You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” This is especially true for your teeth and gums. The starchy or sugary foods we enjoy are also favorites of the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
The difference between a healthy smile and frequent trips to the dentist largely depends on your diet. Even with a solid oral hygiene routine—brushing twice a day and flossing once daily—keeping your teeth healthy long-term can be challenging.
Which Foods are Best for Teeth and Gum Health?
Some of the top foods for a healthy mouth are fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to their high nutritional value and natural teeth-cleaning benefits. Calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified soy drinks, tofu, canned salmon, almonds, and dark green leafy vegetables, promote strong teeth and bones. Chewing crunchy foods stimulates saliva production, which, along with water, helps wash away plaque-causing bacteria and food particles.
Cheese, Milk, and Yogurt
Cheese is one of the top foods for a healthy mouth for several reasons. It is low in sugar and high in calcium, and contains casein, a protein that helps fortify tooth enamel. The high calcium content supports bone density, while the phosphate in cheese helps balance pH levels in the mouth, preserving tooth enamel. Additionally, chewing cheese increases saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria.
Besides fluoridated water, milk is the best drink for your teeth. It is rich in calcium and other essential nutrients and lowers acid levels in the mouth, helping to fight tooth decay.
Yogurt is also beneficial, as it is packed with calcium and probiotics that protect against cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath.
Water
Water stands out as the healthiest drink available. Our bodies are composed of 60% water, and staying hydrated helps distribute nutrients, eliminate waste, maintain healthy skin, and keep muscles functioning. Drinking water also significantly benefits your teeth, especially if it’s fluoridated. Fluoridated water, known as “nature’s cavity fighter,” helps prevent cavities. Additionally, water washes away food particles and maintains high saliva levels, promoting oral health.
Leafy Greens (Spinach, Lettuce, Kale)
Super healthy leafy greens are rich in calcium, folic acid, and essential vitamins and minerals that benefit your teeth and gums. Crunchy fresh greens in salads and sandwiches also help clean your teeth.
Apples and Pears
Will an apple a day keep the dentist away? Maybe not entirely, but it certainly helps. Eating apples and other hard, fibrous fruits can clean your teeth and increase saliva production, which neutralizes the citric and malic acids left in your mouth. While sugary apple juice can contribute to tooth decay, fresh apples are less likely to cause problems. Chewing the fibrous texture of apples stimulates your gums, reduces cavity-causing bacteria, and increases saliva flow.
Unlike many acidic fruits, raw pears effectively neutralize acids in your mouth that cause decay.
Nuts
Nuts offer numerous health benefits for your teeth, being rich in essential elements like calcium and phosphorus. Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews are particularly beneficial as they help fight bacteria that cause tooth decay. Peanuts are a great source of calcium and vitamin D, while almonds provide significant amounts of calcium, supporting teeth and gums. Cashews stimulate saliva production, and walnuts are packed with fiber, folic acid, iron, thiamine, magnesium, niacin, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium, and zinc.
Top Foods for a Healthy Mouth
A diet that promotes good oral health involves not just what you eat, but also when and how you eat. One effective way to protect your teeth is by eating raw foods at the end of meals. These foods help clean teeth, massage gums, and stimulate saliva production, which washes away any remaining food particles. 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!
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.
Searching for a pregnancy dentist near me in Rockville? We can help. Dental health during pregnancy can be stressful. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can lead to issues with oral health. A good prenatal dentist understands the importance of oral health during pregnancy. Hackley DDS proudly offers prenatal dentistry care in Rockville and the surrounding area. Our compassionate and skilled team are here to help you.
Common Dental Conditions During Pregnancy
Pregnant women have to pay closer attention to all aspects of their health, including dental health. For some women, pregnancy increases the production of plaque. This sudden increase may lead to gum disease, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
Often these issues are related to hormone changes. However, it may be caused by increased cravings for sugary goods, gums problems, and vomiting.
Gingivitis During Pregnancy
Pregnant women often experience cavities, periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth erosion and more. Gingivitis is particularly common during pregnancy. It affects between 60-75% of pregnant women. Symptoms of gingivitis include bleeding gums, redness, tenderness and swelling. It’s crucial to treat gingivitis as soon as possible. If it is left untreated, it can progress into a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis.
Why Dental Care is Important
Expectant mothers should pay close attention to their dental health since pregnancy increases the risk of complications with teeth and gums. These complications can lead to periodontitis, which increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Periodontist is also associated with various systemic health problems. These could further endanger the mother and unborn baby.
Additionally, mothers with preexisting conditions are more susceptible to dental issues.
Dental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnant mothers are often prone to neglect their dental health due to high levels of fatigue and frequent snacking. Additionally, morning sickness can wear away tooth enamel while hormone changes can lead to gingivitis. While it may seem like a small thing, oral health has a direct impact on the unborn baby’s health.
Excess bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and make its way to uterus. This can cause premature labor. Therefore, tis crucial that pregnant women brush twice a day, floss nightly, and keep up with regular dental appointment.
Pregnancy Dentist Near Me Rockville
Pregnancy is a beautiful, but stressful time in a woman’s life. We understand that you have a lot going on, but it’s important that you make time for your oral health as well. Contact Hackley DDS today to schedule an appointment with a pregnancy dentist near me in Rockville.
Are you curious about the cost of dental implants in Bethesda MD? More and more people are getting dental implants but to some people, they are still a new concept. And, for some patients, the cost of dental implants is a concern. While the initial cost of dental implants is higher than alternatives like dentures, there are many benefits that make it well worth the cost. Here are some things to consider.
Factors that Determine Cost
The cost of your dental implants in Bethesda MD will vary depending on your individual needs, oral health, and other factors. These include:
- The provider’s expertise
- The type of procedure
- Materials needed.
- Whether you have gum disease
- The complexity of the procedure
- Whether you need teeth extracted first
- Any additional treatments that are required.
- Whether you need bone grafts
- Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants are more expensive because they require more planning, 4-6 dental implants, as well as a complex, full arch dental prosthetic designed to seamlessly attach to your implants. Additionally, we must analyze the jawbone and pinpoint the exact placement for each implant in order to ensure the stability of your replacement teeth.
Is the Price Worth It?
When you are considering the price of dental implants in Bethesda MD, it’s important to weigh the advantages against the cost. Most people realize that the cost, compared to the benefits, is quite low. There are many benefits of dental implants that make them well worth the money spent.
Long Lasting
Dental implants can last you a lifetime. For many people, which means they never have to undergo further dental procedures or worry about paying for another set in just a few years. Even with top notch care, dentures need to be repaired and relined every few years. Furthermore, they need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
Health
When you are missing a tooth, the jawbone deteriorates over time. This causes many issues. Although a bridge or denture functions similarly to a tooth, the jawbone is slowly weakening and disintegrating. This causes the face to appear sunken and aged.
Implants stimulate bone growth and fuse the jawbone to strengthen it. This preserves the strength and integrity of the bone. As a result, the patient has fewer complications in the future.
Improved Lifestyle and Function
Dental implants are as close to the natural tooth as you can get. Patients can enjoy their favorite foods and indulge in crunchy, hard snacks without worrying. Additionally, dental implants closely resemble natural teeth, and you care for them in the same way.
With dental implants, you can enjoy all the same things you did before. Plus, you don’t have to worry about dentures shifting, pinching, or clicking when you speak, chew, or kiss.
Financing Your Dental Implants
While most insurance companies do not cover the cost of dental implants, some may. Contact your dental insurance provider to find out.
At Hackley DDS, we accept most major credit cards, and we offer financing options for patients. So, you don’t have to delay getting your dental implants. We even offer same-day dental implants for qualifying patients!
Our team is proud to now 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!
Cost of Dental Implants Bethesda MD
It’s important to understand everything that goes into your dental implants when you consider the cost. There are several steps to the process, and you may need to collaborate with other specialists during treatment. To understand the full cost, consider the cost of the following.
- Exams/office visits
- Bone grafting
- Tooth extraction
- Placement of the titanium root
- Placement of the crown
- x-rays
- pre/post operative care
- any needed orthodontic work or periodontal treatment
To get the most accurate estimate for the cost of dental implants in Bethesda MD, you need to schedule a consultation. Dr. Hackley is a trusted, highly qualified professional. She is well versed in dental implants and other dental needs. Please, contact us today to get started.
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.
How Much Does a Smile Makeover Cost in Rockville? On average, a smile makeover is priced at $11,175, with costs varying up to $59,999, spending on a variety of factors. Though it may not come cheap, this tailored procedure offers solutions for an array of dental issues, including stains, chips, crooked teeth, gaps, or a gummy smile. In this breakdown, we explore the factors influencing the overall cost of your smile makeover and evaluate whether real patients found their results to be worth the investment.
Does Insurance Cover a Smile Makeover?
Certain components of a smile makeover, such as crowns, dental bonding for tooth repair, gum grafting, and even Invisalign, may receive partial coverage from your dental insurance plan, particularly if you have additional orthodontic coverage.
Nevertheless, your provider might suggest other elective procedures like teeth whitening solely for cosmetic purposes. While most dental insurance plans typically exclude coverage for cosmetic dental treatments, it’s advisable to verify the specifics of your coverage with your insurance provider.
What affects the price you’ll pay for a smile makeover?
There are a number of factors that can cause the cost of a smile makeover to fluctuate, which can include:
The Complexity of Your Smile Makeover
Dental procedures offer numerous avenues to enhance your smile, addressing issues such as discoloration, chipped teeth, gum problems, and misalignment.
The journey toward your dental transformation typically starts with a consultation. During this session, you’ll share your main concerns, aspirations, and financial considerations. Additionally, your provider will conduct an oral examination to evaluate any structural concerns requiring attention.
Subsequently, a tailored treatment plan will be proposed. While some individuals may benefit from teeth straightening and whitening alone, others might opt for porcelain veneers or comprehensive full mouth reconstruction.
The Providers Credentials and Level of Expertise
For comprehensive smile design and enhancement, it’s important to seek out a cosmetic dentist or even a prosthodontist. These professionals undergo specialized training in techniques such as dental veneers, porcelain crowns, and teeth whitening, enabling them to optimize the appearance of your smile.
Additionally, they may collaborate with other dental specialists as needed. A periodontist specializes in gum tissue-related issues like uneven gum lines or gum disease, while an orthodontist addresses concerns such as crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. In complex cases, an oral surgeon may also be involved.
The level of experience and board certification of your chosen provider significantly influence their fees. Generally, providers with extensive experience and advanced training may command higher fees for their services.
The Provider’s Location
Patients residing in major metropolitan areas with high living costs typically incur greater expenses for cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. This phenomenon stems from the fact that providers in cities like New York City and Los Angeles face elevated rents and overhead expenses, which are subsequently passed on to patients.
Nevertheless, within these urban centers, competitive pricing may still be accessible due to the abundance of qualified providers. The sheer volume of practitioners often results in competition for patients, potentially driving down prices.
Given that a dental makeover represents a significant investment, it’s advisable to consult with multiple experienced providers. By doing so, you can compare their treatment plans and personalized price quotes before making a decision. This proactive approach ensures that you receive optimal care at a reasonable cost.
The Type of Anesthesia if Needed
The majority of gum and dental procedures can typically be handled using a blend of local anesthesia and oral sedation, both of which can be administered by your primary dental provider. This choice generally doesn’t result in a significant increase in your total expenses.
However, if you’re undergoing extensive treatment such as replacing multiple missing teeth with dental implants, you may require either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with IV sedation. Incorporating the expertise of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist into your procedure could potentially add more than $1,000 to your overall bill.
Is a Smile Makeover Worth the Money?
Smile makeover treatments have garnered an impressive 93% Worth It Rating from patients who shared their experiences on RealSelf. So, a significant majority believe their investment was worthwhile.
Many individuals who expressed satisfaction with their dental makeover reported that their newfound smile had a profound positive impact on their confidence and overall quality of life. Speaking with your provider in the consultation helps create trust and transparency prior to the procedure.
Smile Makeover in Rockville Maryland
If you are interested in learning more about a smile makeover or scheduling a consultation, we are here to help. To learn more, please contact Hackley DDS today! We also proudly offer dental payment plans to help make dental care affordable for everyone.
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.
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!
