• Billing: You asked, we listened!

    We’re excited to share that we’ve upgraded our payment system to make it more secure and convenient for you. At Your Smile, we’re always looking for ways to simplify your experience — including how you manage your account.

    You asked, we listened!

    Billing statements will now include both a QR code and a direct link to the “Make a Payment” page on our website. This page is available 24/7, requires no account login, and can be forwarded or saved for future use. Unlike one-time “direct payment links,” this website link will never expire.

    Here’s what’s new:

    -Paperless billing: Unless you request otherwise, billing statements will no longer be printed and mailed. Instead, a PDF statement will be emailed to the address we have on file.

    Here’s what stays the same:

    -SikkaPay stays in place: iPosPays by SikkaPay will continue to handle in-office, website, and direct payment links.
    -Direct payment links available: Quick links can still be requested by text or email. These links expire after 72 hours, so please check for emails from no-reply@sikkasoftware.com or texts from 831-231-4343.
    -Transaction fees: A flat 3% surcharge applies to credit card payments both in-office and online. There is no additional fee for debit cards, HSA, or FSA cards.

    We hope these updates make managing your account simpler and more flexible. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call — we’re happy to help.

  • Custom Night Guards

    The Importance of Custom Night Guards for Protecting Your Smile

    Do you ever wake up with sore jaw muscles, headaches, or sensitive teeth? If so, you might be grinding or clenching your teeth at night – a condition called bruxism. Left untreated, bruxism can lead to worn-down teeth, fractures, gum recession, and even damage to dental restorations like crowns or fillings. One of the best ways to protect your smile is with a custom night guard made by your dentist.

    Why a Custom Night Guard?
    You can find over-the-counter “boil-and-bite” mouthguards at the store, but they don’t compare to a professionally made night guard. Here’s why:
    -Perfect Fit – A custom guard is designed from an impression or scan of your teeth, so it’s more comfortable and stays in place while you sleep.
    -Better Protection – Store-bought guards are often bulky and uneven, which can put strain on your jaw joints. A custom guard distributes pressure evenly and protects both your teeth and jaw.
    -Durability – Dental-grade materials used in custom night guards are stronger and longer lasting than store-bought versions.
    -Tailored to You – Your dentist can adjust the thickness and design depending on how severe your grinding is.

    Health Benefits of Wearing a Night Guard
    -Prevents Tooth Damage – Guards stop enamel from wearing down, reducing the risk of chips, cracks, or sensitivity.
    -Reduces Jaw Pain & Headaches – Relieves stress on your jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
    -Protects Dental Work – Helps prevent expensive repairs to crowns, fillings, and veneers.
    -Improves Sleep Quality – Many patients find they sleep more comfortably without clenching or grinding.

    Signs You May Need a Night Guard
    -Frequent headaches or jaw pain in the morning
    -Worn or flattened tooth surfaces
    -Chipped teeth without a clear cause
    -Soreness in your face or temples
    -Your partner notices grinding sounds at night

    Invest in Your Smile
    A custom night guard is an investment in your oral health — one that can save you from discomfort, costly dental treatments, and long-term damage. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night, talk to your dentist. Together, you can protect your smile and your overall well-being.

  • Inclement Weather

    Inclement Weather

    In case of an unforeseen weather event, we encourage you to communicate your intentions and/or availability.  We understand that road conditions vary greatly by location, and advance notice of your cancelation may mean we can get someone else in, treated, and safely back home before local conditions deteriorate.

    If our office decides to close for the day, that decision will be made at 6:00 a.m..  Once that decision is made, we will reach out to our scheduled patients by text message.  If you would prefer a different method, please feel free to leave that information on our voicemail at 410-877-3000.

    For your convenience, any weather related schedule changes will be posted on our facebook page as soon as those decisions are made.

  • Maryland Healthy Smiles

    The Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program is broken into 5 enrollment categories.  Those categories are Children, Adult*, Pregnant, Postpartum, and Former Foster Care.  Each category has it’s own set of policy allowances and limitations, so it is important to understand which category you fall into.  Each patient will be enrolled in only one category at a time, regardless of their situation.  This means that although you may have been in foster care and are currently pregnant,  it is possible that you are only enrolled in the program under “Adult”.

    Enrollment Categories/Plans currently accepted:

    • Children (under the age of 21)
    • Pregnant Women
    • Postpartum
    • Former Foster Care (Under the age of 25)

    *At this time, we are not accepting new patients enrolled in the “Adult” category/plan.

    If you have questions about your coverage or your enrollment category, please contact the Maryland Healthy Smiles Program at 1-855-934-9812.

     

  • Elevating Dental Care: Introducing Fluoride Varnish to Our Standard of Care for Adult Patients

    Introduction: At Your Smile Bel Air Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing our adult patients with outstanding dental care that goes beyond expectations. We are excited to announce the formal inclusion of fluoride varnish* as a core component of our standard of care. In this blog post, we will introduce fluoride varnish, highlight its advantages over other fluoride treatments, and emphasize its low risk of ingestion and convenience for our valued adult patients.

    Understanding Fluoride Varnish: Fluoride varnish is a highly effective preventive treatment that offers targeted protection against tooth decay and enamel erosion. It is a concentrated gel-like substance that contains a higher concentration of fluoride compared to other fluoride treatments. Here’s why we have chosen to incorporate fluoride varnish into our standard of care for adults:

    1. Enhanced Protection: The application of fluoride varnish forms a durable coating on the teeth, acting as a physical barrier against acid attacks and enamel demineralization. This protective layer significantly reduces the risk of tooth decay and helps maintain strong, healthy teeth.
    2. Low Risk of Ingestion: We understand the concerns surrounding fluoride ingestion, especially for adult patients. With fluoride varnish, the risk of ingestion is minimal due to its fast-drying nature. The varnish adheres to the teeth quickly, minimizing the chances of swallowing any significant amount.
    3. Convenience for Adult Patients: Fluoride varnish offers unparalleled convenience, making it an ideal choice for our adult patients. The application process is simple and non-invasive, taking only a few minutes during your regular dental visit. Unlike other treatments, there’s no need to wait for any specific amount of time before eating or drinking. You can resume your daily activities immediately after the application.

    The Benefits of Fluoride Varnish for Adults: By including fluoride varnish with our routine dental cleanings, we are prioritizing the oral health and well-being of our adult patients. Here are the key benefits you can expect:

    1. Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: Fluoride varnish provides a concentrated and long-lasting fluoride release that effectively strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities.
    2. Protection against Enamel Erosion: The protective barrier created by fluoride varnish shields the teeth from acid attacks, reducing the risk of enamel erosion and maintaining a healthy smile.
    3. Alleviation of Tooth Sensitivity: Fluoride varnish can help alleviate tooth sensitivity by sealing exposed dentin and reducing discomfort.
    4. Tailored Treatment for High-Risk Individuals: For adults with a higher risk of tooth decay or specific oral health conditions, fluoride varnish can be applied directly to targeted areas that require additional protection, such as areas showing early signs of decay or exposed root surfaces.

    Conclusion: With the addition of fluoride varnish to our standard of care, we are excited to offer our adult patients an enhanced level of protection against tooth decay and enamel erosion. Fluoride varnish is a safe, convenient, and highly effective preventive treatment that minimizes the risk of ingestion while delivering targeted benefits. Experience the difference of our comprehensive dental care by scheduling your next appointment today.

    *While adult fluoride varnish has been established as a standard of care at our dental office, it is important to note that coverage for this treatment may vary among dental insurance plans. We recommend patients to contact their dental insurance provider for detailed information regarding coverage, benefits, and any associated costs. Please be aware that any fees related to fluoride varnish treatment are the responsibility of the patient. Our team is available to assist you in addressing any queries or concerns you may have regarding insurance coverage.

     

  • Let’s Take Prevention to the Next Level

  • You Don’t Need to Pass a Football Like Patrick Mahomes to Remove a Loose Baby Tooth

    By Christopher Larsen, DMD & Jennifer Worner, DMD

    Kids get pretty inventive pulling a loose primary (baby) tooth. After all, there’s a profit motive involved (aka the Tooth Fairy). But a young Kansas City Chiefs fan may have topped his peers with his method, revealed in a recent Twitter video that went viral.

    Inspired by all-star KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes (and sporting his #15 jersey), 7-year-old Jensen Palmer tied his loose tooth to a football with a line of string. Then, announcing “This is how an MVP gets their tooth out,” the next-gen QB sent the ball flying, with the tooth tailing close behind.

    It appears young Palmer was no worse for wear with his tooth removal technique. But if you’re thinking there might be a less risky, and less dramatic, way to remove a loose tooth, you’re right. The first thing you should know, though: Primary teeth come out when they’re good and ready, and that’s important. Primary teeth play an important role in a child’s current dental and speech function and future dental development. For the latter, they serve as placeholders for permanent teeth developing within the gums. If one is lost prematurely, the corresponding permanent tooth might erupt out of position and cause bite problems.

    In normal development, though, a primary tooth coming out coincides closely with the linked permanent tooth coming in. When it’s time, the primary tooth lets you know by becoming quite loose in the socket.

    If you think one of your children’s primary teeth is ready, clean your hands first with soap and water. Then using a clean tissue, you should be able to easily wiggle the tooth with little tension. Grasp the tooth with the tissue and give it a little horizontal twist to pop it out. If that doesn’t work, wait a day or two before trying again. If it does come out, be sure you have some clean gauze handy in case of bleeding from the empty socket.

    Normally, nature takes its course from this point. But be on the lookout for abnormal signs like fragments of the tooth left behind in the socket (not to be mistaken for the top of the permanent tooth coming in). You should also look for redness, swelling, or complaints of pain the following day—signs of possible infection. If you see anything like this, make a prompt appointment so we can take a look. Losing a primary tooth is a signpost pointing the way from childhood to adulthood (not to mention a windfall for kids under their pillows). You can help make it a smooth transition—no forward pass required.

    If you would like more information about caring for primary teeth, please contact us or schedule a consultation. To learn more, read the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Importance of Baby Teeth” and “Losing a Baby Tooth.”

  • #MasksOnMaryland

    Effective this Friday, July 31 at 5 p.m., we are expanding the current statewide masking order requiring the wearing of masks or face coverings in the public spaces of all businesses across the state. Face coverings will also be required at outdoor public areas whenever it is not possible to maintain physical distancing.

    This expansion of the masking order is an action that is fact-based, apolitical, and solidly grounded in science. While it can be an inconvenience, especially in the heat, the science and the data are very clear: wearing masks is the single best mitigation strategy we have to fight this virus. It is the best way to keep you and your family safe, to keep people out of the hospital, and to keep Maryland open for business. If you do nothing else, wearing a mask alone would help us significantly slow the spread of this virus and continue on our road to health and economic recovery.

    Read more

  • Understanding the Root Canal Procedure

    When you visit your dental office in Bel Air, MD to receive treatment for a cavity, there are times when your dentist may recommend a root canal . Continue reading to learn more about this commonly performed dental procedure. root - canal

    Allowing Cavities to Progress

    Cavities occur when bacteria cause damage to the surface of a tooth and begin to penetrate the enamel. When left untreated, a dental cavity can become severe enough that bacteria can make their way into the tooth. Once a tooth becomes infected, the tissues inside can become inflamed. The swelling can cause the individual a great deal of discomfort which is frequently what leads them to see a dentist for treatment. In addition to cavities, cracked and broken teeth can also be vulnerable to infection.

    Examining the Tooth

    Once a tooth is infected, parts of it can become damaged and, in some cases, the swelling prevents proper blood flow to the tooth which can kill the tissues inside. When you visit your dental office for a toothache, your dentist will examine your mouth, and he may also take X-rays of the painful tooth to get a better look at the extent of the damage. Depending on how big the cavity is or what damage the infection has caused, your dentist may tell you that you need a root canal.

    Performing the Root Canal

    Root canals are safe procedures that are frequently performed in dentistry, and they can provide patients with relief from the pain that they are experiencing while avoiding the need to extract the tooth. First, your dentist will numb the area. Next, he will drill a hole into the tooth to remove the infected tissues inside. Then, he will treat the infection, clean out the tooth, and fill the canal with a special type of tooth filling material. Finally, your dentist will use a filling or a crown to seal the tooth and restore its dental function. The site may feel tender for a few days, but patients usually feel much better following their root canal procedure and can enjoy restored function of their tooth.

  • What Are the Signs of a Tooth Abscess?

    A tooth abscess can be a very painful condition. In this video, a dental care practitioner will explain some of the common signs and symptoms of an abscessed tooth. When you have an abscess, you may find that your tooth is very sensitive to hot or cold foods. You may also feel a dull, aching pain that throbs in your mouth. A dentist at a general dentistry office in Bel Air will be able to check your tooth for the signs of an abscess.

    In the event that you experience an abscess in your tooth, you will want to visit your local dental office right away. With dental care services, you will be able to alleviate your pain and restore your tooth to perfect health. Your dentist will have the tools needed to remove the abscess and improve your overall comfort.