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 Blog
McCarl Dental Group Shared Oral Health Tips at the Annual Greenbelt Health & Wellness Fair
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Worn Down Teeth? Get Nightguards!
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
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
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.
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Continuing Education for Dentists
The Maryland Board of Dental Examiners requires that licensed dentists participate in 30 hours of continuing education every two years, including two hours of infection control. The dentists at McCarl Dental Group participate in about four times the required amount of dental continuing education per year. Here are some of the courses that McCarl Dentist have participated in during the last few years.
Occlusal Adjustment/Therapy – Dental Occlusion
New Trends in Esthetic Implant Dentistry
Comprehensive Communication Program – Patient Education
Treatment Planning Session – Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Dental Implants
Skeletal Relationships: The Impact on Facial Esthetics
Analgesics for Pain Management
Wisdom Teeth – Current Knowledge and Treatment Indications, The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons White Paper
Effective Diagnosis and Restorative Treatment for Worn Dentition
Missing Maxillary Lateral Incisors: The Benefits and Challenges of Implant Replacement – Dental Implant Surgery
New Trends in Esthetic Implant Dentistry
Facial Trauma – Trauma Management
Workshop for Successful Anterior Esthetics – Dental Implant Restorations (Prosthodontics/Fixed)
Management of Complications in Oral Surgery
Intraoral Scanning of the Future
Concepts verses Clinical Realities of High Strength Ceramic Restorations – All Ceramic Restorations
Common Sense Operative Restorative Dentistry
The Art of Cosmetic Dentistry
Efficient Implant Dentistry to Optimize Treatment
Sleep Prosthodontics – Sleep Apnea & Appliance Therapy
Patient Education and Problem Solving
Restoration of Multiple Failing Teeth with Implants in the Aesthetic Zone
Bone Preservation around Dental Implants, the Prosthetic View – Surgical Phase Therapy
The Anterior Single Tooth Implant – Restorative Management of the Soft Tissue in the Esthetic Zone
The Egoscue Method – Chronic Neck and Back Pain Relief
Top Game Changers for Every Dental Practice
Craniofacial Epigenetics – Orthodontics BioModeling Solutions
Aesthetics through Innovation – Esthetics/Cosmetic Dentistry
The Christensen Bottom Line – Operative (Restorative)
The Christensen Bottom Line – Prosthodontics/Fixed Dentistry
Dental Practice Management from a Dental CPA’s Perspective
If I Can, You Can: Overcoming Obstacles
Concepts vs Clinical Realities – Dental Implants
Creating Implant Provisionals to Support Soft Tissue Management
Immediate vs. Delayed Provisional Restoration of Anterior Post-Socket Implants: The Influence on Soft Tissues and Ultimate Aesthetic Success – Implant Restorative Dentistry
Meeting Esthetic Demands with Interdisciplinary Treatment Planning
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning – Dental Implants
Locations of these dental continuing education courses include: Annapolis, MD 21401, Crofton, MD 21114, Rockville, MD 20850, Catonsville, MD 21228, Baltimore, MD 21201
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Common Causes of Missing Teeth
Our Greenbelt and Millersville Maryland Dentists help dental patients replace missing teeth and restore healthy functional smiles.
Have you seen Aziz Ansari’s question about missing teeth on your Chipotle bag? Chipotle decorates their bag with commentary from authors and comedians and calls it their “Cultivating Thought” series.
To answer Ansari’s question… Tooth loss is an indication of overall dental health and access to dental care.
Here are some common causes of tooth loss.
Untreated cavity – you wouldn’t believe how many people delay dental treatment or even ignore holes in their teeth! Unfortunately, a dental cavity cannot repair itself. If the area of tooth decay becomes too large it may be impossible to save the tooth. Regular dental check-ups are vital in identifying early tooth decay. Dental X-rays help us identify decay that may not be visible to the eye. Cleaning by a dental hygienist every six months or more frequently helps remove plaque and calculus and helps prevent cavities. And please don’t forget, prevention starts at home. Brush your teeth three times each day and floss your teeth daily.
Periodontal disease or gum disease is also a leading reason for tooth loss. Periodontal disease starts in the sulcus, the gap between the gum and the tooth. Gum diseases are usually divided into two categories, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums that causes tender, red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis which damages the bone and connective tissue that supports the teeth.
Symptoms of Periodontitis include:
• Gum inflammation, with redness and bleeding.
• Deep pockets or gaps that form between the gum and the tooth.
• And finally, loose teeth, caused by loss of connective tissue structures and bone.
Other risk factors for missing teeth include:
• Age – people older than 35 are at higher risk for loosing teeth
• Gender – men are at higher risk than women
• Lack of professional dental care
• Poor oral hygiene – not brushing teeth
• Smoking (current or past)
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Rheumatoid arthritis
Our goal for our dental patients is that they keep healthy teeth for their lifetime. Our dentists and dental hygienists emphasize prevention and early treatment of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Our Greenbelt Dental Office is conveniently located near Riverdale Park 20737 , University Par 2782, College Heights Estates 20783 and College Park, 20740.
When tooth loss cannot be prevented, there are several options for tooth replacement. Dental implants are an excellent option for tooth replacement. Please read our blog about replacing missing teeth with dental implants.
Ansari continues his musing on the back of the bag about his quest for the perfect toothbrush. “Why do we always want the best?” he asks. Of course he goes to Google for the answer. How often do we do that?! Click below to hear our thoughts on the best toothbrushes.
Our Millersville Dental Office is located near Crownsville 21032, Gambrills 21054, Crofton 21114, Annapolis 21403, 21401 21409
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Maryland Dentists Recommend Hydro Floss
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.
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Pregnancy and Dental Care
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.
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Smiles by McCarl
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.
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Millersville and Greenbelt Dental Practice Spans Four Generations
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.
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