Your Child’s Routine Dental Appointment | Dentist Near Me

The American Dental Association recommends that all patients schedule routine six-month check-up exams. This is particularly important for growing children. Their mouth is constantly changing, and they are often more prone to tooth decay. It is vital to establish the correct oral health habits when they are young so that they become a lifetime routine. 

At your child’s visit, we will screen their mouth for tooth decay and gum disease. We will also clean their teeth. Regular, professional dental cleanings are essential for a healthy mouth. During your child’s dental cleaning, we will gently remove any buildup of plaque or tartar to help prevent tooth decay.

During this visit, our team will spend time discussing proper brushing technique and oral

hygiene with your child. Depending on your child’s age, we may also teach them about the correct use of floss and mouthwash. Our team members are friendly, patient, and great with kids, and they will answer all questions that you or your child may have. 

We may recommend that fluoride be applied to the teeth as part of your child’s treatment. Topical fluoride is used to strengthen enamel and make teeth more resistant to tooth decay. The process is easy, safe, and effective. 

We may also recommend the placement of sealants for your child. Sealants are highly effective in preventing tooth decay and cavities in your child’s molars and premolars. These areas are the most susceptible to cavities due to the anatomized grooves.

Typically, children get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. These sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

The process of applying sealants is easy and fast. The application steps are as follows:

●Your child’s teeth are thoroughly cleaned

●The teeth are dried

●A liquid solution is put on the chewing surfaces of the teeth

●The solution is cured using a special curing light

Sealants act as a barrier and protect the enamel from plaque and acids. They may last for several years before a reapplication is needed. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants are not a substitute for brushing your teeth. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene and keep up with professional dental cleanings. Also, sealants do not protect between teeth, so it is essential to continue to floss daily.

Our expert dentist and knowledgeable team have the experience and qualifications to care for your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth throughout various stages of childhood. For more information or to request an appointment, contact our office today.

Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine
Phone: (410) 489-2650
708 Lisbon Center Drive Suite A-B
Woodbine, MD 21797

The Importance of Screening for Oral Cancer | Teitler Family Dental Care

Like with every form of cancer, early diagnosis can have a profound impact on the success of your treatment. Regular screenings are your first line of defense against oral cancer and our dentist is thoroughly trained in screening for oral cancer.

During your screening, we will check your lips, tongue, gums, mouth, and throat for any abnormalities that could be or become cancerous. We will give careful consideration to any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you have experienced any oral cancer symptoms for more than two weeks without improvement, schedule an appointment and tell your dentist immediately. Symptoms that could indicate oral cancer include:

●Ear pain

●Mouth sores that don’t heal

●White or red patches in your mouth

●Dramatic weight loss

●Lumps or swelling in or around your mouth

●Sore throat without other sinus symptoms

●Sensation of something caught in the back of your throat

●Pain or difficulty in swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue

One adult American dies of oral cancer every hour. Though anyone can develop oral cancer, some factors can increase your risks. Some of the most common risk factors include: genetic predisposition, prolonged sun exposure, unhealthy diet, smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Oral cancer is more common in men than women. 

Whatever the cause, the success of treatment depends on the size, type, and stage of the cancer. Early detection can play a critical role in your successful recovery. When found in early stages,oral cancers have an 80–90% survival rate. Oral cancers that are found in early or precancerous stages can often be removed and require less invasive procedures to treat. Later stages of cancer are likely to be larger and more complex and often have spread far beyond your mouth.

If you would like more information about oral cancer and oral cancer screening, contact our office for a consultation or to schedule a comprehensive dental exam.

Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine
Phone: (410) 489-2650
708 Lisbon Center Drive Suite A-B
Woodbine, MD 21797

Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Disease | Dentist Woodbine MD

Almost half of the population in the United States has been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can range from gingivitis (mild inflammation) to  periodontitis, a major oral disease that can result in soft tissue damage, bone destruction, and even tooth loss. Our experienced dentist is trained to treat all stages of periodontal disease in both new and existing patients. 

A main cause of gum disease is the lack of practicing proper oral hygiene habits.  Habits such as daily brushing and flossing, along with regular professional exams and cleanings, are the key to maintaining optimal oral health. When these practices are not followed on a regular basis, plaque forms on the teeth and underneath the gum tissue. If this plaque is not removed, within time it may harden become tartar. Only a dental professional can remove tartar from teeth during a dental cleaning. 

If gum disease is not treated during the early stages, tartar and bacteria may continue to multiply causing the disease to advance. Gums redden, swell, and become painful and prone to bleeding. When the disease reaches this point, professional periodontal treatment is needed to prevent further advancement. 

Periodontitis is generally considered the most advanced form of periodontal disease. With periodontitis, gums begin to recede away from the teeth, creating “pockets” in between the tooth, root, and gum tissue. These spaces are very difficult to clean and require professional attention. Without prompt and thorough treatment, bone, gums, and soft tissues may be destroyed by the disease. In fact, one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults is periodontal disease.

Some of the most common risk factors for periodontal disease include poor oral hygiene, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, smoking, genetics, and female hormonal changes. Some medications can even cause gum tissue overgrowth, which can increase difficulty in proper oral hygiene. 

Our dentist has the training and experience to diagnose and treat every stage of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing bad breath, bleeding or painful gums, sensitive teeth, or teeth that are becoming loose, contact our office to schedule a periodontal evaluation. We provide excellent, comprehensive periodontal care for both new and existing patients. 

Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine
Phone: (410) 489-2650
708 Lisbon Center Drive Suite A-B
Woodbine, MD 21797

The Benefit of Adding Flossing to Your Routine | Woodbine Dentist

You have heard the recommendation from your dental hygienist or dentist over and over again: “You need to start flossing. Flossing daily is important.” Although it may sound like a broken record at times, flossing truly is instrumental to both your oral and overall dental health. It is important to understand the benefits of flossing daily to keep your smile shining bright.

Flossing not only protects your gum tissue, but also the surrounding bone support. When you floss, you clean the plaque (dental bacteria) in between your teeth. Simply brushing your teeth does not allow you to reach the areas in between where your teeth touch together. The bacteria can build up and eventually harden into tartar. A combination of bacteria in your mouth and tartar under the gumline can lead to periodontal disease and eventually tooth loss.

Periodontal disease not only affects your oral health, but your systemic health as well. Long term, unresolved inflammation in your body can lead to many issues. The bacteria found in the mouth that cause periodontal disease have also been shown to circulate throughout the bloodstream. It has been proven that there is a correlation between these bacteria and heart disease, stroke, increased blood sugar levels/diabetes, and Alzheimer’s, among many other diseases.

A consistent routine of flossing, when paired with brushing and professional cleanings, can save you money in the long run. Preventative care can reduce more severe problems down the road. Flossing can help decrease the amount of decay you develop in between your teeth, therefore decreasing the amount of dental work that needs to be done. It is a great way to stop the problems before they even begin.

Although it may sound repetitive, you truly do want to heed the advice of a dental professional when it comes to flossing. The old saying “only floss the teeth that you want to keep” holds true. Contact our office for a full dental examination and a professional cleaning, including an evaluation of your oral hygiene habits and how they can be improved.

Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine
Phone: (410) 489-2650
708 Lisbon Center Drive Suite A-B
Woodbine, MD 21797

What is a Cosmetic Dentist? | Dentist in Woodbine

Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow a general dentist to master the art of dentistry. When considering cosmetic dentistry, start with a consultation.  

What to Expect During Your Cosmetic Consultation 

Just as you wouldn’t paint a house that has yet to be built, you wouldn’t want to address the aesthetics of your smile, prior to ensuring the foundation is healthy and functional. For this reason, you may learn that you have a need for restorative or orthodontic care before receiving the cosmetic plan. This can be disappointing for some patients, however, most agree that having a strong and healthy smile is even more important than its appearance.  

During your cosmetic consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to explain to our team how you’d like your smile to appear. With modern technology and procedures, our team can address and solve a variety of concerns, including:  

  • Diastema (gaps between teeth) 
  • Whitening a dull smile 
  • Repairing chipped or cracked teeth 
  • Building up worn teeth 
  • Reshaping 
  • Crown lengthening (to correct a “gummy” smile)  
  • Misaligned or crooked teeth 

The services recommended during your consultation may include one or more of the following:  

  • Porcelain veneers 
  • Teeth whitening 
  • Inlays and onlays 
  • Dental Implants 
  • Dentures 
  • Tooth-colored fillings 
  • Orthodontics 
  • Dental Crowns

During your appointment, you’ll not only express what you envision for your smile, but our team will provide you with a detailed plan for how to achieve your goals. From there, you’ll be able to plan the appointments, financing and more. Often a few small changes can drastically improve the appearance of a smile. It’s very possible that in 1-2 short visits, you can be smiling with confidence.  

If you’ve considered cosmetic dentistry, but aren’t sure where to start, contact us. Our team of professionals will provide you with an individual plan.

Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine
Phone: (410) 489-2650
708 Lisbon Center Drive Suite A-B
Woodbine, MD 21797

COVID-19 Updates

To Our Valued Patients,

I have been spending my isolation time watching numerous webinars and doing lots of reading to learn all I can about the virus.  It’s become apparent to me that much of our lives will be very different after this crisis is over.  As it relates to Teitler Family Dental Care, our already stringent infection control practices will be heightened to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.  We are planning to be ready with training and newly improved materials and methods for meticulous infection control. We will be ready to re-open just as soon as we can in order to provide you with quality dentistry in an environment that has your safety as our number one concern. 

As per state mandates, we are currently seeing emergency patients only, Monday through Friday, 9am – 5pm.  A simplified definition of “emergency” is any situation that involves infection and/or pain.  A chipped or broken tooth, a lost filling or crown, without pain, is not considered an emergency.  The best thing to do is keep the damaged area clean with toothbrush and floss.  Damaged teeth are commonly sensitive to cold at first, but that sensitivity usually abates after a day or so.  Routine cleanings and periodic exams are temporarily suspended. Feel free to contact us at anytime to re-schedule – as of now, we have optimistically and hopefully re-opened our schedule starting on Monday, June 1st. Of course, if you are uncertain about your particular situation, don’t hesitate to call (410-489-2650) or email (smile@teitlerfamilydentalcare.com) with any questions or concerns. 

My very best to all,
Michael Teitler, DDS

Woodbine MD Dentist | Oral Hygiene at Work

 Do you brush your teeth after lunch? If you’re one of the millions of people who work outside the home, chances are you don’t have the time or resources to brush during the day. However, not being able to brush doesn’t mean you can’t protect your teeth at work. 

Grab a drink of water. When you finish eating, get a drink of water. Swish the water around in your mouth, then spit or swallow it. Water helps to remove small particles of food that can remain on your teeth after your meal or snack.

Chew sugarless gum. There are certain types of sugarless gum that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) as good for your oral health. The reason for this is that chewing stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. That saliva washes away food particles and helps to neutralize acids on your teeth.

Limit time drinking coffee or soda. Coffee, soda, tea, and many other beverages contain high levels of sugars and acids. The more time you spend sipping your drink, the longer your teeth are exposed to these sources of decay. Instead of spending an hour taking small swallows, drink quickly to limit exposure, then rinse your mouth or switch to water to help counteract the effects.

Brush and floss when you can. Try to keep to a regular routine of good oral hygiene practices when you are at home. Brush at least twice daily, for two full minutes each time. Floss or use an interdental cleaner of your choice once a day. Keep your recommended appointments to have your teeth cleaned and evaluated by our team.

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to interrupt your workday. Keeping these simple tips in mind can help protect your mouth from tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues.

To learn more ways to preserve your oral health, talk to our team during your visit. Contact our office to schedule your next appointment today.

Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine
708 Lisbon Center Drive Suite A-B Woodbine, MD 21797
Phone: (410) 489-2650 URL of Map

Woodbine Dentist | Oral Hygiene at Work

Dentist in 21797

Do you brush your teeth after lunch? If you’re one of the millions of people who work outside the home, chances are you don’t have the time or resources to brush during the day. However, not being able to brush doesn’t mean you can’t protect your teeth at work.

Grab a drink of water. When you finish eating, get a drink of water. Swish the water around in your mouth, then spit or swallow it. Water helps to remove small particles of food that can remain on your teeth after your meal or snack.

Chew sugarless gum. There are certain types of sugarless gum that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) as good for your oral health. The reason for this is that chewing stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. That saliva washes away food particles and helps to neutralize acids on your teeth.

Limit time drinking coffee or soda. Coffee, soda, tea, and many other beverages contain high levels of sugars and acids. The more time you spend sipping your drink, the longer your teeth are exposed to these sources of decay. Instead of spending an hour taking small swallows, drink quickly to limit exposure, then rinse your mouth or switch to water to help counteract the effects.

Brush and floss when you can. Try to keep to a regular routine of good oral hygiene practices when you are at home. Brush at least twice daily, for two full minutes each time. Floss or use an interdental cleaner of your choice once a day. Keep your recommended appointments to have your teeth cleaned and evaluated by our team.

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to interrupt your workday. Keeping these simple tips in mind can help protect your mouth from tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues.

To learn more ways to preserve your oral health, talk to our team during your visit. Contact our office to schedule your next appointment today.

708 Lisbon Center Drive Suite A-B, Woodbine, MD 21797

Woodbine Dentist | Understanding Periodontal Disease

Dentist Near Me

Maintaining your gum health is vital to your overall health. When you visit our office for an examination, our trained hygienists perform a periodontal exam. In fact, during your examination, our team is quietly assessing your oral health by performing a number of checks. Here’s what you need to know about periodontal disease.

Many Names, One Illness

You may have heard periodontal disease referred to as gum disease or gingivitis. Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of your gums. These names are frequently used interchangeably.

Signs & Symptoms

Periodontal disease may be marked by swollen and red gums. Bleeding, especially while brushing and flossing, may also occur. Another symptom of periodontal disease is persistent bad breath. If you experience any of these symptoms regularly, please contact our office.

Periodontal Disease Can Impact Your Overall Health

Your gum health is linked to your overall health. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to bleeding gums, gum recession, and tooth loss. The effects of periodontal disease extend well beyond your mouth. In fact, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, the disease can increase your risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

While you may think of your teeth as the primary reason to visit our office for a regular examination, understand that our team is looking beyond your teeth to assess your oral health and potential impacts on your overall health. Talk to our experienced team if you experience any signs or symptoms of periodontal disease. Our team is trained to identify signs of periodontal disease. When detected early and managed properly, periodontal disease is treatable.

For more information regarding your gum health, please contact our office, or schedule a visit to see us.

708 Lisbon Center Drive
Suite A-B
Woodbine, MD 21797

Phone: (410) 489-2650

Dentist in Woodbine | Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores

Dentist in Woodbine, MD

A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. We’ve put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.

What do they look like?

Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.

What causes them?

Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.

What can I do?

Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team.

Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice.

For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. We look forward to seeing you.