Blog

Mar24

Super Smiles Have Strong Enamel

Did you know that enamel is the hardest substance in the body? It’s true! This substance, found on the outer surface of your teeth, truly should last a lifetime. But just because it’s super strong doesn’t mean you don’t have to work to take care of it.

Here are some useful tips for keeping enamel healthy.

1. Pick the right foods for enamel health. It’s no secret that soft drinks weaken your teeth, and don’t think that diet sodas are harmless – the artificial sweeteners can also erode enamel over time. There are also other culinary culprits that can do a lot of harm. Sticky, chewy candies should be avoided. Chewing ice is a no-no. And don’t use your teeth as tools. Take a minute to grab some scissors before you rip open that package with your incisors.

On the flip side, foods with calcium can neutralize acid in your mouth and safeguard your enamel. So, enjoy your dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt!

2. Avoid vigorous brushing and use a soft brush. Also, it’s best to brush about an hour after eating, because foods, especially acidic ones, can soften the enamel, thus making it more prone to weakening from brushing. If your teeth are discolored or yellowish, you may feel you need to brush harder. Instead, examine teeth whitening and communicate with your dentist.

3. Keep stomach acids in check. If you have a problem with severe heartburn, the stomach acid could be traveling up your esophagus and into your mouth. This acid can erode enamel, so it is important to meet with your Gibsonton doctor about treatment.

4. Talk to your dentist about dry mouth and tooth grinding. Lack of saliva is a major dilemma for tooth enamel, and it’s no surprise that teeth grinding can also wear it down. Make sure your dentist is aware if you observe either of these issues.

Hi, my name is Dr. Richard Kernagis. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible, and enamel health is a key component. I also love helping my patients achieve the beautiful smile they want with cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental bonding, veneers, invisible braces, tooth-colored fillings, and dental implants.

My practice, Your Time Dental Urgent Care, is currently accepting new patients. Give us a call at 813-519-0128 to make an appointment!

The following website was used as source material for this blog:
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-teeth-2/tooth-enamel-damage, accessed on September 18, 2013

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 7132

Mar17

Why Visit The Dentist?

In today’s post, we share a personal story from a patient:

For many years, I didn’t have ‘go to the dentist’ at the top of my to-do list.

But all that has changed. I now consider visits a fundamental part of my personal health plan.

Here’s why…

Teeth won’t stay healthy without regular dental visits. I’ve come to realize this more definitively as I get older. From the obvious functional utility to the important cosmetic nature of teeth, we literally can’t live without them.

When it comes to functional utility, teeth are a foundation of our health. We use them to eat every day. The status of our teeth can impose unnecessary restrictions on our diet. With no teeth at all, our diet might be so restricted we don’t get the necessary nutrition.

For those who don’t have teeth, this is a sobering realization. Dentures and other prosthetic solutions can help. There are substitutes for the real thing, but having your own natural teeth is preferred.

When it comes to the cosmetic side, there isn’t an alternative to a bright and toothy smile. It may be the most noticeable element of our face. Having an attractive smile our self-esteem.

I’ve learned that a healthy smile is more than just a nice set of teeth. It contributes to all personal interactions.

Aging combined with poor dental hygiene is perilous for teeth. The simple process of eating causes wear and tear. A continuous bacterial onslaught threatens the protective enamel. Cavities, periodontitis (advanced gum disease), and trauma round out the list of detriments that could separate us from our teeth.

We Want To Help You Have a Healthy Smile

Healthy oral habits are, of course, the best way to keep your teeth in great shape. Practicing daily oral hygiene will improve your health now and in the future.

Regular dental visits are also vital. Your dentist can help you improve the health of your teeth. Your Time Dental Urgent Care can help you discover oral dilemmas before they become destructive.

Since your teeth are central to your overall health, it is critical to find a trusted dentist who can help.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we have extended hours. We can accommodate your schedule.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 7774

Mar10

If My Gums Bleed, Should I Stop Flossing?

This is an important question occasionally asked by patients at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. The answer, however, is “No!” Bleeding is probably a sign that you need to clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly—not leave them alone. It is hardly possible to clean effectively between teeth without using floss or an interdental brush.

If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times you use floss. The bleeding may be due to harmful gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding generally stops within a week or two.

Gingivitis (gum disease) and the more advanced periodontal disease is extremely common in Florida and around the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that half of American adults aged 30 and over have periodontal disease. https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm

If you don’t make flossing a habit, and your gums become sore, swollen, and tender, it could result in gum disease. The good news is that, unlike decay, gum disease can be reversed with improved oral hygiene.

It is vital to correctly use dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth:

Cut a length of floss about 18 inches long.
Securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with.
Thread the floss between two teeth.
Hold the floss tightly against the side of the tooth and move it up and away from the gumline. You want to clean the space between the tooth and gum without pulling more gum tissue away, so it’s critical to scrape up and out of the pocket.
Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to provide a clean section for every tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new one.

Some individuals find it easier to start on one end on the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side. Then repeat for the bottom row. Whatever process you select, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the last molars.

What if you continue flossing for a few weeks and still see bleeding? Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128 to schedule a consultation. Richard Kernagis, DMD, will complete a comprehensive examination to determine the cause of the bleeding.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, our goal is to help patients keep healthy teeth and gums. Our dental hygienists not only complete the most thorough dental cleanings, they also educate patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you have a child who needs extra help learning how to brush and floss correctly, schedule an appointment with our Your Time Dental Urgent Care child-friendly team.

Some patients have perfectly healthy teeth and gums but are not comfortable with their smiles due to cosmetic problems. If you want to explore possibilities for improving your smile, speak with us today at 813-519-0128.

We offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dental care including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, and tooth-colored filling replacement. Ask us about oral sedation options if you need help relaxing during dental treatment. You can count on us to maintain the highest standard of safety and sterility at Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 6969

Mar3

Focusing On The Top 3 At Your Time Dental Urgent Care

I’m Richard Kernagis. I’ve been practicing dentistry here in Gibsonton, Florida since 2001. I have found amazing people in this community. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we focus on three important things as we strive to be your dental provider of choice.

Family

We want to be the dental practice families trust in for quality care, whether for routine preventative services, tooth restoration, or cosmetic dentistry. If your son chips a tooth and is in severe pain, we want to be the first choice that comes to mind. We offer variety for any family’s various dental needs.

root canals
tooth extractions
weekend dental care
dental implants
sedation dentistry

Your Time Dental Urgent Care focuses on your Family.

Facts

When we sit down in consultation and you say “Dr. Richard Kernagis, I need to know the cost of veneers, dental implants, the cost of a dental bridge… I need to know my options.” We’ll give you the bottom line on emergency same day dental care, emergency dental care, and urgent dental care. Whether it’s affordable dental care for quality of life or affordable cosmetic dentistry for increased confidence, we’re here. Look us up or call: https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com 813-519-0128

Your Time Dental Urgent Care focuses on the Facts.

A Friendly, Comfortable, and Safe Environment

We focus on clean, bright, and inviting and follow rigorous standards of sterilization. Our team here at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is friendly, professional, and considerate.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care focuses on a Friendly atmosphere.

We make patients feel comfortable

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 6436

Feb24

A Facelift For Your Teeth?

Today’s post focuses on an effective and versatile cosmetic dental procedure—porcelain veneers.

Veneers are individual covers for the front part of teeth. They are a terrific way to correct a myriad of tooth imperfections such as chips, stains, yellowing, unattractive shape or minimal misalignment.

Have you ever yearned a minimally-invasive facelift for a tooth without getting an entire crown? Veneers are your answer! Strong, tooth-colored porcelain laminate is shaped into thin shells and custom-fitted for each patient’s unique set of teeth.

How many veneers should you get? This depends on how many teeth you want to enhance and the overall condition of your teeth. Dr. Kernagis will counsel you on the most successful strategy.

The thickness, enamel color, alignment, and shape of your teeth impact the result as well as whether you have any gum recession. Veneers are matched to your existing teeth so they will blend seamlessly, but if you are planning to treat several teeth, you definitely want to have them fabricated in the same “batch” at the lab.

The first step in the veneer process is to make a model of your teeth to work from. After that, a dental technician will use the model to engineer the veneers to the exact size, shape, color, and degree of translucency. Experienced cosmetic dentists and dental technicians elevate the level of artistry in this It is an involved process.

Many patients wonder if veneers are as durable as their natural teeth. Though the veneer tooth-prep process weakens the tooth slightly, with proper care, veneers can last up to 15 years. Dr. Kernagis will advise you in detail on the proper care of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are more durable than dental bonding, which is sometimes used to fix the same kinds of imperfections. Dental bonding generally has a shorter life span than veneers, so keep this in mind when comparing the relative prices of the two procedures.

If you are looking for a dentist with an artistic eye for stunning porcelain veneers, give Your Time Dental Urgent Care a call. My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis and I have been serving Gibsonton, Florida since 2001.

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers.aspx4

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 7133

Feb17

Dental Questions? We Have Answers.

Hello! My name is Dr. Richard Kernagis and my dental practice, Your Time Dental Urgent Care, has been serving the Gibsonton area since 2001.

If you have questions about oral health, cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, orthodontia, tooth implants, oral sedation, professional teeth bleaching, or invisible braces, come to Your Time Dental Urgent Care for answers.

My comfortable staff has helped me establish an atmosphere of active listening. We enjoy getting to know our patients and determining each patient’s unique dental needs. We want to understand your dental goals and challenges and help you understand the hows and whys of recommended treatment.

Many of our new dental patients ask us about cosmetic dentistry treatment such as teeth whitening, smile makeovers, and dental implants. We would love to speak with you about these services.

Dental Care For Every Member of the Family

If you have toddlers, it is important for you to make decisions about protective sealants and fluoride supplements. If you have older children, it is beneficial to discuss braces, sports mouthguards, and tooth decay prevention. If you are not happy about your smile, we would like to introduce you to the latest in cosmetic dentistry. If you are missing teeth, dental implants may be the proper solution. If you have a family member with a chronic illness, we can counsel you about the impact their condition has on oral health. Oral cancer screenings are vital for patients of all ages.

Thank you for visiting our dental blog and taking the time to learn more about Your Time Dental Urgent Care. Call today to schedule a consultation.

We make patients feel comfortable

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 7131

Feb10

Relax in Comfort and Style at Your Time Dental Urgent Care In Gibsonton

Thank you for visiting the Your Time Dental Urgent Care dental blog. Today, I’d like to address an important but often-overlooked feature in our practice: the modern dental chair. Did you know that dental chairs don’t come from your local Gibsonton furniture store?

An Overlooked but Critical Piece of Dental Equipment

Dental chairs were designed especially for the comfort of patients and dental providers alike. Dentists throughout the known world are delighted with the recent innovations in seat technology.

Richard Kernagis DMD at Your Time Dental Urgent Care has been leaning over patients since 2001. The adjustable seat has saved Dr. Kernagis from discomfort as services are rendered such as dental implants and sedation dentistry.

We’ve Been Pampering Patients Since 2001

Gibsonton patients have been lying back in Your Time Dental Urgent Care’s comfortable seats since 2001. The cushioned comfort has pampered our patients while allowing Richard Kernagis to comfortably perform important procedures like root canals, tooth extractions, or weekend dental care. Hurray for technology!

Visit Practice in Gibsonton

Visit our office at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, Florida 33534 and enjoy a spectacular view of our ceiling from any one of our distinctive dental chairs. Most Florida dental practices have them and there is probably not much of a difference between theirs and ours.

Discover What Sets Us Apart

What sets us apart is our personal service, professionalism, experience and competitive pricing. With all the overhead that has to be paid for: X-ray equipment, procedure supplies, utilities and, of course, our wonderful chairs, we’re pleased to keep the price of preventative and cosmetic dentistry reasonable for our friends and neighbors in Gibsonton, Florida.

Call our office today at 813-519-0128 to find out if dental restoration, braces, crowns, veneers, tooth implants, sedation, teeth whitening, or any dental procedure is something we can provide for you.

We are proud to offer emergency same day dental care, emergency dental care, and urgent dental care in a comfortable position, in a comfortable chair.

We make patients feel comfortable- Dr. Kernagis

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 5524

Feb3

3 Vital Reasons to Floss Regularly

Are you an avid flosser? Many of us from time to time skip this necessary habit. Studies show that around 68% of men and women report flossing at least once a week while 20% say they really never floss. Skipping the regular flossing routine can have devastating consequences on your overall dental health and bring about costly dental work in the future. Find out more about 3 major ways flossing helps protect us from gingivitis, decay and enhances our social lives.

1. Helps Fight Cavities

Every time we eat, small remnants of food are left behind. It’s common for these tiny bits of food to accumulate in between our teeth without us always being aware. When we floss, it gets rid of all these bits of food and helps reduce the amount of plaque buildup on our teeth.

If we’re not flossing routinely, more and more plaque will form and put us at risk of developing decay. When plaque begins to cover our teeth, the enamel is slowly worn down and can result in a tiny hole which we call a cavity. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once per day to prevent this accumulation of plaque.

2. Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious dental issue and can leave you with fewer teeth if not properly taken care of in a timely manner. There are four stages to gum disease and the first signs usually show up as blood in your gums after flossing or brushing. Anytime we’re flossing and notice this, we can take it as a sign we’re not flossing well enough. The bleeding in our gums creates an accumulation of plaque and tartar along the gumline.

Flossing is a great way to get rid of this plaque from our teeth. With a piece of floss, we can reach areas a toothbrush can’t reach. If we avoid flossing for long bouts, more and more tartar can build up and become harder to remove, so our gums bleed. Plaque and tartar allow certain bacteria to build up and seep in between our gums, damaging our teeth in the process.

3. Freshens Your Breath

Have you ever wondered why your breath is stale at times? This could be due to a lack of flossing, even if you brush routinely. When you brush your teeth, you get rid of small amounts of saliva, food, and a variety of fluids from your teeth. If you don’t brush routinely, everything sticks to your teeth and results in foul-smelling breath. The same thing can happen when we start minimizing the amount of time we spend flossing. Since the food is collecting at a slower rate, we may not notice our breath turning sour. Eventually, this will lead to covering our mouths during the conversation.

Conclusion

Even if flossing is the most challenging part of your oral health regimen, refusing to floss is not worth the risk. Removing the bacteria in between your teeth frequently is crucial to your dental health and will keep your breath smelling fresh.

Flossing and brushing are the best preventative measures to avoid gum disease. Remember to have twice-yearly professional dental cleanings as well. If you’re not currently flossing, it’s best to start sooner rather than later. Unexpected cavities can be expensive to treat and damaging to your health.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 8550

Jan27

Cosmetic Dentistry vs. General Dentistry

Today’s article describes how general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are different.

General dentists are dedicated to preventing and treating oral diseases such as cavities and gum disease. When a problem is diagnosed, let’s say, a cavity between two teeth, a general dentist will identify the best way to restore the tooth involved.

Some dentists, like myself, serve you with both general and cosmetic dentistry services. In some cases, there is a cosmetic component to restorative procedures. For example, if a dental patient comes in after receiving an injury that chipped a front tooth, the tooth needs to be restored to prevent decay. The tooth is also less structurally sound, so it is vulnerable to further damage. In addition, the tooth affects the overall appearance of the smile. Depending on the specifics of the damage, there are several restorative options. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and crowns are all used to repair a damaged tooth.

As you can see, there is not always a definitive line between general and cosmetic dentistry. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, my comfortable team provides a full spectrum of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures.

We treat area patients of all ages: from toddlers just beginning to get their baby teeth to mature patients who remember the days when many men and women were afraid of dentists and their whiny drills. (Some of our wonderful elderly patients might have crowns that are older than our hygienists.)

Experienced dental professionals who perform pediatric, general, orthodontic, and cosmetic dental procedures can meet all of your family’s dental needs.

If you are looking for a full-service dental practice in the Tampa area, I invite you visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. To schedule an oral examination or cosmetic dental smile makeover consultation, call 813-519-0128.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 2986

Jan20

9 Tips For Preventing Gum Disease

Unfortunately, gingivitis (gum disease) is very common. But completely preventable.

Here’s some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

If you keep your teeth and gums healthy, you will only need to visit the dentist for cleanings and checkups. Not major treatment.

1. Brush properly

Brush for two to three minutes, at least twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline. Scrub away the fragments of food Don’t brush too hard, but be thorough. Scrubbing your gums aggressively can be painful and is a BIG don’t.

2. Floss daily

Flossing removes plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t like to floss? Try a floss holder, which makes it far less complicated to insert the floss between teeth. But get over your aversion to flossing, unless you want tooth decay or gum disease.

3. Use a mouth rinse

Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, using a mouth rinse can halt plaque accumulation and keep your enamel strong. Remember that fluoride mouth rinses are not the same as mouthwashes. Mouthwashes have alcohol and are designed to freshen your breath. (But they can worsen dry mouth which can cause other problems.)

4. Eat a healthy diet

Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque. A wholesome diet provides the nutrients needed (Vitamins A and C, in particular) to keep teeth and gums healthy.

5. Skip cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

Both of these habits may result in periodontitis (advanced gum disease) or oral cancer. While you’re at it, avoid E-cigs and vapors.

6. Check your meds

Be aware that certain medications can also threaten a healthy mouth. These include oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines. If your medications are affecting your dental health, meet with Dr. Kernagis.

7. Make preventative care a priority

Exercise preventive care and schedule regular evaluations — the ideal way to detect early signs of gum disease and make a plan to reverse it.

8. Talk to your dentist

Talk to your dentist about dental issues such as old, broken fillings or crowded teeth.

9. Protect your teeth

If you grind your teeth, talk with Dr. Kernagis about ways to protect your smile. If you participate in contact sports, use a custom mouthguard.

Listed above are nine simple ways to ensure your teeth don’t decay, or worse, fall out completely. It’s vital to brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Bonus points for brushing and/or rinsing after lunch. Daily dental hygiene also keeps your breath fresh. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate that!

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 8129

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

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

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

We Want To Help You Have a Healthy Smile

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

An Overlooked but Critical Piece of Dental Equipment

We’ve Been Pampering Patients Since 2001

Visit Practice in Gibsonton

Discover What Sets Us Apart

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

1. Helps Fight Cavities

2. Prevents Gum Disease

3. Freshens Your Breath

Conclusion

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

Here’s some simple ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

1. Brush properly

2. Floss daily

3. Use a mouth rinse

4. Eat a healthy diet

5. Skip cigarettes and smokeless tobacco

6. Check your meds

7. Make preventative care a priority

8. Talk to your dentist

9. Protect your teeth

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

South Shore – Gibsonton

FishHawk – Lithia

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