Dr. Henley was featured in the Florida Dental Association's Monthly Magazine: FDA Today

Dr. Henley was Featured on the Channel 4 Morning Show in Jacksonville

TIME Magazine: Should I Use Mouthwash?

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.” The article noted that updated “treatment guidelines for dentists now advise antibiotics before dental procedures for only a few types of patients such as those with artificial heart valves, a history that includes a heart infection, or who were born with certain serious heart defects.” The article added that this means antibiotics are not indicated for most patients prior to dental work.

Our recommendations are always in accord with the American Dental Association, the American Heart Association, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.  However, we will never supersede your physician's recommendations.  If you have any questions about whether or not you should take antibiotics prior to treatment please contact our office at 904.398.1549

Gum Disease May Worsen Cognitive Decline For Alzheimer's Patients

First study author Dr. Mark Ide, from the Dental Institute at King's College London in the UK, and colleagues publish their findings in the journal PLOS One.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of adults in the US have some form of gum disease, or periodontal disease. Rates increase with age, with the condition affecting more than 70% of adults aged 65 and older.

The researchers note that rates of gum disease may be even higher for people with Alzheimer's disease, primarily because they are less likely to engage in good oral hygiene as their condition progresses.

Previous studies have also associated gum disease with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's. Medical News Today reported on one such study in 2013, in which researchers identified bacteria related to gum disease - Porphyromonas gingivalis - in brain samples of people with Alzheimer's.

For this latest study, Dr. Ide and colleagues looked at whether gum disease may impact the severity of cognitive decline among people with Alzheimer's.

Gum disease linked to six-fold increase in rate of cognitive decline

The team enrolled 59 participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease to their study, and 52 of these participants were followed for an average of 6 months.

At the beginning and end of the follow-up period, the dental health of the subjects was assessed by a dental hygienist, and the researchers took blood samples from the participants and assessed them for inflammatory markers.  Subjects also underwent cognitive tests at study baseline and after 6 months.

Compared with participants who did not have gum disease at study baseline, those who did were found to have a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline during the 6-month follow-up period.

What is more, subjects who had gum disease at study baseline showed an increase in blood levels of pro-inflammatory markers over the follow-up period.

Based on their findings - and those of previous research - the team suggests that gum disease may increase the rate of cognitive decline by increasing the body's inflammatory response.

"A number of studies have shown that having few teeth, possibly as a consequence of earlier gum disease, is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia," says Dr. Ide, adding:

"We also believe, based on various research findings, that the presence of teeth with active gum disease results in higher body-wide levels of the sorts of inflammatory molecules which have also been associated with an elevated risk of other outcomes such as cognitive decline or cardiovascular disease.

Research has suggested that effective gum treatment can reduce the levels of these molecules closer to that seen in a healthy state."

The researchers recognize that the small number of participants in their study is a limitation, and they recommend that the association between gum disease and cognitive decline is investigated in a larger cohort.

Further studies, they say, should also seek to determine the exact mechanisms by which gum disease drives cognitive decline.

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?

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.

Top 6 Reasons Your Tooth Has Been Hurting You.

Top 6 Reasons Your Tooth Has Been Hurting You.

Not all toothaches are the same!  Depending on the symptoms, toothaches can require different treatments.  Understanding these symptoms can help Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly determine how to help you feel better, faster.

SYMPTOM: MOMENTARY SENSITIVITY TO HOT OR COLD FOODS.

Possible problem: If the discomfort is brief (5 seconds), sensitivity to hot and cold foods usually does not indicate a major problem. Short lived sensitivity can be caused by recession of the gums, a leaking filling, or a small cavity. 

How to treat it: Using toothpastes made for sensitivity can help reduce momentary sensitivity to cold.  However, while most patients note a marked improvement, there may be some mild sensitivity even after using sensitive toothpastes.  Note that it may take up-to two weeks for the active ingredient to start working. If you are still having discomfort contact our office. 

SYMPTOM: SENSITIVITY TO HOT OR COLD FOODS AFTER DENTAL TREATMENT.

Possible problem: Dental work can irritate the nerve inside teeth.  It is not uncommon for teeth to be sensitive to hot and cold after dental treatment.  

How to treat it:  Wait a few weeks, but please know if the dental work you received is not perfect Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly want to know right away!

SYMPTOM: PAIN WHEN BITING DOWN.

Possible problem: There are several possible causes to pain on pressure (or biting down).  Most often we find that this is due to a fracture in the tooth.  However, a dental abscess may also be the culprit.  Likewise, if dental work was recently done the way your teeth fit together (occlusion) may be off.   

How to treat it: See Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly right away.  Depending on the extent of the fracture or abscess you may need a crown or root canal. 

SYMPTOM: LASTING PAIN, AFTER EATING HOT OR COLD FOODS.

Possible problem: This usually indicates that the nerve inside the tooth has started to die.  In most cases this will require you to have a root canal.  

How to treat it: See Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly right away! We will asses the tooth and determine if you need to see a root canal specialist.  

SYMPTOM: CONSTANT AND SEVERE PAIN AND PRESSURE, SWELLING OF GUM AND SENSITIVITY TO TOUCH.

Possible problem: There may be an infection at the root of a tooth.  In this case the tooth has most likely died.  Dental infections can be serious, and in rare cases life threatening.  Please don't delay in seeing us.  

How to treat it: See Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly right away!

SYMPTOM: ACHE AND PRESSURE IN UPPER TEETH OFTEN ONLY ON ONE SIDE.

Possible problem: Sinus infections can mimic the symptoms of a tooth ache. 

How to treat it: Sinus problems have a tendency to arise when temperatures change or when pollen is high.   It is important to have Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly evaluate the area to determine if it is a dental or sinus issue.  Often antibiotics and a decongestant are prescribed. 

An In-Depth Look at Dry Mouth

WHAT IS DRY MOUTH?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia (zeer-o-STOE-me-uh), is a condition when the amount of saliva and/or the quality of your saliva is reduced.  Typically this is because your salivary glands are not producing the necessary amount of saliva.  

While saliva is primarily water, there are other important components of saliva that aid in digestion of food, help prevent bacterial and fungal overgrowth, aid in the taste of food, and aiding in the lubrication of food.  

SYMPTOMS OF DRY MOUTH INCLUDE: 

• Dryness in your mouth
• Saliva that feels thick or stringy
• Sticky feeling in the mouth
• Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing
• Changes in your sense of taste
• Problems wearing dentures
• More frequent tooth decay
• Bad breath 

 WHAT CAUSES DRY MOUTH?

Medications: The vast majority of the patients suffering from dry mouth do so because of medications.   Many medications cause dry mouth as a side effect. The typical patient that has some degree of dry mouth is taking several medications on a daily basis.  It is important to note that over-the-counter medications can also cause dry mouth.  Medications that are more likely to cause dry mouth are drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, certain blood pressure medications, medications used to treat high cholesterol, and antihistamines.   

Aging: Just because you are getting older does not mean that you will have dry mouth, however most patients, as they age will take more and more medications for management of varying conditions.  

Treatment of cancer: Chemotherapy can alter the composition of saliva and/or the amount produced by your salivary glands. Often this is only transient, with normal salivary flow returning shortly after completing treatment. Radiation treatment, specifically to the head and neck can damage salivary glands permanently, causing a significant decrease in saliva production.

Other health conditions: Dry mouth can be a consequence of certain health conditions, including the autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome. Snoring and breathing with your mouth open also can contribute to dry mouth.

Methamphetamines: Use of methamphetamine use can cause severe dry mouth and damage to teeth, a condition also known as "meth mouth."

TREATING DRY MOUTH

There are many products available to help treat dry mouth.  While many of them can be helpful, none of them are curative.  Artificial saliva products are available over-the-counter in a rinse or spray. Biotene manufactures toothpastes, mouthwashes, and moisturizing gels that are specially formulated for dry mouth.   There is a prescription drug, Salagen, that helps increase the natural production of saliva.  Likewise, Evoxac is FDA approved prescription for the treatment of dry mouth in people with Sjögren's syndrome.  

Our patients have had the most success with using Biotene Gel at night before bed time, sucking on sugar free lemon drops during the day as needed, and staying hydrated.  

In cases of severe dry mouth a major concern is the increase in decay.  Using a high fluoride toothpaste like Prevident can help prevent decay and expensive dental visits.  

If you suffer from dry mouth, or have a family member who suffers from dry mouth, please contact our office in San Marco at904.398.1549 to see how Dr. Henley or Dr. Kelly can help.

I'm Retiring, Should I Keep My Dental Insurance?

Retirement is exciting! Congratulations!  After years of hard work, you deserve it!  You've saved and you've tried hard to make good financial decisions.  You only have one last decision; should you purchase dental insurance?  Many of you have had dental insurance for most of your lives. When the cost is provided partially by employers, dental insurance can be a benefit to you and your family.  

Now that you're retiring, signing up for dental insurance seems like the next logical step after navigating Medicare.  However, make sure you look at the numbers before you take the dental insurance leap.  

Let's take a look at different options for dental insurance.  

DMO vs PPO

Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO) insurance plans can seem like a great option. They are inexpensive monthly and they have minimum copays at office visits. One limitation with a DMO is you have to see the dentist that you're assigned to by your dental insurance.   In some cases, this removes your right to use your dental insurance benefits at the dental practice of your choice. Another limitation with DMO plans is the office tend to have a high patient volume. Both Dr. Henley and Dr. Kelly believe that exemplary dental care requires time and individualized care.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO) are good because they typically allow you to choose a dentist that you want to see. This is great because you can continue to see your dentist. However, when you look at the numbers, they may not add up.  

“There are very few cases where self-pay dental insurance will prove to be a financial win for patients. Dental insurance companies know this and depend on it to generate revenue. ”

 

Cost Analysis of Self-pay Dental Insurance

As of the writing of this article the annual cost for a "middle of the road" PPO plan  through Delta Dental is $511.44. (Dental for Everyone Gold Plan Delta Dental Premier)  Let's consider a scenario over 5 years and consider insurance vs paying out of pocket. 

Case A: Insured 

Monthly Insurance Premium over 5 years = $2557.20  

Annual Office Visit Copays over 5 years = $250.00 

Cost of your portion of cleanings/exams/X-rays over 5 years (assume 80% coverage) = $290.00

Cost of your portion of a crown (assume 50% coverage) = $604.00

Total cost = $3701.20

It is important to understand that most dental insurances have an annual maximum that the insurance company will pay. For the plan discussed above the annual maximum is $1000.00. Once your insurance company had paid out the maximum, you are responsible for any costs thereafter. This is in contrast with most medical insurances.  When you reach your maximum on most medical insurance plans, you are no longer responsible for the costs which exceed your maximum.  The insurance company covers those excess costs.  

Case B: Uninsured  

Cost of cleanings/exams/X-rays over 5 years = $1450.00

Cost of crown = $1208.00

Total cost = $2658.00

That's a 5 year savings of $1043.20. Not to mention the piece of mind of continuing to see a dentist that you know and trust.  

There are very few cases where self-pay dental insurance will prove to be a financial win for patients. Dental insurance companies know this and depend on it to generate revenue. Did you know that Delta Dental, the nation's largest dental insurance provider, posted 19.5 billion dollars in revenue for 2014?

We know that your money works best for you when it is in your pocket.  We understand that dental care can be expensive. That is why Dr. Henley and Dr. Kelly are committed to providing you with the best dental care that will last you for years to come.  

If you have any questions regarding dental insurance, even if we are not your dentist, please contact us at 904.398.1549

The Ultimate Toothpaste Guide

Several times a week someone asks us "What's the best toothpaste out there?"  The answer may surprise you.

A Brief History of Toothpaste

The world’s oldest-known formula for toothpaste was created by the Egyptians in 4AD. They crushed rock salt, mint, dried iris flowers and pepper and mixed them together to create a powder (Spear Education).

The recipes for toothpastes were improved by the Greeks and then the Romans by adding abrasive agents like pulverized oyster shells or bones.   

Ziryab, popularized a formulation of tooth power in Islamic Spain. 

In the 9th century Ziryab,  an Iraqi musician, composer, poet and teacher invented a type of toothpaste, which became widely used throughout Islamic Spain. While the ingredients of the toothpaste are unknown, it was reported to be both "functional and pleasant to taste" (Wikipedia).

In the 18th century, people were known to scrub their teeth with a powder that was made up of mainly burnt bread.  

Tooth powder was later invented in the 19th century and was used with toothbrushes similar to what we have today. At the time, most were homemade with chalk, pulverized brick, or salt as ingredients. Tooth powder was the most common dentifrice until World War I (Wikipedia).  

Toothpaste in a tube, invented by Dr. Washington Sheffield in 1870

Toothpaste in a tube was invented by Dr. Washington Sheffield in 1870.  Later, in 1890, calcium fluoride was added to toothpastes.  However, the addition of fluoride to toothpaste was criticized by the American Dental Association (ADA).  The ADA did not approve of the addition of fluoride until several studies completed by Procter and Gamble in the 1950s showed the benefit of fluoride as an anti-cavity agent (Wikipedia).  

Today's toothpastes have four main components: water, abrasives, fluoride, and detergents.

www.colgate.com

Abrasives make up around 50% of modern toothpastes. These particles help remove plaque, tarter and stains. 

Fluoride, in various forms, is the active ingredient in toothpaste to help prevent cavities. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that helps strengthen tooth enamel.  While sodium fluoride (NaF) is the most common source of fluoride, stannous fluoride (SnF2) is also found in several brands of tooth paste.  Stannous fluoride helps strengthen teeth and is also an anti-bacterial agent (Tufts University). It is also proven to protect against gingivitis, plaque and tooth sensitivity (Crest.com). 

Detergents help make toothpaste develop foam.  Many toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulfate which is found in many other personal care products, such as shampoo.  

Other ingredients, such as triclosan, act as an antibacterial agent. According to the American Dental Association, it helps reduce tartar and bad breath. It should be noted that there is some debate regarding the safety of triclosan.  However, there is no evidence that the ingredient should be avoided.  

Potassium nitrate is the active ingredient found in toothpastes designed to reduce sensitivity. 

So what is the best tooth paste?

Ultimately, the choice is up to you!  Dr. Henley and Dr. Kelly suggest that patients avoid whitening toothpastes. Whitening toothpastes have extra abrasives, which, in the long haul, can cause sensitivity and wear on teeth.  The best toothpaste is one that contains fluoride. Today, the vast majority of toothpastes contain fluoride.   Toothpastes like Sensodyne can be very effective at reducing sensitivity to cold.  

Whatever toothpaste you choose, use it!  Brushing twice a day, for two minutes, is the best way to care for your teeth.

If you have any questions about what toothpaste is best for you  please call us at our San Marco office in Jacksonville, FL.  904.398.1549