Floss for Better Dental Health

OK, it's Honesty Time:

Do you only floss when you have popcorn (or some other food) lodged between your teeth?

 

Do you only floss before your regular dental visit?

 

Or do you just not floss at all?

 

Or are you among the rare group that flosses daily 
or even rarer, several times a day?

 

The benefits of routine flossing:

Healthy gums!

Removes food!

Removes plaque!

Removes bacteria!

Some patients don't like to floss because their gums bleed, the smell is less than terrific, and they don't have the time to add it to their routine. Our hygienists at Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. will gladly demonstrate the proper technique for flossing - it is not a sawing motion, so it's likely you have caused your gums more harm than good in the past. Once you begin a flossing routine, it won't be long before your gums will cease bleeding. As far as the smell, you are experiencing the undeniable scent of rotting food and decay. Definitely best to get the source of the smell out of your mouth! As far as time constraints, flossing will only take between one and two minutes - that's all. Food, plaque, and bacteria reside in between your teeth (out of the reach of your toothbrush), often leading to gum problems and tooth decay. Flossing regularly is an outstanding preventative measure for better dental health.



Meet Dr. Miller!

For the past 30 years, Dr. Robert Miller has been practicing dentistry, putting patients first and treating each one as a VIP. He genuinely cares about his patients and tries to apply the "golden rule" of treating others as he would want to be treated on a daily basis. 

Originally from Haddonfield, NJ, Robert Miller headed to Gettysburg College where he graduated in 1975 with a B.A. degree in Biology. In 1981, he earned the title of Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and two years later joined Dr. Stephen Dargan in practice. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, the Maryland State Dental Association, the Patuxent Dental Society, Fellow - Academy of General Dentistry, and the Chairman of Dentist Well-Being Committee - Maryland State Dental Association.

Dr. Miller shares his life with his wife, Eileen, his stepchildren Luke (U.S. Army) and Rose (soon to graduate from Smith College), and a wild and wonderful yellow lab named Sunny. When away from the office, he sails the Chesapeake Bay on his Ericson 35 sloop, enjoys traveling, landscapes his Calvert County yard tirelessly, and pursues a spiritual life. In addition to being passionate about his profession, he is also passionate about his “other job” as Chairman of the Dentist Well-Being Committee, working with dentists who have personal problems causing impairment in their personal and professional lives - particularly problems with addictions and depression. Dentists who have addressed well-being issues and have worked to become more physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually fit are better for their patients and dental practices, as well as in their families and other relationships.

Dr. Miller is grateful for and to his patients, for the high level of professionalism of the Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. staff (receiving positive feedback continually from patients about just how incredible they all are), and for the opportunity to be of service to this great community.

Introducing Dr. Dargan!

Dr. Stephen Dargan has been a practicing dentist for 35 years, 34 of which have been in Calvert County. His admirable practice philosophy has long been to provide quality dentistry with a gentle, caring, friendly approach tailored to the desires and needs of each and every patient. 

Graduating from West Virginia University with a B.A. degree in 1973, the then Stephen Dargan was accepted into the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. In 1977, he became a Doctor in Dental Surgery and soon began his rewarding career, striving for excellence in his profession. He is an active member of the American Dental Association (ADA), the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA), and the Patuxent Dental Society (PDS). He continues to attend education seminars to not only keep current with licensure, but to also stay current with latest techniques, products, and technology.

 

Dr. Dargan has been married to his wife, Carol for 37 years and is the father of Patrick, Westley, and Stephanie, father-in-law of Aly, and grandfather of Avri. He is an avid golfer, having played some of the best courses in the world. He also enjoys skiing out west, boating on the Chesapeake Bay, and working in the yard of his Calvert County home.

 

He is grateful for his dedicated staff (the majority of whom have incredible longevity with the practice), for all of his patients (long-term and new), and for the opportunity to be part of this wonderful Southern Maryland community.

Relax, Breathe, and Smile

 

Nervous about going to the dentist?

We understand, we really do.

Some patients come to our office very nervous because of past horrific dental visits. Often times, these are traumatic memories from when they were children. Other times, their fear stems from having experienced intense pain during a dental procedure.

 

Whatever the reason, the entire team at Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. will do their very best to set you at ease. Both Dr. Dargan and Dr. Miller have earned reputations for being gentle, caring dentists over the past 30 plus years. Their utmost concern is for your health, comfort, and overall well-being ... with the goal of providing a positive experience for you and all of their patients.

 

relax ... breathe ... smile 

We are here to help.

 

Please contact our office at 410-535-4050 or 301-855-1008

to schedule your appointment.

 

One Question with Two Answers

When our patients ask us whether or not it is absolutely necessary to have dental check-ups every six months, we actually have two answers:

YES!

YES to the every six month plan for regular cleanings for most children and adults. This is the very best way to maintain good oral health, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. With consistent appointments, Dr. Dargan or Dr. Miller and the team are able to determine any changes to your oral health. Preventive care is the absolute best scenario. Early detection of gum disease, oral cancer, cavities, and other potential problems is the next best scenario.

Perhaps More Often!

Many factors are taken into consideration when we determine the need for more frequent dental check ups and cleanings. Those at a greater risk for oral diseases include smokers, alcohol users, diabetics, and pregnant women. Also, it is recommended that patients with periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions schedule appointments more frequently.

We care about your health! 

New patients and current patients,

please call our office to schedule your appointment: 

401-535-4050   or   301-855-1008

Welcome to Dargan and Miller, DDS!

Dr. Stephen Dargan, D.D.S. and Dr. Robert Miller, D.D.S.

Welcome! Although we have been in practice for many years, we have decided to launch our social media outreach, at long last. Dr. Stephen Dargan began the dental practice in 1978 with the assistance of one employee, back when Southern Maryland was a rural, sleepy place and Route 4 didn't even exist. Five years later, he welcomed Dr. Robert Miller on board - and as Calvert County began to grow and change, so did their practice.

Drs. Dargan and Miller moved their office space in 1992 to 55 Stoakley Road in Prince Frederick right across the street from Calvert Memorial Hospital and have been in the same location ever since. As urban sprawl extended into the counties of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's and the number of residents increased dramatically, our practice grew. We are grateful to work with nine dedicated employees: two dental hygienists, three chair-side dental assistants, one hygiene assistant, a business office manager, and two front desk receptionists. Together we do our very best for every patient who comes through our door, treating them as we would want to be treated.

Please visit this blog frequently to see what

we're up to and to stay informed!

Please "Like" our Facebook Business Page!

Please "Follow" us on Twitter!

Visit our website!

And please feel free to send us your feedback and let us know about your experience at our office ... and ways we could possibly improve your future visit.

Email: darganandmillerdds@gmail.com

Call: 401-535-4050 or 301-855-1008

Many thanks!