Halloween Candy Survival Guide

Halloween is right around the corner which means lots of fun outdoor activities and events all leading up to the big night. Whether your child is participating in trick-or-treating, having a classroom celebration or hosting a party of your own, choosing which Halloween candy is best for their health (and their oral health) can be tricky! We all know about some of the obvious choices, but here is a great 'Halloween Candy Survival Guide' from our friends over at Mouth Healthy.

PC: Mouthhealthy.org

"With Halloween comes ghosts, goblins and goodies—and the sugar in those treats can play some unwanted tricks on your teeth if you’re not careful. Here’s why: The bacteria in your mouth are probably more excited to eat Halloween candy than you are. When the bacteria eat the sugar and leftover food in your mouth, a weak acid is produced. That acid is what can contribute to cavities.
'But don’t hang up your costume just yet. “Halloween is about candy, dressing up and having fun,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween as a splurge as long as you’re brushing twice a day and flossing once a day all year long.”

'To help you sort through the trick-or-treat bag loot, we have a rundown of some common candies and their impact on your teeth: Halloween Candy Survival Guide Article! (Mouthhealthy.org)."

To have your child's pre-Halloween or post-Halloween dental checkup, come see Germantown Dental Care today! www.germantowndentalcare.com  

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!!!

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month??  October is marked as this special month in "an effort to celebrate the work dental hygienists do and to help raise awareness on the importance of good oral health (ADA.org)." We have a wonderful and kind hygienist, Christie, who works each and every day to help our patients be their best! So thank you Christie!

And remember it's important to follow the 'Daily 4' to maintain great oral health! Need a reminder? Here is a fun poster to help everyone stay on track thanks to the ADHA!

If you're looking for a new dentist who cares about your dental hygiene, come see Dr. Mansfield and hygienist Christie today! www.germantowndentalcare.com

Learning More About Dental Sealants

"Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.' 

'Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity (Mouth Healthy.org)."

Take a few minutes to watch this quick video to learn all about dental sealants and see if it might be the right decision in your oral health plan!

If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants or other oral health topics, contact Dr. Mansfield today! At Germantown Dental Care, you will find a warm, caring and non-judgemental group of people willing to help you get your mouth on the right track!

www.germantowndentalcare.com

Getting Wise About Wisdom Teeth!

"With age comes wisdom. Specifically, wisdom teeth.

'Your mouth goes through many changes in your lifetime. One major dental milestone that usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of your third molars. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age.'

'When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew. It’s normal to feel a little discomfort when your wisdom teeth appear, but if you have pain, see your dentist immediately (mouthhealhty.org)."

Take a look at this brief and informative video from the ADA (American Dental Association) and Mouth Healthy to become wise about your wisdom teeth, all in less than 2 minutes!

If you think you are having pain or problems with your wisdom teeth, or aren't sure if yours have come in fully yet, come visit Dr. Mansfield for a quick evaluation! He can help you assess your oral health and come up with a plan of action. Learn more by visiting: www.germantowndentalcare.com! 

What Our Clients Are Saying: Part 2

Today are continuing our mini-series where we share some of the feedback we've gotten from clients over the past year. Maintaining great relationships with our clients and providing top-notch dental care is our #1 priority! Here are a few more things we've been told:

"Dr. Mansfield is not only the best at what he does, the atmosphere he and his staff provide make going to the dentist a lot less stressful. Every time I leave his office, I know I just got the best in the business and my teeth and gums are a reflection of that." - Kirk W.

"I love them so much. Everyone is so nice and holds my hand when I need Novocaine (thanks Jennifer)." - Corey H.

"I just want to thank Dr. Mansfield, Jennifer, and Christie for the continued support, help, and wonderful service over the years! You guys are #1!" - Benjamin V.

Learn more about Dr. Mansfield and staff by visiting, www.germantowndentalcare.com! Give us a call today to stop in and see for yoruself what our clients are talking about. 

What Our Clients Are Saying: Part 1

Good afternoon!

We hope that you were able to enjoy your holiday weekend. Today we wanted to start a new mini-series where we share some of the feedback we've gotten from clients over the past year. Maintaining great relationships with our clients and providing top-notch dental care is our #1 priority! So without further ado, here are the first few reviews!

"I don't think you can find a dentist in the area who cares more than Dr. Mansfield! THE best service you can find in Washington metropolitan area." -Abbas M.

"I have been a patient of Dr. Mansfield's for 30 years. His staff is the best! Dr. Mansfield takes his time and thinks thru my dental issues. I trust his opinions when it comes to what is best for my teeth as well as my families." - Janet M.

"Dr Mansfield is a very caring and qualified dentist.He and his staff are exceptional.
I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dentist." Meredith D.

Learn more about Dr. Mansfield and staff by visiting, www.germantowndentalcare.com! Give us a call today to stop in and see for yoruself what our clients are talking about. 

Confirmation: Fluoride is Fantastic!

Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter and for good reason. Fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities in children and adults by making the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay.

So how exactly does fluoride help? Our friends from the ADA and Mouth Healthy are here to explain further!

"Before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel (the hard surface of the tooth) stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. This provides what is called a "systemic" benefit.'

'After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, or use other fluoride dental products, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. This provides what is called a "topical" benefit.'

'In addition, the fluoride you take in from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride that help rebuild weakened tooth enamel (American Dental Association)."

If you want to have an oral checkup or think you need to change your fluoride routine, come see us today and learn more at: www.germantowndentalcare.com! 

Four Ways To Keep Up Good Dental Hygiene As You Get Older

Here at Germantown Dental Care we see patients of all ages. We know how important it is to alter your oral care routine throughout the various stages of life, and how a person's oral needs can change as life goes on. "Good dental hygiene and oral care habits are important at any age. But as you get older, you might find yourself wondering if your dental routine needs some tweaking, or if certain life changes have also caused changes in your mouth. Whether you have all of your original teeth, some of them or a full set of dentures, diligently caring for your mouth is just as important when you get older as it was when you were a kid (Colgate.com)."

We work with patients one-on-one to discuss openly (not be judgmental) their lifestyles and suggest how their oral health can be improved. Today we are sharing an article from Colgate.com targeted for our 55+ patients entitled 'Four Ways To Keep Up Good Dental Hygiene As You Get Older.' To read the article and learn about these four tips click here.



To schedule your dental visit with Dr. Mansfield visit www.germantowndentalcare.com today! 

Why Bring Your Child to the Dentist Early?

Some people may wonder why it's so important to start bringing your children to the dentist at an early age. Thanks to our friends at GP General Dentistry Information, here are three great things you’re accomplishing by bringing your child to the dentist regularly at a young age.

#1) You’re allowing a professional to make sure their teeth are developing correctly and are problem-free. These early appointments can easily catch small issues before they become large ones, saving both you and your child from having to go through more extensive (and potentially expensive) treatments in the future.

#2) It sends a strong message to your child about how important it is for them to take care of their teeth. We’re sure you cover this at home, but sometimes it helps a child to hear this information from an adult that isn’t a parent or teacher. Your dentist can also discuss how their diet can affect their smile, which is information that can prove invaluable as your child progresses to choosing their own food.

#3). The appointment will also give them a fresh and clean smile they can be truly confident about, which is not only great for their self-esteem, but their school performance as well. More and more research is showing that a child’s self-confidence is one of the biggest indicators of how they’ll do in school, and for many people (both children and adults), that confidence all starts with the smile. (DP General Dentistry)

So if you're looking to find a caring dentist that your child can start their oral health with, come see Dr. Mansfield at Germantown Dental Care today! 

www.germantowndentalcare.com

8 Travel Tips for Your Teeth

It's summertime which means vacation time! There are only a few weeks left before school begins so families are all set to take that much-needed vacation. It's important to plan ahead before a vacation from travel, expenses, activities planned all the way down to what to pack. But did you ever think about your teeth and oral routine while you're away?

Thanks to our friends from the American Dental Association and MouthHealthy.org, here is a great article with 8 Travelling Tips for your Teeth!

To schedule your checkup today and learn more about how to keep your oral routine up while on vacation, visit us at: www.germantowndentalcare.com! 

New School Year? Time for Your Child to See the Dentist!

Summer is halfway over and before you know it, the kids will be back in school. It seems like a little while ago you were just getting used pool time and relaxed schedules, but now it’s full speed ahead to get your child organized for the first day of school in a couple of weeks. While you’re picking up their school supplies and buying new clothes, it’s also a great idea to schedule an appointment with your family dentist.

"Before you know it, your child will be laden with homework, after school activities, friends, and all sorts of things that will eat up all of their time. That’s why now, at the beginning of the school year, it’s the best time to schedule a dental appointment for them. You and your child still have the time to come in before things get really busy, and this will make things much less stressful for both of you.

Plus, by getting a checkup and cleaning now, you’ll be doing a tremendous amount of good making sure they have a positive experience at school (DP General Dentistry)."

Schedule your child's dental appointment with us in the next couple of weeks!

 Learn more about us at www.germantowndentalcare.com!

Summer Teeth Quiz Fun!

Today we are sharing a fun (and interactive) quiz from our friends over at Mouth Healthy about some summer teeth issues. Test your knowledge on whether it's fact or fiction on topics like chewing ice, mouth guard usage and more! 

  Click here to begin the quiz!  And visit us at www.germantowndentalcare.com to set up your summer dental checkup! 

Gingivitis 101

Good afternoon all!

Today we are talking about something that we see which many patients don't realize they have or recognize the beginning stages of: Gingivitis. According to Mayo Clinic, "Gingivitis — an inflammation of the gums — is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque - the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left untreated, however, gingivitis can become periodontitis and cause permanent damage to your teeth and jaw(Mayoclinic.com)."

If you are wondering, what are the signs of Gingivitis and how can I recognize it, you are in luck! "Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Another sign of gum disease is gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gum disease can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums, where plaque and food debris collect. Some people may experience recurring bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth, even if the disease is not advanced (MayoClinic.com)."

This may seem overwhelming at first but the good news is that Gingivitis is totally preventable! That's right!  You can help stop gingivitis before it starts by:

• Proper brushing and flossing to remove plaque and debris and control tartar buildup
• Eating right to ensure proper nutrition for your jawbone and teeth
• Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
• And of course, scheduling regular checkups with your dentist!

Here at Germantown Dental Care we can help you keep your teeth and gums plaque-free and come up with a plan to stop Gingivitis before it fully develops.  
To schedule your appointment today and have your gums looked at, visit: http://germantowndentalcare.com/

Thumb Sucking and Kids' Teeth

Good morning all!

Today's quick information session is especially for all of those parents with young children out there. Here at Germantown Dental Care, we see patients of all ages but especially take extra special care to cater to our youngest patients. So today's article from the American Dental Associations '2 minutes 2 times per day' campaign, is on thumb sucking and how it can relate to a young child's oral health.

"Usually kids stop sucking their thumbs between 2 and 4 years old, or by the time the adult front teeth are ready to break through their gums.

'After your kid’s permanent adult teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of their mouth and teeth alignment. Vigorous thumb sucking may also cause problems with baby teeth. If you notice changes in your kid’s baby teeth, please talk to your dentist.

'Using pacifiers at a later age can be as much of a problem as sucking fingers and thumbs, but it’s usually an easier habit to break (2min2x.com)." 

For more information and the ADA's tips to help stop thumb sucking visit the article link here. To schedule an appointment for your young child and start their oral health off on the right track, visit us at: www.germantowndentalcare.com! 

Safe and Happy 4th of July!!

We wanted to take a minute to wish all of our clients and their families a safe and happy 4th of July holiday!!

Learn more about us by visiting: www.germantowndentalcare.com

New Patient Info

Good afternoon!

Are you thinking of switching dentists or looking to see a dentist after some time away? Dr. Mansfield is accepting new patients of all ages to our practice in Germantown Maryland!

Your first visit to Germantown Dental Care involves a few special steps so that we can get to know you. To understand what to expect, please read through this page. You’ll find all the practical information you need, such as a map and directions to our office, practice hours, payment policies and more. You can save some time by printing out and completing the patient forms in advance of your appointment.



We also want to share our Mission Statement to help you get a better understanding of who we are.

Our practice is working together to realize a shared vision of uncompromising excellence in dentistry. To fulfill this mission, we are committed to:

• Listening to those we are privileged to serve.
• Earning the trust and respect of patients, other professionals and the community.
• Exceeding your expectations.
• Ensuring a compassionate professional environment.
• Striving for continuous improvement at all levels.

You can also access our new patient forms to help speed up  your first visits check in process by visiting our new patient page here.  If this sounds like the type of dental practice you are looking for then give us a call today! (301) 540-5195 We are here to help you be your best self! 

Sensitive Teeth: Possible Causes and Ways to Help

Hello all,

Today we want to talk about sensitive teeth. We're pretty sure most people have experienced tooth sensitivity at one point or another. Whether you drank or ate something too hot or too cold, or had a minor dental issue that was extra sensitive. Or perhaps you have just always felt that your teeth are extra sensitive and have been learning to deal with it. 

Well, there can be many causes for oral sensitivity and thanks to our friends at Mouth Healthy we have a great informational article we'd like to share. 

"Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin. Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity (Mouthhealthy.org)."

CLICK HERE for a quick video about sensitivity, from the American Dental Association.

To continue reading the article and learn about some possible ways to help your tooth sensitivity visit the article link here.  To have your teeth looked at by a professional, caring dentist in Germantown Maryland, visit Dr. Mansfield today! http://germantowndentalcare.com/

Why Wait? Its NEVER too late to visit a dentist!

Good morning,

Whether it's your first time or your first time in the last thirty years, it's never too late to make a difference in your oral healthcare and visit the dentist! Here at Germantown Dental Care we offer a full array of dental services to help you maintain healthy teeth. We can also help you come up with a plan to get back on the right track, at your pace. Here are just a few of the services we provide:

• Bonding
• Cosmetic Contouring
• Crowns and Bridges
• Specialty Dentures
• Cosmetic Fillings
• Porcelain Veneers
• Teeth Whitening
• Sealants
• Root Canal Therapy
• Extractions
• Scaling and Root Planing
• Dentures
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Crowns & Bridges
• Dental Implants

To come visit us, or set up your next appointment please call: (301) 540-5195 today! Our friendly and patient staff are ready to help you today! Visit us online at: http://germantowndentalcare.com/

Teething 101

Good morning all,

Today's blog topic is for all of our new parents out there: teething 101. We have talked before about the importance of brushing your baby/toddlers teeth even before their first dental visit. But when can you know their teeth are coming in? And what are some things you can do to help?

"It’s not hard to tell when your baby starts teething. He or she may irritable during the day and sleepless at night. (And you might be too!) Here’s what to expect and how to keep your baby comfortable.'

'Your baby was born with all 20 primary teeth below their gumline. They typically start to come through between 6 and 12 months. Children usually have their full set of baby teeth in place by age 3 (Mouth Healthy)."


To learn more about signs, symptoms and when teething symptoms aren't normal, visit the original article link here. If you have any questions about how to relieve your child’s teething symptoms, talk to your dentist or pediatrician.

Learn more about how we cater to children (and patients of all ages!) here at Germantown Dental Care by visiting: www.germantowndentalcare.com!

Good Foods for Dental Health

Good morning!

Most people can probably guess which foods and drinks are bad for your oral health. Sugary drinks, hard and sticky candies, gummies, etc. all aren't great for your teeth. But have you ever wondered what foods are good for your oral health? Which things you can eat and drink which will help decrease your chances of cavities, gum disease, staining and more? Thanks to our friends over at mouthhealthy.org here is an article entitled 'Good Foods for Dental Health.' Click on the link to learn a few which can benefit your oral health!

To lean more about our family-like dental practice and get personal recommendations for your oral health, visit us today! www.germantowndentalcare.com