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.

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.

Woodbine Dentist | Fix Your Bad Breath For Good

Dentist in Woodbine, MD

It’s probably safe to assume that you don’t want the first thing people notice about you to be your bad breath. In fact, depending on the frequency and severity of the odor, bad breath could be hurting you professionally and relationally. There are some obvious causes of bad breath, including foods with strong smells, illness, or dry mouth. However, if you’re finding that a good oral care routine that includes flossing, brushing, and mouthwash isn’t enough to fix the problem, our dental team can help. Below is some information about the common causes of and cures for bad breath. Contact our dental practice today to learn more and to schedule an examination and cleaning!

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors. Eating food with strong odors can cause them to linger on your breath. Particles of food left behind in your mouth can cause the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. Alcohol and tobacco can exacerbate unpleasant smells in your mouth. Tooth decay and gum disease can cause strong odors as the bacteria eats away at your mouth. Patients with diabetes can experience a buildup in ketones, causing bad breath. Bad breath therefore is not only an embarrassing nuisance; it can also be a warning sign of other health issues.

The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene, so there are some easy steps you can take at home to begin addressing the issue. Make sure you’re following a regular oral care routine that includes daily flossing, twice daily brushing, regular mouthwash rinses, and twice yearly professional cleanings. You should also take time to brush your tongue, and might want to invest in a tongue scraper to help keep it clean. Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Quit smoking, which will have far reaching health benefits beyond improving your breath. If needed, alter your diet. Foods that are overly sugary, spicy, or seasoned can all cause bad breath, as well as items like onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol.

If none of these steps alleviate your bad breath, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. To learn more about preventing bad breath, or to schedule an examination and professional cleaning with our dentist, contact our practice today!

Woodbine Dentist | 6 Harmful Habits that Affect Your Teeth

6 Harmful Habits That Affect Your Teeth

Nearly everyone has at least one habit that they wish they could break. Did you know that some of them can affect your oral health? Here are a few common habits and tips for how to break them.

 

  1. Nail Biting

 

Why it’s harmful: Your dental health may suffer from nail biting by possibly chipping your teeth or impacting your tooth. You place pressure on your jaw when you leave it in a protruding position for long periods of time. You could also tear or damage your gums.

 

The solution: Some patients find it helpful to wear a mouth guard to deter form nail biting. Other ways to reduce nail biting include using therapy techniques, reducing stress, or applying bitter tasting nail polish.

 

  1. Brushing Too Hard

 

Why it’s harmful: It’s best to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Make sure to not brush too hard since this can lead to damage to the teeth and gum irritation. When you brush too hard, you risk gum recession and not cleaning your teeth efficiently.

 

The solution: Instead of brushing hard, use a soft toothbrush and apply a proper pressure. Let your toothbrush bristles touch your gums at a 45 degree angle and reduce the force of your brush on your gums.

 

  1. Grinding and Clenching

 

Why it’s harmful: This can chip or crack your teeth as well as cause muscle tenderness and joint pain. You may also experience a painful sensation when chewing or inability to open your mouth wide.

 

The solution: Stay aware of your teeth grinding and clenching and use relaxation exercises to keep from doing both. A mouthguard can also help protect you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. This will reduce any tooth pain, or muscle soreness and give you a better sleep. Our dentist can provide recommendations for how to combat teeth grinding.

 

  1. Chewing Ice Cubes

 

Why it’s harmful: Tooth enamel and ice are both crystals. When you push two crystals against each other, it can cause one to break. This may be the ice and sometimes it may be the tooth.

 

The solution: Try drinking beverages without ice or use a straw instead.

 

  1. Constant Snacking

 

Why it’s harmful: If your diet consists heavily of sugary foods and drinks, you are at a higher risk of forming cavities. The cavity-causing bacteria feast on leftover food and produces acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

 

The solution: To reduce snacking, eat balanced meals so that you can feel fuller, longer. You should avoid sugary foods when snacking. If you are tempted to eat the occasional sugary snack, just make sure to drink a glass of water after to wash away the leftover food.

 

  1. Using Your Teeth as a Tool

 

Why it’s harmful: Using your teeth as a tool to hold items, open bottles, cut through thread, or other functions can put you at risk for chipped or broken teeth or jaw injuries.

The solution: Your teeth should never be used to hold or open items or to cut things when you don’t have scissors at your disposal. Look for your scissors or find someone that can give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you for it and you’ll be saving yourself from potentially costly and painful dental complications.

 

Contact our office to schedule your next dental appointment.

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

 

Your Woodbine Dentist has Expanded Office Hours

Dentist in Woodbine, MD

Teitler Family Dental Care, your local Woodbine dental office, is now offering even more flexibility in scheduling appointments!

As of June, 2017, our office is open 7 days a week, with early morning and evening hours to fit the needs of our patients.

Here are our new office hours:

Monday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Contact us today to schedule your next dental visit.

Thank You

 

Thank you for trusting me with your dental health care. You are a valuable part of my work and my life. I want you to know that my team and I appreciate your time, your trust, and your teamwork in your oral health care.

A smile is contagious. I love coming into work everyday and helping our fellow community members achieve the smile of their dreams because it means that they’ll share that smile with those around them. I believe that all of this smiling makes our community a better, happier place.

Serving the community we share gives me purpose. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for sharing your smile with our staff and your fellow community members. Thank you for being a patient that brightens our team’s day. Thank you for being a big part of why I smile.

If we’ve made you smile, please tell your friends and family about us. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

Thank you so much.