Your oral health depends on how you care for it. Your dentist, Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr., helps his patients with their at-home routines and provides the preventive care you need in his Shelby, NC, office.
Why oral health is important
Your smile tells the world all about you. In fact, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) says that your smile gets noticed before any other physical feature. So, you want it to look nice, function well and keep you in good overall health.
And, yes, what happens in your mouth definitely impacts your systemic health. Medical News Today reports that gum disease appears linked to chronic health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, arthritis, dementia and more. Accordingly, a healthy smile equates to a healthy you.
Maintaining your oral health
It starts at home with your daily brushing and flossing routines. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends twice daily brushing and daily flossing to remove food residues. Plaque and tartar contain harmful bacteria which cause decay and periodontal disease.
Additionally, everyone should consume a low-carbohydrate diet, increase fiber and low-fat protein and drink plenty of water. Water rinses tooth surfaces clean, and it increases saliva, Nature's own anti-microbial and tooth-whitener.
Your teeth may require the protection of a mouth guard, too. Sports enthusiasts, people who snore or those who clench their teeth should ask their dentist in Shelby about wearing a customized acrylic device for superior comfort and protection.
Finally, if you smoke, see your doctor about quitting. Tobacco causes oral cancer, bad breath, periodontal disease and more. A smoke-free lifestyle will improve your oral health dramatically.
In-office care
At Dr. Hendrick's office, the team provides hygienic cleanings, digital X-rays and preventive check-ups. Every six months is best so you keep ahead of plaque and tartar. Dr. Hendrick looks for a wide range or oral health problems with every exam, checks dental bite and your existing restorations and performs something very important--a careful oral cancer screening.
Additionally, he formulates a care plan for each patient to include preventive recommendations, such as sealants and fluoride treatments for kids, restorative care as needed and cosmetic services. Cosmetic dentistry provides an excellent compliment to healthy teeth and gums.
Contact us
Dr. Joseph Hendrick, Jr. and his team serve patients in the Shelby, NC, area. They delight in seeing their patients smile, and each staff member is happy to help you with any questions you may have about good preventive routines.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have followed national guidelines to close our practice to everything but dental emergencies. Call us at (704) 484-0077 about any pressing concerns you may have.
Comments:
Find Us
Joseph R. Hendrick, Jr., DDS, PA
Shelby, NC 28150

Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- December (5)
- When Crowns and Bridges Are Necessary
- Targeted Tooth Removal Could Aid Treatment for Certain Bite Problems
- Listen to Ellen DeGeneres: Don't Think You Can Get Away Without Flossing!
- Are You Interested in Dental Implants?
- No Time for a Makeover? Try These One-Visit Smile Enhancements Before the Holidays
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (66)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- orthodontics (12)
- headgear (1)
- Teeth Whitening (6)
- oral health (17)
- oral hygiene (26)
- Gum Disease (15)
- Dental Implants (17)
- thumb sucking (3)
- pediatric dentistry (13)
- dental hygiene (1)
- Clear Aligners (5)
- bridge (1)
- dental implant (5)
- chipped teeth (2)
- pregnancy (1)
- Teeth Cleanings (1)
- bad breath (1)
- retainers (3)
- tooth grinding (1)
- Veneers (3)
- laser dentistry (2)
- crowns (6)
- missing tooth (2)
- braces (14)
- periodontal disease (3)
- oral cancer (3)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- orthodontic treatment (21)
- smile makeover (3)
- dental anxiety (1)
- bacteria (1)
- wisdom teeth (6)
- Bridges (2)
- cracked mouth (1)
- mouthguards (5)
- restorative dentistry (4)
- bonding (1)
- root canal treatment (6)
- nutrition (2)
- Root Canal (3)
- apicoectomy (1)
- fluoride (2)
- tooth decay (6)
- emergency dentistry (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- invisalign (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (6)
- teeth grinding (4)
- chipped tooth (4)
- air abrasion (1)
- dental crowns (2)
- dental bridges (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- x-rays (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- Root Canals (2)
- dry mouth (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- partial denture (1)
- periodontist (1)
- gummy smile (2)
- removable partial denture (1)
- Dental Visits (1)
- tads (1)
- Clear Braces (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- sports drinks (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- dental sealants (1)
- teething (1)
- tooth loss (1)
- pain management (1)
- extraction (1)
- lingual braces (2)
- gum recession (1)
- facial pain (1)
- crown (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- athletic mouthguard (1)
- Oral Cancer Screenings (1)
- dental injuries (3)
- Oral Care (1)
- Routine (1)
- loose tooth (1)
- smoking (1)
- vaping (1)
- dry socket (1)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- diabetes (1)
- extractions (1)