Woodbine MD Dentist | Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

Most serious oral health issues can be prevented by maintaining an effective routine of dental hygiene and in-office care. However, you could be at higher risk for some oral illnesses due to hereditary factors. Awareness and proper treatment can help minimize these risks. Here are a few of the most common oral health concerns that are affected by genetics.

Tooth decay – One of the most common oral issues, some tooth decay has been linked to a genetic deficiency of a protein called DEFB1. If your parents experienced an unusually high rate of tooth decay, then you may want to be more vigilant regarding your own dental care.

Oral cancer – Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Our Woodbine dentist recommends annual oral cancer screening for early identification and treatment. In addition, certain lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Periodontal disease – Recent research has found that some forms of gum disease may be linked to mutations in genes that affect immunity and inflammatory response.

Misaligned or supernumerary (extra) teeth – Genetics can play a role in having misaligned or even extra teeth. The size of your jaw is determined mostly through heredity, and is the most common reason for an overbite, underbite, or dental crowding.

Canker sores – In most cases, canker sores are an isolated reaction to fatigue, stress, or menstrual cycles. However, there are certain inherited diseases that count canker sores among their symptoms. Crohn’s disease and Celiac sprue are two such conditions.

While you may not be able to avoid hereditary oral health issues entirely, we can help minimize or even reverse their effects with proper treatment and care. If you suffer from any of these inherited conditions, contact Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine for an oral health evaluation. We can help.

 

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

Woodbine MD Dentist | 3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Chipping a tooth could be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fix a chipped tooth. We will recommend a solution based on your particular needs. Here are three options we may provide you:

1.      Dental Bonding

Bonding is a quick and easy solution for most small, cosmetic chips. In the bonding process, the remaining enamel on the tooth is first roughened in order for composite to better adhere to the tooth’s surface. Composite is then shaped to replace the chip and hardened with a dental curing light, instantly solidifying the material. Typically, bonding can last up to ten years with proper care.

2.     Porcelain Veneers

If the tooth was fully cracked or there was significant damage to the tooth, veneers may be recommended. Also, if you have chipped a tooth several times or wish to repair the tooth’s color, getting veneers may be the best option.

A veneer uses porcelain material that covers the front surface of your teeth, giving them a natural look while also providing strength comparable to natural tooth enamel. In order to apply a veneer, a small amount of existing tooth structure is removed to make room around the affected area. Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to use in making the permanent veneer and place a temporary veneer.

Once the permanent, porcelain veneer arrives, the temporary veneer is removed and the area around the tooth is cleaned. We will then place the adhesive and set in the new veneer for exact fit. Finally, the veneer is light cured and you will have a natural, beautiful smile.

3.     Dental Crowns.

Dental crowns are a “cap” that covers your tooth. A crown restores a tooth back to its normal shape, size, and function. Crowns are best-suited when a large portion of the original tooth is missing, or when the tooth is significantly damaged, causing pain when chewing or drinking. They are an effective solution to repair the shape and look of your tooth quickly, preventing further damage from tooth decay or exposed nerves.

If you have a chipped tooth, contact Teitler Family Dental Care of Woodbine as soon as possible. We have a number of solutions to fix any oral health issues that arise from chipping or cracking a tooth. Our Woodbine dentist will provide a customized plan for you based on your needs.

 

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