When it comes to keeping your smile healthy and radiant, you may have plenty of questions. Dental care is essential to maintaining not only oral health but overall well-being, and it’s important to be informed. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common questions about dental care to help you stay on top of your oral hygiene and feel confident during your next dental visit.
How Often Should I Visit the Dentist?
One of the most common questions about dental care is how often you should schedule a checkup. In general, it’s recommended that you visit your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and examination. However, if you have ongoing dental issues like gum disease or are undergoing treatment, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits to monitor your progress.
What is the Best Way to Brush My Teeth?
Proper brushing technique is crucial for effective dental care. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, brushing twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes, using gentle circular motions to clean all surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget your tongue! Brushing your tongue helps remove bacteria and keeps your breath fresh. Flossing once a day also plays a key role in removing food particles and plaque from between teeth.
What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?
If you’ve ever experienced sharp pain or discomfort while eating or drinking something hot or cold, you’re not alone. Tooth sensitivity is another of the most common questions about dental care patients ask. Sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, gum recession, cavities, or exposed tooth roots. Using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth and avoiding acidic foods can help ease discomfort. However, if sensitivity persists, it’s important to consult with your dentist to rule out more serious issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Preventing cavities is at the heart of good dental hygiene. The best ways to prevent cavities include brushing and flossing regularly, using fluoride toothpaste, and limiting sugary snacks and drinks. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria. Regular dental cleanings are also vital in catching early signs of decay before they become serious.
What Should I Do if I Have Bad Breath?
Bad breath, or halitosis, is a concern for many people. Poor oral hygiene, gum disease, dry mouth, and certain foods like garlic or onions can cause bad breath. Brushing and flossing regularly, cleaning your tongue, and drinking plenty of water can help reduce bad breath. If it persists, a professional cleaning and evaluation from your dentist may uncover any underlying causes like gum disease or tooth decay.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth?
A bright smile is something many patients desire, and teeth whitening is often a topic of inquiry. While over-the-counter whitening products are widely available, professional whitening treatments offered by your dentist tend to provide better results. These treatments are customized to your needs and are safer for your enamel. Be sure to ask your dentist which whitening options are best for your teeth, especially if you have sensitive teeth or existing dental restorations.
Schedule Your Appointment Today and Get Your Most Common Questions About Dental Care Answered!
We hope these answers help you feel more confident in maintaining your oral health. If you have more questions or want to schedule a cleaning, the team at Hackley DDS is here to assist you. Contact us today to book your next appointment and ensure your smile stays bright and healthy!
If you want to maintain a healthy smile and avoid serious oral health issues down the road, you have to see your dentist. At Hackley DDS, we offer the best preventative dental care in Rockville, focusing on keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life. Read on to learn more about our services!
Safeguard Your Gums and Teeth
Safeguarding your gums and teeth includes regular dental cleanings, exams, and treatments designed to stop problems before they start. This proactive approach allows you to avoid conditions like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
The Benefits
Choosing the best preventative dental care in Rockville ensures that minor issues are detected early, reducing the need for invasive treatments later. Routine visits help protect against plaque buildup, identify signs of oral cancer, and keep your smile looking bright. Regular cleanings also promote fresh breath and better overall health, as oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Services We Offer at Hackley DDS
At Hackley DDS, we provide a range of preventative services, including:
- Dental exams and cleanings: Professional cleanings remove tartar and plaque, while exams allow early detection of potential problems.
- Fluoride treatments: Strengthen your enamel and reduce the risk of cavities
- Sealants: Protect the grooves of your molars from decay.
- Oral cancer screenings: Early detection is critical in treating oral cancer effectively.
Contact Us and Get the Best Preventative Dental Care in Rockville
At Hackley DDS, our team of experienced dental professionals delivers the best preventative dental care in Rockville. With a focus on prevention, we aim to keep your oral health in top shape and address any issues before they become major problems. Whether it’s your routine cleaning or fluoride treatment, our team is dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile. Contact us today to make an appointment and start protecting your smile for years to come.
When it comes to your oral health, you deserve the best. Choosing the top dentist in Rockville Maryland ensures that you get the highest quality care. But finding the best fit can be hard. Here are some tips to help you.
The Basics
Routine dental visits are the key to a healthy, beautiful smile. So, it’s best to start with the details that fit best with your lifestyle and dental needs. Consider the following.
- Is the office easy to get to from your home, job, or kids’ school?
- Are the office hours convenient?
- Does this dentist accept your dental insurance?
- Is the dentist a member of the ADA?
Starting the Search
Now that you’re actively looking for a top dentist in Rockville, you may notice more advertisements online or in the newspaper. You may even see social media sites that have patient reviews for dentists near you. Some great places to start looking for a dentist are:
- The ADA Find a Dentist Tool.
- Your local dental society can give you a list of dentists in your area.
- Friends, relatives, and coworkers can offer recommendations.
- Your primary care physician can offer a referral to a local dentist.
Once you have narrowed it down to a few good candidates, you can visit their websites to read reviews and learn more about the provider.
Free Consultation
Don’t be shy about calling or visiting the dentists on your list before you decide. Schedule a consultation to meet the dentist and staff. Bring a list of questions and your medical records so the dentist can have a look. This will give you a chance to see if the office is welcoming, comfortable, and organized. Consider the following questions.
- Will the dentist explain things in a way you can understand?
- Does the dentist offer preventative care and instructions?
- How does the office handle emergencies after hours?
- Is the office familiar with your dental insurance? Do they offer financing options for other treatment costs?
Top Dentist in Rockville Maryland
Dr. Hackley encourages anyone looking for a dentist to share past dental experiences and dental concerns, including any anxiety. This helps her understand your concerns and answer your questions. To schedule a consultation, please contact Hackley DDS today.
Are you afraid of the dentist? Dental anxiety is a common issue for many people in Rockville. If anxiety is preventing you from going to the dentist, there are some things you can do to help cope with your fear. Here are some ways to get the care you need while being considerate of your anxiety.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Do you experience fear, anxiety, or stress in a dental setting? You may have dental anxiety. Needles, drills, or the dental setting can trigger anxiety for many people. However, if dental anxiety is severe, some people may avoid going to the dentist all together. This is classified as a dental phobia.
Signs and Symptoms
People with dental anxiety may experience the following.
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Visible distress
- Crying
- Withdrawal or using humor/aggression to mask anxiety.
While it is understandable to avoid the things that make us afraid, routine dental care is crucial to your oral health.
What Causes Dental Anxiety and Phobia?
There are many reasons why people may experience dental anxiety in Rockville. This includes:
- A traumatic dental experience or other healthcare experience
- Prior trauma to the neck or head
- Other traumatic experiences include abuse.
- General anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Trust issues
- Fear of loss of control
- Anxiety associated with other conditions like agoraphobia, claustrophobia, or obsessive compulsive disorder.
Anyone can have dental anxiety. Children who have had a bad dental experience can often overcome their fear through proper management of the situation and future support in dental visits. Adults unfortunately tend to remain anxious throughout life.
However, finding a dentist who is sympathetic and understanding of your situation can help you cope with going to the dentist.
Coping with Dental Anxiety in Rockville
There are many ways to cope and manage dental anxiety. An open discussion with your dentist about your triggers can help your provider create a management plan with you. This may include things like:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Weighted blankets
- Distraction like music
- Happy gas
- Oral anxiety medication
- Conscious sedation (IV)
- General anesthesia (for severe cases)
If you are looking for a dentist that is sympathetic and understanding of your dental anxiety, please contact Hackley DDS.
Maintaining oral health is vital for overall well-being. Beyond fostering a radiant smile, good oral hygiene plays a pivotal role in reducing the risk of infections, heart disease, and even cancer, making it an integral aspect of both your and your family’s health and wellness. While you might instinctively consider a pediatric dentist as the ideal choice for your children’s dental care, a family dentist in Rockville MD is equally equipped to provide exceptional oral health services. One of the primary advantages of choosing a family dentist is the convenience it offers. By making just one phone call, you can schedule appointments for the entire family, streamlining the process and minimizing logistical hassles associated with visiting multiple dental practitioners. Let’s delve into more benefits of family dentistry in Rockville MD.
Family Dentistry in Rockville MD
A family dentist is a dental professional who provides care to patients spanning all age groups, ranging from children to adults. Their services encompass a comprehensive range of treatments, including dental checkups, cleanings, examinations, fillings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, and more.
Eliminating Dental Anxiety
Both dental phobia and dental anxiety can lead to the postponement or avoidance of dental care. If any of your family members experience these conditions, scheduling dental checkups together as a family can be beneficial.
Children, in particular, may develop dental anxiety early on, and having a family dentist can aid in overcoming it. When children observe their parents attending checkups or receiving treatment, they gain confidence and become more at ease with the dental experience. Children often mirror the behaviors and attitudes of their parents. By demonstrating the importance of regular dental visits, you establish a lasting impression.
The significant advantage of attending appointments with a family dentist together is that it helps children overcome their fears early on, fostering a lifelong comfort with dental visits.
A Family Dentist is Convenient
The convenience of having a family dentist for your entire household is undeniable. By scheduling one appointment for multiple individuals or the entire family, you streamline your life. Gone are the days of needing to take time off work on various occasions for separate appointments—one for yourself, another for your children at the pediatric dentist, and yet another for your teenagers elsewhere.
Family Dentists Know Your Dental History
One of the key benefits of lifelong family dentistry is the familiarity your dentist will have with your family’s dental history. If there have been past dental conditions, surgeries, allergies, or sensitivities, your dentist will have comprehensive records of these. This enables them to tailor suitable treatments based on your family’s specific dental needs and medical history.
Having a Family Dentist Means a Lasting Relationship
Establishing trust between you and your dentist is essential for several reasons. With trust in place, communication becomes effortless, allowing you to share information openly and honestly. When your dentist is fully informed, they can accurately diagnose symptoms, ensuring that you and your family members receive the appropriate treatment.
Regular and Consistent Services
To uphold the oral health of you and your family members, it’s recommended to schedule visits to your family dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. With a family dentist, you’ll feel assured about attending these appointments, reducing the likelihood of missing any.
Preventative Care
Family dentists are experts in a wide range of dental fields catering to individuals of all age groups. Since children’s teeth are still developing, they require specialized care. Family dentists provide guidance on preventive measures to maintain optimal dental health for children. Additionally, it’s important to act early if one of your children requires teeth alignment. In fact, it is more beneficial in children compared to adults.
Emergency Dental Services
In times of urgent dental care needs, having a trusted dentist readily available is invaluable. You can rely on them to provide immediate assistance to any member of your family. Instead of searching for an emergency dentist each time a situation arises, you can simply reach out to your family dentist and schedule an immediate appointment.
Family Dentist in Rockville MD
Dr. Hackley and our knowledgeable and compassionate staff are dedicated to helping you create and maintain a smile you love. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
What causes bad breath? If you, or a loved one has bad breath that just won’t go away, you may be dealing with halitosis. So, what causes it and how can you treat it? Stick around to find out.
What is Halitosis?
Halitosis, or bad breath, is typically caused by sulfur-producing bacteria. These bacteria live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, they start to break down protein at a very fast rate, creating odorous volatile sulfur compounds (VSC).
Halitosis is not contagious. Around 2.4% of adults suffer from bad breath, but fortunately, there are ways to treat this condition. But first, let’s talk about what causes it.
What causes bad breath?
Other than the sulfur-producing bacteria, the other major causes of halitosis are:
- Dry mouth- caused by alcohol, stress, medications, and medical conditions
- Dental factors like periodontitis or poor oral hygiene
- Smoking, which starves the mouth of oxygen.
Other less common causes include:
- Acid and bile reflux
- Post-nasal discharge
- Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders.
- Certain foods like onions, garlic, and cauliflower. However, this is temporary.
Symptoms of Halitosis
Symptoms include:
- A white coating on the tongue, especially at the back
- Build up around the teeth
- Dry mouth
- Morning bad breath
- Constant sour, bitter metallic taste
- Post-nasal drip, or mucous
- Thick saliva and a constant need to clear your throat
Treatments for Bad Breath
There is no one treatment, it will depend on what is causing your bad breath. A good first step is to make sure you are well hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene. Additionally, some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can help fight bad breath.
Another important action is to clean the tongue. Gentle, but effective tongue cleaning can help fight bacteria growth. Many tongue brushes and scrapers are available. Brush gently from the back to the front of the tongue and pay special attention to the hard-to-reach areas, as those will smell the worst.
When to Get Help for Bad Breath
If at home treatments aren’t working, it may be time to speak to your dentist about your bad breath. To schedule an appointment, please contact Hackley DDS today.
What are cavities and how can we prevent them? Essentially, cavities are holes in the enamel of your tooth. They can cause pain and discomfort, and if left untreated, lead to more decay. Here are some simple things you can do to prevent cavities.
What is a cavity?
A cavity is a hole in your tooth. In the early stages, it may look like a white spot but over time it will begin to look brow or black. They can be big or small. While they can be in many places, they often form on the tops of your teeth, where you bite and in between teeth, where food gets stuck.
Cavities cause pain, sensitivity, infections, and can even cause you to lose your teeth. The best way to keep your teeth healthy is to prevent cavities.
What causes cavities?
During the day, the bacteria in our mouth feed off of the foods we eat. Anytime we eat or drink sugar, the bacteria eat the sugar and turn it into acid. This acid stays on our teeth and essentially attacks the outer surface.
Over time, this acid wears down our teeth, creating a cavity. If the cavity isn’t fixed, the bacteria get inside it and travel from the outside of the tooth into the dentin and then the pulp, creating an infection.
Dental infections can be very serious. If you notice redness, pain and swelling in your face or mouth you should seek care.
Higher Risks for Cavities
Anyone can get cavities, but you may be at a higher risk if you:
- Snack between meals
- Have cracked or chipped teeth
- Eat sugar foods or drinks
- Take medications that cause dry mouth
- Have a personal and/or family history of cavities
- Have had head or neck radiation therapy
How to Prevent Cavities
The best ways to prevent cavities are to maintain good oral health and hygiene habits. This includes:
- Drink plenty of water
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste 2 times a day
- Floss
- Limit sweet snacks between meals
- Limit sugary foods and drinks like candies and soda.
- Don’t sip or snack on sugary things all day. If you are going to eat/drink them, do so at mealtimes and brush after.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
- Sealants can be placed on the back teeth to help protect them from bacteria causing cavities in hard-to-reach grooves.
For more help with your oral health, please visit Hackley DDS. Let us take care of your teeth and keep your smile healthy and beautiful!
When do children lose their baby teeth?
Most children start to lose baby teeth around age 6, however some baby teeth remain present until age 12. Baby teeth are important and should be cared for in the same way as adult teeth.
Is thumb sucking/pacifier really bad for teeth?
Thumb sucking and pacifiers are okay up to a certain age. These habits aren’t a cause for concern in infants and young toddlers.
When do I need to take away the pacifier?
It’s best for kids to stop the habit by the time they’re 3 years old. Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can affect your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite alignment.
At what age should a child start brushing?
Parents should start brushing when the first tooth appears. Use a rice-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste. At age 3, move to a pea sized amount of tooth paste.
[Related: Baby’s First Dental Visit]
When can kids brush by themselves?
This is a tricky question. Parents need to supervise brushing until age 6 at least. They shouldn’t brush alone until they’re coordinated enough to brush thoroughly. We usually say if they can reliably tie their shoes, they can brush alone and have a grown up “check brush.”
How often should kids brush?
Twice a day, just like adults. They should also be flossing.
Are cavities common in kids?
Yes. Tooth decay is the most common illness in children. It’s five times more common in children than asthma! But it’s also one of the most preventable diseases.
Is it necessary to fill cavities in baby teeth?
Yes! Many people think it’s unnecessary because these teeth will fall out. However, baby teeth are important for the development of adult teeth and untreated cavities can lead to further dental disease.
Besides brushing, how can I prevent cavities?
- Only offer clean pacifiers. Don’t dip them in sugary drinks.
- Don’t lick a child’s spoon or pacifier to clean it. Sharing utensils also shares bacteria that cause cavities.
- Don’t put juice of soda in baby’s bottle.
- Never put a child to bed with a bottle of anything other than water- that means no milk either.
- Limit your kid’s intake of sugary foods, juices, soda, and sports drinks.
- Make sure your child’s teeth are brushed twice a day with an ADA accepted toothpaste.
Have more questions? Contact Hackley DDS to speak to a dentist!
If you need dental care but the budget is too tight, you may be wondering if dentists offer payment plans. The answer is most of them do. If you are struggling with the cost of dental care, you’re not alone. Over half of U.S. adults say they have skipped or delayed dental care due to the cost. Fortunately, there are alternatives. Let’s talk about them.
What are dental payment plans?
Dental payment plans are financial options for dental work. Instead of paying the cost of dental care upfront, patients can make payments over time. Depending on your dentist, the payment plans available may differ.
Where can you get a dental payment plan?
Your dentist office will provide dental payment plans. Typically, dentists offer these plans to help make care more affordable for all patients. However, not all dentists offer payment plans. Some only accept insurance or full payment upfront.
Cost of Dental Treatment without Insurance
An estimated 76.5 million adults don’t have dental insurance. So, let’s look at some of the average costs of dental work when paying out of pocket.
- Oral exam and cleaning: up to $200
- Oral X-rays: $300 on up
- Root canal: up to $2,700
- Tooth extraction: between $75 and $4,000, depending on damage and need for anesthesia.
- Dental implants: between $1,750 and $8,270 a tooth
- Braces: $5,500 on up to $10,000
- Dentures: $1400 to $2800
Things to Consider
There are a few things to consider before you commit to a dental payment plan. First, if you struggle with poor credit, you may not be able to secure a payment plan. Some companies do waive credit checks though. Additionally, you need to consider interest rates, though some dental plans come with a 0% interest rate to sweeten the offer. Finally, make sure you can handle the ongoing payments.
Dental Payment Plan at Hackley DDS
Our team is proud to offer Sunbit as a monthly payment option at ROCHELLE E HACKLEY DDS ,LLC. Sunbit approves 85% of patients with no hard credit check and no late fees. Click here to see how much you are pre-qualified for! To schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease and should not be left untreated. If you are looking for gingivitis treatment in Rockville, please contact Hackley DDS. We proudly offer this, and many other services to help keep your smile healthy and happy!
What is Gingivitis?
Also known as periodontal disease, gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease. It causes redness, swelling, irritation, and bleeding of your gingiva. This is the part of your gum around the base of your teeth. It’s important to treat gingivitis promptly because it can lead to more serious gum disease and tooth loss.
Symptoms
Healthy gums look pale pink and are firm. They fit firmly around the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Tender gums
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Bright red or dark red gums
- Gums that are darker than usual
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
Causes
The most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. This allows plaque to form on teeth which causes swelling of the surrounding gum tissues. If plaque isn’t removed everyday by brushing, it turns to tartar. This can happen below the gumline as well.
If tartar stays on the teeth, it can trap bacteria and irritate the gumline. Tartar is also harder to remove and requires a professional cleaning. The longer the plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they irritate the gingiva. In time, the gums become swollen and bleed easily. This is called gingivitis.
Am I at a Higher Risk?
Anyone can get gingivitis, but factors that increase your risk include:
- Poor oral care habits
- Crooked teeth that are hard to clean
- Dry mouth
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Older age
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, birth control pills, menstrual cycles
- Medical conditions like viral and fungal infections
- Certain genes
Gingivitis Treatment in Rockville
If you see symptoms of gingivitis, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the better your chances of reversing damage from gingivitis and preventing periodontitis. Contact Hackley DDS today for an appointment!
