What Are Signs That You Need Emergency Dental Care?

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You wake up with a bad toothache or crack a tooth. Does that mean you should seek emergency care? At Mandarin Dentistry, our dentist in Jacksonville, FL, offers emergency care for dental problems that can’t wait long for treatment. It’s time to seek help right away if you have any of the following signs of dental emergencies.

A Tooth That’s Been Knocked Out

If a tooth becomes dislodged or falls out, it’s not necessarily gone forever. Bringing it to our office means we may be able to save it.

A Severe or Ongoing Toothache

If you have a toothache that won’t go away or becomes worse, that’s a clear dental emergency. It may mean you have an infection deep inside the tooth that needs to be treated.

Severe Bleeding from Your Gums or a Tooth

A mouth injury or severe dental problem can cause this to happen. No matter the cause, you should seek care right away for excessive or non-stop bleeding.

A Missing or Damaged Restoration

We recommend emergency dental care in Jacksonville, FL, if you’ve lost or damaged a restoration, such as a crown or bridge.

A Broken or Fractured Tooth

If possible, save the part of your tooth that breaks off. Our dental team might be able to attach it to the rest of your tooth.

A Tooth Abscess

A salty taste in your mouth, especially if tooth pain goes away with it, means you have an abscess or infection that requires immediate treatment.

Visit Our Dental Office for Emergency Care

If you have an urgent dental problem that needs prompt care, we’re here to help. Our dental team at Mandarin Dentistry offers emergency dental care in Jacksonville, FL, for cracked teeth, fractures, knocked-out teeth, infections, and other issues that require immediate help.

3 Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth During the Holidays

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The holidays are coming fast! This is a great time of year to work with your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, to maintain healthy, beautiful teeth. Having healthy teeth matters. Below, we’ve listed three things you can do to take care of your teeth at the holidays.

1. Swap Out Sugary Foods At Home

You’ll be eating plenty of sugary foods at holiday events and dinners. To balance out that extra sugar, consider swapping out sugary snacks for healthier foods.

Put away the cookies and consider replacing them with boiled eggs, nuts, and crunchy vegetables. Having healthy snacks on hand at home makes it easier to manage sugar in your diet at this time of year. This is good for your teeth and good for your body, too.

2. See the Dentist If You’re Due

Most adults need to see the dentist twice per year for professional teeth cleanings. If you haven’t seen the dentist for a second tooth cleaning this year, it may be time to schedule your appointment. Call your dentist at Mandarin Dentistry to make an appointment.

3. Take All Your Oral Hygiene Tools When You Visit Out-of-State Family

If you’re traveling overnight to see relatives, don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, and other oral hygiene tools like floss. If you have bruxism, remember to bring your night guard with you.

Need to Schedule a Teeth Cleaning in Jacksonville, FL? Call Today

Appointments are filling up fast! Call Mandarin Dentistry today to make an appointment for a teeth cleaning in Jacksonville, FL. We can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums during the holidays.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Cavity Treated?

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Have you been told you have a cavity? Or do you have symptoms that make you think you have one? Our dentist in Jacksonville, FL, at Mandarin Dentistry can provide treatment for this common tooth problem. But what happens if you delay having it treated — or don’t have it treated at all?

Infections

You can end up with an infection deep inside your tooth when a cavity is left untreated. Cavities are holes in your teeth that happen when you have tooth decay. Without treatment, they can cause bacteria to invade your tooth — potentially entering your bloodstream and causing a serious infection.

Abscesses

These can develop when you have an infection under your gums or inside a tooth. An abscess may appear as a pimple or bump on your gums. You might also have other signs, like a fever, swelling, and throbbing pain with this kind of infection. Abscesses may rupture, causing bacteria to spread.

Tooth Loss

When you don’t have any treatments done for cavities, you may end up losing teeth. Tooth decay that becomes severe enough may result in the need for an extraction rather than a root canal or other treatment. You’ll then need to explore options for replacing any teeth that are pulled.

When to Seek Help for a Cavity

If you know you have one, it’s time to set up treatment. But if you’re unsure, schedule an appointment with our dentist for an exam.

Schedule Treatment for Cavities Today!

Do you need a filling or other care for tooth decay? Our dental team at Mandarin Dentistry offers cavity treatment in Jacksonville, FL, to stop decay in its tracks and prevent it from getting worse.

 Easy Tips to Step Up Your Dental Habits

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When it comes to changing your habits, the uphill battle is incredibly real. Old habits don’t just threaten to drag you down in the beginning, they can threaten you at literally any time in the process. If you’re not always great about flossing, brushing for at least two minutes, or visiting the dentist in Jacksonville, FL, we’ll look at some simple tips that anyone can implement.

Small Increments

When people tell you to start small, it’s important to define what that means to you. The good news? Any extra effort counts. Here, are a few tips to get you started:

  • Set a timer: When you brush your teeth, set a timer to help you get closer to thirty seconds per quadrant. Even if you don’t do anything differently in the beginning, you can start to get a sense of how long you do spend on your teeth.
  • Floss a tooth: Flossing one tooth in the very front of your mouth is far easier than trying to jam in the floss in the back (especially if you have overcrowding). The goal is to get you focused on flossing every single day (even if it’s only one tooth).
  • Use fluoride: Fluoride is affordable and it can be a great way to protect your teeth if you miss a few spots.

See the Right Dentist in Jacksonville

It’s not unusual for people to avoid their annual dental cleaning in Jacksonville, FL. While you might pin it down to business, the truth is that you’re probably seeing the wrong team. At Mandarin Dentistry, we’re here to help you keep up with your oral healthcare, so you don’t end up on the wrong side of tooth decay.

What Can You Expect During a Routine Dental Exam?

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When was your last dental exam? If it’s been a long time or if you’re due for your next one, our dentist in Jacksonville, FL, can help! At Mandarin Dentistry, we offer routine dental cleanings and exams to help patients keep their gums and teeth in great condition! Here’s what to expect when you come in for this type of visit.

Diagnostic X-Rays

These images help us check for signs of tooth decay and other issues, such as bone loss or cysts. We also examine X-rays to evaluate the positions of teeth and their roots.

Tartar and Plaque Removal

Even with daily brushing, plaque and tartar may build up on your teeth and increase your risk of decay. Our dental hygienists remove these substances from the surfaces of your teeth.

Gum Evaluation

Finding gum disease early helps us treat it right away before it turns into advanced periodontal disease. We check for signs of gum problems during routine exams.

Existing Restoration Examination

If you have crowns, fillings, bridges, or other restorations, we evaluate their condition. This helps us find restorations that are loose or damaged.

Tooth Decay Examination

Detecting decay early helps prevent it from getting more severe and leading to tooth loss. We check for signs of tooth decay and recommend treatment as needed.

Oral Cancer Screening

Routine exams typically include checking your mouth and surrounding areas for signs of oral cancer.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today!

Is it time for a routine cleaning and exam? Our dentist at Mandarin Dentistry offers comprehensive dental exams in Jacksonville, FL, including gum disease evaluations and oral cancer screenings. We’re here to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums!

 

4 Reasons to See the Dentist Every Six Months

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Going to the dentist is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. Many patients question whether it’s necessary to see your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, every six months. The answer may surprise you! Going to the dentist twice yearly can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. In this article, we’ll discuss four important reasons you should see the dentist every six months.

1. Remove Plaque From Your Teeth

Plaque is a sticky, yellow substance that builds up on tooth enamel. Plaque is made up of bacteria, food debris, and saliva. If plaque stays on your teeth long enough, it can become tartar. Dental professionals will remove plaque from your teeth when you visit the dentist for a check-up. This can help you avoid gum recession, cavities, and gum disease.

2. Catch Problems Before They Get Serious

When you go to the dentist, the dental professionals will inspect your teeth for signs of a problem. Catching problems like cavities in their early stages can help you avoid pain and dental infection.

3. Keep Your Teeth Beautiful

After the dental professional cleans your teeth, they’ll polish your enamel. This will help prevent stains and other problems on your teeth. Going to the dentist can help keep your teeth beautiful.

4. Maintain Fresh Breath

Do you like having fresh breath? Going to the dentist regularly can help you maintain fresh breath.

Do you have questions about why you should see the dentist every six months? To learn more about dental exams in Jacksonville, FL, call Mandarin Dentistry to learn more.

Can a Cavity Ever Heal without Treatment?

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One of the most common reasons for a visit to a general dentist in Jacksonville, FL is to treat a cavity. One question we often receive in our office is, “Can a cavity heal without treatment?” take a look at how a cavity forms and more below.

How a Cavity Forms

Cavities begin to occur when remineralization is not allowed to occur at a rate that sustains the health of a tooth. Just like the rest of the bones in the body, teeth are constantly remineralized. Issues with excessive bacteria, poor nutritional intake, and lack of oral hygiene can impede the process and a cavity starts to form. While the small point of weakness can be invisible to the naked eye at first, with time, the enamel breaks down further and the tooth is affected on a deeper level.

A Look at Remineralization

When a cavity is in its very beginning stages when only the outer enamel has a point of weakness, proper cleaning, nutrition, and monitoring may allow the point of enamel weakness to “heal.” However, this only applies to the most slight enamel disruptions.

Dental Filling Treatment

The best way to treat a cavity and prevent it from growing is to seek dental treatment immediately. If the damage is too deep into the tooth for remineralization to occur, a dental filling will be the only way to protect the tooth for the future. A filling involves removing the damaged material and sealing it with a composite or amalgam filler material.

Discuss Cavities with a Jacksonville, FL Dentist for the Best Advice

All cavities should be carefully evaluated and addressed by a good dentist in Jacksonville, FL. If you have concerns about cavities and decay, reach out to our office at Mandarin Dentistry to schedule an appointment.

5 Ways to Care for Your Teeth This Summer

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This summer is coming fast; when it arrives, it’s time to go on vacation and attend family reunions. It’s important to take care of your teeth during the summer months.

You can avoid dental problems like cavities and tooth damage by taking good care of your teeth and keeping up with your oral hygiene routine. Below are five things you can do to care for your teeth this summer.

1. See the Dentist When It’s Been Six Months

Experts recommend that you see the dentist every six months. Look at the calendar and count six months from your last dental visit. If you’re supposed to see the dentist in Jacksonville, F, this summer, call to make your appointment soon. Having your appointment on the books is important for avoiding problems like cavities and gum disease.

2. Bring All Your Dental Hygiene Products on Vacation

If you’re going away on a vacation this summer, it’s important to bring your dental hygiene products, including your toothbrush and floss. Do you have an electric toothbrush? Consider getting a case to keep it safe so you can bring it with you and have it at your next hotel stay.

3. Stay Hydrated

Dry mouth can cause bacteria, bad breath, and even gum disease. Staying hydrated is important for producing saliva that helps care for your teeth.

Staying hydrated can be more difficult in summer, especially if you participate in outdoor activities. Keep bottled water on hand and drink it throughout the day, especially when you go out to the beach or engage in activities like hiking and outdoor sports.

4. Use Straws With Sugary Drinks

Using a straw can help protect your teeth from sugary summer drinks like slushies and iced sodas. Drinking water is best, but if you must drink a sugary drink, be sure to use a straw.

5. Eat from the Veggie Platter At Events

When you go to your next family get-together this summer, look for the veggie platter and be sure to eat plenty of crunchy raw vegetables, like carrots. Crunchy vegetables can help clean your teeth and keep them healthy.
Need an appointment for adental cleaning in Jacksonville, FL? Make your appointment with Mandarin Dentistry. Call today.

When Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

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Knowing when you need the services of anemergency dentist in Mandarin, FL, or Jacksonville, FL, can be challenging. Not all situations require prompt treatment, but we always prefer that patients err on the side of caution. For your convenience and to help you decide if you need immediate care, Mandarin Dentistry offers examples of common dental emergencies below.

Request Emergency Dental Care if You Experience One of These Situations

A badly cracked tooth can cause significant pain that prevents you from sleeping or concentrating on your duties at work or home. If the crack just happened, try to find pieces of the tooth that fell off and place them in a plastic bag to bring into our clinic. Be sure to place a gauze pad in your mouth before you leave to control the bleeding.

Other common dental emergencies include:

  • A toothache that will not subside despite using home remedies like over-the-counter pain relievers and a cold or hot pack.
  • Knocking out a tooth is a true dental emergency because it may be possible to save the tooth if you get to our dental practice on time. If you can see the tooth, pick it up by the crown and attempt to put it back in its socket first. If that does not work, place the tooth in a small cup of milk and bring it to your appointment.
  • Tooth abscesses can cause severe pain and damage your gum tissue and surrounding teeth. Rinsing your mouth with room-temperature salt water can temporarily relieve your pain until you see your dentist.

These are only a few examples of times you may need to see anemergency dentist in Mandarin, FL, or Jacksonville, FL. Please reach out with additional questions or to request an urgent appointment.

What Causes Dental Anxiety?

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Dental anxiety is a phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide. In some people, dental anxiety can be so severe that they avoid visiting the dentist their whole lives. Ironically, this makes dental health a critical issue and dental treatments more intense when they finally do visit the dentist. So, what’s at the bottom of dental anxiety? The core reasons vary among individuals, but here are some common reasons that people cite for dental anxiety:

Past Dental Trauma

A past dental trauma can lead to future dental anxiety. If a person visited a dentist in the past who was insensitive to the patient’s experience, did treatment without informing the patient of what was happening, or was less than proficient, these can all lead to having an ingrained fear of visiting the dentist.

Fear of Pain

Many people have a fear of pain or low pain thresholds. Even though there have been many advancements in dental techniques, including sedation dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, many patients still avoid going to the dentist out of fear. This underlying fear is made worse by myths and distortions, often by the media, which play on people’s fears. In reality, if you explain to your dentist that you have anxiety, they will be sensitive to your needs and help you to feel more relaxed.

Potential For Embarrassment

For many people, dental anxiety stems from feeling embarrassed about the condition of their oral health. If a person has avoided the dentist for many years, they’ll likely have less optimal oral health. In a vicious circle, they avoid the dentist, worsening the condition. You should know that professional dentists don’t judge a person by their oral health. The idea is to save as many original teeth as possible and get a person back to smiling confidently.

Generalized Anxiety

Conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder can further intensify dental anxiety. People with these conditions might have heightened anxiety levels, making dental appointments more challenging.

At Mandarin Dentistry, we hope that dental anxiety won’t keep you from visiting the dentist in Jacksonville, FL. We offer sedation dentistry and are eager to make you feel as comfortable, welcome, and relaxed as possible. We treat each patient with respect and dignity. Contact us today to book your appointment!