Annapolis Pediatric Dentistry

09/11/2026

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I’m so proud of this young new dentist in Manila, Philippines. Dr. Teddy May graduated from dental school, passed her licensure last year and is now already giving back to the community that she came from in Tondo, Manila. I met her several years ago as a child, she was one of my patients when I did a dental mission there and she aspired to become a dentist herself. All of her hard work and dedication paid off and she accomplished her dream!  She held onto the spirit of helping those less fortunate and came back, to give back. This was her first dental mission all on her own! Thank you, Teddy May you are living proof that benevolence comes in the shape of a heart and a circle!

Through donations, the non profit Project Pearls helps to educate, feed, nourish, inspire and shape the future of impoverished children in the Philippines. Please consider donating to this amazing grassroots organization.

08/27/2026

Not so fun fact: Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most common disease in the world.

07/31/2026

🤣🤣🤣

05/29/2026

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🦷 The Anatomy of Gum Disease

05/18/2026

Even toothfairies get check ups! 🦷🧚‍♀️

05/02/2026

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Try this tomorrow morning: brush your teeth using your non-dominant hand.
It will feel clumsy, slow, and uncomfortable—and that’s exactly the point.

When you use your dominant hand, your brain relies on well-established motor pathways, mainly activating one side of the motor cortex. But when you switch to your non-dominant hand, your brain has to work harder. It activates both sides of the brain, engaging a larger motor network and forcing better coordination and control.

Research shows this isn’t just a temporary effect. In one study, practicing tasks with the non-dominant hand for just 10 days significantly improved precision and coordination, and most participants maintained those improvements even after six months. Brain imaging also revealed stronger connections between motor and sensory areas, which is a clear sign of neuroplasticity—your brain physically adapting and rewiring itself.

Another study found that when people trained their non-dominant hand over several weeks, their brain activity became more efficient. Regions linked to effort and conscious control became less active, while motor planning areas became more engaged. In simple terms, the brain learned the skill and started doing it more smoothly.

The key reason this works is novelty. When your brain encounters something new and challenging, it releases dopamine—a chemical that improves focus, motivation, and learning. This helps strengthen new neural connections. Your brain follows a basic rule: the more certain neurons are used together, the stronger their connection becomes.

So when you step out of autopilot and do simple daily tasks differently—like brushing, writing, or even eating—you’re giving your brain a workout. That awkward feeling isn’t failure; it’s your brain building new pathways. Small challenges like this, done consistently, can support better coordination, learning, and long-term brain health.

📄Sources:
Philip and Frey 2016, Neuropsychologia. PMID: 27059395
Kim et al. 2019, Scientific Reports. PMID: 31882808
Dassonville et al. 1997, PNAS. PMID: 9391169

04/24/2026

“We are on Earth to take care of life. We are on Earth to take care of each other.” ~Xiye Bastida

(video: courtesy of and mia)

04/07/2026

Hoping Spring brings sunny days, flowers and chocolate smiles!

02/18/2026