Dental Blog

How Nutrition Affects Your Oral Health

What you eat plays a big role in your dental health—not just in preventing cavities, but in keeping your smile strong, gums healthy, and breath fresh. You probably already know that sugar can lead to tooth decay, but have you ever thought about how certain foods can actually help protect your teeth?

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5 Signs You May Need A Root Canal

Toothaches are never fun, but did you know that some tooth pain may signal a deeper problem? At Parker & Pennington Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, we often see patients who have tried to manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief only to find the issue persists. Sometimes, that lingering pain is a sign of an infection in your tooth’s pulp—the bundle of nerves and tissue at its core—which might mean a root canal is needed.

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The Surprising Health Benefits Of A Straight Smile

A straight smile is more than just a boost for your confidence—it’s an investment in your overall health. At Parker & Pennington Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, we’re passionate about helping our patients discover the benefits of straight teeth for their health and well-being. With options like Invisalign®, we make it easy and comfortable to get a smile you’re proud of without the hassle of metal braces.

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November Is TMJ Awareness Month

As many of our patients prepare for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season, November is also a time to recognize TMJ Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) and TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). The temporomandibular joint is the ball-and-socket joint that connects the lower jaw to the base of the skull. You can feel this joint by placing your fingers in front of your earlobes and opening your mouth. TMJ and TMD are often used interchangeably, even though TMD specifically refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joint.

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