As I stand over my sink and meditate the frayed bristles of my favorite toothbrush, I speculate whether I should replace it. It’s a good question. We all brush our teeth on a daily basis. Like a good pair of jeans, it seems the more we use a toothbrush, the more comfortable it gets. As…
Oral Health
When Should My Child Visit Our Monkton Dentist?

Many parents in the Parkton area wonder when it is right for their child to see the dentist for the first time. What does the ADA say? The American Dental Association recommends that kids visit the dentist around their first birthday, a little earlier than some parents may anticipate. Early visits with White Hall, Hereford,…
The Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS Guide To Preventing Gum Disease

Hearing that you have gingivitis (gum disease) can be upsetting. Here at Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS in Monkton, Maryland, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease, don’t despair. We can help. Symptoms of Gum Disease Bleeding gums Swollen,…
How Is Snoring Different From Sleep Apnea?

It’s estimated that 50% of people snore at some point during their life. Sleep apnea is a more serious, but also common sleep disorder. Snoring and sleep apnea are related. Many individuals who snore also have sleep apnea. However, the conditions are not always present together. Why Is Sleep Apnea So Dangerous? Snoring alone doesn’t…
Tell Your Dentist Which Prescription Meds You Are Taking

It’s standard practice for healthcare providers to find out which medications their patients are taking. Our patients sometimes wonder why we ask them about prescription medications before their dental treatment. Here’s why: Some medications—prescription or over-the-counter—can influence oral health or dental treatment. Bleeding Issues Heparin/warfarin and other anticoagulants can bring about abnormal…
Baby Talk (About Oral Health)

Taking care of a baby can be exciting, exhausting, and confusing. (All within the space of an hour.) You worry about your child’s safety. “Did I cover all the outlets?” “Are the medicines locked away?” You worry about your baby’s development. “Is he growing on schedule?” “Shouldn’t she be talking by now?” And you worry…
Work With Your Pediatric Dentist To Monitor Wisdom Teeth

Even if your son or daughter practices daily dental hygiene and has no known problems, it’s important to schedule twice-yearly exams and X-rays. One of the reasons for this is to keep an eye on wisdom teeth. If your child’s wisdom teeth emerge during adolescence, it’s important to work with your pediatric dentist on a…
Why You Shouldn’t Dread Going To The Dentist

If you are afraid of the dentist and have not had a check-up in years, today’s post is for you. Good news! Dentistry in the Monkton area and around Maryland is nothing like it was when you were a kid. (Even if you’re still a kid, we invite you to keep reading.) There Is No…
What Is Lurking Under Your Gumline?

Greetings to you all in the Monkton, Maryland area! At Hereford Dental Health, your premier general and cosmetic dentistry provider, we believe that healthy gums are as important as healthy teeth. Proper oral hygiene helps keep both your teeth and gums in good shape. When brushing, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle aiming the bristle…
Oral Health in Monkton | Facts About Mouthwash and Dental Health

Thanks for visiting the dental blog of Hereford Dental Health – Craig Longenecker DDS. In today’s post, we would like to discuss mouthwash and oral health in Monkton. Many residents use mouthwash to freshen their breath and help prevent tooth decay. Mouthwash should never be used exclusively though because good oral hygiene starts with thorough…