3 Benefits of Routine Dental Visits

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Visiting the dentist should be marked on your calendar once every six months. During these appointments, dentists and dental assistants will examine your teeth and gums, provide a detailed teeth cleaning, and ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape.

Are you due for your next dental checkup? If so, contact the office of Dr. Matt Henry today! With our innovative technology and experienced dental team, we provide high-quality dental checkups in Jacksonville, FL.

Keep reading to learn three benefits of visiting the dentist for routine checkups.

Catch Problems Early

As with most medical issues, early treatment is crucial. This also applies to your dental health. Dental checkups allow specialists to examine your mouth and look for any signs of concern. If they notice something, they can take steps to fix the problem. If you wait too long for a dental checkup, these issues can become much worse—and more expensive to treat.

Save Money

Did you know many dental insurance plans actually include free dental checkups? Visiting the dentist for these appointments is a great and affordable way to protect your health. If you avoid these dental visits, you could develop serious dental issues. Not only can these problems be painful, but treating them is also more costly. Routine dental checkups can save you thousands!

Cleaner Teeth

Are you looking for cleaner, whiter teeth? Then make sure you’re visiting the dentist for routine checkups! Not only does your dentist examine your teeth during these office visits, but they also provide an in-depth cleaning process. They can wipe away stains, remove plaque, and freshen breath. Dentists give your teeth and gums the professional clean they need!

If you want optimal oral health, the office of Dr. Matt Henry is here to help. Call us today to work with the best dentist in Jacksonville, FL!

3 Teeth-Staining Drinks to Avoid

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While you may love them drinking them, some of your favorite beverages may not be too healthy for your teeth. Unfortunately, several yummy drinks, like coffee and red wine, can stain your enamel over time. Luckily, this staining can usually be fixed with certain dental treatments, such as teeth whitening.

If you’re dealing with tooth discoloration, the office of Dr. Matt Henry is here to help. With our innovative technology and high-quality teeth whitening process, we can make your teeth several shades whiter. Call us today to find that smile you’ve always wanted! We offer the most reliable teeth whitening in Jacksonville, FL.

In this post, we’ll talk about three teeth-staining beverages to avoid.

Coffee

Coffee contains tannins, a type of chemical compound called polyphenols. Unfortunately, this compound helps colors stick to teeth. Some people experience tooth discoloration if they drink dark coffee frequently.

Fruit Juice

Dark fruit juices, like blueberry or blackberry juice, can also lead to teeth staining. That’s because many dark fruits have tiny organic particles that can make their way deep into the pores of your teeth. The problem is even worse for those with a higher porosity in their enamel.

Dark Cola

The high acidity and sugar content in dark cola can wear down your teeth over time, making them more susceptible to discoloration. Not only will your teeth be more vulnerable to staining, but this erosion can also allow the dentin in your teeth to show through. This dentin is naturally darker and more yellow than your enamel.

If tooth discoloration is getting in the way of your life, consider teeth whitening here at the office of Dr. Matt Henry. In just a few short office visits, you can improve the appearance of your smile! Contact us today to work with the leading dentist in Jacksonville, FL.

Matt Henry: Have Questions About Nitrous Oxide? We Can Help!

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Do you have dental anxiety? If so, your dentist may recommend sedation dentistry for your next dental appointment. The most common form of sedation dentistry is a gas called nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide takes effect quickly and wears off just as fast. It’s convenient and safe for use during your dental procedure. If your dentist in Jacksonville, FL has recommended nitrous oxide for your next dental appointment, here’s what you need to know.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a gas that’s inhaled through a mask during dental procedures. Sometimes, nitrous oxide is called “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide can give patients a feeling of euphoria and calm throughout their dental visit. This feeling of calm can help patients sit still and relax while their dental procedure is taking place.

Who Benefits from Nitrous Oxide?

People who benefit from nitrous oxide are typically people who have dental anxiety. Some people who experience fear of the dentist will avoid making dental appointments because of their fear. Nitrous oxide can make the appointment less scary and more relaxing, and that can help the dental patient get over their fear.

What Does Nitrous Oxide Feel Like?

Nitrous oxide can help patients feel calm, peaceful, and detached during their dental appointment. While the appointment is happening, their mind may drift and their muscles stay relaxed.

Does Nitrous Oxide Eliminate Pain During the Dental Procedure?

Nitrous oxide does not eliminate pain during the procedure. If your dentist anticipates that a procedure will hurt, they may use an anesthetic to numb the area. Nitrous oxide can eliminate discomfort, but this discomfort is often emotional or psychological, rather than actual physical pain.

Think You’re a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide During Your Dental Procedure? Call Today!

The dental professionals at Dr. Matt Henry’s office offer sedation dentistry in Jacksonville, FL. Think you could benefit from nitrous oxide at your next dental appointment? Call us today to make your appointment.

Child Smiling

5 Major Flossing Mistakes You Must Avoid

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Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, has probably already told you (many times) how important flossing is. Do you floss daily? Are you flossing correctly? Many people who floss daily don’t always floss correctly. So let’s examine the most common flossing mistakes and how you can avoid them.

5 Major Flossing Mistakes You Must Avoid

Here are some of the most common major flossing mistakes people make without realizing it. This information will help you recognize the mistake and tell you what to do instead if you want to maintain a healthy, happy smile.

1. Flossing Too Aggressively

Flossing too aggressively could damage your gums, enabling the potential for other dental health issues to take hold. Always floss as gently as possible. Schedule routine dental exams in Jacksonville, FL to maintain your oral health.

2. Flossing Without Brushing

Flossing is intended to loosen and remove food and other debris between your teeth, so they can be swept away when you brush. Never floss without brushing also.

3. Putting Pressure on Your Gums

When you floss, you should be flossing up and away from the sides of each tooth. You shouldn’t be flossing down into your gums. Doing so could create lasting tissue damage.

4. Flossing Too Quickly

If you will take the time to floss, make sure you take the time to do it right. When flossing too quickly, you are likely not flossing well enough to remove all the debris from your teeth or to floss your teeth properly.

5. Flossing Too Often

You should floss your teeth only once a day, preferably before you go to bed. Flossing too often could lead to gum damage.

Do You Need a Dentist in Jacksonville, FL?

Along with brushing and flossing daily, you should visit your dentist regularly. Contact Dr. Matt Henry today to schedule a routine dental exam. We want to make sure you maintain a healthy smile for life.

What to Do Immediately for a Knocked-Out Tooth

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Most people’s first reaction when they knock out a tooth is to put it in some water. That’s the absolute worst thing you could do. Here is what your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, recommends.

What to Do Immediately If You Knock Out a Tooth

Never, ever, ever put a knocked-out tooth in water. Doing so could cause the tooth’s root to burst. You need to get help immediately! And we mean immediately! If you want to save and re-implant the tooth.

But until you can get there, here is what you should do.

  • Handling the Tooth

Never handle the tooth by the root. Only handle the tooth by the crown (top part) of the tooth.

  • Place the Tooth Back in the Socket (if possible)

Rinse it with milk or saliva first if needed. Then, if you can, place the tooth back into its socket. Don’t force it. You can hold it in place by gently closing your mouth. If you can’t put it back in the socket, put it in some milk.

  • Put the Tooth in Some Milk (not water)

Put the tooth in milk. Milk has enzymes that help protect the periodontal ligaments. Make sure the tooth is completely submerged in the milk. Then get to the emergency dentist immediately!

If you do all this within five to 60 minutes or so, chances are your tooth will survive if it has been stored properly. After that, the chances decrease significantly.

Now, you will need some restorative dentistry in Jacksonville, FL.

This applies to adult teeth, not baby teeth, so you can wait for your child’s adult tooth to come in.

Do You Need a Dentist in Jacksonville, FL?

If you knock out a tooth, you will need some dental work to get your mouth back to normal. Contact Dr. Matt Henry today. Our number one goal will be to help you get your smile back. We have a comfortable and inviting office with a team of professionals who love making people smile.

How Thumb Sucking Can Lead to a Dental Disaster

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Most kids suck their thumbs from time to time. But at what point does it become a problem? The answer might surprise you. Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, will be the first to tell you what can happen if you don’t get a handle on it sooner rather than later.

How Long Is Thumb Sucking OK?

Babies and toddlers suck their thumbs as a self-soothing mechanism. However, if it continues for too long it can cause long-term damage to their mouth and teeth (more about that in a moment).

After six months of age, a child’s thumb-sucking urge should decrease. However, 30% or so continue through their preschool years. A child will usually wean themselves off thumb-sucking around age three. Anything past that could turn into a dental disaster.

How Thumb Sucking Will Affect Your Child’s Teeth

These are some of the dental disasters that could happen if your child continues to suck their thumb past the age of three.

  • Overbite
  • Open bite
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Speech impediments
  • Social impacts (due to being the only one still sucking their thumb)

How to Stop Thumb Sucking

Your family dentist in Jacksonville, FL, has a foolproof solution to stop your child’s thumb-sucking issue quickly. Who would have thought a dentist could help? But they can!

Your dentist can fit your child with a special oral appliance called a palatal crib. A tongue crib (palatal crib) is cemented behind your child’s teeth. It prevents the thumb from reaching the roof of the mouth, reducing the gratification of thumb-sucking.

Do You Need a Dentist in Jacksonville, FL?

If you have a thumb-sucking child past the age of three, don’t wait to talk with your dentist about your options. Contact Dr. Matt Henry today. Our terrific staff understands how to deal with children and their dental issues properly. And we would love to help you fix your child’s thumb-sucking issues before they become a bigger problem.

PRP and PRF Therapy

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As newfound knowledge regarding how the human body works as it is healing comes to light, scientists and researchers develop all kinds of ways to use that knowledge to make medical care more practical and safe for patients. Perhaps there is no greater treatment that exemplifies this fact like PRP therapy. At the office  Dr. Matt Henry in Jacksonville, FL, we are always working hard to tweak our dental services to include the latest in treatment technology. Therefore, we do offer PRP and PRF therapy to our patients who could benefit from the procedure.

PRP Injection Therapy Explained

PRP injection therapy is a method used in modern-day medicine that utilizes blood platelets from a patient’s own blood supply to create a rich, supportive atmosphere for healing at a site where faster healing is important. To perform PRP therapy, a practitioner will collect a blood sample from the patient, and put that harvested blood through a coagulation process in a centrifugal system to separate the rich platelets from the other matter. Certain additives are used to encourage a clot of platelets to form, and that collected clot is then placed in the area where the work has been performed. The advantages of PRP therapy include:

  • Potentially faster healing times for patients
  • Lowered risks of infection after serious dental procedures due to faster healing times
  • The therapy utilizes the body’s own platelets to encourage healing in a more natural way

While many patients can reap the benefits of PRP therapy, certain individuals do benefit the most. For example, elderly patients who may have slower healing rates after something like a bone grafting procedure can usually see healing times reduced. Another advantage worth mentioning with PRP therapy is that the amount of blood that has to be taken from the patient initially is very small, so the therapy is not considered in any way invasive or uncomfortable for the patient. In fact, the majority of patients know little more about what is taking place, where the pain is concerned, other than having to give a small blood sample before the procedure.

The Role of PRP Injections in Modern-Day Dental Treatments

PRP can actually prove to be advantageous in a lot of different types of clinical dentistry treatment, and some of the most well-qualified dentists are now using this treatment as a form of adjunctive therapy for certain procedures. Medical practitioners have relied on PRP therapy for several types of serious treatment and surgical procedures for a while, but PRP is only more recently making its way into dental medicine. Some of the most common procedures in which PRP injections can be helpful are described below.

Bone Grafting – Bone grafting is a procedure a patient will undergo before obtaining dental implants if they do not have a substantial amount of bone in their jawline to anchor an implant to. While bone grafting is considered a highly effective solution, this procedure alone can involve a long healing time, especially for older patients. PRP injections may be used to help aid and quicken the healing process after bone grafting is performed as a precursor to dental implant procedures.

Extractions – Extractions, especially when they involve several teeth or larger teeth, can cause damage to the underlying bone structures in the jawline. The best practitioner will work to correct any deviations in bone structure due to the extraction from the time they pull the tooth. In some cases, PRP injections may be used to help with the healing process if an extraction was more intrusive.

Bone Repair – Bone repair can be a necessary part of maxillofacial surgery after trauma caused by an accident or due to a defect. For example, if a patient has sustained a blow to the side of their jaw and it has caused damage to the jawbones, bone repair may be necessary. PRP injections can be used on some patients to help promote the healing process and shorten recovery times after bone correction surgery in these instances.

The Difference Between PRP and PRF Therapy

PRP and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are actually two forms of platelet-rich plasma treatment that involve some of the same processes and are quite similar in nature, but PRF is a bit more simplified in form. Without getting into the real specifics and complexities of medical science, PRF is performed without the use of added coagulants to cause a fibrin clot to form and does not involve utilizing the same additives that are used with PRP harvesting processes. While both PRP and PRF injections are used in dental settings, PRF is often the most preferable form of treatment due to the simplicity of the procedure. Both PRP and PRF therapy offer the same lists of advantages for patients, including potential faster healing times and a lowered risk of infection.

Let’s Talk About PRP Injections in Jacksonville, FL

Overall, both PRP injection therapy and PRF therapy can be a valuable part of your oral health care routine, but not every dentist offers this relatively modern form of adjunctive therapy with treatment. If you are interested in learning more about PRP or PRF therapy or feel you could be a good candidate for PRP with a certain procedure, please reach out to us at the office of Dr. Matt Henry in Jacksonville, FL to learn more about what we have to offer.

 

4 Easy Things You Can Do to Prevent Cavities

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Cavities can cause pain and decay, leading to overall poor dental health. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent cavities. By taking the following steps, you can maintain good oral hygiene. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Brush and Rinse with Fluoride

Most people know that you’re supposed to brush your teeth twice per day: once in the morning and once at night before bedtime. While many people have made this a normal part of their oral hygiene routine, they often use poor brushing habits. For example, many people skip teeth that are hard to reach, which can lead to cavities in the back of the mouth.

Have your dentist show you how to brush your teeth properly to ensure that you’re reaching the molars in the very back, and the insides of the teeth where they meet your gums.

Your dentist may also recommend using a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Get instructions from your dentist in Jacksonville FL to find out whether a fluoride mouthwash could help you.

2. Drink Tap Water

Most communities add fluoride to their tap water to help their populations avoid cavities. Drinking the water from your kitchen, instead of bottled water or soda, can help keep your teeth in good condition. Stay hydrated! Drink tap water on a regular basis. If possible, keep a pitcher of cold tap water in your refrigerator and drink it at every meal.

3. Get Fluoride Treatments

The next time you go to the dentist for a dental check-up in Jacksonville FL, ask if you’ll be getting a fluoride treatment. Your dentist will likely provide you with fluoride treatments regularly. Find out what your fluoride treatment schedule is.

4. Eat Healthy Foods

Sugary foods are bad for your teeth. They cause cavities! Avoid eating candy and sugary baked goods. If it’s your habit to sip soda, make the effort to cut back.

5. See the Dentist Regularly

See your dentist every six months, or as often as your dentist recommends. Not sure how often your dentist would recommend coming in for regular cleanings? Ask them the next time you’re in. If you can’t remember the last time you went for a dental check-up, it’s probably time! Contact Dr. Matt Henry to make your next dental appointment.

Get Proactive About Dental Health with Teeth Cleaning

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When you have a healthy mouth, you have even bigger reasons to smile at the people around you. Teeth cleaning at a Jacksonville dentist is one of the easiest ways to make sure you retain many reasons to smile for the years to come. At the office of Dr. Matt Henry, we offer quick and easy teeth cleaning appointments to keep you proactive about taking good care of your oral health.

What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning Visit?

An oral hygiene visit with a Jacksonville dentist is one of the most routine processes in dental care. Usually, the process is done by a trained dental hygienist who specifically handles hygiene appointments. The hygienist will:

  1. Use a solution to soften areas of plaque or tartar on your teeth
  2. Use tiny tools to scrape those formations off of your teeth
  3. Work on each tooth individually to remove debris
  4. Use a small water sprayer to slough away the debris as they work

While the hygienist works, they will use a suction device to pull the solution and any debris out of your mouth so it does not get swallowed. You will feel the hygienist scraping all areas of your teeth, including the backs of and in between your teeth where tartar is most likely to form. Once the cleaning process is complete, the hygienist may also use a small tool to polish the enamel of each of your teeth, which can leave your smile even cleaner.

A Look at the Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings in Jacksonville

The link between periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss is highly associated with how many preventive visits you make to your dentist. Teeth cleaning at the dentist is a major component of that preventive care. While you may do all you can to keep your teeth clean at home with regular brushing and flossing, you simply can’t see or get to all surfaces with this basic oral care.

Over time, tartar collects between teeth and at the gumline. This tartar can harden and form a bacteria-trapping formation on your teeth that puts you at risk of decay and gum disease. These deposits are already in areas where your floss or brush may not reach, so the development of problems can occur pretty quickly. As an adage, lack of professional hygiene appointments with your dentist can mean you are more likely to have problems with bad breath due to bacteria hanging out in your mouth.

Common Patient Questions About Teeth Cleaning

Does getting your teeth cleaned hurt?

Teeth cleaning should never outright hurt, but you may have some tender points or sensitive areas of your mouth that can cause minimal discomfort. If the process is too uncomfortable for a patient to handle, which is extremely rare, the dentist can use a localized anesthetic or take measures to keep you comfortable. After leaving the office, some patients do have slightly sore gums and possibly a bit of bleeding from the gums. This is perfectly normal because the scaling process is done beneath the gumline.

How often should you have your teeth cleaned?

The general recommendation by the American Dental Association is to have your teeth cleaned by a Jacksonville dentist about once a year. However, some patients who are more at risk of dental health issues may benefit from more frequent cleanings. For example, a patient with a family history of gum disease may need a cleaning every six months to keep their own risks at bay.

Will your teeth be whiter after they’re cleaned?

You may indeed notice your teeth look whiter after basic cleaning. The techniques used can break up some surface stains on your enamel. Further, small bits of discolored plaque and tartar will no longer be visible. Therefore, you may see a brighter smile when you leave the office. However, if you are looking for more effective teeth whitening in Jacksonville, we do offer professional whitening in our office as well.

How long does it take to get your teeth cleaned?

Teeth cleaning appointments do not generally take too long to complete. Most patients are in and out of the office within 30 minutes. However, the actual duration of the cleaning can depend on how much plaque and tartar you have to remove or even how long it has been since your last appointment. The goal is to always do a thorough clean, even if that process takes a little longer than usual to complete.

Why are your teeth sensitive after teeth cleaning at the dentist?

Dental sensitivity for a few hours after cleaning is perfectly normal. During the cleaning process, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar that may have been hardened on your enamel for a while. With these damaging compounds removed, you may find a bit of added sensitivity to cold or heat. However, the sensation should quickly subside.

Do children also need their teeth cleaned?

Children can actually be more prone to decay than adults because they don’t always do thorough brushing and flossing at home. Therefore, children should have their teeth cleaned by a dentist in Jacksonville periodically.

Keep Your Dental Hygiene in Check with a Jacksonville Dentist

Dental hygiene appointments to get your teeth adequately cleaned can be one of the most important things you ever do for your long-term oral health. The process is simple, not painful, and quick, but can mean keeping a healthy smile for the years to come. If you are looking for a dentist in Jacksonville to help you get the most from your dental hygiene appointments, reach out to us at the office of Dr. Matt Henry.