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.
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral Cancer awareness in the American public is low. Approximately 49,750 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Every day 132 new people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with an oral cancer, and that one person EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY, 24/7/365 will die from it
April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral Cancer awareness in the American public is low. Approximately 49,750 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Every day 132 new people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with an oral cancer, and that one person EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY, 24/7/365 will die from it
While smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus. We cannot stop this virus from spreading; our only hope to save lives by performing oral cancer screenings on every patient, every time they are in our office.
As a commitment to our patients and our community Dr. Henley serves as member of the Head and Neck Tumor Board at Baptist MD Anderson. The tumor board is a multi-specialty group that works together using the latest in dentistry and medicine to ensure that patients have the best possible outcomes.
To learn more about oral cancer see the links below:
https://www.henleyandkelly.com/head-and-neck-cancer/
http://oralcancerfoundation.org
https://www.baptistjax.com/services/baptist-md-anderson-cancer-center/head-and-neck-cancer
FDA: No More Antibacterials In Consumer Soaps
In an article published today on NBC News the FDA has ordered antibacterials from consumer soaps. The Food and Drug Administration says they do little or nothing to make soap work any better and said the industry has failed to prove they're safe.
In an article published today on NBC News the FDA has ordered antibacterials from consumer soaps. The Food and Drug Administration says they do little or nothing to make soap work any better and said the industry has failed to prove they're safe.
Companies will have a year to take the ingredients out of the products, the FDA said. They include triclosan and triclocarban. Soap manufacturers will have an extra year to negotiate over other, less commonly used ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride.
Read more at NBC News
http://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-orders-antibacterials-removed-consumer-soaps-n642036
Are You a Nighttime Tooth Grinder? Here's How To Tell—And What to Do About It
Teeth grinding is a problem that affects nearly one in ten individuals, yet many of us don’t even realize we’re doing it. And that’s a problem given just how harmful it can be to our health. Here’s how to find out if you grind your teeth when you sleep—and why it’s something you shouldn’t ignore.
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that often goes unnoticed because it typically occurs during sleep. Many patients are unaware it’s happening until signs of damage begin to appear — sometimes years later.
Persistent grinding places excessive forces on teeth, dental restorations, jaw joints, and the muscles of the face and neck. Over time, this can contribute to tooth wear, fractures, jaw discomfort, headaches, and changes in bite function. Left unaddressed, bruxism can quietly undermine otherwise healthy teeth.
For a clear, accessible overview of how teeth grinding occurs during sleep — and why it’s difficult to recognize without professional evaluation — this article provides a helpful explanation:
Reviewed and updated January 2026
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
Antibiotics Prior to Dental Work? Maybe Not.
Consumer Reports reported that “new guidelines call for fewer people to get antibiotics before a dental procedure.”
In recent years, recommendations regarding the use of preventive antibiotics before dental procedures have changed significantly.
According to guidance summarized by Consumer Reports, updated clinical guidelines now recommend antibiotic premedication for far fewer patients than in the past. Current recommendations reserve antibiotics primarily for individuals with specific, high-risk medical conditions — such as certain artificial heart valves, a prior history of infective endocarditis, or select serious congenital heart conditions.
For the vast majority of patients, preventive antibiotics before routine dental care are no longer indicated.
Why the Guidelines Changed
The shift reflects a growing understanding of:
the risks associated with unnecessary antibiotic use
antibiotic resistance
the lack of evidence supporting routine premedication for most patients
Modern dentistry places a strong emphasis on evidence-based care — using antibiotics only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
How Recommendations Are Determined
Antibiotic guidelines used in dental care are based on consensus statements and ongoing research from organizations including the American Dental Association, the American Heart Association, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
These guidelines are reviewed and updated as new evidence becomes available.
An Individualized, Medically Informed Approach
While guidelines provide an important framework, they do not replace individualized medical decision-making.
Dental recommendations in this practice are always made with consideration of:
current clinical guidelines
your medical history
recommendations from your physician or specialist
When there is uncertainty, or when a patient’s medical history is complex, coordination with the treating physician is essential. Physician guidance is never overridden.
Questions About Antibiotics?
If you are unsure whether antibiotic premedication is appropriate before your dental appointment, we encourage you to ask. These decisions are best addressed before treatment, with time for proper review and, when needed, communication with your medical team.
Reviewed and updated January 2026
6 Ways to Reduce Your Child’s Sugary Snacking (and Save Their Smile)
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?
We all know that a balanced diet is essential for a healthy life, but as a parent, it can feel like a constant battle against the "sugar rush." In the dental world, we don't just look at sugar as a source of energy; we see it as the primary fuel for the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Protecting your child’s smile doesn’t require a complete pantry overhaul. Often, a few small, strategic changes to how and when your family snacks can make the biggest difference.
Here are six practical ways to reduce sugary snacking in your household.
1. Timing is Everything: The "Mealtime Rule"
It isn't just about how much sugar your child eats, but how often. Every time your child eats sugar, the mouth becomes acidic for about 20 minutes. Frequent snacking leads to constant "acid attacks."
The Fix: If they are going to have a sugary treat, let them have it with a meal. Increased saliva production during meals helps wash away sugar and neutralize acids.
2. Swap "Sticky" for "Crunchy"
Sticky snacks like fruit leathers, gummy vitamins, and dried fruit are some of the biggest culprits in pediatric cavities because they lodge in the grooves of the teeth and stay there for hours.
The Fix: Choose "detergent" foods—crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery. These naturally help scrub the tooth surfaces as they are chewed.
3. The "Water First" Strategy
Juice boxes and sports drinks are often marketed as healthy, but they are frequently loaded with liquid sugar that bathes the teeth.
The Fix: Make water the default beverage. In Jacksonville, our community water is fluoridated, which acts like a "constant repair kit" for tooth enamel. If they do have juice, have them chase it with a sip of water to rinse the teeth.
4. Become a Label Detective
Sugar hides under many names: high fructose corn syrup, agave nectar, maltose, and dextrose. Many "healthy" yogurts and cereals contain as much sugar as a candy bar.
The Fix: Look for snacks where sugar isn't one of the first three ingredients. Aim for snacks with less than 5 grams of sugar per serving.
5. Harness the Power of Cheese
It sounds simple, but cheese is a secret weapon for dental health.
The Fix: Cheese triggers saliva flow and contains calcium and phosphates that help re-mineralize tooth enamel. A string cheese or a few cubes of cheddar is an excellent "closer" for a snack or meal.
6. Model the Behavior
Children are observant. If they see you reaching for water and nuts instead of soda and cookies, they are more likely to follow suit.
The Fix: Make healthy snacking a family project. Let them help pick out "dentist-approved" snacks at the grocery store to give them a sense of ownership over their health.
A Note for Jacksonville Parents
Between school, sports, and Florida heat, kids are constantly on the go. While we advocate for healthy snacking, we also know that life happens. If your child does indulge in a sugary snack while you're out at San Marco Square or the park, just remember: Rinse with water immediately and brush as soon as you get home.
Dr. Henley’s Smart Snack Guide
Reviewed and Updated February 2026
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