February has been designated Gum Disease Awareness Month! Initially launched by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, its purpose is to raise awareness about gum disease and encourage healthy dental habits to prevent it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease, also referred to as periodontitis, is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In the early stages, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. As it progresses, the gums can pull away from the tooth, which can eventually result in bone and tooth loss. Not only does gum disease affect your mouth, it can affect your body as well. Regular check-ups and good oral hygiene are important to ensure everything is healthy.
Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults, with 47.2% of those aged 30 years and older having some form of it. This risk only increases with age. On top of age, there are many other risk factors that can increase your chance of developing gum disease. One of the primary risk factors is smoking, followed by poor oral hygiene, diabetes, stress, hormonal changes and medications that cause dry mouth.
While gum disease starts in the mouth, when left untreated, it can start affecting many other parts of the body as well. This includes respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease and diabetes.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 233 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestAllison Clark
a year ago
Dr. Hankla & his hygienist's are amazing. They are all very understanding when it comes to dentist anxiety & do anything to make the experience easier. They grab an extra hand to assist with X-rays and pushing the button, they make accommodations for procedures and help make me as comfortable as possible even if it means taking longer & more of an inconvenience for them. I've never had a bad experience with them whether it be a cleaning, filling, etc. He takes the time to explain everything he is doing step by step & you always know what to expect next. His assistants remember you and are very personable. 10/10 would recommend.
Patricia Sutton
a year ago
My dentist appointment was nice and good, I never have any problems when I visit the dentist.
Tyrone F Reeves
a year ago
Best dental experience I've had so far. They took my comfort seriously & the care is second to none. 5 Stars
Rick Oden
a year ago
Wonderful experience. Everyone full of smiles and friendly. Dr. Was great but I can't brag enough on Ms. Samantha. Very meticulous. Very thorough. I've never in my entire life had my teeth cleaned as well as how she cleaned. Very courteous and definitely knows her job and knows it well. I recommend Howard Family Dental of Richmond Hills to all. I will go to no other. Sam....thank you again. Thank you for both you and your husband service to our country. Well here's an update...appt today went very well. My hygienist was a young lady by the name of Jessica . Wonderful young lady. Great and caring and a perfect fit for the firm. The whole staff is great. You want a good dentist and staff. Howard Dentistry is it. 5 stars.
Lissette Vargas
a year ago
Everyone was so friendly and kind. Dental office see issues everyday day, and to treat you as if your situation is important and care how you feel regardless helping tons of people is amazing!
ashley elliott
2 years ago
Made the experience a comfortable one.
Becky Mettler
2 years ago
My most recent appointments have all been with Amber who is a hygienist, and she has been amazing. She always treats me with compassion and never makes me feel ashamed of my dental issues, of which there are many. She has given me lots of helpful, tangible suggestions to improve my dental health.
Rashida Ward
2 years ago
Went in for a "consultation" for Invisalign which took LITERALLY 4 mins and charged me $140!! Then referred me out I was about to bring my family of 5 in as new patients but quickly changed my mind.
Jacqueline Lupton
2 years ago
Yesterday was my first experience with Howard Family Dental and it was nothing short of awesome! Staff was friendly, bubbly and professional for 7am! Bee my hygienist was very thorough and demonstrated excellent bedside manner. Dr. Hankla listened to my concerns and was very straightforward with my care plan.
Dar Lid
2 years ago
Great thanks
Holly Colon
2 years ago
Updating my post to 5 stars.... Very friendly staff and Dr. Isaac Hankla is the best...
Stephen Steere
2 years ago
Had two fillings done today, the dentist and staff are super nice and I felt comfortable throughout the entire procedure
Kelly Workman
2 years ago
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! I have been going to Dr Hankla for almost 4 years now. I was there just today and they never disappoint. His office staff is so friendly and accommodating and I absolutely love the hygienists there. Dr Hankla was so kind, thorough, and thoughtful. He answered all of my questions even though he knew another patient was waiting on him for a short time. I just had too many questions for him! He didn't make me me feel "rushed." Amber was fantastic as always. "B" the other hygienist is always great with my girls and they love her. Thank you Dr Hankla and Amber for today. I'll see y'all in 6 months :)
Diana Lyde
2 years ago
The staff was very nice from the moment I walked in and check out. The hygienist Jessica was very comforting. She explained everything to me. The dentist was also pleasant. My family and I have no complaints.
david gooden
2 years ago
Always deliver outstanding services.
Emily Bell
2 years ago
I've debated writing a review about this office for over a year. The office and staff itself is fine, everyone is really friendly. I was a patient here since before Dr. Hankla took over for Dr. Whirt when she moved to a new location. Upon my second appointment with him, and the very first time Dr. Hankla has seen my X-rays, he told me that I had five cavities that needed to be filled. This seemed a little excessive to me since I've never had a cavity, but I was willing to schedule the appointment for the fillings. The office ended up not having any openings for months so I decided to go to a different dentist in town in hopes to have the fillings done sooner and possibly get a second opinion. After looking at the exact same X-rays, and I would assume the exact same teeth, this dentist told me that there was absolutely nothing wrong and I didn't need any fillings. I would have written my review then, but I decided to hold off since I know dental diagnoses can be very subjective. After almost a year, and a move that required me to find a new dentist, there's still nothing wrong with my teeth. I just find it really shocking that two different dentists have found absolutely nothing wrong with my teeth when I apparently have five cavities. I'm not a dentist, so I guess take what I say with a grain of salt, but I figured I would write a review since it's something I would want to be aware of when choosing a new dentist.
Cathy Shepard
2 years ago
Very friendly and helpful staff.
Max Donaldson
2 years ago
I just retired from the military and was a little nervous about choosing a new dentist to take over my care. No problem there. Howard Dental is an amazing practice with friendly and respectful employees. My dental Hygienist Amber was extremely courteous and knowledgeable. I asked her a number of questions about my options as I get older and she was happy to take the time to offer insight and make recommendations. I think we all fear the dentist but at Howard dental I felt right at home. Thanks Amber! Great experience!!
Chris Gonyeau
2 years ago
Wonderful, friendly staff! They have your best interests at heart and are great with communication! Highly recommended!
Linda Kokinda
2 years ago
Office is clean, staff is friendly. I had little to no wait time and was treated with respect. Dental assistant as well as dentist explained as they proceeded with treatment. It was a pleasant, painless visit.
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