McCarl Dental Group is fortunate to have an opportunity to take part in PG County community events that emphasize oral and overall health. The annual Greenbelt Health & Wellness Fair is one of our favorite events because we get to meet with members of the community and provide oral hygiene goodie bags, free dental consultations, and education on the best practices for at-home dental care. If you missed out on this year’s event, we hope to see you next year for this event dedicated to living happier, healthier lives, and we invite you to contact McCarl Dental Group to schedule a dental checkup and teeth cleaning.
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McCarl Dental Group Shared Oral Health Tips at the Annual Greenbelt Health & Wellness Fair
October 27, 2015
Worn Down Teeth? Get Nightguards!
September 28, 2015
Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in our body, but even the strongest teeth become worn down over time. Dietary changes, improved oral hygiene, and better dental treatment make it possible for patients to retain their natural smiles for a lifetime. One of the first reasons dentists noted this change was the increased necessity for wisdom tooth extraction. The third set of molars are commonly referred to as wisdom teeth because they erupt between 17 and 25 years of age. Anthropologists believed that the early function of wisdom teeth was to replace teeth that were lost because our ancient ancestors ate coarse foods that quickly wore down tooth enamel. Most modern lifestyles are much less tough on teeth. This has made wisdom teeth almost entirely unnecessary. Unfortunately, teeth still wear down throughout our lives (just not before our 20th birthdays!). The caring team at McCarl Dental Group can help you protect your smile. Call our Greenbelt dental office or our Millersville, Maryland dentists. Call for an appointment today.
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Dental Cleaning by Greenbelt Dental Hygienists
September 17, 2015
Dental cleaning Greenbelt residents prefer isn’t just about having a beautiful smile it’s about optimal oral health, and you can’t get the same results from at-home care alone. Talk to our dentists or hygienists during your next visit about the powerful positive effects of consistent dental checkups and teeth cleanings. Our Millersville, MD dental team is determined to help patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. Both our Greenbelt and Millersville, Maryland Dental Hygienists receive 5 star reviews! Call to schedule your six month checkup and hygiene appointment today. If you have periodontal disease, you may need to have your teeth cleaned professionally more frequently than every six months. Your dental hygienist and dentist will help you with a schedule that works best for you.
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Are Your Teeth Sensitive After Whitening? Try At-Home Whitening in Millersville, Maryland
August 28, 2015
Many patients hear that teeth whitening can be painful for those with sensitive teeth. This may be the case for some patients, but advances in dentistry have made teeth whitening more comfortable than ever. At McCarl Dental Group, our dentists offer professional at-home whitening to help patients achieve the brilliant smile they want without the discomfort they fear. Our Millersville and Greenbelt, MD offices welcomes patients from surrounding areas to contact us to schedule a whitening consultation today.
Teeth Whitening Greenbelt Trusts
Every smile is unique and McCarl Dental Group never takes a one size fits all approach to dentistry. When it comes to helping our patients brighten their smiles, we offer a range of at-home treatments to fit your budget and whitening need. We use Zoom! teeth whitening products, and this versatile whitening line allows our patients the ability to find an option that fits their needs including the ability to customize the strength of whitening gel to avoid sensitivity. Best of all, because McCarl Dental Group is committed to helping Millersville residents have the smiles they deserve, we offer whitening to our patients at our cost.
At-Home Whitening in Millersville
Zoom!, the leader in teeth whitening, offers a full range of at-home whiteners for the comfort and convenience Greenbelt, MD area residents desire. Zoom!’s line of at-home products offer a variety of peroxide levels, durations of wear, and result times. We prepare a customized application tray to make your home whitening more comfortable and effective than generic, over the counter whitening gels and strips. Patients whiten their teeth to remove coffee, tea, and wine stains, yellowing, and to lighten teeth that have darkened with age. Some reasons patients prefer at-home teeth whitening:
- Patients are in the driver’s seat – choose the strength, time of wear, and can stop at any time
- Convenience of not having to schedule whitening appointments
- Ability to touch up their results before special events or photo opportunities
Zoom! at-home products include
- DayWhite Maximum White – 14% hydrogen peroxide, worn 15 minutes 2 times a day, and shows results in 2 weeks. Great results for minimal wear time.
- NiteWhite Maximum White – 16% carbamide peroxide, worn overnight or 2-4 hours/day, and shows results in 2 weeks. Great results for those who prefer whitening while sleeping.
- NiteWhite Quick 3-day – 22% carbamide peroxide worn overnight or 2-4 hours/day, and shows dramatic results quickly. Great for patients with less sensitive teeth who want fast results.
- DayWhite Gentle – 6% hydrogen peroxide, worn 30 minutes/day, shows results in 2 weeks. Great for patients with very sensitive teeth.
- DayWhite Touchups – 9.5% hydrogen peroxide, worn 5-10 minutes/day as needed, helps to maintain results of in-office or at-home whitening. Great for all whitening patients who want to extend their results.
Call the Cosmetic Dentist Greenbelt, MD Prefers
For Greenbelt, MD residents with sensitive teeth, a brilliant smile doesn’t have to be out of reach, with the wide variety of Zoom! Whitening products offered by McCarl Dental Group. There are some cases where patients’ teeth will be too sensitive even for the gentlest whitening products. Sometimes dark, staining that goes beneath the enamel layer of the teeth cannot be removed through whitening. When this happens, we offer thin veneers that require no dental preparation, and regular veneers to cover deep set stains. As an added bonus, veneers can also reduce tooth sensitivity. Call our Greenbelt or Millersville offices to find out more or schedule your whitening consultation today.
Dental Implants in Greenbelt and Millersville MD
June 18, 2013
“I recommend Dr. McCarl if you need dental work. Whether it is just cleaning, implants, fillings or any form of replacement, he is the dentist to see. Dr. McCarl will evaluate and propose a plan, but encourages your input in developing the plan of action. I am so happy to have a complete and amazingly beautiful smile. I am overjoyed with my new teeth and big smile.”
Millersville Dentist helps Patient Smile with Confidence!
Dental implants are today’s standard of care for replacing missing teeth and securing removable dentures. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group in Millersville Maryland and Greenbelt Maryland have been placing dental implants for 25 years and work hard to deliver the most current and highest quality dental care. In the past few years, improvements in dental implant technology have made implants more reliable, more comfortable and more affordable.
There are circumstances for which a dental implant has replaced root canal therapy as the preferred dental treatment. When the root of a tooth is too short or too badly damaged to support restoration with a dental crown, it may be best to extract the tooth and place a dental implant. The implant will provide greater support for the restored tooth and improved long term success. Our dental patients love the look and feel of natural teeth that a crown restored with a dental implant provides.
Dental implants are placed in the jaw where they fuse to the bone. They are effective for restoration of a single missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. In the past, dentists relied on procedures that were often temporary measures to repair badly damaged teeth. Now, in many cases, implants restored with crowns will last longer and cost less than ongoing repair efforts.
When you lose a tooth, your jawbone gradually loses strength and firmness. This leads to bone loss and can even cause changes in facial features. The loss of just one tooth can cause uneven chewing and an unstable bite. The remaining teeth shift and proper cleaning becomes more difficult. A misaligned bite can also contribute jaw joint dysfunction and headaches. Unlike a denture or bridge, a dental implant can prevent bone loss at the site of the missing tooth.
“My lower molar implants, strengthened my jaw bones, consequently improving my bite and virtually eliminating my TMJ issues. And as a side, I benefited aesthetically with improved facial symmetry.”
Many patients tell us that having a dental implant placed is more comfortable than they expected. Unlike teeth, implants do not experience temperature sensitivity or decay. Many patients are pleasantly surprised that the cost of dental implants is much lower than they expected.
If you are missing teeth, please call to schedule an appointment at our Greenbelt Dental Office 301-474-4144 or our Millersville Dental Office 410-987-8800 to learn how dental implants can improve the health of your smile. Visit the McCarl Dental Website at www.McCarlDental.com
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
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
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.
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.
What is Dental Fluoride Varnish?
October 5, 2011
In the last few years, many new products have become important in dentistry. One of these products allowing advances in dental care is fluoride varnish. Fluoride varnish is quickly replacing dental fluoride foams and gels.
Advantages of Dental Fluoride Varnish
Varnish is extremely effective for the prevention of tooth decay.(i) Studies show that the varnish prolongs the contact time between fluoride and the tooth surface, which helps reduce the rate of tooth decay.(ii)
At McCarl Dental Group in Millersville, MD and Greenbelt, MD we provide fluoride varnish to pediatric patients up to the age of 14. We also perform this treatment on all patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Patients with braces have an increased risk of decay, and fluoride varnish is shown to be extremely effective for this category of patients. For adult patients who have extreme sensitivity areas, or are prone to decay, this is an optional therapy they can request. Unfortunately, insurance companies typically only provide fluoride coverage to patients up to the age of 14, but many adult patients feel the small out of pocket cost is well worthwhile. For those adults who do not request fluoride varnish, our office offers a fluoride rinse or foam tray at no additional cost.
Fluoride varnish is simply applied to the tooth by using a small brush, similar to a paintbrush. This thick material is painted onto your tooth by dental hygienist, and the patient is advised to not brush their teeth for at least 6 hours. Unlike traditional fluoride treatments, there is no restriction on eating or drinking, so patients are able to leave the office and have a snack or meal immediately after their appointment. Following a fluoride varnish application, there may be a slight yellowish color and thin film on the tooth. This is the actual varnish clinging to your tooth, and it is only temporary.
For our patients who have a more sensitive gag reflex, varnishes are great, because there is no need to hold a large tray in the mouth. While traditional foam trays are worn for about a minute, varnish is applied even more quickly. It’s easier than brushing your teeth, because so little product needs to be applied.
To schedule a dental appointment, dental hygiene visit or dental exam call our Millersville Maryland dental office at 410-987-8800. Or, for a Dentist in Greenbelt Maryland, call 301-474-4144. You may also request a dental appointment online at www.mccarldental.com.
(i)Quock RL, Warren-Morris DP.: Fluoride varnish: the top choice for professionally applied fluoride.; J Mich Dent Assoc. 2011 May;93(5):42-8.
(ii) Lam A, Chu CH.: Caries management with fluoride varnish of children in U.S.; N Y State Dent J. 2011 Jun-Jul;77(4):38-42.
Why are Dental X-Rays Important?
September 27, 2011
Sometimes our patients ask “why is it important that I have x-rays taken when I come for my check-up?” The short answer is dental x-rays also called radiographs can show us things that we cannot clinically see with our own eyes.
The dentists and dental hygienists at the Millersville and Greenbelt offices of McCarl Dental Group follow guidelines determined by the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA standard of care is to perform routine intraoral radiographs once a year for most patients. These are the films that we normally refer to as “bitewing” x-rays. The other type of radiographs, Panoramic or Full Mouth Series of films, are normally taken once every 5 years. Occasionally there will be the need to take an x-ray of just one tooth for treatment or monitoring. To help provide incentive for people to get very important preventive care, we offer special discounts for an introductory visit with teeth cleaning, evaluation by a dental hygienist, dental x-rays as necessary and an exam by a dentist. The comprehensive dental exam also includes an oral cancer screening.
Each type of dental radiograph works in a different way. A panorex/panoramic film shows us a broader view of the entire oral cavity, bone structures and anatomy surrounding the teeth. This allows us to screen for any problems such as cysts, bone degeneration or missing teeth.
Bitewing x-rays are more detailed and allow us to closely look into the contact area between your back teeth. This is an important area to watch for early signs of decay and periodontal disease. A periapical x-ray will show us more of an individual tooth than a bitewing, and allow us to see around the tip, or apex of the tooth. These smaller films, the bitewing and PA, also allow us to detect abscesses and monitor the quality of existing dental work.
Without x-rays, we might not be able to see dental problems like failing restorations, recurrent decay, or a tooth abscess in the earliest stages. By the time many of these symptoms become evident visually, they are advanced and causing notable discomfort. That’s why coming in for routine dental hygiene cleaning and dental examinations can prevent more advanced treatments later. Our goal is to prevent dental problems and maintain a healthy smile. Dental x-rays help us achieve that goal.
Dental x-rays are extremely safe. They use minimal levels of radiation, and newer digital x-ray equipment uses even less. We are able to view and discuss digital x-rays with our patients on a large television screen in the dental operatories. This allows our patients to see what we are seeing and understand the treatment process better. Patients who have an increased risk of decay, or who suffer from periodontal disease may need more frequent radiographs. This is to help us monitor any suspected areas and intervene with therapy before problems progress to a more severe stage.
If you’re behind on your dental care or need to schedule your routine dental cleaning and exam, call us at our Millersville, MD dental office (410) 987-8800 or Greenbelt dental office (301) 474-4144 to schedule a check-up. www.mccarldental.com