• Maryland Healthy Smiles

    The Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program is broken into 5 enrollment categories.  Those categories are Children, Adult*, Pregnant, Postpartum, and Former Foster Care.  Each category has it’s own set of policy allowances and limitations, so it is important to understand which category you fall into.  Each patient will be enrolled in only one category at a time, regardless of their situation.  This means that although you may have been in foster care and are currently pregnant,  it is possible that you are only enrolled in the program under “Adult”.

    Enrollment Categories/Plans currently accepted:

    • Children (under the age of 21)
    • Pregnant Women
    • Postpartum
    • Former Foster Care (Under the age of 25)

    *At this time, we are not accepting new patients enrolled in the “Adult” category/plan.

    If you have questions about your coverage or your enrollment category, please contact the Maryland Healthy Smiles Program at 1-855-934-9812.

     

  • Elevating Dental Care: Introducing Fluoride Varnish to Our Standard of Care for Adult Patients

    Introduction: At Your Smile Bel Air Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our adult patients with outstanding dental care that goes beyond expectations. We are excited to announce the formal inclusion of fluoride varnish* as a core component of our standard of care. In this blog post, we will introduce fluoride varnish, highlight its advantages over other fluoride treatments, and emphasize its low risk of ingestion and convenience for our valued adult patients.

    Understanding Fluoride Varnish: Fluoride varnish is a highly effective preventive treatment that offers targeted protection against tooth decay and enamel erosion. It is a concentrated gel-like substance that contains a higher concentration of fluoride compared to other fluoride treatments. Here’s why we have chosen to incorporate fluoride varnish into our standard of care for adults:

    1. Enhanced Protection: The application of fluoride varnish forms a durable coating on the teeth, acting as a physical barrier against acid attacks and enamel demineralization. This protective layer significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and helps maintain strong, healthy teeth.
    2. Low Risk of Ingestion: We understand the concerns surrounding fluoride ingestion, especially for adult patients. With fluoride varnish, the risk of ingestion is minimal due to its fast-drying nature. The varnish adheres to the teeth quickly, minimizing the chances of swallowing any significant amount.
    3. Convenience for Adult Patients: Fluoride varnish offers unparalleled convenience, making it an ideal choice for our adult patients. The application process is simple and non-invasive, taking only a few minutes during your regular dental visit. Unlike other treatments, there’s no need to wait for any specific amount of time before eating or drinking. You can resume your daily activities immediately after the application.

    The Benefits of Fluoride Varnish for Adults: By including fluoride varnish with our routine dental cleanings, we are prioritizing the oral health and well-being of our adult patients. Here are the key benefits you can expect:

    1. Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: Fluoride varnish provides a concentrated and long-lasting fluoride release that effectively strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
    2. Protection against Enamel Erosion: The protective barrier created by fluoride varnish shields the teeth from acid attacks, reducing the risk of enamel erosion and maintaining a healthy smile.
    3. Alleviation of Tooth Sensitivity: Fluoride varnish can help alleviate tooth sensitivity by sealing exposed dentin and reducing discomfort.
    4. Tailored Treatment for High-Risk Individuals: For adults with a higher risk of tooth decay or specific oral health conditions, fluoride varnish can be applied directly to targeted areas that require additional protection, such as areas showing early signs of decay or exposed root surfaces.

    Conclusion: With the addition of fluoride varnish to our standard of care, we are excited to offer our adult patients an enhanced level of protection against tooth decay and enamel erosion. Fluoride varnish is a safe, convenient, and highly effective preventive treatment that minimizes the risk of ingestion while delivering targeted benefits. Experience the difference of our comprehensive dental care by scheduling your next appointment today.

    *While adult fluoride varnish has been established as a standard of care at our dental office, it is important to note that coverage for this treatment may vary among dental insurance plans. We recommend patients to contact their dental insurance provider for detailed information regarding coverage, benefits, and any associated costs. Please be aware that any fees related to fluoride varnish treatment are the responsibility of the patient. Our team is available to assist you in addressing any queries or concerns you may have regarding insurance coverage.

     

  • Let’s Take Prevention to the Next Level

  • You Don’t Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth

    By Christopher Larsen, DMD & Jennifer Worner, DMD

    Kids get pretty inventive pulling a loose primary (baby) tooth. After all, there’s a profit motive involved (aka the Tooth Fairy). But a young Kansas City Chiefs fan may have topped his peers with his method, revealed in a recent Twitter video that went viral.

    Inspired by all-star KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes (and sporting his #15 jersey), 7-year-old Jensen Palmer tied his loose tooth to a football with a line of string. Then, announcing “This is how an MVP gets their tooth out,” the next-gen QB sent the ball flying, with the tooth tailing close behind.

    It appears young Palmer was no worse for wear with his tooth removal technique. But if you’re thinking there might be a less risky, and less dramatic, way to remove a loose tooth, you’re right. The first thing you should know, though: Primary teeth come out when they’re good and ready, and that’s important. Primary teeth play an important role in a child’s current dental and speech function and future dental development. For the latter, they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth developing within the gums. If one is lost prematurely, the corresponding permanent tooth might erupt out of position and cause bite problems.

    In normal development, though, a primary tooth coming out coincides closely with the linked permanent tooth coming in. When it’s time, the primary tooth lets you know by becoming quite loose in the socket.

    If you think one of your children’s primary teeth is ready, clean your hands first with soap and water. Then using a clean tissue, you should be able to easily wiggle the tooth with little tension. Grasp the tooth with the tissue and give it a little horizontal twist to pop it out. If that doesn’t work, wait a day or two before trying again. If it does come out, be sure you have some clean gauze handy in case of bleeding from the empty socket.

    Normally, nature takes its course from this point. But be on the lookout for abnormal signs like fragments of the tooth left behind in the socket (not to be mistaken for the top of the permanent tooth coming in). You should also look for redness, swelling, or complaints of pain the following day—signs of possible infection. If you see anything like this, make a prompt appointment so we can take a look. Losing a primary tooth is a signpost pointing the way from childhood to adulthood (not to mention a windfall for kids under their pillows). You can help make it a smooth transition—no forward pass required.

    If you would like more information about caring for primary teeth, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Importance of Baby Teeth” and “Losing a Baby Tooth.”

  • #MasksOnMaryland

    Effective this Friday, July 31 at 5 p.m., we are expanding the current statewide masking order requiring the wearing of masks or face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses across the state. Face coverings will also be required at outdoor public areas whenever it is not possible to maintain physical distancing.

    This expansion of the masking order is an action that is fact-based, apolitical, and solidly grounded in science. While it can be an inconvenience, especially in the heat, the science and the data are very clear: wearing masks is the single best mitigation strategy we have to fight this virus. It is the best way to keep you and your family safe, to keep people out of the hospital, and to keep Maryland open for business. If you do nothing else, wearing a mask alone would help us significantly slow the spread of this virus and continue on our road to health and economic recovery.

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  • Understanding the Root Canal Procedure

    When you visit your dental office in Bel Air, MD to receive treatment for a cavity, there are times when your dentist may recommend a root canal . Continue reading to learn more about this commonly performed dental procedure. root - canal

    Allowing Cavities to Progress

    Cavities occur when bacteria cause damage to the surface of a tooth and begin to penetrate the enamel. When left untreated, a dental cavity can become severe enough that bacteria can make their way into the tooth. Once a tooth becomes infected, the tissues inside can become inflamed. The swelling can cause the individual a great deal of discomfort which is frequently what leads them to see a dentist for treatment. In addition to cavities, cracked and broken teeth can also be vulnerable to infection.

    Examining the Tooth

    Once a tooth is infected, parts of it can become damaged and, in some cases, the swelling prevents proper blood flow to the tooth which can kill the tissues inside. When you visit your dental office for a toothache, your dentist will examine your mouth, and he may also take X-rays of the painful tooth to get a better look at the extent of the damage. Depending on how big the cavity is or what damage the infection has caused, your dentist may tell you that you need a root canal.

    Performing the Root Canal

    Root canals are safe procedures that are frequently performed in dentistry, and they can provide patients with relief from the pain that they are experiencing while avoiding the need to extract the tooth. First, your dentist will numb the area. Next, he will drill a hole into the tooth to remove the infected tissues inside. Then, he will treat the infection, clean out the tooth, and fill the canal with a special type of tooth filling material. Finally, your dentist will use a filling or a crown to seal the tooth and restore its dental function. The site may feel tender for a few days, but patients usually feel much better following their root canal procedure and can enjoy restored function of their tooth.

  • What Are the Signs of a Tooth Abscess?

    A tooth abscess can be a very painful condition. In this video, a dental care practitioner will explain some of the common signs and symptoms of an abscessed tooth. When you have an abscess, you may find that your tooth is very sensitive to hot or cold foods. You may also feel a dull, aching pain that throbs in your mouth. A dentist at a general dentistry office in Bel Air will be able to check your tooth for the signs of an abscess.

    In the event that you experience an abscess in your tooth, you will want to visit your local dental office right away. With dental care services, you will be able to alleviate your pain and restore your tooth to perfect health. Your dentist will have the tools needed to remove the abscess and improve your overall comfort.

  • Are Sports Drinks Safe for Your Smile?

    Sports drinks might seem like a healthy choice, perhaps because they are marketed toward fitness enthusiasts. However, pediatric dentists in Bel Air, MD, warn parents that sports drinks can actually be just as harmful for teeth as soda. They can increase the risk of dental cavities, which require tooth fillings to correct. One way that sports drinks are harmful for teeth is the amount of sugar. The bacteria in the mouth thrive in sugary environments. As the bacteria feast on sugar, they produce acids as a byproduct. These acids wear away the enamel on the teeth and create dental cavities.

    Some sports drinks might seem to be healthier for teeth because they are sugar-free. But in fact, even sugar-free drinks can wear away as much enamel as sugary beverages can. This is because these beverages tend to contain phosphoric acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid. The acidic nature of these beverages has a corrosive effect on the teeth. Instead of sports drinks, pediatric dentists recommend drinking milk or water.

    healthy smile

  • Missing Teeth and Your Health

    If you are missing teeth due to tooth decay, trauma, or a tooth extraction near Bel Air, MD, your dentist will recommend replacing your missing teeth with prosthetics . There are a few cosmetic dentistry options for replacing missing teeth, including dentures, dental bridges, and dental implants. If you don’t seek restorative or cosmetic dental care, you may develop serious complications and health problems.

    Watch this video from the American Dental Association to learn more about missing teeth and your health. If your dentist doesn’t replace your missing teeth with cosmetic dentistry restorations, you may suffer from shifting or crooked teeth, jawbone loss, facial deformity, and difficulty eating and speaking. When dentures or dental bridges are anchored to your jawbone using dental implants, you can reduce your risk of health problems. You can also restore your smile, and ensure that you can comfortably eat, speak, and maintain your dental care routine.

  • The Importance of a Whiter Smile

    When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening in Bel Air, MD , is one of the most popular procedures. Today, professional teeth whitening can lighten your smile by several shades in just one visit to the dentist. Teeth whitening is also completely painless—and more affordable than ever. If you want to improve your oral health and cosmetic appearance, ask your dentist about your teeth whitening options. Keep reading to learn why a whiter smile is so important, including that it improves oral health, boosts self-esteem, and creates a younger appearance.

    Whiter-Smile

    Improves Oral Health

    Most people know that teeth whitening makes you look and feel better. But in addition to its cosmetic dentistry benefits, a white smile also improves your oral health. Whiter teeth deliver a smile that looks happy and healthy. When you invest in teeth whitening, you will feel motivated to take the best care of your smile, including brushing and flossing regularly.

    Boosts Self-Esteem

    Teeth whitening has given millions of people an essential boost in self-esteem. The teeth can become dark or yellow for many reasons, including as a natural side effect of aging, due to many dental procedures, or as a result of bad habits like smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee. When you whiten your teeth, you no longer need to feel insecure when you laugh, smile, or eat. That means you can enjoy a much more active social life. Whiter teeth can also help you excel at work. With your new confidence, you will feel more comfortable than ever meeting with clients—or asking your boss for a raise.

    Creates Younger Appearance

    Many people invest in teeth whitening because it is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to look and feel younger. As dentists know, everyone’s teeth are perfectly white and shiny when they are born. Yet, over time, everyone’s teeth also become darker. Instead of letting your smile make you look older than you feel, ask your dentist about your options for teeth whitening. With healthy gums and a bright smile, you are guaranteed to take years off your appearance.