EXPERT
Edward H. Chappelle, Jr.
Dentist
Dr. Edward Chappelle, Jr. is a Dentist practicing in Bowie, Maryland. Dr. Chappelle, Jr. specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Edward H. Chappelle, Jr.
- Bowie, Maryland
- Meharry Medical College
- Accepting new patients
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What should I do if my braces are too tight?
Anytime your braces are adjusted, they will feel tight. That just means there is pressure om the teeth so they will move. After a few days the pressure will lessen as the teeth READ MORE
Anytime your braces are adjusted, they will feel tight. That just means there is pressure om the teeth so they will move. After a few days the pressure will lessen as the teeth move into place.
Are electric toothbrushes any better for the teeth?
Hi, electric toothbrushes if used correctly are excellent for your teeth. Just remember, they actually work without you having to do a lot of work.. Most like to use it like a READ MORE
Hi, electric toothbrushes if used correctly are excellent for your teeth. Just remember, they actually work without you having to do a lot of work.. Most like to use it like a regular toothbrush, but you should hold it on each tooth for about 2 to 3 seconds and let the motion of the electric toothbrush do its job.
How should I select my toothpaste?
Most toothpaste on the market are vary similar. some have extra ingredients which may offer some subtle improvements, like baking soda or peroxide. All contain a mild abrasive. READ MORE
Most toothpaste on the market are vary similar. some have extra ingredients which may offer some subtle improvements, like baking soda or peroxide. All contain a mild abrasive. Pick your toothpaste by the flavor you like and how your teeth feel when you have brushed adequately.
I had some bleeding in my gums while brushing. Could it be serious?
Some bleeding is normal, particularly if you haven't had your teeth cleaned in a while. You may have gingivitis which is inflammation of the gums. If this doesn't happen frequently READ MORE
Some bleeding is normal, particularly if you haven't had your teeth cleaned in a while. You may have gingivitis which is inflammation of the gums. If this doesn't happen frequently for you, I'm pretty sure you are okay. If you are concerned then see your dentist.
Will frequent teeth cleanings remove spots from my teeth?
If the spots are extrinsic, meaning they are from coffee or tea, or medication and are outside the enamel, yes, cleaning will remove the spots. If the stains are intrinsic, meaning READ MORE
If the spots are extrinsic, meaning they are from coffee or tea, or medication and are outside the enamel, yes, cleaning will remove the spots. If the stains are intrinsic, meaning inside the enamel, from medications taken from when the tooth was forming, no cleaning will not help. However, professional bleaching/ whitening can help.
What is the right age for kids to brush their teeth on their own?
Most kids under the age of 8 or 9 don't have the manual dexterity to brush by themselves. I would recommend that you monitor the brushing and see exactly what they have accomplished. READ MORE
Most kids under the age of 8 or 9 don't have the manual dexterity to brush by themselves. I would recommend that you monitor the brushing and see exactly what they have accomplished.
My son's teeth are discoloured. Why?
Typically, if the baby teeth are discolored, and there is no decay, it may have been caused by medication or an illness while the teeth were forming. Most baby teeth are in the READ MORE
Typically, if the baby teeth are discolored, and there is no decay, it may have been caused by medication or an illness while the teeth were forming. Most baby teeth are in the process of forming under the gum, even if you don't see them, at birth. So it could have been something you ingested during pregnancy also. Don't worry, the adult teeth should be fine.
Are OTC products recommended for teeth whitening?
You are right, there are a lot of OTC whitening products. They all work to some degree. Most have a hydrogen peroxide base, and will do the job over a long period of time. The READ MORE
You are right, there are a lot of OTC whitening products. They all work to some degree. Most have a hydrogen peroxide base, and will do the job over a long period of time. The problem is the concentration or strength. They limit it in OTC products so people can't do to much harm to themselves. Professional whitening is always a better choice.
I had a root canal and the same tooth is hurting again. What should I do?
I would recommend evaluation by the dentist who completed the treatment first, and if the problem is not found or relieved, seek out a specialist (Endodontist) if it was not originally READ MORE
I would recommend evaluation by the dentist who completed the treatment first, and if the problem is not found or relieved, seek out a specialist (Endodontist) if it was not originally done by a specialist. Success of root canal therapy is about 90%.
Are cavities possible in baby teeth?
Yes, children can get cavities in baby teeth. The same thing that causes cavities in adult teeth can cause the problem in baby teeth. Proper care, such as brushing and flossing, READ MORE
Yes, children can get cavities in baby teeth. The same thing that causes cavities in adult teeth can cause the problem in baby teeth. Proper care, such as brushing and flossing, and limitation of sweets, including fruit juices and sports drinks will help. Cavities are caused by the bacteria that are in plaque and they feed off of sugar and create acid which eats away at the enamel.
Does brushing with salt help remove yellow stains from the teeth?
Brushing with salt might help, but it is extremely abrasive and will probably do more harm than good. See your dentist, have a good cleaning, then consider having your teeth professionally READ MORE
Brushing with salt might help, but it is extremely abrasive and will probably do more harm than good. See your dentist, have a good cleaning, then consider having your teeth professionally bleached. Your dentist should be able to make a recommendation.
I had a root canal and the area still hurts. Is something wrong?
Definitely, go to your dentist. It could be the gum tissue that is irritated, or the tooth may be cracked. Either way your dentist can help find the source of the problem.
How effective are sensitivity toothpastes in treating the problem?
Most work to some degree, some better than others. The ones with Potassium Nitrate seem to do a slightly better job. However, they work over a period of time. Anywhere from READ MORE
Most work to some degree, some better than others. The ones with Potassium Nitrate seem to do a slightly better job. However, they work over a period of time. Anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. Do not expect instant results.
Is bad breath during cold and cough normal?
Two issues, one is the infection itself, which causes mucous to drain into your throat, which can cause an odor. The second is the antibiotic, which has a tendency to also kill READ MORE
Two issues, one is the infection itself, which causes mucous to drain into your throat, which can cause an odor. The second is the antibiotic, which has a tendency to also kill the good bacteria in your mouth as well as the bad. Depending which comes back first, you may have an odor. Good bacteria usually keep down the bad, which do cause an odor.
What is the right age to get braces for my child?
At 7 years of age and only a few adult teeth in, it is difficult to predict whether he will need braces. As the adult teeth come in and he grows everything may be fine. I would READ MORE
At 7 years of age and only a few adult teeth in, it is difficult to predict whether he will need braces. As the adult teeth come in and he grows everything may be fine. I would recommend a visit to the orthodontist at age 8 or 9 for a consultation. Based on the number of adult teeth in they can recommend an approximate time to return for an orthodontic work up if necessary.
Does yellow teeth ever mean tooth decay?
The yellow film on your teeth is more than likely plaque. If you can brush it away it is plaque. If the plaque is left on the teeth for a long enough time, the acids produced READ MORE
The yellow film on your teeth is more than likely plaque. If you can brush it away it is plaque. If the plaque is left on the teeth for a long enough time, the acids produced by the bacteria which live in the plaque can cause tooth decay.
Can cavities in one tooth affect other teeth as well?
Cavities themselves are not contagious and do not spread from one tooth to another. However, whatever the cause of the original cavity can cause another cavity in another tooth. READ MORE
Cavities themselves are not contagious and do not spread from one tooth to another. However, whatever the cause of the original cavity can cause another cavity in another tooth. The cause is usually the bacteria associated with plaque and acid.
How should I maintain my gum health?
What you are doing is good. You might want to increase the number of days you floss. Flossing at night before going to bed is important. The only other thing is make sure you READ MORE
What you are doing is good. You might want to increase the number of days you floss. Flossing at night before going to bed is important. The only other thing is make sure you diet is appropriate, limiting sugars, and excess acids.
Rash in the mouth
Sounds like a possible fungal infection. What the Dr. has prescribed should help after a week or so of usage.
What does bone loss in the teeth mean?
Bone loss is the term we as dentists use to describe the body's response to periodontal issues (gum disease). Your teeth are held in place by bone, and if you lose too much from READ MORE
Bone loss is the term we as dentists use to describe the body's response to periodontal issues (gum disease). Your teeth are held in place by bone, and if you lose too much from around them, the teeth will become loose and there is a great risk of having them fall out or needing to have them extracted. Being diabetic, and if not well controlled, your body does not heal well and inflammation can reap havoc on your mouth. It's a two way street, uncontrolled diabetes more inflammation, more inflammation more difficult to control the diabetes. Correction can be done to a certain extent, it all depends how serious the problem is at this time. It is very difficult to regrow bone, but all things considered, the bone loss can be managed or controlled. Talk to your dentist about periodontitis and what issues you may have.
