As the days get longer and everything starts to bloom, it’s the perfect time to refresh, not just on your home, but on your oral health too!
In this issue, we’re digging into the truth behind viral DIY dental trends, celebrating National Dental Care Month, and sharing how a simple habit like flossing could help protect more than just your gums.
You’ll also find an important update about Maryland Healthy Smiles coverage, a reminder on how to recycle your oral care waste, a feel-good peek at our team’s favorite spring and Mother’s Day moments, and a delicious plant-based recipe we’re loving right now: Marry Me Chickpeas.
Spring is all about growth—and your smile is no exception. Let’s dive in!
In This Issue:
- New Ways To Easily Contact Us
- DIY Dental Trends – National Dental Care Month
- Regular Flossing can Prevent Strokes
- Reminder: Recycle your Oral Care Waste
- Important Update about MD Healthy Smiles
- Spring Vibes & Mother’s Day Moments
- Recipe: Marry Me Chickpeas
- Please Leave us a Review!
New! You Can Now Text Us – Just Ask for the Number
We get it, calling can feel like a hassle. That’s why we’ve added a more modern, flexible way to reach out. You can now request our texting number using the new Contact Us form on our website! It’s quick, easy, and perfect for general questions or appointment follow-ups – especially if you’re on the go.
Prefer to talk to a real person? You still can. Our phone number is 301-663-8300, and when you call, you’ll reach a real human, no bots, no prompts, no phone menus. Just our friendly front desk team, ready to help. Even emergency calls go directly to someone in our office.
Whether you text, call, or email, we’re here to help however works best for you.
Note: The Contact Us form is for general inquiries only and not HIPAA-compliant. Please don’t include personal health information.
DIY Dental Trends – National Dental Care Month
It’s National Dental Care Month – so let’s talk about what NOT to do to your smile.
While we’re all about celebrating healthy habits, it’s also our job to clear up some confusion – especially around the wild world of DIY dental trends.
The internet is overflowing with hacks for everything and dental care is no exception. From charcoal toothpaste to jawline-sculpting gum, we’ve seen it all. Some of it is harmless. Some, not so much.
To keep smiles strong, safe, and sparkling this Dental Care Month, let’s take a look at a few popular trends, and separate the fact from the fiction.
Oil Pulling: Not Bad, But Not Enough
Oil pulling—a centuries-old practice involving swishing coconut oil around your mouth—has made a major comeback on social media. Advocates claim it whitens teeth, removes toxins, and even “heals” cavities.
Here’s the truth: oil pulling might help reduce some bacteria, but it’s not a replacement for brushing, flossing, or regular cleanings. If it makes your mouth feel fresh, that’s great! But if you’re using it in place of actual dental care? That’s a problem.
We’re reminding everyone that home remedies are fine as add-ons, not substitutes. When in doubt, ask your dentist (that’s us!).
Charcoal Toothpaste: Scrubbing Away More Than Stains
Charcoal toothpaste is trendy, edgy, and unfortunately, way too abrasive. It may seem like it’s working at first and your teeth might even look whiter. But what you’re really doing is wearing down enamel, the protective layer of your teeth.
And once enamel is gone? It’s gone. Permanently. No cream, serum, or serum-infused toothpaste will bring it back.
So let’s honor your enamel. Treat it gently, and leave the whitening to the pros who can protect your smile while brightening it.
Facial Fitness Gum: Jawline Gains with a Side of TMJ?
Chewing gum to sculpt your jawline sounds like a cool idea—until your jaw starts aching or your bite goes out of alignment. Sure, some facial exercises can be helpful if done correctly and in moderation. But overdoing it (as many people do) can lead to tension headaches, jaw pain, and other issues that aren’t worth the “aesthetic gains.”
Pro tip: Your face isn’t a gym. And your jaw is already doing plenty of work chewing food and talking all day.
Veneer Technicians: The Riskiest Trend of All
This is the one we really need to talk about. On social media, unlicensed “veneer techs” are advertising quick, cheap smile makeovers. But behind the filtered before-and-afters are real risks: nerve damage, infections, ill-fitting veneers, and irreversible harm to natural teeth.
Dentistry is a regulated medical profession for a reason. Your smile isn’t something you want in the hands of someone who learned it off YouTube.
We want to make it clear: trust licensed professionals. You deserve care that’s safe, ethical, and customized for your oral health.
Celebrate National Dental Care Month the Right Way
We love that people want to take care of their smiles. Truly! But this month is all about reinforcing what actually works—and pointing out what’s worth skipping.
So here’s your Dental Care Month to-do list:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss like a boss
- Eat a balanced, smile-friendly diet
- Keep up with your dental checkups
- Skip the hacks
Your teeth are with you for life, treat them with the care and respect they deserve. And, if you ever wonder if a trend is legit, just ask us!. Let’s keep your smile healthy and hype-free.
Regular Flossing Prevents Strokes
Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-01-31/regular-flossing-can-prevent-strokes
You’ve probably heard us say it a hundred times: flossing is essential for keeping your gums healthy. But here’s a new reason to make it a daily habit—it could also help protect you from stroke.
A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association’s 2025 meeting found that people who floss at least once a week had a 22% lower risk of stroke caused by blood clots. Even more impressive? They also had a 44% lower risk of strokes caused by clots that travel from the heart.
And that’s not all. Flossers also had a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (A-fib), an irregular heartbeat that can lead to—you guessed it—more strokes.
The connection? Researchers believe flossing reduces inflammation in the body, especially around the gums, which helps prevent damage to arteries and supports heart health.
The best part? Flossing is easy to do at home, and only takes a minute a day.
Not sure if you’re flossing the right way? We’ve got you covered!
Check out our YouTube playlist full of quick, helpful videos to level up your brushing and flossing routine: How to Brush and Floss Like a Pro
Your brain—and your smile—will thank you.
Reminder: Recycle Your Oral Care Waste
We’re excited to share a small but mighty addition to our dental office — a TerraCycle Oral Care Recycling Box is now available in our waiting room!
Most toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss containers aren’t recyclable through regular curbside programs, but this box changes that. Through TerraCycle’s Zero Waste program, we can now collect oral care packaging of any brand — and give it a second life, instead of sending it to the landfill.
Here’s what you can drop off:
- Toothbrushes (manual or electric heads)
- Toothpaste tubes and caps
- Floss containers
- Toothbrush and toothpaste outer packaging
Any brand is welcome! (While TerraCycle’s Colgate partnership is more limited, this box is open to all brands.)
What happens next? Once the box is full, it’s shipped off to TerraCycle, where the materials are cleaned, separated, and recycled into raw materials for new products.
Want to help us make an even bigger impact? If the box sees good use, we’ll upgrade to a larger one — or even expand our recycling offerings!
Got questions? Want to learn more about what can and can’t go in the bin? Check out the official TerraCycle program page here: TerraCycle Oral Care Recycling Program
Let’s work together to keep our smiles — and our planet — a little cleaner.
Important Update About MD Healthy Smiles
We want to share an important update regarding insurance coverage at our office.
After much thought and careful evaluation, our practice has made the difficult decision to no longer accept Maryland Healthy Smiles insurance, effective September 1, 2025. This was not a decision we made lightly. Unfortunately, the reimbursement rates from this program no longer allow us to cover the cost of delivering the high-quality care we promise to each of our patients.
We understand this change may be disappointing, and we are committed to helping ease the transition in any way we can. If you are currently covered under Maryland Healthy Smiles, we have referrals available for nearby practices that are actively accepting new patients with this insurance. Our front desk team will be happy to assist you with referral information and transferring records if needed.
We remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to care for you and your family, and we appreciate your understanding as we continue to focus on providing exceptional care that’s sustainable for our team and our community.
If you have questions about your options or want to talk through how this change may affect your care, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Spring Vibes & Mother’s Day Moments
This season, our team took some time to celebrate all things spring—and especially the amazing moms in our lives!
From brunches and blooms to family time and sunny-day outings, we asked our team to share their favorite Mother’s Day and springtime moments. These snapshots show just how much joy, love, and warmth this season brings.
Take a peek at some of the beautiful ways our crew has been enjoying spring outside the office!
Recipe of the Month: Marry Me Chickpeas
Source: https://plantyou.com/marry-me-chickpeas/
Imagine a warm and comforting dish so good that your partner asks you to marry them! Here’s the recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, small, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 30 oz canned chickpeas, 2 cans, drained and rinsed
- 1 handful spinach or basil, torn
Instructions
- In a pan over medium heat, add the oil, onion and garlic. Saute until fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
- Next, add the sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, chili flakes and salt. Saute until fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Add the vegetable broth and coconut milk and stir until a sauce is formed. Stir in the chickpeas and cover and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Finish with a handful of fresh spinach or basil and enjoy with toasted bread, rice or pasta, as desired. Makes 4 wraps.
Notes
- This version of the recipe is vegan and gluten free.
- Make it spicy by adding more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve however your heart desires! Enjoy it with toasted bread, rice, pasta, or on its own.
- Use cashew cream or soy cream instead of coconut milk for a more neutral flavor.
- Sub spinach for kale, chard, or arugula for variety.