ASK DR KENYA JONES....

WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT THE DENTIST?

Posted June 21, 2018

Many people assume that they do not need to visit the dentist unless they having an actual dental problem, such as a cavity, toothache, oral injury, or loose tooth. However, it’s better for your dental health if you visit the dentist before any of these issues occur. In fact, we encourage you to visit the dentist every six months for dental checkups even if you don’t feel anything is wrong. In addition to treating dental problems, dental visits can reveal potential risks and help prevent dental problems from occurring in the first place.

During your appointments, we may ask a series of questions about your medical history and take dental X-rays of your tooth and jaw structure. Our hygienist will also thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, and Dr. Kenya Jones will take a look inside your mouth in case you have developed any signs of oral disease, cavities, or oral cancer.

If you have dentures or another type of dental appliance, he can determine if it fits well or needs to be adjusted. Our dentist can also evaluate areas of your life that impact your oral health, including your oral care habits and diet. Our team would be pleased to offer recommendations on effective brushing and flossing.

We invite you to contact Jones Dentistry at (352) 801-7779 today if you are due for your next dental visit in Fruitland Park, Florida.

TIPS FOR BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

Posted June 21, 2018

You know that brushing your teeth is incredibly important for your oral health, but you may still have questions about the correct way to brush your teeth and how to choose the right tools. That is where Dr. Kenya Jones and her team can help.

How Do I Brush My Teeth Properly?

You may be surprised to learn that properly brushing the teeth takes at least two minutes. When brushing, tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle and use short, gentle strokes. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the teeth. Take extra care around the gumline, the back teeth, and dental restorations. Brush your tongue from back to front to remove plaque and freshen to your breath.

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Choose?

Soft-bristled toothbrushes can effectively remove plaque and debris from the teeth and are gentler on the tooth enamel than medium- or hard-bristled toothbrushes. Choose a toothbrush with a small head, as they can easily reach all areas of the mouth. We may recommend that you choose an electric toothbrush, but a manual toothbrush may be sufficient for your needs.

Which Type of Toothpaste Is Best for My Smile?

Choose the type of toothpaste that will best aid your specific oral health. There is a variety of toothpaste types that help with different oral health issues. We suggest that you choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Beyond that, choose the toothpaste that suits your needs. For further advice, talk to Dr. Jones and her team.

For more information about dental hygiene in Fruitland Park, Florida, and to schedule your next visit, contact Jones Dentistry at (352) 801-7779.

DIABETES AND YOUR DENTAL HEALTH

Posted June 21, 2018

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your primary care physician should consult with your dentist. Diabetes and oral health are closely connected, and your dentist will be one of your primary allies in dealing with your diabetes.

Diabetes can contribute to dry mouth, which can contribute to gum disease. In fact, people with diabetes are at a higher risk for gum disease. Gum disease can make it more difficult for you to control your blood sugar level and can even make your symptoms worse. Your gums may become swollen, you are at a higher risk of cavities, and oral infections. Your dentist may be the first one to notice that you have gum disease, and treating it as soon as possible can help improve your issues with your blood sugar. Deep cleanings can also help with your blood sugar levels.

In addition to taking your medications, you should make sure that you brush twice a day, and floss once a day. You can also be on the lookout for the symptoms of gum disease which include tender, swollen, red or bleeding gums. You should see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams, or more often if he recommends it.

Whether or not you have been diagnosed with diabetes, our dentist, Dr. Kenya Jones wants to work with you to make sure that your teeth and mouth are as healthy as possible. Please call to schedule an appointment at Jones Dentistry, you can call (352) 801-7779 today.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF RED, IRRITATED GUMS?

Posted June 21, 2018

Healthy gums are pink and firm to the touch. Unfortunately, anyone can have gum issues from time to time. You’ve probably seen your gums become red and puffy (or even bleed) when you brush or floss your teeth too vigorously. If your gums are healthy, they will recover quickly from mild trauma. However, if swollen, irritated, bleeding gums last for several days or longer, there is likely an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

How Can I Prevent Bleeding, Irritated Gums?

Proper dental hygiene is an excellent way to help prevent red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Brush your teeth for two minutes twice daily and floss at least once every day. When you brush, make sure you brush all surfaces of the teeth and pay special attention to the gum line. When flossing, be sure to floss under the gum line. Use a fresh section of floss for each tooth to prevent the movement of plaque from tooth to tooth.

What Treatments Are Available?

In addition to practicing proper oral hygiene, you can try swishing salt water in your mouth. This can help reduce swelling. If the gums are bleeding, press a gauze pad dipped in ice water or a damp tea bag on the site. Over-the-counter painkillers can relieve any additional discomfort. Do not use Advil, as it thins the blood. If these treatments are not sufficient, visit Jones Dentistry for a professional dental cleaning, as this can remove tartar and plaque from the area.

Please contact Jones Dentistry in Fruitland Park, Florida, at (352) 801-7779 today to learn more and to schedule your next visit with our dentist, Dr. Kenya Jones.

PREVENTING GUM DISEASE

Posted June 21, 2018.

Do you have gum disease? Before you answer “no”, remember that in the early stages, gum disease can be painless. But, if you notice that your gums have become swollen, red or tender, of if they bleed when you brush or floss you should contact your dentist. Other indicators may be bad breath, loose teeth, and a bad taste in your mouth.

Gum disease can be hereditary, or it can be caused by medications, diabetes, hormonal changes and tobacco use. However, gum disease is primarily caused by an accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth. Plaque causes your gums to swell, and more plaque builds up below the gumline. That opens the door for bacteria to enter your body and cause an infection.

In the early stages, your dentist or hygienist can treat your gum disease with a process known as scaling and root planing. This is a two-step process, often done over the course of two visits, and may require a local anesthetic.

In the first step, scaling, the dentist or hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of your tooth, above and below the gumline. In the second step, root planing, the dentist or hygienist will clean and smooth the roots of your tooth.

The best treatment for gum disease is prevention. You can prevent gum disease by brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day and seeing your dentist every six months for your routine cleaning and exam. During your visit, the dentist or hygienist can remove any remaining plaque and tartar from your teeth, and check for gum disease.

If you have noticed that you have the symptoms of gum disease, or if it is just time for our checkup, make an appointment today to see our dentist, Dr. Kenya Jones at Jones Dentistry in Fruitland Park, Florida. You can reach our office by calling (352) 801-7779.

COPING WITH CRACKED TOOTH SYNDROME

Posted June 21, 2018.

Your teeth are tough, and with proper brushing and flossing, along with regular trips to the dentist for regular cleanings and exams, they can last a lifetime. But sometimes, your teeth can become damaged. If you receive a blow to the face or mouth which is followed by tooth pain, you know that a trip to the dentist should be in your future.

But what about pain that appears for no reason? It may be sharp or dull pain. It is a pain that doesn’t last very long but usually occurs when you are biting or chewing, or your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures. But, when you examine your teeth, you don’t see any obvious cracks, cavities or other damage.

The answer to this mystery may be what is known as “Cracked Tooth Syndrome”. In some cases, a crack in your tooth may be so small that the dentist does not see it during an exam. It may not even show up on an x-ray, but pain is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong, and even a pain in your mouth that doesn’t last long needs to be addressed by your dentist.

A cracked tooth may be caused by trauma to your mouth, however it might be caused by grinding your teeth, or from a great deal of dental work on one of your teeth. Frequently, worn enamel can lead to cracked teeth.

To help your dentist solve the mystery, make a note of when the pain occurs and where it is localized in your mouth. If you were eating or drinking, note what you were having at the time. Your dentist may be able to correct the problem with a filling or a crown. If the damage to your tooth is too severe, you may require a root canal or an extraction.

If you are dealing with even a minor pain in your tooth, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Kenya Jones as soon possible by calling Jones Dentistry in Fruitland Park, Florida at (352) 801-7779.