disease is usually poor brushing and flossing habits. These poor habits allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on the teeth and harden. If the disease worsens, Read More

Just like the rest of your body, your mouth and teeth need to be well nourished and taken care of in order to keep your smile radiant. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help prioritize the health of your mouth and teeth with minimal effort. Here are some tips for keeping the beautiful and Read More

Your skin isn’t the only thing that deserves a spa day. Your teeth work incredibly hard day in and day out (think of how much gum, food, etc. you chew on a daily basis!). Luckily, there are tons of affordable products that are available to give your teeth a spa day as well. So go Read More

Pregnancy is an amazing thing. However, there are some important things to keep in mind during this time. While pregnancy does not automatically damage your teeth, pregnancy can lead to dental problems in some women, potentially resulting in gum disease and increased risk of tooth decay. Your increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s Read More

Straight teeth help to create a beautiful smile. However, straight teeth actually do so much more than provide a great smile. Teeth are made to fit together in a certain way. If they don’t fit together properly, they can’t function properly, which can lead to a variety of oral health problems. Keep reading to learn Read More

Everyone is always chasing after the elusive shiny white smile. However, coffee, tea, red wine, and even some sodas can stain your teeth and darken your smile. Luckily, there are several cost-effective options to help bring your teeth back to their pearly glory. There are even some foods that whiten your teeth naturally. To learn Read More

Your oral health is always extremely important! If you’re looking for some simple ways to boost your oral health, you’re in luck. Keep reading for some daily habits that you can incorporate into your routine from Dr. Austin Westover and Dr. Bryant Ash at Westover Family Dentistry. Some of the easiest ways to keep your Read More

It is quite common that when you go to the dentist, they will take X-rays of your teeth. Dental X-rays are images of your teeth that your dentist will use to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays may seem complex, but they’re actually very common tools that are just as important as getting your teeth Read More

Athletes are typically praised for their high level of wellness and health. However, did you know athletes tend to have more teeth-related issues than most? A recent study found that untreated tooth decay and gum inflammation was still prevalent among elite athletes despite regular brushing and flossing. Keep reading for some athlete related dental advice Read More

Most likely you’ve heard that you should be brushing and flossing your teeth daily. However, should brushing come before flossing or vice versa? According to recent studies, researchers have found that flossing before brushing may be the most effective way to remove dental plaque. This sequence also makes your tooth enamel stronger by increasing the Read More

It is common knowledge that smoking tobacco is bad for our teeth and mouths. Smoking drastically increases your risk for several things, including oral cancer and gum disease. However, it is important to know these side effects do not go away with e-cigarettes. Read on to learn more about why vaping is bad for your Read More

We all know that sugary carbonated drinks do more harm than good to the teeth, but what about sparkling water? In most carbonated beverages, the acidity levels are very high – which can weaken tooth enamel. If you’re not familiar with tooth enamel, it is the hard outer shell of your teeth where cavities first Read More

Regular dental check-ups are a crucial part of oral health maintenance. You should see your dentist twice a year for maintenance. But, for most people, finding the time in your schedule for an appointment tends to be the hardest part. Be sure to find the time though, as your oral health depends on it. Once Read More

At Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA, we do our best to remain available for emergencies. Please call our office if you think you are experiencing a dental emergency. We don’t want you to feel like you’re on your own when it comes to your oral health.   That being said, sometimes our patients run Read More