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Oct4

The Crucial Role of Preventative Care from Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Preventative care is the cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral health and preventing dental problems before they arise.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in the Gibsonton, Florida area, we believe in the power of proactive dental care to keep our patients smiling confidently for years to come.

Why Preventative Care Matters

Early Detection of Issues: Regular dental check-ups allow our skilled team to identify potential dental issues in their earliest stages. By detecting problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer early, we can intervene promptly and effectively, often preventing the need for more extensive and costly treatments later on.

Preservation of Natural Teeth: Preventative care focuses on preserving your natural teeth for as long as possible. Through routine cleanings, examinations, and fluoride treatments, we can help maintain the health and integrity of your teeth, reducing the risk of decay and tooth loss.

Gum Disease Prevention: Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications, including tooth loss and systemic health issues. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential for keeping gums healthy and preventing the progression of gum disease.

Overall Health Benefits: Oral health is closely linked to overall health and well-being. Studies have shown associations between poor oral health and various systemic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

By prioritizing preventative dental care, you’re not just safeguarding your smile but also promoting your overall health.

Components of Preventative Care

Regular Dental Examinations: Comprehensive dental exams allow us to assess your oral health, identify any concerns, and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Professional Cleanings: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Education and Prevention: We believe in empowering our patients with the knowledge and tools they need to maintain optimal oral health at home. Our team provides personalized oral hygiene instructions and tips for effective brushing, flossing, and dietary habits.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Your Partner in Oral Health

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we’re committed to providing comprehensive preventative care to help our patients achieve and maintain healthy smiles for life. By partnering with us and prioritizing preventative dental visits, you’re investing in your long-term oral health and well-being.

Preventative care is the foundation of a healthy smile and a vital component of overall wellness.

By scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in the Gibsonton, Florida area, you’re taking proactive steps to preserve your smile and protect your health.

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Sep13

How Often Should You Have A Dental Checkup in Florida?

When was the last time you had a dental checkup? Most men and women need a dental check-up from Your Time Dental every six months. If you have an increased risk for oral diseases, we advise you to receive an examination every four months.

Welcome to Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Richard Kernagis, DMD, of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, is accepting new patients. If you do not currently have a dentist or are not satisfied with your provider, we invite you to learn about our practice and meet our team. We are convinced that you will like what you find. Many patients entrust us with their dental health and we appreciate the relationships we have with them.

Know The Risk Factors For Oral Problems

Most men and women are in a medium-to-low-risk category for dental dilemmas. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, have poor oral hygiene habits, or are plagued with medical conditions that influence your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category. It is important to your dental and physical health to have your teeth checked immediately.

Dentists assess many factors to determine the state of your oral health. We want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life. The philosophy ‘”Ignore it and it will go away,” does not apply to a tooth or gum problem.

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Aug16

Want Whiter Teeth?

Teeth whitening has become very popular as an affordable, manageable way to enhance your smile with little effort and no pain.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care can help you understand your options for teeth whitening and the results you may expect from various teeth whitening options.

Over-the-counter whitening systems can give varied effects, with many users not satisfied with over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

Your cosmetic dentist can help you whiten your teeth effectively and attain professional results. If you are ready to try a teeth whitening product, please schedule a teeth whitening consultation.

Our comfortable staff would love to answer any questions you have about general, cosmetic, restorative, or pediatric dental treatment. Here are some of our services:

If you are searching for quality, friendly dental care in the Tampa area, call us here at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. We are currently accepting new patients at our comfortable, state-of-the-art dental office. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to providing superior dental care to our valued patients.

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Aug9

How Brushing Prevents Gum Disease

Why should everyone brush at least twice a day? Let’s consider why this is essential.

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and prevents the build-up of plaque.

If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will combine with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid that immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bones healthy. Your Time Dental is committed to keeping our dental patient’s oral health in pristine condition.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose cavity-free teeth!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:

Plaque build-up irritates gums.
Irritated gums loosen from the tooth.
Bacteria multiply in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
Say goodbye to the tooth.

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed early.

Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128 to schedule a gum disease evaluation at our office in Gibsonton.

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Jul26

When It’s Better Not To Brush

Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the important job of protecting teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also protects tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly amazing. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

The team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care encourages our patients to shield their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.

This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is helpful, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva protect your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left unprotected. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water frequently can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.

Additionally, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Gibsonton residents who grind their teeth at night, it’s critical to get a mouthguard immediately. People who grind their teeth are at a high risk for enamel erosion and the tooth decay that can follow. Athletes should also use a mouthguard to safeguard their teeth on the playing field. For more specifics, communicate with Dr. Richard Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care about custom mouthguards.

If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already occurred. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.

Using teeth as tools can weaken enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance to chip a tooth just to open a lunchmeat package?

Chewing ice and hard candy can also weaken enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for a long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can bring about cavities which erode enamel just as efficiently as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental problems, Dr. Richard Kernagis can help you shield what is left. To schedule a comprehensive examination, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton at 813-519-0128!

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Jul19

Your Time Dental Provides Comprehensive Oral Care

How does your dentist help you stay healthy?

Most individuals know that they can go to their dentist if they have a tooth or have a toothache. Because of this, they may not realize how many other health problems your dentist can help you with.

As a full-service dental practice, Your Time Dental provides comprehensive oral health care.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually due to bacteria build-up in the mouth. Perhaps, however, you have offensive breath even though you brush and floss daily. If that’s the case, speak with your dentist. She or he can help you discover the cause of your problem. It could be an infection or a side effect of prescription medications. You need a professional diagnosis and we are here for you.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. Reduction of saliva flow is a common dilemma, especially among older individuals. However, people of all ages experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These symptoms include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.

Unfortunately, it can bring about a multitude of problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. A lot of men and women experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-type joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. If you have pain or clicking in your jaw, you may have TMD. But the first step is diagnosing the cause of the malady. For example, teeth clenching or grinding can cause or exacerbate TMD. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep. The condition can also be caused or aggravated by injury or arthritis. Some men and women who experience TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress. If stress is the only cause, stress-reducing habits can help you prevent it or decrease the severity.

Snoring

Your dentist may treat snoring and OSA. Many dentists in the Gibsonton area provide Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). With OAT, a custom-made mouthpiece helps keep your airway open throughout the night. If your bed partner tells you that you snore, do him or her a favor and get professional help!

Oral Cancer

Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer accounts for about three percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. This amounts to 53,000 new cases annually. That means thousands of Florida residents receive the grim news every year. Early detection is critical for all types of cancer, but especially so for cancers of the mouth and throat.

Teeth Grinding

Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Nighttime teeth grinding can damage enamel and cause severe headaches. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—schedule a consultation and evaluation at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. It’s not just an annoyance, teeth grinding can cause headaches, restricted sleep, and put you at risk of serious cavities and gum recession.

Sports Protection

Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, talk to your dentist about a quality, custom-fitted mouthguard.

If you have questions about any of these issues or want to schedule an exam, give us a call today. We look forward to meeting you.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Jul5

What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

What is dental sleep medicine?

It’s a relatively new branch of dentistry that treats sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing problems.

Don’t confuse dental sleep medicine with dental sedation or sleep dentistry. Dental sleep medicine treats sleep apnea. At Your Time Dental, we can determine if dental sleep medicine is right for you.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a malady where you have frequent, intermittent pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses can last for up to 60 seconds. They are caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat that relaxes and obstructs the airway. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen it interferes with important physical processes.

There are three different forms of sleep apnea. They are categorized by the cause of the cessation of breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to control your breathing. The final type is called complex sleep apnea syndrome. This type occurs when someone has a combination of the two previously listed.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a medical doctor. If you have several of the following symptoms, we encourage you to see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Insomnia
Sleep Deprivation
Excessive Snoring
Episodes of Not Breathing
Mouth Breathing
Dry Mouth/Throat
Fatigue
Frequent Headaches
Irritability

How does a sleep apnea dentist treat sleep apnea?

Dentists use oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Patients wear a custom-fitted removable oral appliance at night. The appliance fits somewhat like a sports mouthguard.

How does an oral appliance work?

An oral appliance prevents your airway from collapsing. It either holds the tongue or jaw in a forward position.

Does an oral appliance work as well as a CPAP machine?

It depends on the severity of the condition and other considerations specific to the patient. Many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea benefit from OAT.

What are the advantages of OAT over CPAP?

Some people find the device more comfortable. It’s smaller and easier to clean than a CPAP system. Patients who suffer from claustrophobia often choose OAT. Patients who move around a lot when they sleep can get twisted up in the CPAP tube. And a small, portable device is easier to travel with.

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are interested in OAT, give us a call at the number below.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Jun28

Persistent Dry Mouth in Gibsonton, FL?

Many residents in our Gibsonton community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a serious problem. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to acute health problems.

Your saliva plays a key role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to carry out this task your body may not be getting vital nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many Gibsonton residents don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps to counteract those acids in our mouths.

I am Richard Kernagis. I recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, but the caffeine can also contribute to a dry mouth. I also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated.

Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth. A dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call your dentist today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older.

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Jun21

Your Time Dental Urgent Care Treats Canker Sores, Lesions, And Fever Blisters

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, one of the most common complaints we hear from Gibsonton dentistry patients is problems with mouth sores.

There are many different kinds of oral lesions that can make eating and talking painful. Some are annoying yet harmless, while other sores are more serious and require medical intervention.

Though not contagious, the most common complaint is canker sores, which affect an estimated eighty percent of the Apollo Beach population. Canker sores can be attributed to stress, tissue irritation, or acidic foods.

Dr. Richard Kernagis can prescribe a topical dental paste to relieve pain and guard against infection. Recurring canker sores can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health problem.

Another common complaint is fever blisters or cold sores, which are contagious fluid-filled blisters. Tampa cold sore sufferers should be aware that they can become infected. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we advise our patients on how to treat cold sores and avoid further breakouts.

Fungal infections and oral cancer can cause sores in the mouth and throat. See your Tampa dentist if you experience any of the following:

Dr. Richard Kernagis reminds patients that eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and not smoking can all aid in oral health and hygiene.

To schedule an appointment, or ask about other oral concerns, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care today at 813-519-0128.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton provides the full spectrum of general, cosmetic, and pediatric dental services. We offer weekend dental care, sedation dentistry, root canals, dental implants, tooth extractions, and complete smile makeovers.

The following online articles were used as source material for this blog:
‘Mouth Sores,’ American Academy of Otolaryngology, December 2010, http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/mouthSores.cfm, accessed on November 29, 2011
‘Dental Health and Canker Sores,’ WebMD, November 2011, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores, accessed on November 29, 2011

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Jun14

Don’t Like Dental Visits? Go to Your Time Dental Anyway.

It’s no secret that many Gibsonton residents dread going to the dentist. Whether they associate dental visits with shame, pain, or financial drain, they avoid it at all costs. At Your Time Dental, we make it easy for our patients.

See Your Dentist Regularly to Avoid Painful Oral Problems

However, consider the fact that by seeing your dentist regularly, you can abstain from dental procedures like fillings and root canals.

Though it sounds backwards, the truth is that you protect against dental pain by seeing your dentist regularly–even if you hate dental visits.

Oral Health Improves Your Quality of Life

In today’s post, let’s concentrate on the big picture. We want to make the case that twice-yearly dental visits and following your dentist’s counsel are essential for a high quality of life.

If you have naturally healthy teeth, you may not appreciate your amazing good fortune. After all, you can eat whatever you want. You aren’t uncomfortable with stained, chipped, or missing teeth. Tooth pain doesn’t interrupt your sleep.

Lucky people with great teeth may do fine with very little dental treatment in their twenties and thirties. What we’ve observed, though, is that eventually avoiding exams and cleanings catches up with you.

Do You Have Risk Factors for Oral Problems?

This is especially true for individuals with dental risk factors. These include smoking, recreational drug use, extensive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding, poor eating habits or crooked teeth. Notice that some of these things are a conscious choice, and others, like crooked teeth or teeth grinding may be unavoidable. Regardless, most men and women who forego dental exams and cleanings eventually experience oral conditions.

Gum Disease is The #1 Cause of Tooth Loss in U.S. Adults

The first thing that may come to your mind is tooth decay. While this is an issue for some middle-aged people, it’s actually not the most frequent dental malady. Gum disease earns the dubious honor as the top cause of tooth loss in U.S. adults.

We Welcome Nervous Dental Patients

If you have neglected your dental needs, we invite you to make an appointment at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. After all, our specialty is making dental treatment comfortable for nervous patients or those who are self-conscious about the status of their oral health. If you are looking for compassionate dental care, Your Time Dental Urgent Care is here for you. Oral conscious sedation is perfectly safe and there are several levels of sedation, so you don’t have to be out cold if you don’t want to be.

Let’s Restore Your Dental Health

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care we have so many advanced materials at our disposal to make your smile as beautiful and healthy as it can be. Dental crowns, veneers, implants, teeth whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays, and short-term braces are some of the most popular dentistry procedures in and around Gibsonton.

Dental Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Convenient and Affordable

Many Tampa residents are surprised to find that most of these procedures are more convenient than they supposed and more affordable than they expected.

Meet Dr. Kernagis

I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care and I want to help you love dental visits and love your smile. I’ve practiced dentistry since 2001, and I find it especially rewarding when patients find renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

At my Gibsonton practice, we offer emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, and root canals. If you have any questions, the comfortable staff here at Your Time Dental Urgent Care would be happy to answer them and schedule an appointment to see how we can improve your life by improving your dental health.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

Mon:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Tue:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Wed:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Thu:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Fri:	7:00am - 7:00pm
Sat:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Sun:	8:00am - 6:00pm

Mon:	8:00am - 5:00pm
Tue:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Wed:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Thu:	8:00am - 5:00pm
Fri:	7:00am - 5:00pm
Sat:	8:00am - 6:00pm
Sun:	8:00am - 6:00pm

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

How does your dentist help you stay healthy?

Bad Breath

Dry Mouth

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)

Snoring

Oral Cancer

Teeth Grinding

Sports Protection

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

What is dental sleep medicine?

What is sleep apnea?

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

How does a sleep apnea dentist treat sleep apnea?

How does an oral appliance work?

Does an oral appliance work as well as a CPAP machine?

What are the advantages of OAT over CPAP?

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

See Your Dentist Regularly to Avoid Painful Oral Problems

Oral Health Improves Your Quality of Life

Do You Have Risk Factors for Oral Problems?

Gum Disease is The #1 Cause of Tooth Loss in U.S. Adults

We Welcome Nervous Dental Patients

Let’s Restore Your Dental Health

Dental Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Convenient and Affordable

Meet Dr. Kernagis

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

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