A Deadly Epidemic Requires A Call to Action

 

With prescription drug abuse having reached epidemic proportions, a call to action is being heard across the country by the medical community. In April 2013, the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA) and the Maryland Board of Dental Examiners announced that all Maryland Licensed Dentists, in order to renew licensure and practice dentistry, are required to complete a continuing education course entitled "Prescribing and Disposal of Prescription Drugs."

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time in 2009 began by using a prescription drug non-medically. On the Mouth Healthy website of the American Dental Association (ADA), it states: "Unfortunately, prescription medications have become a leading source of drug abuse among teens and young adults. These medications are often obtained from a friend or family member who had received a prescription for a legitimate purpose. Parents are sometimes fooled into handing over these drugs to treat an apparent symptom of physical distress or pain. More often, they are stolen from the medicine cabinet or lifted from the trash."

 

 

In an effort to relieve pain after a dental procedure, dentists may prescribe a narcotic analgesic for a patient. When used as prescribed for a limited amount of time, these medications are effective. But using these drugs beyond a limited reasonable period of time or for any other purpose is illegal, dangerous, and can even be fatal. 

The ADA offers suggestions on what you can do

to help in the fight against

prescription drug abuse:

• Communicate. Talk with your children about the dangers of using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Be sure they understand that prescription drugs are not necessarily safe (or safer) just because they are legal. Prescription drugs can be just as addictive and dangerous (even fatal) as illegal street drugs. They are also only legal for the person for whom they are prescribed. 

• Secure. Properly secure your prescription medications. Do not leave them in predictable, accessible places like your medicine cabinet. Hide them in unexpected places or, better yet, lock them up to ensure you do not become your teen’s supplier. 

• Monitor. Be mindful of whether anyone else—especially your child and his or her friends—may have been taking your pills. Take note of how many pills are in each of your prescription bottles or pill packets and keep track of your refills. This goes for your own medicine, as well as for your teens and other members of the household. 

• Dispose. Properly dispose of your unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications. If you are unable to attend a drug take-back day or cannot get to a permanent prescription collection site, try mixing unwanted prescription medicines with coffee grounds or kitty litter. This makes pills less appealing and less recognizable to anyone who can see your trash—including your kids. 

• Spread the word. Tell your family, friends and neighbors about how teens are now using prescription drugs to get high. Encourage them to talk with their children, safeguard their medicines and tell others in their communities.

You Need to Make an Appointment When ...

 

 

• Your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold

• Your gums are puffy and/or they bleed when you brush or floss

• You have fillings, crowns, dental implants, dentures, etc.

• You don’t like the way your smile or teeth look

• You have persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

• You are pregnant

• You have pain or swelling in your mouth, face or neck

• You have difficulty chewing or swallowing

• You have a family history of gum disease or tooth decay

• You have a medical condition such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, eating disorders, or are HIV positive

• Your mouth is often dry

• You smoke or use other tobacco products

• You are undergoing medical treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or hormone replacement therapy

• Your jaw sometimes pops or is painful when opening and closing, chewing or when you first wake up; you have an uneven bite

• You have a spot or sore that doesn’t look or feel right in your mouth and it isn’t going away.

 - per the American Dental Association

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Now is the time to schedule a visit at Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. for a dental cleaning, as early in your first trimester as possible. After that, it may be beneficial to repeat cleanings once in the second trimester and possibly once in your third trimester.

The many physical changes during pregnancy can have a tremendous effect on your oral health. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, only 22 to 34 percent of women in the United States visit a dentist during pregnancy. Proper dental care during pregnancy is not only safe, but is also essential. More frequent dental cleanings will help control plaque and prevent gingivitis, which has been linked preterm, low birth weight babies. The goal is to prevent gingivitis, which can also lead to pregnancy tumors on the gums.

The buildup of plaque in gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums and can be treated safely with dental cleanings in addition to regular flossing and consistent tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste after each meal. And be mindful of brushing around the gum line. However, if brushing your teeth spurs the onset of morning sickness, rinsing with water or with anti-plaque and fluoride mouthwashes will help. Untreated gingivitis can often lead to periodontitis, which is a more serious form of gum disease. Treating gingivitis can prevent pain and possible oral infections, without progressing to the need for antibiotics.       

 

Let Dargan and Miller, D.D.S.  

help you begin this incredible journey

with excellent oral health care.

                                                                                                                                                                                   

Enjoy the Thrill of the Game While Playing It Safe!

With the warmer weather, we are spending more time outside playing the sports we love! Each year, the increase in activity marks an increase in traumatic injuries to the mouth and jaw. One of the very best and least expensive ways to protect yourself is to wear a mouth guard - to save teeth and protect jaws.

Did you know that 84% of sports teams do not require that children and young adults wear a protective mouth guard? And how about those who are casually participating in the sports of their choice? Are they wearing a mouth guard? Doubtful.

According to the American Dental Association, "Last year, the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) forecasted that more than 3 million teeth would be knocked out in youth sporting events. They also reported that athletes who don’t wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth. Sixty-seven percent of parents admitted that their children do not wear a mouth guard during organized sports."

A recent survey conducted by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) found that 84% of children do not wear mouth guards while playing organized sports because they are not required to wear them, even though they may be required to wear other protective materials, such as helmets and shoulder pads.

The advantages of wearing a mouth guard

which fits your mouth:

 

1. It fits and covers your teeth and gums.

2. It holds your teeth in place.

3. It resists tearing and allows for normal speech and breathing.

4. It is relatively inexpensive.

5. It dramatically decreases the risk of oral injuries.

Why isn't everyone wearing a mouth guard

while playing sports?

Please contact our office to learn more:

410-535-4050

301-855-1008

 

Infection Control for the Safety and Well-Being of All

 

 

Infection control has become a hot topic in the news, as it well should be. Vitally important precautions and procedures are followed to ensure the safety of all - our valued patients and our team members. The Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. team would like to take this opportunity to share about the safeguards we have in place.

In keeping with the recommendations put forth by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Dental Association (ADA) we do the following:

 

 

 

1. Before a patient enters the examining room, all surfaces are cleaned and decontaminated, including the dental chair, dental light, drawer handles and counter tops.

 

 

 

2. Non-disposable items like the dental tools are cleaned and sterilized between patients to kill microorganisms. This keeps disease and viruses from spreading and protects your health. Once dental instruments are sterilized, they are packaged and cannot be touched directly until ready to use - by gloved hands.

 

3. Disposable items like needles or gauze are placed in special bags or containers.

 

4. Infection control precautions also require all dental staff involved in patient care to use appropriate protective garb such as gloves, masks, and gowns. After each patient, disposable wear like the gloves and masks are discarded. Before seeing the next patient, the members of the treatment team wash their hands and put on a new pair of gloves.

 

We want you to feel confident about visiting our safe office.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us:

410-535-4050 or 301-855-1008.

We Want to Hear from YOU!

 

Dargan & Miller, D.D.S.

would love to hear from YOU!

1. What is the reason you chose us and why do you keep coming back?
2. How often do you visit our office?
3. What do you appreciate about the services we provide?
4. If you have had any apprehension about going to the dentist, what makes your experience with us better?
5. Any "shout-outs" to specific Dargan & Miller, D.D.S. team members?
6. In what ways could we better serve you?

The Dargan & Miller, D.D.S. team has built a strong reputation in our community over the past 30+ years, doing our best for each and every one of our valued patients. To continue our patient-focused approach, we believe that there is always room for improvement. So please feel free to send your email to: darganandmillerdds@gmail.com. Please indicate whether or not we may share your email on social media.  If you would like to keep it confidential, we will gladly honor your request. And please feel free to send photos of your smile! 

 

We're all ears ... and teeth!

 

 

Decision Time: Amalgam or Composite?

 

You have a cavity, you need a filling, and it comes down to a choice - amalgam or composite? If you are like most people, you have likely done an Internet search on the topic and have been inundated with all kinds of information. Dargan and Miller, D.D.S. gives you accurate information so you can make an informed decision - the best decision for you. 

 

First off, Dr. Dargan and Dr. Miller both have the continuing education and extensive experience in successfully completing both types of restorations. An amalgam filling is a silver restoration and the composite filling is a white "tooth-colored" restorative. The biggest deciding factors are cosmetic (where the affected tooth is located in the mouth), the amount of decay present in the tooth, and financial. 

 

In a more visible tooth, patients are generally drawn to the more pleasing, natural looking composite filling. Although offering a nicer finished appearance, composites generally don't last as long as amalgams and have a higher price tag. Part of the reason for this is not only the price of the material itself, but also that this procedure requires additional time. The amalgam filling is the standard, silver filling. If not needed on a front tooth, this less costly, longer lasting material may be the best option. Please know that no valid research has concluded risks of mercury toxicity from amalgam restorations. If there were, we definitely wouldn't offer this material as an option.

 

If you have any other questions before making your final decision,

please feel free to call our office.

Dr. Dargan or Dr. Miller will gladly answer any questions
during your appointment.

 

410-535-4050

301-855-1008