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.
If dental conditions or injuries have caused you to lose all your teeth, you may be looking for more comfortable replacement teeth. Snap-on dentures are an excellent option for those seeking a more comfortable and reliable alternative to traditional dentures. These removable dentures attach securely to implants in your jaw, providing a fit that feels natural and stays in place. Read on as we break down the benefits to snap-on dentures near Rockville, MD.
Why Choose Them?
One of the primary benefits of snap-on dentures is the enhanced stability they provide. Unlike traditional dentures, which can shift or slip, snap-on dentures lock onto dental implants, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile confidently. This added security makes eating easier and more enjoyable, even with tougher foods.
Simple and Hassle-Free Maintenance
Another perk of snap-on dentures near Rockville, MD is their ease of maintenance. They can be removed daily for cleaning, ensuring better oral hygiene. Since they don’t require denture adhesive, there’s no need for messy pastes or gels.
Long-Lasting and Durable
An additional benefit is their durability. Because they are supported by implants, they experience less wear and tear than traditional dentures. This makes them a long-term investment in both comfort and oral health.
Restore Your Smile and Confidence With Snap-On Dentures Near Rockville, MD
If you’re considering restoring your smile with a long-lasting, reliable solution, snap-on dentures near Rockville, MD may be the perfect choice. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of snap-on dentures and see if they’re the right solution for you, reach out to a trusted dentist. Hackley DDS offers expert guidance and personalized care to help you achieve the smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable and confident smile.
What helps TMJ pain? Smiling, laughing, chewing, talking- all of these facial movements come without a second thought. But, if you have TMJ those simple, natural movements could cause you a lot of pain and discomfort. Here are some tips from your local dentist on managing TMJ pain.
Understanding TMJ, TMD, and Jaw Pain
Temporomandibular disorders, including arthritis, dislocation, injury, infection, or stress can cause painful clicking and locking of the jaw joint, neck pain, headaches, and tinnitus. The temporomandibular joint is where the lower jawbone meets the skull. The muscles and ligaments in this joint allow you to move your mouth.
While TMJ symptoms may not last long for some people, they can last for years for other patients. This included pain and discomfort that is worsened by clenching, swallowing, chewing, or grinding teeth. Here are some ways you can manage your symptoms.
Relax
Yes, really. To help alleviate TMJ pain you should minimize wide jaw movements like chewing, yawning, yelling, or singing. Keep your muscles as relaxed as possible.
Reduce Stress
Another great way to help minimize pain and discomfort associated with TMJ is stress management. Yoga, meditation, gardening, and other relaxing activities can help you loosen and relax your jaw as well as calming your mind.
Stop Slouching
Sitting in an uncomfortable position for longer periods can cause you to feel more pain in your jaw. When you are sitting, choose a chair with good back support, and take frequent breaks to improve your posture. When driving, watching TV, or reading sit upright and ensure that your back is supported.
Exercise Your Jaw
Jaw exercises increase mobility in your joints and help alleviate pain. The best jaw exercises include:
Sleep Well
Getting good quality sleep is important for overall health. To help reduce TMJ pain you should sleep on your back and use pillows to support your neck. Don’t sleep on your stomach or tuck your hand under your jaw when sleeping.
Correct Bad Habits
There are certain habits or tendencies that can lead to temporomandibular joint disorders. These include things like:
- Grinding your teeth
- Clenching your teeth
- Nail biting
- Resting your jaw in your hand
- Chewing cheek and lips
- Clenching jaw muscles and pushing tongue against the teeth
Take note of these unhealthy habits and discuss them with your doctor.
Heat & Cold for TMJ
Ice or a cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain. Alternatively, heat helps increase blood flow and relax your jaw muscles. Apply a hot or cold compress for 15-20 minutes at a time for pain relief.
[Related: Botox for TMJ]
Avoid Triggers
There are certain foods and activities that can trigger TMJ pain. These typically involve opening your mouth forcefully or moving your jaw in an extreme way. Try to avoid the following:
- Chewing gum
- Yawning
- Yelling
- Eating foods that require prolonged chewing
- Crunchy or hard foods
- Taking large bites of food
Treatment Options for TMJ
For some people, at home pain relief exercises may not be enough. Some patients need treatment to alleviate their pain and discomfort. There are different options for this depending on your anatomy and the cause of your TMJ.
What Helps TMJ Pain? TMJ Dentist in Rockville Maryland
Don’t suffer with TMJ pain. If at home treatments aren’t helping, you need to see a professional. We can do an exam, discuss your history, and create a customized treatment plan to minimize your TMJ pain. To learn more about your treatment options for TMJ please contact Hackley DDS today. Our TMJ dentist in Rockville Maryland is ready to help you.
A dental emergency requires immediate care. That’s why we offer urgent dental care in Rockville. Most of these injuries can be serious and lead to further damage if they aren’t treated in a timely manner. Here’s what qualifies as a dental emergency and where to find the best urgent dental care in Rockville.
When to See an Emergency Dentist
A dental emergency is any dental problem that requires immediate attention and care. Not all dental issues are emergencies. If you have pain that won’t go away with medication, bleeding that won’t stop, or broken teeth you need urgent dental care. The following are examples of dental emergencies.
Severe Toothache
One of the most common reasons for a trip to the emergency dentist is a severe toothache. Persistent pain is considered a dental emergency. If you are experiencing pain that doesn’t improve with medication, you need to see an urgent care dentist as soon as possible.
Knocked Out Tooth
Another dental emergency is a knocked out tooth. Accidents happen and sometimes that involves teeth. If you lose a tooth, don’t touch the root. Retrieve it by the crown and rinse is gently with water. If possible, put it back in the socket. In cases where that’s not possible, place it in a small container of milk and see your dentist ASAP. If it is returned to its socket within an hour, there is a greater chance of saving the tooth.
Cracked Tooth
For a badly cracked tooth, save and rinse any broken pieces of the tooth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek, lip, or mouth near your broken tooth to help with pain and swelling. See your dentist as soon as possible.
Dental Abscess
Finally, dental abscesses need immediate care. Dental abscesses are swollen areas or pimple-like infections around the root of a tooth or between your teeth and gums. This is a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth. If it is left untreated, it can cause swelling of the face and jaw or potentially spread to other areas of the body. If you suspect a dental abscess, see your dentist immediately.
Urgent Dental Care in Rockville
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, we are here to help. Please contact Hackley DDS immediately to speak to a specialist. Call (301) 917-3964 between the hours of 9 am and 1 pm or text our emergency line at (301) 602-6068 any time after 1 pm.
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.
