Important Information About Toothpaste

Lithia cosmetic dental and tooth implantsToothpaste is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy mouth and teeth. It is essential to select the right type of toothpaste that meets your individual needs. The market is flooded with various brands, each claiming to be the best. At Your Time Dental Group, we understand that it can be overwhelming to pick the right toothpaste. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post to help provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision

1. What type of toothpaste should you use?

There are different types of toothpaste available in the market, each targeting different oral problems. However, it’s essential to choose one that meets your individual needs. When selecting toothpaste, look for one that has the American Dental Association (ADA) logo, which indicates it’s safe and effective to use. If you have sensitive teeth, look for toothpaste with potassium nitrate to help alleviate sensitivity. Antimicrobial toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, preventing gingivitis and bad breath. However, this should only be used under the recommendation of a dental professional.

2. What are the ingredients in toothpaste?

The ingredients in toothpaste vary depending on the brand and type. However, all toothpaste contains an abrasive for cleaning teeth, flavoring agents, humectants to keep toothpaste from drying out, and binding agents to help keep it in place during brushing. Some toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps to strengthen teeth and give them extra protection against cavities. It’s essential to check the ingredients list to ensure the toothpaste meets your individual needs.

3. How much toothpaste should you use?

You only need a small amount, pea-sized or less, of toothpaste on your toothbrush for effective cleaning. Using too much toothpaste can lead to excessive foaming, causing you to swallow more fluoride than necessary, leading to fluorosis. Fluorosis can lead to dental problems such as white spots on teeth, and in severe cases, discolored or mottled enamel.

4. How often should you replace your toothbrush?

It’s essential to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when bristles start to fray. A frayed toothbrush makes it challenging to effectively clean teeth and can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If you have been sick, replace your toothbrush to prevent reinfection, and make sure to disinfect it after use.

5. What are the benefits of using toothpaste daily?

Using toothpaste daily helps remove plaque, a bacteria-laden film that builds up on teeth and causes cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Toothpaste contains varying amounts of fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities and strengthen teeth. Toothpaste also contains antimicrobial agents, which help to kill bacteria in the mouth, preventing gum disease and bad breath.

Toothpaste is essential for maintaining oral health, preventing bad breath and maintaining a bright smile. At Your Time Dental Group, we understand the importance of choosing the right toothpaste that meets your individual needs. When selecting toothpaste, look for one that has the ADA logo, has ingredients to meet your individual needs, and contains the appropriate amount of fluoride. Don’t forget to replace your toothbrush every three to four months and use the correct amount of toothpaste to prevent swallowing excess fluoride. With proper maintenance and good oral hygiene practices, you can ensure your teeth stay healthy and bright for years to come. Visit Your Time Dental Group to learn more about the best oral health practices and maintenance.

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

How Your Lifestyle Changes Your Tooth Color

teeth whitening GibsontonAs a dental professional, I am always reminded of how important it is to take care of our teeth and gums. Not only do they help us to speak and eat, but they can also make a big impact on our overall health. One of the most common cosmetic concerns that patients come to me for is tooth discoloration. Whether it’s from aging, genetics, or lifestyle habits, everyone wants to have a bright, white smile. In this blog post, I’ll be discussing how your lifestyle choices can affect the color of your teeth, and what you can do to maintain a healthy, white smile.

1. Food and Drink: The types of food and drink that you consume can have a major effect on the color of your teeth. Certain foods such as berries, beets, and tomato sauce contain pigments that can stain your teeth. Drinks such as tea, coffee, and red wine can also cause discoloration. If you enjoy consuming these types of foods and drinks, try to rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking. This can help to prevent the pigments from settling on your teeth. Additionally, consider using a straw when drinking certain beverages to minimize contact with your teeth.

2. Tobacco Use: Whether you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products, this habit can lead to yellowing of the teeth. Tobacco contains tar and nicotine, which can cause discoloration over time. Not only that, but tobacco use can also contribute to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. Quitting tobacco use is the best way to avoid these negative effects on your teeth and gums. If you’re struggling to quit, talk to your dentist for advice on resources and strategies that can help.

3. Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth healthy and white. Brushing and flossing daily can remove surface stains and plaque buildup, which can lead to discoloration. Additionally, regular professional cleanings can help to remove more stubborn stains and tartar buildup. If you’re looking to brighten your smile even further, consider using a whitening toothpaste or getting an in-office whitening treatment from your dentist.

4. Medications: Certain medications can cause tooth discoloration as a side effect. This includes antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline, as well as antipsychotic and antihistamine medications. If you’re taking a medication that you think may be causing discoloration, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives. Additionally, be sure to let your dentist know about any medications that you’re taking during your appointment.

5. Aging: As we age, our teeth naturally become more yellow or gray in color. This is because the outer layer of enamel on our teeth wears away over time, exposing the darker layer of dentin underneath. While this process cannot be stopped, there are steps that you can take to slow down the discoloration process. Maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding tobacco use are two key ways to keep your teeth looking their best as you age.

In conclusion, there are many lifestyle factors that can affect the color of your teeth. By taking steps to maintain good oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco use, and being mindful of the foods and drinks that you consume, you can help to keep your teeth healthy and white. As a dental professional, I encourage you to speak with your dentist about any concerns that you may have regarding tooth discoloration. They can offer advice and guidance on the best strategies for maintaining a bright, healthy 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

How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Tooth Color

teeth whitening Gibsonton

It’s a common desire for people to want white teeth. But the majority of people have discolored or just plain yellow teeth. Especially in a world of tea and coffee drinkers.

Your Genes Make a Difference

As with other physical features, there is a genetic component to your oral health. You can thank your parents if your enamel is thick and sturdy. If it is resistant to decay, you can thank them again. Even more importantly, you can thank them if they taught you to take care of your teeth.

Like complexions, natural tooth shade varies from person to person. Some of us have whiter teeth naturally. But many men and women have tarnished teeth due to their lifestyle. Dietary behaviors and dental hygiene influence tooth color as well as overall oral health.

Lifestyle Habits That Affect Tooth Color

Did you know that your enamel is like your skin? It contains pores that can get clogged and discolored. The most common practices that work against you are:

  1. Tobacco and other smokable substances
  2. Sodas and other dark-colored drinks, i.e. coffee, red wines, and teas
  3. Not practicing daily oral hygiene
  4. Not having proper dental care

If you want to enhance your teeth, the aforementioned behaviors will consistently work against you.

We advise kicking these habits to the curb if you want the whitest teeth possible. (There are compelling health ramifications as well.)

Acids Weaken Enamel

Another way these habits cause teeth yellowing is due to acids. A continual onslaught of acidic beverages erodes tooth enamel. This is true whether or not the beverages are dark colored.

Dentin Isn’t The Best Look For Your Smile

The tooth layer under the enamel is called dentin. Unfortunately, dentin is dark yellow. If you are weakening your enamel, you are making it easier to see the yellow dentin. Dentin is also softer and more prone to cavities—which is more harmful than a yellow smile.

Jaw Clenching and Teeth Grinding

Jaw clenching can also weaken enamel and contribute to tooth discoloration. If you clench your jaw repeatedly, you are weakening your enamel. Ditto for teeth grinding. Talk to Dr. Kernagis about treatment for these conditions.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Professional in-office teeth whitening is the only way to remove the stains caused by the habits listed. This is due to the intrinsic stains that have permeated the enamel.

The Formula For Whiter Teeth

What’s the formula for whiter teeth?

A healthy lifestyle + twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings + professional teeth whitening

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 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

Do You Eat a Smile-Healthy Diet?

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Today’s message explains how specific foods and eating habits affect our teeth.

The Sugar Problem

Sugars get converted by bacteria in the mouth to acids. It is the acids that begin to assault enamel and initiate decay for men and women of all ages. Fruits have high water content which can dilute the effects of the sugars they contain and get the saliva flowing so they aren’t really taboo. It’s the chocolate bars, hard candies, cookies, cakes and pies that are.

Acidic Food Coupling

Oranges, tomatoes, lemons and the like should be eaten as part of a meal to minimize the acidic effects. It is a good idea to eat a variety of healthy foods such as cheeses, chicken, other meats, nuts and milk. The calcium and phosphorus will encourage tooth remineralization.

Timing of Meals

The more often you eat the more frequently your teeth are subject to the decay process. This can be eased by choosing healthy snacks. And keep in mind, the later at night you eat the more likely you are to not only eat unhealthy foods, but to skip oral hygiene altogether.

I’m Richard Kernagis, DMD at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. If cosmetic dentistry, including the cost of veneers, the cost of implants, teeth whitening and the like interest you, call 813-519-0128 to set up a consultation. We can discuss anything from emergency same day dental care to urgent dental care. Our comfortable staff is ready to make you comfortable.

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

Find A Few Minutes To Floss

Gibsonton family dentistry

One common excuse often given by people who don’t floss is that the practice is difficult to fit into their daily schedule. If you’ve found this to be true, and feel like you are too busy to floss, here are some suggestions for when to fit this important dental health habit into your day.

  • The most common time is right before bed, but make sure you aren’t too tired to do a good job.
  • Right when you wake up is also an option, but if food is left between teeth all night, it can lead to plaque.
  • Try just after lunch, before you go back to work.
  • Floss while you are in the car sitting in traffic. It’s easier one-handed with the pre-strung floss pics. (You might get some strange looks from other drivers, but it’s worth it.)
  • Keep some floss in your gym bag so you can floss after you exercise.
  • While you’re watching the nightly news.

I hope this gives you some beneficial ideas to help you make flossing part of your daily routine. Flossing is important for anyone in Gibsonton who wants to have a healthy smile.

If you want to improve your smile, look into cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, invisible braces, teeth whitening, or dental implants.

My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis. Helping my dental patients establish good habits is important to me, as well as helping them attain the smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, teeth whitening, and complete smile transformations.

We are currently accepting new patients, so give us a call at 813-519-0128 to make an appointment!

We make patients feel comfortable

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

Smokeless Is Not Harmless For Gibsonton Tobacco Chewers

dental implants Gibsonton

Cigarette sales at most Gibsonton stores have decreased in the past decade, but some tobacco consumers have switched to smokeless products.

There is a common misconception (especially among teens) that smokeless tobacco is harmless. This is absolutely not true. Regardless of the specific type: spit tobacco, snuff, chew, or pinch, this form of tobacco is as deadly as old-school cigarettes.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we encounter serious consequences of smokeless tobacco use because many occur in the mouth. Oral cancer, mouth lesions, gum disease and tooth decay are the most common dental problems caused by smokeless tobacco.

Keeping a pinch between your cheek and gum all day is worse than keeping an all-day sucker tucked in there. The tobacco contains almost as much sugar as the candy but delivers dangerous chemicals as an added bonus. The dangers are two-fold: the tobacco erodes the teeth and also causes the gums to pull away from teeth.

Precancerous Mouth Lesion Screening: Mouth lesions are painful sores that could eventually become cancer. If smokeless tobacco use is stopped, the lesions ordinarily disappear within a year for many dental patients.

Oral Cancer: Smokeless tobacco use increases the risk of several types of life-threatening cancers including those of the mouth, gums, lips, tongue, and throat.

Oral cancers can be as deadly as lung cancer and usually require surgery. If the patient is fortunate and the cancer is successfully removed with surgery, the collateral damage to the face, neck, or jaw is not pretty.

These are the main dental risks of smokeless tobacco. Additionally, I should also mention two other biggies: addiction and heart disease, though those are topics for another day.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton, we perform oral cancer screenings and mouth lesions examinations. To receive more specifics, or schedule an appointment, call 813-519-0128.

If you want to quit using smokeless tobacco products, we recommend that you talk to Dr. Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care, your primary care doctor, or your pharmacist.

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!

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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