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.

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!

How Many Times a Year Do I Need to See the Dentist

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If you are shopping for a new dentist as an adult or for your child, you might wonder how often you need to visit. A dentist is the person to go to for a dental cleaning and oral checkup.

You may need to visit your local Jacksonville, FL dentist more often than once or twice a year. Notice these timeframes for when most people visit the dentist.

Top Most Common Times to Visit the Dentist

Most people go to a dentist in an office of general dentistry once or twice a year. Typically, a tooth cleaning and oral exam schedule is every six months.

However, if you are infirm or unable to visit the dentist due to travel for work, you may be able to go to the dentist for a cleaning annually.

If You Have Gum Disease

If you have been diagnosed with a gum disease called gingivitis, you may be scheduled to visit the dentist more often. This oral condition can lead to tooth decay and loss if left untreated.

Therefore, it is recommended that patients with gum disease go to the dentist every four months for periodontal disease treatment. This treatment includes gum scaling and more extensive cleaning, such as with a Waterpik, to remove bacteria that eat away at gum tissue.

If You Have Braces

If you wear braces or have orthodontics, you may be required to go to an orthodontist. An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who focuses on braces and does not do dental cleanings.

While you will be visiting the orthodontist once a month, you still need to maintain your dental cleanings with a general dentist, such as Mandarin Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL.

See Your Jacksonville, FL Dentist Today

Has it been a while since you have been to the dentist in Jacksonville, FL? Contact Mandarin Dentistry at 904-268-5600.

Young man losing a tooth

Lost a Permanent Tooth? Here’s What You Should Know  

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Oh no, you’ve lost a permanent tooth! This experience can be a scary one, but it helps to know what to do. Taking fast action can even help save your tooth, if you work closely with your dentist in Jacksonville FL. Here’s what you should know about fixing a lost permanent tooth.

What to Do When You Lose a Permanent Tooth

The first thing you should do when you lose a permanent tooth is to remain calm. Don’t panic! The calmer you are, the easier it will be for you to think clearly to take the next steps.

Find the Tooth and Clean It

Find the tooth, where ever it is on the ground. When you find it, pick it up by the crown (not the root). Rinse the tooth off in sterile saline solution, milk or in your own saliva.

Store the Tooth Properly

Once the tooth has been rinsed, it’s important to store the tooth properly. The best place to store the tooth is in the same hole that it just vacated in your mouth. Insert the tooth back in the hole, root down, then bite down gently on the tooth to keep it in place.

If you’re not able to do this, the second best place for your tooth is in the cheek of your mouth. Put the tooth in the space between your cheek and teeth, and hold it there until you get to the dentist.

Head to the Dentist Right Away

Speed is key when you’ve lost a permanent tooth. Head to the dentist as quickly as possible to get your tooth treated and potentially re-inserted back in your mouth. Call the dentist to let them know you’re on your way.

A Lost Permanent Tooth Is a Dental Emergency

When you lose a permanent tooth, you’re having a dental emergency. You may be able to save the tooth, but only if you visit your emergency dentist in Jacksonville, FL. At Mandarin Dentistry, we help our patients through dental emergencies like this one. If you’ve lost a permanent tooth, call us for help as soon as possible.

 

Home Remedies for Stopping Tooth Pain

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Sometimes tooth pain occurs when your dentist in Jacksonville, FL is closed. That leaves you scrambling to find ways to ease the pain.

Home Remedies for Stopping Tooth Pain

Here are some home remedies you can use to stop your tooth pain until you can get to the dentist.

  • Cold Compress

Using a cold compress against your face will help reduce inflammation and swelling. It also helps interrupt the pain signals from your tooth to your brain. Simply apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a towel (so you don’t damage your skin) to the side of your face for 20 minutes at a time.

  • Warm Saltwater Rinse

A warm salt water rinse will reduce your tooth pain, reduce inflammation, and clean any infection that might be present. Warm salt water also helps heal oral wounds.

  • Peppermint Tea Bags

Peppermint has a mild numbing property that helps relieve tooth pain. You can prepare a peppermint tea bag and then put it in the freezer for a few minutes to cool it off before applying it to your face.

  • Acupressure

Some people find relief from their tooth pain in Jacksonville, FL using acupressure. Acupressure causes your body to release pain-relieving endorphins. To implement this method, find a reputable resource on the internet for more information.

  • Clove Oil

Clove oil has been used to treat tooth pain for hundreds of years. Clove oil helps reduce inflammation and causes a numbing effect. It’s also a natural antiseptic, so it will help sterilize the area as well.

  • Thyme Mouthwash

Thyme is a powerful antibacterial and antioxidant. Simply add a few drops of thyme essential oil to some water to create a mouthwash. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of thyme essential oil and a few drops of water to a cotton ball then apply it to the tooth that’s causing you pain.

  • Fresh Garlic

Garlic has medicinal properties. Therefore, it can be used to kill oral bacteria. Take a clove of garlic and crush it until it forms a sticky paste, then apply it to the affected area.

What’s Next?

If you are looking for a dentist in Jacksonville, FL, please Contact Mandarin Dentistry today. We are a full-service dental care office with a warm, comfortable, inviting environment full of amenities to make your visit more enjoyable.

5 Questions to Ask Your Dentist At Your Next Dental Appointment

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Your next appointment with the dentist in Jacksonville, FL is more than just a chance to get your teeth cleaned. It’s also an opportunity to ask your dentist questions about your dental hygiene. Knowing in advance the questions that you wish to ask can help you make good use of your time with the dentist, and can also help you maintain good oral hygiene habits. Below are five questions to consider for your next appointment.

1. When should I come back?

Many dentists recommend that their patients return every six months for a dental cleaning. Find out if your dentist recommends this schedule for you, or if your dentist would prefer that you return more or less frequently.

2. Are there any conditions I am at risk for?

Your oral health, health history, genetic factors and current medical condition can all affect your dental health. For example, you may be at higher risk for getting periodontal disease if you are currently pregnant, if you have diabetes, smoke cigarettes or if you have underlying immune deficiencies. Talk to your dentist to find out if you’re at risk for any dental conditions, and if so, what you should do about it.

3. What can I do to improve my oral hygiene?

When your dentist cleans your teeth, they may notice that some of your teeth aren’t getting as clean as they should, or that your flossing isn’t as effective as it should be. This is your opportunity to find out from your dentist what you can do to improve your oral hygiene.

4. Is there anything I can do to prevent gum disease?

Your dentist will know what are you’re currently doing to prevent gum disease, and what else you could be doing to protect yourself from this unfortunate condition. Find out from your dentist what else you can do to keep your teeth healthy.

5. How can I keep my teeth whiter?

Your dentist may have many recommendations on ways that you can keep your teeth whiter, including getting teeth whitening in Jacksonville FL. Following your dentist’s recommendations, you could maintain whiter teeth!

Write all your questions down before your next appointment at Mandarin Dentistry. We’ll be happy to answer them for you!