Bad breath is not just caused by the food you eat – it can also be an indicator of your gum health. Food residue between teeth leads to bacterial growth, which in turn can cause bad breath. In the early stages of gum disease, bacteria begins to grow between the teeth and the gums, forming infected pockets that contribute to your breath.

How often should you change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head? Many dentists recommend changing them every 3 to 4 months. A new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that’s worn out. It’s also recommended to change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick to eliminate any bacteria from being transferred.

The Frederick County Dental Society kicked off their first meeting of the 2019-2020 academic year with a wonderful turnout with over 70 people in attendance last evening. Dr. Towe is honoured to be the president this year with an excellent group of board members, Dr. David Detterline, Dr. Michael Virts, Dr. Ayesha Nawab, Dr. Jon Moles, Dr. Adam Frieder, Dr. Lindsay Morris, Dr. Sarah Raymond, Dr. Thiruvanamalai Sivakumar, Dr. Alireza Hamidzadeh, Dr. Omar Mahmassani and Dr. William Colliver. Dr. Mehrdad Favagehi presented an engaging lecture on “Diagnosis and Management of Periodontitis and Peri-implantitis”. The society is very fortunate to have as Executive Director, Kristen Virts who has been extremely committed and is pivotal to its success. Our next meeting is scheduled for November 12th, 2020. Please save the date on your calendar and visit https://www.frederickcountydentalsociety.org/#!

The number one chronic child disease is tooth decay. It is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever. If left untreated, tooth decay in children can lead to malnourishment, problems in speaking and learning, and even death.

Frederick County Dental Society September 10th Business Meeting and Continuing Education Seminar Still haven’t registered for our next course? Register today! Be sure to register by 9/3 to reserve your spot. Contact Kristen at frederickcountydental@gmail.com or 443-534-4068. A message from our President, Dr. Melanie Towe, about the new guidelines: Are you aware that the diagnosing of periodontitis has completely changed? The 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions resulted in a new classification of periodontitis characterized by a multidimensional staging and grading system. Staging levels indicate the severity of the disease and the complexity of disease management, while the grading structure considers supplemental biologic characteristics of the patient in estimating the rate and likelihood of periodontitis progression. This excellent guide can be used as a resource in your office. **Register now to reserve your FREE laminated copy of the new AAP guidelines** The Frederick County Dental Society proudly presents: Diagnosis and Management of Periodontitis & Peri-implantitis Join us on September 10th as we host Dr. Mehrdad Favagehi, who will lecture on the latest updates in the management of periodontitis and peri-implantitis. Save the date and register! This course has been approved for 2 continuing education hours. Course Description: This course provides an excellent review for dentists, hygienists, and auxiliary dental personnel about the latest updates in the field of periodontics and management of peri-implantitis. A discussion on inflammation and immunity will allow the participants to understand the link between various systemic conditions and periodontitis. Furthermore, a review of inflammatory mediators and wound healing will enable the participants to understand the new tools available for treatment, such as lasers and biologics developed specifically to enhance wound healing and regenerative outcome. Clinical examples will be provided to show the application of biologics and lasers in periodontal regenerative surgery and peri-implantitis management. Learning Objectives: • Understand how to utilize the new classification of periodontal and peri-implant conditions adopted by the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and most dental schools to further your practice. • Become familiar with the scientific evidence which points to inflammation as the link between periodontal conditions and systemic health. Understand the science behind using inflammatory and immune mediators to enhance wound healing and regenerative surgery. • Understand both the advantages and shortcomings of new technology involving lasers and commercial and bloodborne biologics to enhance regenerative surgery around teeth and ailing implants. About our Speaker: Dr. Favagehi has been in private practice of periodontics and implant surgery with his wife Dr. Lourdes Christopher in the Washington, DC area since 1997. They have been voted as “Best Periodontists” by numerous surveys of regional dentists by Northern Virginia Magazine, Virginia Living and the Washingtonian. Dr. Favagehi received his DDS degree from the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth University). He completed his residency program in Periodontics at Ohio State University where he also earned a Master of Science degree in Oral Biology. Dr. Favagehi has been a part-time clinical instructor at the Virginia Commonwealth University since 1998. He has received a Teaching and Mentorship award from the American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Favagehi has served multiple terms in the Research Submissions Committee of the American Academy of Periodontology and the Academy of Osseointegration, where he also served as Chairman of the Research Submissions Committee and a founder of the E-Poster Committee. Dr. Favagehi is an editorial consultant for the Academy of Osseointegration newsletter and serves on both the AO Bylaws and Membership committees. Dr. Favagehi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and has lectured in many national and international conferences, including the annual meetings of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the American Dental Association (ADA), the Academy of Osseointegration (AO), and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (AAOMFS). Dr. Favagehi’s research publications focus on wound healing and his practice focus is on using lasers and biologics to enhance wound healing and tissue regeneration in periodontal and implant surgery. Did you know that non-FCDS members can attend our courses? Non-members, including other dental disciplines such as hygienists and assistants, are welcome to attend any of our seminars! Spread the word and invite your colleagues! *Please note, our registration procedure has changed!* To register, simply contact Kristen via email here or by clicking the link below. Please include your entree choice in the registration email: we will offer Eggplant Parmesan (vegetarian), Grilled Atlantic Salmon with cucumber dill sauce, and New York Strip Steak with garlic butter. Please advise if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. Register Today!

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of the holiday. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 3rd. We hope everyone enjoys their holiday weekend!    

Teeth aren’t bones, despite the fact that they are both hard, white, and contain calcium. Unlike bones, teeth can’t heal themselves or grow back if they suffer damage.