Maryland Dentists Recommend Hydro Floss

January 26, 2014 in Dental Hygiene,Dentistry by McCarl Dental Group

How Often Do You Floss Your Teeth?
Some dental patients tell us that they don’t use dental floss unless there is something stuck between their teeth. Are you a reluctant flosser?

We think this will change after you try the new Hydro Floss. It is comfortable, affordable, easy and convenient!

How often should you floss your teeth?
The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least daily. The dentists and hygienists recommend flossing with traditional dental floss as well as cleaning between teeth with oral irrigation or water flossing. At McCarl Dental Group, we especially like the Hydro Floss, a magnetized water oral irrigator.

Why should you floss your teeth?
Flossing helps remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where the toothbrush can’t reach.  Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can harden into calculus or tartar within just 26 hours. If tartar and dental calculus are not removed, it can progress into a serious form of gum disease.

Daily brushing and flossing as well as routine cleaning by a dental hygienist remove plaque, tartar and calculus. All are part of the basic dental care necessary to help prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Dentists and hygienists are always trying to motivate dental patients to floss their teeth. Flossing can be challenging for patients with limited dexterity. Some dental patients find flossing difficult and some patients are just too lazy to floss. Water flossing is even easier than traditional dental flossing. Oral irrigation is also ideal for patients with hard to reach areas around bridges, crowns, implants or braces.

We can’t say it too many times: the dentists and dental hygienists at McCarl Dental Group recommend flossing with both traditional dental floss and oral irrigation.

Hydro Floss is an oral irrigation device that delivers a steady stream of water that flushes out food particles, bacteria and plaque from under the gums and between teeth, the areas a toothbrush can’t reach. Hydro Floss is easy to use and cleans hard to reach areas before using traditional dental floss.

Our patients are having great success with the Hydro Floss. It is easy. Turn a switch and let a gentle stream of water clean between your teeth and around your gums. The convenience of water flossers increases patient compliance in maintaining oral hygiene. The result is healthier gums and teeth, and cleaner oral appliances such as braces, bridges and dental implants.

For patients with sensitive teeth, Hydro Floss allows you to adjust the pressure of the water stream through manual controls. You may also fill the water reservoir with warm water (slightly warmer than your body temperature) to maximize comfort.

The dentists and staff at McCarl Dental Group encourage and promote oral health for each of our patients. Part of that responsibility includes teaching about products that can help improve oral health.

The Hydro Floss is $129.95 on their website and is not currently carried in stores. If our patients use our office discount code of #942111 they can purchase the Hydro Floss for $98.00 with no shipping fees. This can be done online or by phone 1-800-635-3594.

If our patient orders a Hydro Floss by phone while in our office the price is only $78.40, again with no shipping fees. Their office is open Central Standard Time on Mon-Thurs 8:30-5:00pm and Fri. 8:30-12:30pm. If these times do not correspond with the time of the patients dental appointment, we recommend just stopping by another day, whenever it’s convenient for the patient. Patients interested in purchasing a Hydro Floss are always welcomed to stop by to order one, no appointment is necessary.

If you’re looking for a dentist, please visit one of our offices near you. McCarl Dental Group at Shipley’s Choice, our Millersville dental office is conveniently located near Severn Park, Crownsville, Gambrills, Annapolis, Crofton, Glen Burnie, and Severn. Call 410-987-8800 for an appointment in our Millersville dental office.

Our Greenbelt Dental Office is close to College Park, New Carrollton, Lanham, Seabrook, Bowie, Laurel, Glen Dale, University Park, Hyattsville, and Maryland. Call 301-474-4144 for an appointment in our Greenbelt dental office.

You may also schedule dental appointments online at www.McCarlDental.com.

 

Pregnancy and Dental Care

January 13, 2014 in Dentistry,Pregnancy and Dental Care by McCarl Dental Group

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.