Are Your Eating Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health?

dental enamel erosion treatment GibsontonYour oral health plays a vital role in maintaining overall well-being. Many people tend to neglect their oral health, leading to various dental problems. While a regular dental visit is crucial to maintaining good oral health, it’s equally important to ensure that you’re eating habits support it. Proper nutrition is a fundamental aspect of developing and maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Even if you brush and floss regularly, unhealthy eating habits can sabotage your oral health, resulting in serious issues over time. In this blog, we’ll discuss how your eating habits could impact your oral health and give you some useful tips to maintain healthy teeth.

1. Foods that damage your teeth: Consuming too many sugary and sticky foods is the primary cause of tooth decay. Sugar is the primary food source for the bacteria that produce acids leading to cavities and other dental problems. Besides, citrus fruits, coffee, tea, and soda can also reduce the protective enamel coating on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay. Avoiding these foods or limiting their intake can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

2. Foods that support healthy teeth: Certain foods like fruits, vegetables, cheese, and yogurt are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that are necessary for healthy teeth and gum growth. For instance, Calcium-rich foods strengthen tooth enamel, while vitamin D helps the body absorb Calcium. Vitamin A supports healthy gum tissue growth, while vitamin C enhances its ability to repair wounds and fight off bacterial infections. Therefore, incorporating these foods into your daily diet can contribute to healthy teeth.

3. The importance of hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial to maintain proper oral health and hygiene. Saliva is essential in neutralizing acids produced by bacteria when breaking down food particles, washing away harmful food debris, and discouraging tooth decay. However, adequate hydration is necessary to ensure the saliva levels in your mouth are always optimal. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which promotes bacterial growth, causing tooth decay.

4. Timing of meals plays a significant role: The timing of your meals also plays an important part in developing good oral health habits. Consuming sugary or acidic foods throughout the day, instead of limiting them within mealtimes, results in continuous acid production, which damages tooth enamel. Therefore, it’s advisable to limit your snacking habits and consume sugary or acidic foods along with your meals.

5. Practicing mindful eating habits: In addition to what you eat, how you eat also plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health. Chewing your food correctly and taking time to eat can significantly decrease your chances of experiencing dental issues. Eating slowly and thoroughly chewing your food reduces the amount of food debris trapped between your teeth and gums, reducing tooth decay while improving digestion.

In conclusion, nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining good overall health, including oral health. A diet rich in essential nutrients, while avoiding harmful foods, can prevent tooth decay, encourage healthy teeth, and promote good oral hygiene. Therefore, it’s essential to practice mindful eating habits, limiting snacking behaviors and ensuring you’re eating habits promote good oral hygiene. Maintaining a consistent and regular dental hygiene routine complements a balanced diet, ensuring healthy teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Visit Your Time Dental, San Francisco, to get professional advice on maintaining healthy teeth through good eating habits.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Are Your Eating Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health?

dental enamel erosion treatment Gibsonton

Most Gibsonton residents know that frequently eating foods high in sugar can cause cavities. Therefore, it’s important to limit candy, soda, cookies, etc. Also, remember that frequency is as dangerous as the amount of sugar.

Research has found that a higher frequency in sugar consumption may lead to demineralization more than the amount of sugar consumed. In other words, eating sugary foods in small amounts on a regular basis can do more harm than eating the occasional sugar-laden dessert. (Healthline)

Tooth Enamel Varies in Density

Before we discuss the issue further, let’s review the miracle substance that protects our teeth: enamel. While enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it’s not invincible. In fact, it demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with sugar, acids and bacteria.

Let’s consider additional eating habits and how they can affect oral health.

Acid is as Bad as Sugar

First, let’s talk about acids. A plethora of both healthy and unhealthy foods and drinks are acidic. Soda pop and energy drinks are especially detrimental because they have sugar and acid, a dangerous combo. Plus, they provide virtually no nutrition. However, you probably don’t want to limit all acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. Many acidic foods and beverages are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients.

You can protect your teeth by eating these things as part of a meal to reduce the acidic effects. It is wise to eat a variety of healthy foods such as chicken, cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will support tooth remineralization.

Meal Timing Makes a Difference

The more frequently you eat the more often your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be eased by deciding on healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat, the more likely you will skip brushing and flossing altogether.

Enamel Erosion

While the enamel is soft, the tooth is susceptible to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the onslaught continues, the much softer dentin underneath is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, you may lose the tooth.

Understand Which Foods are Acidic

Broadly speaking, the ordinary diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are especially acidic. We don’t recommend cutting out the healthy foods. We just want you to be aware of them so you can make better choices.

If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or drinks, you may have enamel erosion. Call us to schedule an appointment and Dr. Kernagis can examine your teeth and discuss it with you.

Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?

Now let’s talk about drinks. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Gibsonton teenagers that sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their most durable. As mentioned, energy drinks have a multitude of teeth-damaging ingredients. Dentists are noticing the consequences of their increasing popularity.

If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can stimulate the remineralization process.

Xylitol Gum

If you choose to chew gum to stimulate saliva production, a good choice is gum with Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually useful for your teeth.

Several clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prohibits the growth of the bacteria that initiates cavities. It also reduces plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Beautiful Teeth Without Breaking The Bank

affordable teeth whitening Gibsonton

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, our cosmetic dental smile makeover patients believe that life-changing cosmetic dentistry is a worthwhile investment. Indeed, for most people, the value of a healthy, desirable smile cannot be measured in dollars. We agree, however, that cosmetic dentistry is not cheap.

There are Affordable Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Do you have to spend thousands of dollars to improve your smile? Actually, no. Today’s post focuses on the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures.

Dental Bonding

In many cases, dental bonding can be used to correct a tooth that has been chipped. When Richard Kernagis repairs a tooth with dental bonding, a pliable resin material is applied to the tooth. Dr. Kernagis expertly molds the material to create the desired shape. The resin is then hardened using a special light. After hardening, Dr. Kernagis performs any needed trimming and shaping followed by a final polishing.

Dental bonding is usually less costly than porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Call us at 813-519-0128 to discuss cosmetic dental financing options.

Be Skeptical if the Price Seems Too Good to be True

Beware of brand-new Tampa area practices that advertise immensely low prices for dental bonding, veneers, or dental implants. The competence and artistic ability needed to achieve minuscule tolerances should not be undertaken by a beginner. Thoroughly research any new cosmetic dentist you are considering for any cosmetic dental procedures or complete smile makeover.

Tooth Whitening

Most Gibsonton people are aware that there are several different tooth whitening techniques. Richard Kernagis recommends scheduling a tooth whitening consultation to discuss your options. Even inexpensive OTC tooth bleaching systems can be misused and bring about tooth sensitivity, damage to tooth enamel, and spotty coloration.

Regarding the cost of teeth whitening: if you decide on an at-home system from a drugstore, you may have to buy several packages to achieve even slight whitening. In-office whitening or a take home system from our office may be more affordable in the long run.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Why Aren’t Dental Implant Prices Listed Anywhere?

dental implants Gibsonton

You can’t buy dental implants at Costco. You can’t compare relative prices on Amazon. The rates aren’t listed on your dentist’s website.

There is a reason for this.

A dental implant procedure isn’t one-size-fits-all.

The price of a permanent dental implant depends on many factors.

First, let’s designate what we are talking about.

A dental implant is a tooth replacement that is screwed directly into the jaw bone. It is not attached to the adjacent teeth like a dental bridge. The post replaces the tooth root and is anchored where the tooth root used to be. When the post fuses with the bone, the dentist attaches an abutment and then a crown for the visible portion of the tooth.

It’s important to understand that a tooth implant involves several elements:

  1. The post (screw)
  2. The abutment
  3. The crown

So, how much does a dental implant cost?

Give me a rough estimate….

In Florida, you can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,000 for one implant (the post that is screwed in).

Then there is the abutment (connector piece) and crown. These components could cost from $900 to $3,000.

This would bring the total price from $1900 to north of $5,000.

Remember, this is for ONE post, abutment, and crown.

What if I need a whole bunch of implants?

Some people spend between $20,000 and $50,000 for a total mouth reconstruction.

Wow!

Implants seem really costly…

An implant procedure is an oral surgery. It requires a consultation and additional visits. It requires X-rays and impressions. You might need bone grafting to augment the bone where the implant will be placed.

There are indirect expenses as well…

Your dentist will pick up the components from a dental supplier. The dental crown is custom-made in a lab. Dental laboratories have pricey equipment. They employ professionals who are specially trained.

Consider your dentist’s schooling. Just one year of dental school costs between $30,000 and $70,000… (Don’t forget, your dentist earned an undergraduate degree before attending dental school.)

Your dentist employs a team of professionals. A dental office must buy and maintain expensive equipment and supplies.

According to the American Dental Association, it costs at least $500,000 to open a dental practice. The yearly overhead can run over $200,000.

Does my dental insurance covedental implants?

Some Florida dental insurance carriers cover dental implant procedures. Some only cover the crown portion. Others don’t cover any portion of the procedure. It’s unfortunate that more dental insurers don’t cover implants. They are cheaper over the long run. They preserve bone. They don’t require removing tooth structure like dental bridges. They don’t have as many complications as dental bridges.

Talk to your provider. If your insurance company doesn’t cover them, or if you don’t have dental insurance, meet with us about financing.

Permanent dental implants are costly. No doubt about it.

But if you talk to our patients, each one will tell you that they are worth every penny.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Does Whitening Toothpaste Work?

porcelain veneers cost Tampa

Are yellowing teeth getting you down? If so, you are not alone! Some of the most common concerns of Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia dental patients pertain to cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening.

Because many dental products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes say they can brighten your teeth, it’s natural to examine changing your brand of toothpaste.

Whitening toothpastes work by adding chemical agents that can gently polish and whiten teeth. However, these substances can only remove stains that are on the surface of the teeth. This generally results in whitening by roughly one shade.

On the other hand, plenty of Gibsonton dentists offer rapid in-office teeth whitening procedures that can generally lighten your teeth anywhere from three to eight shades. That is quite a difference!

Once you see the dramatic changes that can happen with in-office whitening, why not go for the whole smile makeover? Using cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, crowns, inlays, braces, dental implants, bonding, gum contouring, Tampa dentists are helping patients get the marvelous look they desire.

Hi, I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis, a Gibsonton dentist. If you are looking for quality dental care in the Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, or Lithia area, I hope you’ll give us a call at 813-519-0128.

Here at Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we offer weekend dental care, sedation dentistry, root canals, and dental implants.

Call for your appointment today!

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Gum Disease Linked To Alzheimer’s: Keep Those Gums Healthy!

gum disease treatment Gibsonton

As if you needed another reason to keep your gums as healthy as possible.

Scientists have found a link between a bacteria that causes periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Porphyomonas gingivalis is a bacteria that often leads to chronic periodontitis. The bacteria was discovered in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

The research study, “Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors,” can be found at Science Advances.

The researchers concluded:

“Chronic periodontitis and infection with Porphyomonas gingivalis have been identified as significant risk factors for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

This study should dispel the misconception that oral health is somehow separate from physical health.

It is vital to see your dentist regularly to keep your gums healthy (as well as your teeth). To schedule a periodontal disease exam, call Your Time Dental Urgent Care today at 813-519-0128 or visit https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Versatile Veneers For A Vivid Smile

porcelain veneers Gibsonton

Have you ever wished you could quickly attach perfectly shaped, dazzling white front surfaces to your teeth? Guess what? You can! With porcelain veneers, you can eliminate smile imperfections in just one visit to your outstanding Gibsonton cosmetic dental office.

Simple procedure, dramatic results

The innovative porcelain veneer is one of the most versatile items in a cosmetic dentist’s toolbox. Veneers turn unattractive smiles into beautiful smiles with minimal disruption to existing tooth structures. They are quicker and usually less pricey than complete crowns but are made with the same durable, translucent porcelain.

A celebrity smile secret

It’s no wonder that a very large percentage of people in the public eye have porcelain veneers. An actress can receive a perfect smile in the morning and appear on a talk show that evening. A supermodel can permanently remedy a discolored tooth speedy and pose for photos right after leaving her dental office. A local television news anchor can have his teeth perfectly aligned in a couple of hours and report Florida news that same day.

Trust an experienced cosmetic dentist in Gibsonton

I am Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, Florida. I have performed hundreds of veneer placements—alone and in combination with crowns, inlays/onlays, and tooth implants for dramatic smile makeovers. Perhaps you should consider veneers as the best way to attain your brilliant smile.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Smile Makeovers: First Things First

smile design Gibsonton

Hello, I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care. Thanks for visiting my blog. In today’s post, we will focus on something that happens occasionally when a patient requests cosmetic dentistry from their Gibsonton dentist.

Let me set the stage. The patient comes in for a consultation about a smile makeover. We’ll call him Mr. Jones. The dentist listens carefully as he explains the esthetic problems that he wants to remedy. Mr. Jones wants to fix two chipped teeth, get a dental implant for a tooth that is missing altogether, and whiten his whole smile. He describes what he envisions for his smile after undergoing treatment.

The dentist performs an examination of his entire mouth and takes x-rays. The dentist discovers some additional dilemmas. There are three teeth with moderate decay, one tooth with acute decay, gum disease, an old crown with a crack in it, and severe bone recession at the potential dental implant site where the tooth was extracted ten years ago.

The dentist explains that these issues need to be addressed before the cosmetic dental smile makeover is performed. Mr. Jones says that the smile makeover is his first priority and plans to deal with the other problems sometime in the future.

How does the dentist advise Mr. Jones? The dentist will probably explain that the lasting success of a cosmetic dental procedure such as porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or tooth whitening is influenced by the condition of the mouth at the time of treatment. There must be a solid, healthy foundation, so to speak, on which to build the smile makeover.

First things first. It makes no sense to attach a veneer to a decayed tooth that may need a root canal. A dental implant may not integrate with the surrounding bone structure if placed at a site where there is bone recession. Tooth whitening will probably not produce favorable results where there is gum disease and exposed tooth roots.

Can Mr. Jones ever have his dream smile? Yes! There are treatments to correct all of the problems mentioned previously. But just like many other things in life, the order of operations is critical.

If you are interested in a smile makeover or simply need a check-up, schedule an appointment by calling 813-519-0128. I look forward to discussing both your oral health and esthetic concerns.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

Aesthetic Dentistry Solves Difficult Oral Problems

solve tough dental problems Gibsonton

Have you ever been told that your smile is beyond repair? That may not be true. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care we perform dental miracles every day. Here are some tough dental problems we routinely solve:

Tough Problem 1: Insufficient Bone for Dental Implant
Solution: Bone Grafting

As a replacement for a missing tooth, a dental implant has many benefits as compared to a dental bridge. However, there must be enough bone to support the titanium post (screw) that is surgically implanted.

Many implant patients need some level of bone grafting and the procedure has a high success rate. Disinfected, processed donor bone is placed at the implant site where the bone needs structural augmentation. The grafting material is in granular form that can be packed into the contours. It stimulates growth, and eventually, the patient’s newly-generated bone replaces the donor bone material.

If you have had another dentist tell you that you don’t have enough bone to place an implant post, talk to Dr. Kernagis. The team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care has performed many bone grafting procedures for dental implant placement.

Tough Problem 2: Severe Tooth Loss
Solution: Full Mouth Restoration

If it feels like your dental problems are beyond repair because you have few or no teeth left, take heart. Regardless of the cause—chemotherapy, recreational drug use, eating disorder, extreme mouth injury, disability, inadequate oral hygiene, or simply poor overall health—there is hope.

Full mouth reconstruction can restore your previously healthy, attractive smile or give you the stunning smile you never had. Patients who have full mouth restoration regain their confidence to smile, eat, and speak normally.

Full mouth restoration is composed of a combination of dental procedures as needed according to the patient’s particular situation. These can include dental implants, implant-supported bridges, orthodontia, crowns, inlays/onlays, dental bonding, gum contouring, soft tissue grafts, and teeth whitening.

By listening carefully, asking the right questions, communicating clearly, and counseling you, Dr. Kernagis can fully analyze your seemingly impossible dental dilemma and deliver a solution. Call us today at 813-519-0128.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128

What are Possible Dental Implant Complications?

risks of dental implants Florida

If you’ve visited our blog before, you have read about the advantages of tooth implants. That’s because they are an amazing replacement for missing teeth and have been used successfully in the Gibsonton area for over 30 years. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, close to 98% of our implant placements are successful. But like any medical or dental procedure, there are risks. In today’s article, we will consider possible complications of a dental implant.

Infection

Any surgical procedure poses an infection risk. That’s why we often prescribe an antibiotic before implant surgery.

How to protect against infection:

Beginning the second day post-surgery, an implant patient should rinse with a salt water solution. This helps prevent infection while the implant site is healing. The patient should continue normal daily dental hygiene and start brushing and flossing the implant as soon their dentist recommends. If an infection develops weeks after the surgery, another course of antibiotics usually takes care of it.

Slow healing

A patient is more likely to experience slow healing if they have another medical condition. Possible conditions include severe gum disease, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism, or poor circulation due to smoking. Dr. Kernagis takes preexisting conditions into account when advising potential implant recipients.

Sinus problems

Upper implants are placed very close to the floor of the sinus. Because of the physical proximity, an implant can pierce the floor of the sinus cavity. This is so rare, most implant dentists have never had a patient experience it. One such case was documented by the International Journal of Implant Dentistry. An implant recipient experienced obstructed nasal airflow. It was discovered that the implant had broken through the nasal floor. The tooth implant patient underwent surgery to repair it. The surgery was successful and the patient was able to retain the implant.

Implant failure

If an implant fails to fuse with the surrounding bone, it is usually due to insufficient blood supply. Teeth grinding, smoking, and the medical conditions discussed previously can impair blood circulation.

Nerve damage

Nerve damage takes place in a very small percentage of implant procedures. Patients may have pain, tingling or numbness at the implant site.

Let’s discuss your concerns

Are you considering but worry about the risks? We invite you to set up a consultation to discuss your concerns.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128

FishHawk – Lithia

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128