Dr. Matthew Garrison

Cracked, broken, and decayed teeth require restoration or they will break down further until they become infected and/or require extraction. At Garrison Family Dentistry, our goal is to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, we will likely recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown. Different levels of […]

If we told you that your mouth is the site of a constant battle between teeth and bacteria, would you believe us? Alright, maybe it’s not that dramatic, but the fact that teeth are always at risk of developing dental caries is no exaggeration. In case you’ve never heard about caries, your Smithville dentists are going to

We’ve all seen variations of DIY methods when it comes to pulling loose baby teeth: the string and door slam method is by far one of the most popular (although we’re not sure why). But Garrison Family Dentistry is here to advise against this and similarly aggressive techniques so your kiddo will have the safest and most

One of the most common and destructive myths about oral health is that it’s normal for gums to bleed. Your Smithville dentists at Garrison Family Dentistry would like everyone to know that this is not the case! Imagine if we weren’t talking about gums—should any part of your body start to bleed whenever you touch it? The truth about bleeding gums

Acids and bases might sound like something from far back in your memory, like middle-school science class, but the concept is still very applicable to every aspect of life today. The foods and beverages you consume daily have a very big effect on your oral health and overall health, for better or worse. You can

We’re no strangers to extreme temperatures and dry weather, and our lips are proof. Most of us experience chapped lips at some point during the year; it’s not uncommon to see lips suffering from annoying, painful cracks. Here at Garrison Family Dentistry, we keep abreast of the oral health needs of our community–so here are a

Your smile is more powerful than you may know. Scientists have studied many aspects of smiling, such as how it affects your brain, your health, and your overall experience of life. Even the situation you’re in and the people around you are influenced by your smile. The findings may surprise you. Or, if you’re someone who

When it comes to dental insurance, it seems like there can be as many (or more) questions as there are answers. Even when you are fortunate enough to have dental insurance, navigating its use can still be very confusing. Many people don’t give their dental insurance a second thought – until the day comes when they

As a parent, you only want what’s best for your little one. Whether you’re a new mom navigating the waters of caring for your firstborn, or a seasoned pro ready to start your own family softball team (sorry neighbor kids, all positions are filled), preventing tooth decay in kids is never an easy feat. Because tiny hands

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who floss, and those who don’t. Diligent flossers everywhere inspire those of us who live with them or know them. Flossing may not be a philosophical virtue but it’s certainly high on the list of qualities amongst people who “have it together.” Read more below