Every Detail Matters.
Every step of ever case matters. Even in simple cases. We strive to make ever case exceptional. Not only beautiful, but made to last for years to come.
Every step of ever case matters. Even in simple cases. We strive to make ever case exceptional. Not only beautiful, but made to last for years to come. Crowns on #13 and #14.
TIME Magazine: Should I Use Mouthwash?
Some types may be trouble, but most are a satisfying addition to your brushing routine.
Some types may be trouble, but most are a satisfying addition to your brushing routine.
It just feels good to cap your mouth-cleaning routine with a vigorous swish of mouthwash.
“A lot of people really enjoy the sensation of rinsing after they’re brushed,” says Matt Messina, a member of the American College of Dentists and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “They feel like the mouthwash is clearing away all that loose debris.”
And those people are right. Messina says mouthwash can help you spit out loosened plaque and other bits of detritus hiding in the cracks and crevices of your mouth. But so can water, he adds.
“I like to say mouthwash is an addition to proper oral hygiene, not a substitute,” he says. It’s not going to take the place of your morning brush or twice-yearly dentist visit, but it may help freshen your breath, and in most cases it’s not harmful, he says.
Read the entire article at www.TIME.com
6 Ways to Reduce Your Child’s Sugary Snacking
Everyone knows a healthy diet is essential to a healthy life, but how many know that eating right can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
Everyone knows a healthy diet is essential to a healthy life, but how many know that eating right can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease?
A few small changes can make a big difference, so help you and your family protect your smiles at snack time.
Read more at the America Dental Association.
April Is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral Cancer screening and prevention is something that we take very seriously at Henley & Kelly. That's why we perform an oral cancer screening (OCS) on every patient, at every visit.
Pre-Malignant Lesion Found on the Tongue of a Non-Smoker. Photo: Dr. C.J. Henley
Oral cancer screening and prevention are taken seriously in this practice. For that reason, an oral cancer screening is performed routinely as part of comprehensive dental care — not only when symptoms are present.
Early detection matters. Many oral cancers are highly treatable when identified early, but can be far more complex once they progress. Screening is a simple step that plays an important role in long-term health.
Oral Cancer Is Changing
Historically, oral cancer was most commonly associated with tobacco and alcohol use. While those remain risk factors, they no longer account for the majority of cases.
Today, the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the United States is infection with certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is extremely common — most sexually active adults are exposed at some point in their lives — and in the vast majority of cases, the immune system clears the virus without consequence.
It is important to understand that:
There are nearly 200 identified strains of HPV
Only a small number are associated with cancer
Most infections never lead to disease
HPV-related oral cancers are not the result of poor oral hygiene and often occur in patients with no traditional risk factors.
What an Oral Cancer Screening Involves
An oral cancer screening is a careful evaluation of the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding structures. The goal is to identify changes that may warrant further monitoring or referral — often before symptoms develop.
Screening is non-invasive and takes only a few minutes, but it reflects a broader commitment to comprehensive, medically informed dental care.
Prevention, Awareness, and Ongoing Care
Oral health is closely connected to overall health. Staying informed, attending regular dental visits, and addressing changes early are all part of responsible long-term care.
This practice remains actively engaged in oral medicine and current research related to oral cancer, HPV, and medically complex care. Questions are always welcome, and patients are encouraged to discuss concerns openly — whether related to risk factors, screening, or symptoms.
A Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Approach
Oral cancer awareness is not about fear — it is about knowledge, vigilance, and appropriate evaluation. Routine screening is one of the many ways dentistry can support broader health goals and early intervention when it matters most.
Reviewed and updated January 2026