What to Expect During A Routine Visit to the Dentist

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Going to the dentist is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. If you feel anxious about going to the dentist, bringing yourself to make an appointment can be more difficult. Knowing what to expect during a visit with the dentist in Jacksonville, FL makes the visit less stressful.

Your visit to the dentist should include teeth cleaning, dental inspection, time to consult with the dentist or hygienist, and more. Here’s what you can expect to happen during routine appointments.

Teeth Cleaning

During the checkup, the hygienist will clean your teeth to remove plaque and tartar. The hygienist will use a variety of tools to get this done. Throughout the teeth cleaning, the hygienist will use a mirror to see the spaces that you don’t normally see, which will allow your hygienist to clean your tooth enamel much better than you may be able to do yourself while brushing.

Dental Inspection

After the cleaning takes place, you may meet with the dentist for a quick inspection. The dentist will use tools to poke your teeth and check for problems like cavities, cracks, chips, and other problems with your tooth enamel.

X-Rays

Some dental appointments may include dental X-rays. The purpose of the dental X-rays is to catch problems that your dentist can’t see with their own eyes. For example, X-rays may help your dentist see what your wisdom teeth are doing beneath the surface.

Time to Consult With the Dentist

You may also have time to consult with the dentist. Your dentist will give you recommendations for caring for your teeth. You may also ask your dentist questions about how to take good care of your teeth.

See your dentist every six months for a dental checkup in Jacksonville, FL. Call Mandarin Dentistry today to make your next dental appointment.

How Often Should I Be Going to the Dentist?

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Going to the dentist in Jacksonville, FL is good for your teeth! Knowing how often to see the dentist is important. In this article, we’ll discuss how often you should be going to the dentist for your checkups. We’ll also discuss when to see the dentist for dental problems. Having this information can help you take care of your teeth and gums.

When to See the Dentist for Checkups

Most dental experts recommend that their patients see the dentist every six months for checkups. Seeing the dentist every six months for checkups makes it easy to stay on top of plaque buildup. This also helps control the tartar on your teeth, which can help prevent gum disease.

Watch for Signs of a Problem

Know when you’re having a dental problem. Cavities are an example of the types of problems that need to be addressed by the dentist quickly. Watch for symptoms such as:

  • You have a toothache
  • Your teeth are extra sensitive to hot and cold temperatures
  • Your breath smells bad and you don’t know why
  • Your gums are uncomfortable
  • Your teeth feel loose
  • Your gums bleed when you brush your teeth

These are all symptoms of problems that need to be addressed by the dentist quickly.

See the Dentist When It’s An Emergency

If you’re having a dental emergency in Jacksonville, FL, it’s important to see the dentist as soon as possible. An example of a dental emergency would be a severe toothache that impacts your ability to function. Another example of a dental emergency is the loss of a permanent tooth. If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, get to the dentist immediately.

Need help? Call the dentist at Mandarin Dentistry to make an appointment.

6 Signs It’s Time to See a Dentist ASAP

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Toothaches. Swelling. Puffy red gums. These are just one of the many signs of a dental problem. Recognizing those signs and taking action when they happen can save you from problems. Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL can help. At Mandarin Dentistry, we take fast action when patients are having dental problems, to help them avoid unpleasant complications.

Signs You Need Dental Care

Below are some of the signs that it’s time to see a dentist as soon as possible:

  1. Severe toothache. This can be a sign of a cavity or of a dental infection.
  2. Red, puffy, bleeding gums. Inflamed gums can be a sign of gum disease, a problem that can cause bad breath and even tooth loss.
  3. Loose permanent tooth. Loss of a permanent tooth can be a big problem! If you have a loose permanent tooth, talk to your dentist.
  4. Bad breath that won’t go away. Did you know that bad breath can be a sign of a dental infection, a cavity, or gum disease? Get help!
  5. Swelling. Swelling in the mouth can be an indication of a dental infection or even an abscess.
  6. Sudden tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of a cracked tooth, especially if the sensitivity has come on suddenly.

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies

You can avoid dental emergencies! Make an appointment for your next dental exam in Jacksonville, FL. See the dentist twice per year to get your teeth cleaned and examined. To learn more about taking good care of your teeth, talk to the dental professionals at Mandarin Dentistry today.

4 Things You Can Do to Help Your Child Avoid Cavities

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Cavities can cause your child pain and discomfort. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help protect your child from these problems. Taking your child to the dentist in Jacksonville, FL, and practicing good oral hygiene at home is important. Here’s what you need to know about helping your child avoid cavities.

1. Stay Up to Date With Dental Appointments

Get your child’s teeth cleaned at the dentist’s office as often as the dentist recommends. The dentist may recommend your child to come in once yearly or twice per year (depending on their age and need). Either way, keep up with these appointments. During these problems, the dentist will clean your child’s teeth and identify ways your child can maintain healthier teeth overall.

2. Brush Their Teeth or Monitor Their Toothbrushing Habits

Until they’re about seven years old, most children aren’t capable of brushing their own teeth very well. They need their parents to brush their teeth for them.

When your child is old enough to brush their own teeth, they still need someone to monitor them to ensure they’re doing the job right and consistently. Stay up to date with your child’s habits. Watch when you see them brushing their teeth, to be sure they’re doing it properly.

3. Encourage Sugarless Snacks

Keep sugarless snacks (like peanut butter crackers and cheese sticks) on hand. Sugarless snacks are better for oral hygiene and can help your child avoid cavities.

4. Encourage Your Child To Tell You About Tooth Pain

If your child is in discomfort because of a problem with their tooth, you want to be the first person to know. Encourage your child to tell you when something goes wrong.

To make an appointment for pediatric preventative dental care in Jacksonville, FL, call Mandarin Dentistry today.

Deterring the Myths About Dental Implants and Bone Structure

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Are you considering making a major smile change? If so, dental implants in Jacksonville, FL may be part of the process. While dental implants are highly praised for their effectiveness and longevity, they are still prone to being the topic of several myths. Specifically, quite a few myths exist regarding dental implants and bone structure. Take a look at some of these unfounded myths and the truth behind them.

Myth: You Need a Perfect Bone Structure for Dental Implants

Reality: While a strong and healthy bone structure can support dental implants, it’s not necessary to have a perfect bone structure for treatment. Many patients with bone loss or other bone issues can still be candidates for implants. Modern techniques, such as bone grafting and sinus lifts, can often help build up the bone to support implants successfully.

Myth: Dental Implants Cause Bone Loss

Reality: Dental implants are designed to integrate with the jawbone, a process called osseointegration. When properly placed and cared for, contrary to the myth, implants help maintain bone density in the jaws. The implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural teeth do, which can prevent bone loss rather than causing it.

Myth: Bone Grafting is Always Necessary for Dental Implants

Reality: Bone grafting is not always required for dental implants. It depends on your existing bone density and volume. Many people have sufficient bone structure to support implants without bone grafts. Your dentist will evaluate your bone structure through imaging and clinical examination to determine if bone grafting is necessary for your specific case.

Find Out About Dental Implants from a Jacksonville, FL Dentist

When it comes to bone structure and dental implants, be sure to get insight from a well-experienced Jacksonville dentist. Reach out to our office at Mandarin Dentistry to schedule a consultation.

Questions to Ask During Your Next Dental Appointment

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Your dental appointment is a good time to ask questions about oral health and hygiene. During your next visit to the dentist in Jacksonville, FL, bring a list of questions. Below are some smart questions to ask your dental professional during your next dental cleaning.

What can I do to improve my oral hygiene routine?

Your dentist can see places where you aren’t brushing properly. Ask your dentist what you can do to improve your oral hygiene routine. Your dentist may be able to point out areas where you aren’t brushing well enough.

The dentist may also suggest that you change toothbrushes, or use a new tool to keep your teeth clean. Getting the conversation started can help you maintain clean, healthy teeth.

Am I at risk of any dental conditions?

Lifestyle choices, medical conditions, genetics, and other factors can put you at risk for dental conditions. Knowing which dental conditions you’re at risk of contracting is important. If you are at high risk for any conditions, ask your dentist about the symptoms.

When should I come back for my next dental appointment?

Most people return to the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and examination. Some conditions require patients to return to the dentist more frequently. Ask your dentist when you need to return. If possible, make your next appointment before leaving the dental office.

Is there anything I can do to improve the appearance of my smile?

Your dentist at Mandarin Dentistry offers many cosmetic dentistry services to keep our patient’s teeth white, bright, and beautiful. Ask us about cosmetic dentistry services that can benefit you!

What questions do you have for the dentist? Ask them during your next dental exam in Jacksonville, FL. Call today to make your appointment.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Dentist

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Are you shopping for a dentist in Jacksonville, FL? There’s much to consider before choosing the right professional for your needs. Whether you’re a single person looking just for yourself or you’re shopping for a dentist for your whole family, it’s important to find a dentist that offers the services you need. In this article, we’ll discuss what to look for in a dentist as you make this important decision.

1. Convenience

It’s best to choose a dentist that is conveniently located in your area. This enables you to get to the dentist easily when you need to. Mandarin Dentistry is located in Jacksonville, FL and services the people in the area. Our offices are modern and comfortable, so your next trip to the dentist can be fast, streamlined, and convenient.

2. Accepts Your Insurance

If you have dental insurance, this should be one of your first questions when contacting a potential new dental office. You can also try contacting your insurance, as they may have a list of participating dental providers in your area.

3. Offers Emergency Services

When you’re having a dental emergency in Jacksonville FL, it’s important to have a dental provider that can help. Mandarin Dentistry offers emergency dental care to patients experiencing emergencies ranging from terrible toothaches to lost permanent teeth.

4. Reputation

Shop for a dentist with a good reputation. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations, and search online reviews for a dental provider people trust.

5. Provides a Range of Services

It’s best to find a dentist that offers all the dental services you need in one place. At Mandarin Dentistry, we provide a range of dental services. You can come to us for all your dental needs.

6. Good Patient Care

Look for a dentist that offers good patient care so your visit to the dentist will be comfortable.

Do you need a dental exam in Jacksonville, FL? The professionals at Mandarin Dentistry can help. We offer many dental services and provide good patient care to the people of Jacksonville, FL. Call today to make an appointment.

When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

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Your teeth shouldn’t hurt, but some toothaches are more serious than others. Any time you have a toothache, you should talk to your dentist in Jacksonville, FL. Your dentist can help you decide if you’re having a dental emergency and need to be seen on the same day. 

What Causes Toothaches?

Toothaches can be caused by many things. Below are some examples of the reasons your tooth might be aching:

  • Cavity. A cavity is an area of tooth decay-causing a pit to form in your tooth enamel. Cavities can cause mild toothaches. While cavities in their early stages are not usually considered a dental emergency, they should be addressed quickly in order to prevent them from spreading. 
  • Infection. If a cavity gets deep enough or if a crack in your tooth allows bacteria to enter the center of your tooth, this can lead to a dental infection. Infections often cause severe pain. Dental infections are considered dental emergencies and should be addressed as soon as possible. 
  • Chipped or broken tooth. A chipped or broken tooth can cause pain and can lead to problems like dental infections. If you get a chipped tooth or if part of your tooth breaks off, talk to your dental professional. 

When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency?

Generally speaking, the more severe the pain, the more likely you’re having a dental emergency. Any time you have pain in your tooth, or any time you break off part of your tooth, you should call the dentist to find out next steps. Your dentist can ask you questions about your symptoms and gauge whether you should come in to the dental office now or soon to get treatment. 

How Are Dental Infections Treated?

Dental infections are treated with a procedure called a root canal. Root canals are generally done immediately as soon as it’s discovered that a root canal is needed. During the root canal, the dentist will drill into your tooth, clean out the infection, seal up the tooth, and put a crown on top. 

Do You Have a Severe Toothache? Call the Dentist

If you have a severe toothache, you probably need emergency dental services in Jacksonville, FL. At Mandarin Dentistry, we offer dental emergency services to patients who need them. Call

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.

Smoking and Your Oral Hygiene: What to Know

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Did you know that smoking is bad for your oral hygiene? There are many ways that smoking can change your mouth to increase your risk for various oral health conditions. Knowing the impact that smoking can have on your mouth can help you decide how to manage your oral health, whether that means making more regular visits to the dentist or even stopping smoking. As yourdentist in Jacksonville, FL, the professionals at Mandarin Dentistry can help you determine the best way to care for your mouth.

Smoking Causes Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is what happens when your mouth doesn’t produce as much saliva as it should. Saliva is an important part of the environment in your mouth. Saliva helps clean your mouth and wash away bacteria. Without adequate saliva, you can experience a variety of problems, including difficulty speaking and swallowing, problems with digestion, and overall discomfort. Dry mouth can also contribute to poor dental health because of the role saliva plays. You need saliva to help keep your teeth clean.

Smoking Increases Risk of Gum Disease

Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight infection. This puts you at higher risk for conditions like gum disease, which can cause gum recession, bleeding in the gums, and even tooth loss.

Smoking Can Cause Halitosis

Halitosis is a condition that causes very bad breath, even after you’ve brushed your teeth. Smoking can put you at higher risk for halitosis because of the potential for dry mouth and gum disease.

Get Help from Your Dental Professional

If you smoke, it’s very important to see your dentist twice annually forregular dental checkups in Jacksonville, FL. At Mandarin Dentistry, we’re committed to protecting your dental health. Call today to make an appointment.