Pregnancy and Dental Care

January 13, 2014

Congratulations!  This exciting time in your life is filled with joy but also additional doctor appointments and educational classes.  One appointment you should make sure to keep is your six month dental cleaning and exam.

During pregnancy, body changes and increased hormones can affect your gums and teeth.  Many women report increased inflammation, redness, and bleeding in their gums during pregnancy.  If this occurs, maintain a consistent brushing and flossing routine even if the tissues bleed a little.  Make sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles.  Angle your toothbrush towards the gumline and lightly massage the junction where the tooth meets the gum.  Your dental hygienist can suggest a variety of tips and products to help with your individual care during this time.

Pregnancy also marks a time of potential increase of cavity development.  Morning sickness can prevent your usual AM routine while sweet cravings may increase the frequency of sugar intake.  Bland, unflavored toothpaste may help in the morning and remember that only a pea sized dab is needed.  Excess toothpaste may contribute to the nauseas feeling.  Drink lots of water between snacks and remember that the more sugary snacks eaten- the higher the risk of tooth decay.

If you are planning to get pregnant- see your dentist first.  Ideally any dental needs (x-rays, infections, cavities, gum disease, etc.) will be identified and treated before becoming pregnant.  As bacteria can travel from the mouth to the rest of the body, staying up to date with your with dental health before becoming pregnant is another preventive measure to help your developing baby.

During your pregnancy visit, elective procedures will be postponed until after the birth of your child.  These include routine x-rays, cosmetic care, and small cavities that can be safely filled in a few months.  Dental emergencies and infections will be evaluated and if necessary for the health of the mother and child, dental treatment will occur.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the low amount of radiation of a dental x-ray should not pose any risk to the baby when your baby’s safety is considered.  With many x-rays a lead apron covers your abdomen, pelvis, and neck area for added protection to you and the baby.  The dental assistants, dental hygienists, and dentists at McCarl Dental Group are all x-ray certified and have taken courses and exams to ensure they understand the highest standard of care in terms of x-ray techniques and safety.  Both McCarl Dental Group offices offer the newest technology in terms of digital x-rays which are faster and less radiation than the traditional film.

Please call Our Millersville Maryland dental office at 410-987-8800 or our Dental Office in Historic Greenbelt at 301-474-4144 to schedule your dental cleaning and check up and rest assured you are taking one more measure to protect the health of your body and your baby. You may also visit our website at https://www.mccarldental.com/ to request an appointment.

Smiles by McCarl

November 19, 2013

This book features smile makeovers designed and created by McCarl dentists at our dental offices serving patients from  Millersville, Greenbelt, College Park, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton and Crownsville Maryland.

Several of these patients had complex dental cases with combinations of treatments including Invisalign orthodontics, dental implants and gum recontouring along with porcelain veneers and crowns. Other McCarl Dental patients were able to achieve their goals for their smile in two or three visits.

We are delighted that so many McCarl dental patients are willing to share their beautiful smiles. We also thank Heather Crowder for her fabulous photography and Jay Dixon for transporting our patients into landscapes that reflect their interests and hobbies.

Millersville and Greenbelt Dental Practice Spans Four Generations

September 18, 2013

The family tradition continues as Ashley McCarl Harrison, daughter of Dr. Clayton McCarl Jr., joins the dental practice of Dr. James W. McCarl, which first began at the corner of Ridge and Gardenway in Greenbelt in 1937. Ashley joined the practice as a registered dental hygienist RDH on May 31, 2013 and adds to the family legacy as the fourth generation member of her great-grandfather’s practice.

Ashley McCarl Harrison, DDS – Joins Greenbelt Dental Practice

She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry Division of Dental Hygiene on May 17, receiving awards including: Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society, and a feature as Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Ashley also received the dental school’s Division of Dental Hygiene Spirit Award, which is given to the senior hygiene student who best exemplifies the spirit of teamwork, volunteerism, participation in service to the class and kindness to fellow classmates.

Other notable contributions that Ashley will bring to the practice include her award winning research. As a member of her research team, Ashley and her two other teammates placed first in the University of Maryland Division of the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Healthcare Award for Excellent Research. Their award qualified them to present their paper, “Bactericidal Effects of Natural Oils against Common Bacteria Found in the Oral Cavity,” at the 100th annual meeting of the American Dental Hygienist’s Association in Boston in June. Her team placed second in the nationwide competition.

Ashley began her work at the practice when she was merely a teenager in eighth grade. She was first hired as a dental assistant for her father. Ashley is also excited to work with her and aunt, Sally McCarl Moore who is also an RDH uncle, Dr. Jay McCarl, DDS, and cousin Dr. Dave McCarl, DDS all third generation members of the dental practice.

Why Brush and Floss your Teeth?

January 22, 2013

Tooth brushing is one of the first lessons of personal care that we learn as children – for many of us, brushing our teeth is one of the first “health habits” that we are taught in life. Brushing and flossing your teeth is the simplest and most cost-effective way to preserve your oral health and to enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

McCarl Dental Group’s First Dental Visits for Pediatric Dental Patients are Fun and Free! Pediatric Dentistry is part of our comprehensive dental care at McCarl Dental Group. A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled around his or her 3rd birthday.

The most important part of the visit is getting to know and becoming comfortable with a dentist and dental hygienist. We entertain our pediatric patients with a ride up and down in the dental chair.  Then we talk to them about opening wide so that we can shine a light into their mouth and count their teeth.  Next the child tests the water by using the “Mr. Thirsty” suction and rinsing their mouth in the chairside basin. Finally we use our beloved puppet “Choppers” to teach tooth brushing technique.

A fun and comfortable first dental visit builds trust and helps put children at ease during future dental visits.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that people brush their teeth twice every day – once at night before going to bed, and once in the morning. Brushing your teeth at night helps to remove bacteria and keeps your mouth clean while you sleep. Brushing your teeth in the morning helps freshen your breath and removes any bacteria that built up during the long night of sleep.

In addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, the ADA recommends that you floss once a day. Flossing is important because it allows you to clean in between your teeth – removing bacteria and plaque, and keeping your gums healthy. Flossing helps keep your gums in shape – if you don’t floss often enough, your gums might bleed, which, if you’re not careful, can be a sign of possible gum disease and infection.

Your oral health can be a reflection of your overall health. Sometimes the first sign of a disease shows up in your mouth. In other cases, infections in your mouth, known as periodontal disease, can cause problems in other areas of your body.

More than 75 percent of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum or periodontal disease.  Signs of periodontal disease include: bleeding gums when brushing or flossing; red, swollen or tender gums; loose teeth; persistent bad breath; or receding gums. Sometimes there are NO obvious signs of periodontal disease. That is why routine professional dental exams are so important to your overall health.

Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation, called gingivitis, to a more serious disease, called periodontitis that causes gum tissue to pull away from the teeth forming pockets that become infected. Periodontitis results in damage to the bone supporting your teeth, and ultimately the loss of your teeth.

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums, and the byproducts of oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream. When oral bacteria escapes into the bloodstream it increases inflammation throughout the body and can injure major organs. Chronic inflammation is recognized as a significant factor in aging and disease.

Bacteria and inflammation from periodontal disease is associated with a number of serious health problems including:
•    Heart disease
•    Diabetes
•    Dementia
•    Rheumatoid arthritis
•    Premature birth

Joint replacements: Gum disease is a major risk for infections in your joints after joint replacement surgery. Maintaining healthy gums and teeth is critical for preventing serious problems in your new joints. Current guidelines recommend taking antibiotics before having your teeth cleaned and any necessary dental work. Be sure to list joint replacements on your medical history at your dental office. Antibiotics are also recommended prior to dental care for patients who have had heart valve replacement.

If you have symptoms of periodontal disease, please take it seriously and call McCarl Dental Group in Millersville at 410-987-8800 or our Greenbelt Dental Office at 301-474-4144  for a thorough dental exam! You can also schedule an appointment online at https://www.mccarldental.com/locations.html

Severna Park Dentist supports Annapolis Wellness House

September 26, 2012

McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice is delighted to sponsor the Wellness House Sporting Clays Classic.  The Wellness House is a non-profit organization in Annapolis, Maryland dedicated to providing free programs and services to people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Wellness House programs compliment clinical care that cancer patients receive and are provided in a home-like setting.

You may be wondering, what is the relationship between dentistry and cancer care?  Your dentist is an important member of the health care team during your cancer treatment. Excellent oral hygiene is vital prior to and during chemotherapy. Side effects of chemotherapy can include:painful mouth and gums,dry mouth, burning, peeling, or swelling tongue, infection and change in taste. Side effects happen most often when a person’s mouth is not healthy before they start chemotherapy.
Ideally, you should visit your dentist at least a month before starting chemotherapy or radiation therapy to check for plaque build-up on your teeth or periodontal disease as well as bacterial infections and nerve abscesses.  Chemotherapy is given to kill cancer cells, however it can also damage normal cells – especially the cells in the mucosal lining of the mouth and throat that grow rapidly. Chemotherapy can compromise your immune system by lowering the number of white blood cells your body produces. This puts chemotherapy patients at higher risk for developing infections and decreased ability to fight infections. An oral infection that travels through your bloodstream can have very serious consequences.

At McCarl Dental Group, we frequently receive letters from physicians of our patients who are preparing to start chemotherapy asking us to ensure there are no oral diseases present that would jeopardize the success of their treatment.

For more information about dental care as it relates to chemotherapy, please visit https://www.mccarldental.com/blog/dental-care-for-chemotherapy/ .

Visit Annapolis Wellness House! All Wellness House programs and services are free of charge and available to cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones and caregivers. For a list of programs, please visit https://www.annapoliswellnesshouse.org/home

Panorex Dental X-Rays

February 21, 2012

When is a Panorex X-Ray the Best Choice?

Panorex or Panoramic x-rays are a one of a kind radiograph that is taken outside of the patient’s jaw. Panorex x-rays can show dental practitioners an overall look at structures like impacted teeth, jaw anatomy, nasal sinuses, and any suspected pathology around the mouth.

Panorex films are most commonly known for being taken on young adults with orthodontic consultations or when dentists are beginning to monitor wisdom tooth development. Because smaller x-rays taken inside of the mouth cannot show dentists much of the jaw, the panorex films are the best way to do this.

Individuals considering dental implants also need to have panorex films taken in order to evaluate the bone levels and anatomy of the nasal sinuses. This helps the dentists with McCarl Dental Group determine whether or not our patient are an ideal candidate, or if other procedures like bone grafts or nasal surgeries would first need to be completed. It also helps dentists know what type of implant needs to be placed in the mouth, as each implant is designed for different anatomical needs.  Panorex films are the x-ray of choice for accidents such as a broken jawbone.

For routine dental appointments, the dentists at McCarl Dental Group recommend a panorex film every 5 years. Most of our new patients have a panorex taken on their first appointment with us. This complies with the ADA standard of care, which is developed to help dentists monitor their patient’s oral health care needs. (1) Because some conditions like cysts, cancers, infections or tooth damage cannot be seen without the view that a panorex x-ray gives, it is important to have these taken regularly for preventative care. Patients who are undergoing orthodontic, or implant therapy may need to have these films taken more often to evaluate the progression that their treatments have made.

At McCarl Dental Group we have a digital Panorex. This allows us to share x-rays with patients and other health professionals at the request of our dental patients.

Each type of dental x-ray is designed to view different features. The image that the panorex provides cannot be replicated with other types of intraoral x-rays. For example, bitewing x-rays that are taken once a year to evaluate dental decay will not show areas around tooth roots, wisdom teeth,  or relationship of teeth to the sinuses.

Panorex films are easy and painless. These films are taken with a machine that rotates around the head in just a few seconds. Digital panorex films are ready for instant viewing and use a minimum of radiation.  All our patients feel it is exceptionally easy to have done. Panoramic x-rays eliminate gagging and discomfort sometimes caused by holding a film in the mouth.

If  have more questions on dental x-rays or are looking for a dental care provider we would love to hear from you. McCarl Dental offices are conveniently located near Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Bowie and College Park Maryland. You can contact our Millersville, MD dental office at (410) 987-8800 or call our Greenbelt, MD location at (301) 474-4144. Please visit the McCarl Dental Group website at https://www.mccarldental.com/

Reference:

1. Choi JW.; Assessment of panoramic radiography as a national oral examination tool: review of the literature.; Imaging Sci Dent. 2011 Mar;41(1):1-6. Epub 2011 Mar 26.

Is Smokeless Tobacco Harmful?

January 2, 2012

YES! Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States.

At McCarl Dental Group we care about your oral health and also your overall health! We recently had a question regarding a YouTube video that one of our patients requested that we post on our website. Unfortunately, this patient was diagnosed with oral cancer. Fortunately his treatment was very successful. The cancer was located at the base of the tongue beyond visible range and was not visible upon oral examination. It was diagnosed by an ear nose and throat doctor. The question asked  what percentage of people who dip everyday will get mouth cancer? We researched and were not able to find those specific statistics. Here is the information we found.

Wishing you a healthy and blessed New Year!

Harmful health effects of smokeless tobacco include:

  • Mouth, tongue and throat cancer
  • Cancer in the esophagus
  • Stomach cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke
  • Addiction to nicotine
  • Leukoplakia (white sores in the mouth that can become cancer)
  • Receding gums (gums slowly shrink from around the teeth)
  • Bone loss around the roots of the teeth
  • Abrasion (scratching and wearing down) of teeth
  • Tooth loss
  • Stained teeth
  • Bad breath

Smokeless tobacco products are a major source of cancer-causing nitrosamines and a known cause of human cancer. They increase the risk of developing cancer of the mouth and throat, esophagus and pancreas. (Source: Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts and Figures 2010)

Smokeless tobacco products are considered less lethal but are NOT a safe alternative to smoking. Use of tobacco in any form harms health and can also lead to nicotine addiction.

Results from a large American Cancer Society study showed that people who switched from cigarettes to snuff or chewing tobacco had higher death rates from heart disease, stroke, cancer of the mouth and lung, and all causes of death combined than former smokers who stopped using ALL tobacco products.

The American Cancer Society, the World Health Organization, the National Cancer Institute and the U.S. National Toxicology Program have all issued strong reports warning on the adverse health effects of smokeless tobacco.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States for both men and women. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011)

Lung cancer is the most preventable form of cancer death in our society. (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011)

Lung cancer estimates for 2011 (Source: Cancer Facts & Figures 2011):

New cases of lung cancer: 221,130

Males: 115,060

Females: 106,070

Deaths from lung cancer: 156,940

Males: 85,600

Females: 71,340

Tips for Taking Care of your Teeth during the New Year

Here are 5 helpful tips if your New Year’s Resolutions include having a healthy, beautiful smile in 2012.

1. Quit smoking! Smoking is major culprit when it comes to gum disease – and most other diseases. Smoking constricts and damages small blood vessels throughout your body and decreases blood supply that carries healthy nutrients. Smoking also darkens your teeth. It is not too late to make a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking!

2. Brush your teeth three times a day and floss at least once daily. The most important part of tooth care happens at home. Learn correct techniques for brushing and flossing. The dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group recommend using an electric toothbrush. Proper brushing and flossing, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Your dental health affects your overall health! Visit your dentist and/or dental hygienist every six months and more often when needed.

3. Switch to healthy snacks that include raw fruits and vegetables. Sugary foods and sodas can damage the enamel that protects your teeth. Hard candies, breath mints and cough drops that contain sugar dissolve slowly in your mouth and are especially harmful to your teeth. Acidic drinks can also eat away at the enamel layer of your teeth.

4. Stop grinding your teeth! Clenching and grinding wear down teeth and may lead to broken teeth, headaches, and pain in your jaw muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In just a few minutes at our dental office, we can make a custom night guard for you that will help prevent damage to your teeth caused by nighttime grinding. A night guard will also ease the tension in your jaw muscles.

5. Never use your teeth as tools! A frequent source of dental emergencies is broken or chipped teeth from people using them as scissors, pliers or fingernail clippers. You would not believe the things people try to open or cut with their teeth – bottles, plastic bags, tape, string, fishing lines, cloth … you name it! We see chipped teeth and broken teeth that damage the dental enamel of natural teeth, but also in porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns. PLEASE DON’T USE YOUR TEETH AS TOOLS!

What is Water Flossing?

December 2, 2011

Let’s face the facts. Like 99% of the American population, you probably don’t floss your teeth as often as you should. The majority of dental patients actually confess that they don’t even floss at all unless there is something stuck between their teeth.

How Often Should You Floss Your Teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between teeth DAILY with dental floss or an interdental cleaner.

Why Should You Floss Your Teeth?

Unlike brushing, flossing reaches between teeth and helps treat and prevent conditions like tooth decay,  gingivitis and periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis is an early and reversible form of periodontal or gum disease.

Dentists, hygienists and product manufacturers have been trying to find a way to motivate patients to floss for years. The answer has finally come in a method that patients of McCarl Dental Group will both enjoy, comply with, and that is as effective as traditional flossing: the water flosser.

For years, products such as the Waterpik were recommended to patients with hard to reach areas around bridges, crowns, implants or braces. Recent studies show this method of plaque removal even more effective than flossing. (1) Many of our patients say that the water flosser is easier to use than dental floss.

The Waterpik Water Flosser is an oral irrigation device that delivers a steady stream of water and can flush out food particles, bacteria and plaque from under the gums and between teeth, where a toothbrush can’t reach.

Waterpik Waterflosser

For those who find flossing difficult, now a gentle stream of water can do the job. The added convenience of water flossers can also increase patient compliance in maintaining their oral hygiene. The result will be healthier gums, teeth and maintenance of oral appliances such as braces, bridges and implants.

You can purchase the Water Flosser at Bed Bath and Beyond and Target. Oral irrigation devices such as the Waterpik Water Flosser are available in various designs. The lower end models usually deliver one steady stream of water, while higher ends allow more customization in the pressure through manual controls. The water reservoir may be filled with a comfortable temperature of water to ensure patient comfort.

While it may take a little getting used to, many people prefer water flossers to traditional floss because of the convenience and ease of use. For patients with limited dexterity, flossing can be challenging. The Waterpik Water Flosser is easy to use.  Dr. Clayton McCarl is currently using the Water Flosser for hard to reach areas before he flosses.

McCarl Dental Group wants to encourage and promote oral health for each of our patients. Part of that responsibility includes making you aware of successful products that can help achieve improved oral health. If you’re looking for a dentist, we would love to invite you to our office. Our Millersville dental office is conveniently located near Severna Park, Annapolis, Crofton, Crownsville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie and Severn, Maryland. Our Greenbelt Dental Office is close to College Park, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, New Carrollton, Laurel, Glen Dale, Bowie, Mitchellville, University Park and Hyattsville, Maryland . To schedule a preventative care appointment with us, call our Millersville, MD office at (410) 987-8800 or our Greenbelt dental office location at (310) 474-4144. You may also schedule a dental appointment with a dentist at McCarl Dental Group online at www.McCarlDental.com.

Reference:
1. Rosema NA, Hennequin-Hoenderdos NL, Berchier CE, Slot DE, Lyle DM, van der Weijden GA.; The effect of different interdental cleaning devices on gingival bleeding.;
J Int Acad Periodontol. 2011 Jan;13(1):2-10.

Sports Drinks Can Cause Tooth Decay!

October 20, 2011

The Dangers of Soft Drinks and Sport Drinks

When we think of active, healthy people, we normally envision athletes or someone with a gym membership. Most likely if you’re watching a sporting event, there is an ample supply of sport drinks available to the athletes. While these drinks are often intended to help rehydrate the athlete, they wreak havoc on our teeth.

The same goes for soda and soft drinks. Both sports and soft drinks contain sugars and acidic juices. When these combine with our saliva and are broken down for digestion, an acid byproduct is created. This acid is active on the tooth surface for about 30 minutes. Because it is in liquid form, drinks coat the tooth and reach into deep grooves and areas between teeth. When we have more frequent exposure to these beverages, our decay rate increases. Erosion of the tooth enamel also occurs during consumption of these drinks.(i)

A study done on triathletes showed that while only a small percentage of them perceived themselves at a risk for dental decay, over 80% consumed sport drinks and showed extremely high risk for decay.(ii) Surprisingly, some sports drinks are more damaging to the teeth than soft drinks.(iii) Most of the time these drinks are consumed on a frequent basis over a long period of time. This is a recipe for dental disaster!

So do we need to give up these drinks completely? Not necessarily. However, we should be drinking water more often than anything else. Water hydrates the body extremely well and helps the teeth by rinsing some of the naturally accumulating bacteria. Our body needs water and it’s one of the best things that we can drink. If you decide that you need to drink a sport drink or soda, limit the exposure to your teeth. This can be done first of all by not sipping on the drink over an extended period of time. Sipping causes the exposure to be spread out through the day, extending the time frame in which the teeth can be damaged. Drink all at once, preferably with a meal. By limiting the time that your teeth are exposed to sweet and acidic liquids, you will help decrease the tooth decay caused by those beverages.

If your teeth suddenly happen to become sensitive to the sweet taste of sodas or sport drinks, this is an early symptom of tooth decay. If you or your athlete is experiencing any of these symptoms, call McCarl Dental Group today at (410) 987-8800 or (301) 474-4144 to schedule an exam in our Millersville, MD or Greenbelt, MD location. You may also visit us online and print coupons for special offers at www.McCarlDental.com.

(i)Noble WH, Donovan TE, Geissberger M.; Sports drinks and dental erosion.; J Calif Dent Assoc. 2011 Apr;39(4):233-8.

(ii)Bryant S, McLaughlin K, Morgaine K, Drummond B.;  Elite Athletes and Oral Health.; Int J Sports Med. 2011 May 17.

(iii)Kitchens M, Owens BM.; Effect of carbonated beverages, coffee, sports and high energy drinks, and bottled water on the in vitro erosion characteristics of dental enamel;J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2007 Spring;31(3):153-9.