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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.

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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.

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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!

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ArticleID 8129

Jan13

We Understand Dental Anxiety

Dental professionals in the Gibsonton area (including the team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care) are dedicated to oral health. Unfortunately, some men and women rarely go to the dentist. Others have the misconception that you only need to go to the dentist when you have a toothache.

In addition, there are those who have severe dental anxiety. Perhaps you fall into this category.

Dental anxiety is real, we get it.

If you are uneasy about dental visits, here are a few recommendations that may help ease you into consistent dental checkups. Certainly, enriched oral health will elevate your quality of life.

Choose a dentist you can trust.

I understand how challenging it can be to seek dental treatment. That’s why I make sure my patients are relaxed before I examine their teeth. First, I ask you many questions. I want to get to know you and help you get to know me. Communication builds a connection. A connection leads to a trusting relationship.

The more I know about you, the easier I can help you.

Be prepared to provide me with vital information about your lifestyle and health. Many men and women are intimidated at a dentist office. Because of this, they may hesitate to disclose sensitive issues.

We are here to help, regardless of your history or oral condition.

There is nothing in your past that we haven’t dealt with. Neglecting oral health. Drug use. Eating disorders. Regardless of your history, we have helped patients with similar problems.

In order to help you, I need complete accurate details. Bring notes if you are worried that you will forget something.

Also, during treatment, tell what you are experiencing so I can help you feel more relaxed. If we discover that you are going to need a dental procedure more extensive than filling a cavity, let’s discuss sleep dentistry.

Oral sedation is safe and effective.

The most important thing to know is that oral conscious sedation or sleep dentistry is perfectly safe. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we have been providing sedation since 2001. We offer different levels of sedation and a choice of medication including oral analgesics, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation.

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, our comfortable staff will work to make your visit as pleasant as possible.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 8615

Jan6

Beating Horrible Halitosis

“My neighbor’s bad breath is scaring me.”

I’m Dr. Kernagis with Your Time Dental Urgent Care. I’d like to take a few minutes to share with you some insight about halitosis.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove bits of food between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth, and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food you are eating can influence the odor in your mouth. Onions, garlic, and coffee are likely to show up on the breath no matter how much time is logged brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause a lack of saliva which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth, or even a runny nose can cause an odor. The microbe balance in the mouth is ever-changing.

Finally, dentures or removable appliances may also carry bacteria that need to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums, and sides of the mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3. Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

Again, I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis. Located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, Florida. We offer root canals, tooth extractions, weekend dental care, dental implants, and sedation dentistry just to name a few of our services.

We make patients feel comfortable

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 6129

Dec30

5 Reasons To See Dr. Kernagis

When we are young, we feel powerful. We think we will live forever, and we know more than our parents. As we age, we soon discover that invincibility fades, forever isn’t as long as we thought, and we begin to appreciate the collective wisdom of those who have gone before us.

Since you have probably appreciated by now that your teeth are not invincible, today’s article offers some important counsel about your oral health.

Developing a relationship with an experienced, dentist is important for maintaining healthy smiles for every member of the family. Here are 5 reasons to make Dr. Richard Kernagis your partner in oral health.

Visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care For the Truth.
Visiting the dentist regularly is one of the wisest moves a parent can make for their child. A child’s oral health is a journey of guiding and correcting. Healthy habits are formed over time. Perhaps last year it was about refraining from chewing ice, this year it’s about brushing at the base of the molars and next year it will be about flossing daily. Best to get the bad habits repaired right away. The same holds true for adults. Regular visits can correct a course that may eventually lead to pain, gum disease, damaged teeth, or complete tooth loss. Potential problems are best discovered sooner than later.

Visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care For the Atmosphere.
At Your Time Dental Urgent Care the dentist makes it a point to determine your needs. Whether you have urgent concerns or just need a routine check up on the state of your oral health, Dr. Richard Kernagis would like to be your first choice. We’ve got a staff second to none. We keep the atmosphere comfortable.

Visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care For the Discussion.
Richard Kernagis DMD delivers valuable assessment and discussion regarding emergency same day dental care, emergency dental care, and urgent dental care. Dr. Kernagis provides fresh, clear details regarding your treatment. You can count on understanding care and cutting-edge oral treatment. Call 813-519-0128 today to schedule an appointment.

Visit Your Time Dental Urgent Care For the Answers.
When you enter our doors at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B, Gibsonton, Florida 33534, expect to get answers. What are the pros and cons of sedation dentistry or the advantages and disadvantages of braces and at what age are each appropriate? How much does it cost for tooth extractions? How much for fillings and crowns? How long does it take for root canals? Who is a candidate for dental implants?

Visit Us For Your Health!
Health is maintained through regular check-ups, maintenance, and preventative measures. Enjoy continued health and vibrancy as a result of superior dental care, vigilant dental hygiene, and healthy habits. Dr. Richard Kernagis is pleased to offer strength, time and wisdom to our Lithia and nearby Apollo Beach neighbors. We will keep your smile invincible.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 6707

Dec23

Test Your Cosmetic Dentistry IQ

Are you up on the latest cosmetic dentistry procedures offered by your Fish Hawk, Tampa, or Lithia dentist? Take our quiz and find out!

1. This popular treatment uses a dental composite that resembles enamel. This composite is applied to the surface of the teeth, sculpted, and then hardened and polished.

A. Veneers
B. Flossing
C. Defanging
D. Bonding

The correct answer is D, bonding.

2. This procedure, which can be done by your dentist or at your Gibsonton, Florida area home is very common and its main purpose it to lighten the color of one’s teeth.

A. Teeth Bleaching
B. Teeth Whitening
C. Inlays and Onlays
D. Buffing the Ol’ Pearly Whites

The correct answer is B, teeth whitening, though it is also called teeth bleaching.

3. These thin, porcelain coverings are custom-made for each mouth and are usually used to close gaps or cover discolored teeth.

A. Wax lips
B. Bleaching trays
C. Veneers
D. Tooth socks

The correct answer is C, veneers, however, tooth socks do sound cozy!

4. Which dentist serving the Tampa area can skillfully perform state-of-the-science cosmetic dentistry procedures to give you a celebrity-caliber smile?

A. Dr. Richard Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care
B. Dr. Bertha Bicuspid
C. Dr. Leo Spaceman
D. Dr. Whitey Toothson

The correct answer is A, Dr. Richard Kernagis.

Hi, I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. We serve the Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia areas with superior experience and care. If you have any questions about our services or about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as tooth whitening or smile makeovers, please contact us today.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 5040

Dec16

The Five Stages of a Cavity

You may have heard that once tooth enamel is eroded, it’s gone forever. This is partially true, but in the earliest stage of enamel erosion, a cavity can be reversed.

Reverse a cavity before it needs a filling

If you can restrict cavities in youngsters, there’s a better chance that their teeth can stay healthy through adolescence and into adulthood.

This is because the rate of tooth decay declines as youngsters grow.

Of course, cavity prevention is important throughout our life.

Let’s explore the five stages of a cavity.

Stage 1: Attack of the Little White Spots

The tooth begins to show signs of weakening. White spots appear. They are under the surface of the enamel, but you can see them from the outside.

Demineralization will lead to these spots. When they occur in children’s molars, it can be easy for moms and dads to miss them. That’s why daily dental hygiene and regular dental exams are vital.

At this stage, it’s possible to reverse a cavity before it needs a filling. Dental hygiene can stop erosion. Fluoride can remineralize the enamel.

Can Stage 1 be reversed? Yes!

Stage 2: Enamel Decay

Did you know that decay begins under the surface of the enamel?

The visible enamel is intact for the first part of Stage 2. Then the hole busts through the surface.

Can Stage 2 be reversed? No…but the tooth can probably be saved.

Stage 3: Going Deeper Into the Dentin

The decay drills into the enamel and hits the soft dentin layer that lies below. This is a severe cavity.

The good news?

The decay hasn’t yet reached the pulp. It will, however, start to cause pain.

Can Stage 3 be reversed? No…but maybe the tooth won’t need a root canal.

Stage 4: Ouch! The Decay Hits the Pulp

Hopefully, you will never experience stage 4. This is very painful. The infection has reached the pulp where the nerves are located. Unfortunately, a root canal is the only treatment option. Unless, of course, the tooth is removed.

Remember, cavities are completely preventable.

Can Stage 4 be reversed? No…and it must be treated with a root canal.

Stage 5: Abscess Distress

The cavities (and infection) have traveled through the pulp and out the end. In the final stage, it drills through the tip. Now the infection is in the tissue and bone surrounding the tooth root. The area swells up and it’s very painful.

It’s also perilous for anyone’s health. This is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body. Abscesses originating in a tooth can be fatal.

Can Stage 5 be reversed? No…and it’s life-threatening.

Protect your teeth from decay so you can have a healthy smile for life.

If you see little white dots, schedule an exam and dental cleaning at Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 8247

Dec9

The Unsung Heroes Of Dentistry

In today’s post, we will veer a bit off the beaten path, so to speak, and examine an important dental specialty; forensic dentistry. The official term for the use of dentistry in criminal cases and post-mortem identification is forensic odontology. These specialists are rarely recognized but play a crucial role in crime and disaster investigations.

Dental X-rays, dentures, and bite marks are all used to provide clues about the victim’s identity and/or the manner of death. A person’s teeth are as unique as fingerprints and can often survive forces such as fire, explosions, submersion in water, and natural decay without being destroyed.

Identifying One Victim

Identifying a victim through dental records is aided immensely when authorities have narrowed down a group of suspected victims to just a few people (or, ideally, just one) and can consult the dentists who had treated them. When the identity is entirely unknown, a forensic dentist searches other databases such as those kept by the armed forces and prisons.3

Identifying Hundreds of Victims

While identifying one victim of a homicide or accident can be relatively simple, natural disasters, plane crashes, and other large-scale tragedies are exponentially more complicated.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Burkes, chief forensic dental consultant for the 9/11 attacks, over 140 dentists worked to identify the fragments of remains that were recovered from the scene of the terrorist attacks. The identification effort was an exceptionally painstaking and complicated process. First, the dentists were assigned to one of four teams. The Go Team gathered evidence from the scene, the Antemortem Team analyzed existing dental records of presumed victims, the Postmortem Team X-rayed the recovered dental evidence, and the Comparison Team compared the X-rays of the remains of unknown corpses to the files of missing people thought to have been at the scene.²

¹Ashley Hayes, “How authorities identify a burned body,” CNN, February 13, 2013, http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/13/health/burned-body-id/, accessed February 20, 2017
²James Berry, Clayton Luz, Arlene Furlong, Craig Palmer, “Forensic Dentistry: Identifying the Victims of 9/11” Dental Practice Management, December 1, 2001,http://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/forensic-dentistry-identifying-the-victims-of-9-11/, accessed February 20, 2017
³Dr. Vincent Funaro, “Charts, Radiographs, Study Models: A Forensic Trilogy, January 1, 2006, Dentistry Today, http://www.dentistrytoday.com/forensic-dentistry/1159-, accessed February 20, 2017

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ArticleID 7357

Dec2

Use Flex Account Funds For Dental Care

If you have money in your Gibsonton flexible spending account you may want to schedule some cosmetic dentistry before the deadline. Remember, you lose any funds left over after the plan year ends. Why not improve your smile with tax-free dollars?

Even a small change can make a big difference in the appearance of your teeth. You might consider getting a veneer for a chipped tooth or replacing a broken crown. Maybe you want to straighten your teeth with braces or replace amalgam fillings with ones that blend with your natural teeth. Tooth whitening is quick and easy and benefits even the most attractive smiles.

Perhaps aesthetic dentistry is not your first priority. Maybe you have a more pressing dental need such as a cavity that is bothering you or swollen gums. Don’t let these problems get worse and possibly more expensive to treat.

Call 813-519-0128 to book a consultation at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. We are located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B.

Richard Kernagis is one of the most sought-after Gibsonton dentists and stays at the forefront of cosmetic dentistry techniques and technology. A radiant smile is possible for anyone in the Tampa area, regardless of issues such as tetracycline stains, periodontal disease, or missing teeth.

If you are planning to use flex account funds for Tampa dentistry, make sure you check your employer’s guidelines for eligible cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.

With a smile makeover at Your Time Dental Urgent Care, what will your “after” photo look like?

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

ArticleID 969

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