Dental Health

Jun3

Why Is Dry Mouth Risky For Your Teeth?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Why Is Dry Mouth Dangerous For Gibsonton Dental Patients?Hello, welcome to the Your Time Dental Urgent Care blog. Today we are going to talk about Dry Mouth, an unpleasant condition that can actually impact oral health.

Reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a common dilemma, especially among older adults. However, individuals 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.

Sometimes dry mouth is caused by a disease or infection, but a more frequent cause of dry mouth is prescription medications.

Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers (all used extensively in Gibsonton) are just some of the drugs that list ‘dry mouth’ as a common side effect.

It is common for allergy-prone Your Time Dental Urgent Care dental patients to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the hay fever season.

Aside from being an uncomfortable nuisance, untreated dry mouth can cause tooth damage. Adequate saliva is needed to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acidic environment caused by plaque. Extensive tooth decay can occur in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

If you are unsure of the cause of your dry mouth, or if you are looking for dry mouth treatments, call Your Time Dental Urgent Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Kernagis.

 

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

 

ArticleID 3085
May6

Should Teens See a General or Pediatric Dentist?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

when should my child transition from a pediatric to general dentist? Tampa

Some moms and dads in the Tampa area bring their child to a pediatric dentist. Others use a general or family dentist for every member of their household.

What’s the difference between a pediatric dentist and a general dentist?

Pediatric dentists have specialized training to treat infants, young children and adolescents. They use special dental tools created for smaller mouths. Some pediatric dentists have training in child psychology which can help make children feel comfortable during dental treatment.

When should my child transition from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist? Some parents transition their youngsters to a general dentist as soon as all their child’s permanent teeth come in. Other parents have their children see a pediatric dentist until their late teens.

Does your teen feel comfortable at a pediatric dental practice?

Sometimes, when a child hits their early teen years, they feel uncomfortable at a pediatric dental practice. This is especially true if the office is furnished and geared toward toddlers and pre-teens. In this case, the teen may choose the right time to transition.

Above all, it’s important that your child feels comfortable at the dentist. If your child starts feeling like they are too old to see a pediatric dentist, it’s time to switch to a general dentist.

We understand the oral health needs of your son or daughter.

Remember that the team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is willing and able to address adolescent dental needs. We are happy to treat your teen through their adolescent years.

What dental issues should I be watching for during adolescence?

First off, pay attention to your teenager’s nutrition. As children become more independent, they start making more of their own food choices. If you visit any Gibsonton-area middle school or high school during lunch, you will notice that some teens drink soda and energy drinks. Most of those teens most likely drank milk during elementary school. Make sure you get enough calcium to keep your teeth strong. Vaping and smoking take a toll on physical and dental health. Unfortunately, they are too common among the teen group in the Tampa area.

Your dentist is an essential member of your teen’s healthcare team.

Your dentist can help you understand how their diet and lifestyle influence their oral health. If your son or daughter struggles with an eating disorder, a dentist can address any related dental issues. If your teen is undergoing orthodontic treatment, your dentist can monitor their teeth closely during a time when it’s more difficult to keep teeth clean and free of cavities

Regardless of when you transition your teen to a general dentist, make sure they see a dentist at least twice a year. Continue to monitor their oral hygiene practices and set a good example. Watch out for destructive habits. Furthermore, make sure they wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports.

The team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care has been serving families in the Tampa area since 2001. We value the relationships we have developed with our patients and their families. If you are looking for an experienced, caring family and general dentist in the Gibsonton area, give us a call to schedule a consultation.

 

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

 

ArticleID 8616
Feb4

Foaming At The Mouth: Are You Brushing Right?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Dental Health, Restorative Dentistry

Gibsonton affordable family dentist

In today’s post, let’s examine some specifics about brushing. One key to activating the value of toothpastes is creating foam when correctly brushing.

Working up a good foam is achieved by pre-wetting the toothbrush, then attacking at a 45 rather than 90-degree angle. The foaming helps with dislodging food debris from nooks and crannies in the mouth. Go ahead and swish it around at the completion of brushing to pick up any stragglers. The abrasives in toothpaste are designed to polish the teeth without damaging the enamel.

Because of the abrasives, soft toothbrushes are perfect for proper brushing. Harder bristles can put the enamel and gum line at risk. When the gum line recedes from aggressive brushing (or any other cause) a patient may see tooth pain, increased build-up, and decay, tooth structure weakening, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

The fluoride in the toothpaste promotes remineralization when the paste has been rubbed around on all surfaces of all teeth in the entire mouth. This takes time so be certain you brush for at least 2-3 minutes.

Moreover, remember that flossing is vital and rounds out the 5 minutes each day to give you healthy, pain-free chewing for years and years to come.

To recap:

  • Wet a soft bristle toothbrush
  • Use fluoridated toothpaste
  • Brush at 45-degree angle
  • Brush gently for 2-3 minutes
  • Cover every surface of every tooth
  • Swish around in the mouth before spitting out
  • Floss gently around each tooth and don’t overlook the back surface of the rear molars
  • Rinse out debris

This article is brought to you by Your Time Dental Urgent Care, a reputable dental practice in Gibsonton. We are passionate about dental education and confident smiles for all.

Dr. Richard Kernagis has been serving Gibsonton area families since 2001. We are located at 13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B in Gibsonton. Contact us at 813-519-0128 or https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com.

Ask us about our dental payment options, accepted insurance companies, and the general and cosmetic services we offer. And brush well until we see you, it will be worth every foamy second!

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

 

ArticleID 6935
Jan21

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergency, Dental Health

Periodontal Disease in Florida Though most Florida residents are fairly health-conscious, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we see patients with gum disease every day. Some patients aren’t even aware they have it until Dr. Richard Kernagis diagnoses it. Fortunately, it can be treated with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be managed and, ultimately, cured. However, the best policy for Florida dental patients is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check-up at your local Gibsonton dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, give us a call at 813-519-0128 to schedule a dental check-up and cleaning. Don’t take the risk of allowing existing dental problems like gum disease to progress. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to the highest standard of dental care and patient satisfaction.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B
Gibsonton, Florida 33534
813-519-0128

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Lithia, FL 33547
813-571-5555

 

ArticleID 140
Dec31

Smart Brushing is Better Than Aggressive Brushing

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health

cost of dental crowns Tampa

Most men and women brush their teeth (at least we hope so). However, there are many who brush inadequately but don’t realize that their dental hygiene practices may be contributing to oral problems.

They may pride themselves on their daily dental hygiene, but frequency does not make up for incorrect methods. One of the most common errors—especially for adolescents—is rapid, aggressive teeth cleaning with a hard bristle toothbrush.

There is a certain logic to this method; when you want to clean smooth surfaces like bathroom tiles, you scrub with a hard brush, right? The problem is that teeth and gums have special characteristics that require finesse. While enamel is sturdy, the soft tissues in the mouth are not designed for intense scouring.

If you use hard bristles against possible cavity makers, froth at the mouth, speed through those 30 inches of tooth surface and spit everything out in less than a minute, this article is for you.

Effects of Quick, Hard Brushing:

The friendly dental hygienists at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton teach patients the proper way to brush teeth. With a slow, deliberate two minutes twice daily, you can take control of your dental hygiene, improve your oral health, and lower the risk of future problems.

Smart Brushing Trumps Aggressive Brushing:

  • Plaque is soft enough to scratch off with a fingernail, so brush accordingly with soft bristles
  • Holding the toothbrush at the correct angle achieves a thorough cleaning
  • Proper tooth brushing can prolong that marvelous professional-cleaning feel
  • Flossing is easier without sore, bleeding gums

If you have already damaged your teeth or gums through aggressive or haphazard brushing, it’s critical to fix those dilemmas and get back on track. Call 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

813-519-0128

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B
Gibsonton, Florida 33534
813-519-0128

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Lithia, FL 33547
813-571-5555

 

ArticleID 6562
Dec24

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth, Tampa

Today’s post discusses the often misunderstood subject of wisdom teeth.

The Third Molars

Wisdom teeth are sometimes called the third molars because they are even farther back in the mouth than the two sets of regular molars we all have. These four teeth usually erupt when a person is eighteen or nineteen.

Many dentists recommend that wisdom teeth be removed to prevent misplacement in the mouth.

Wisdom Can Cause Oral Problems

If a wisdom tooth doesn’t fully erupt, it may cause an opening in the gums that can attract bacteria and become infected. Partially erupted wisdom teeth can also make it difficult to practice proper oral hygiene.

Some wisdom teeth are so misplaced that they can actually cause problems with the jaw bone or alter the patient’s bite. These conditions can cause severe pain.

If you are in the Tampa area and are wondering if your wisdom teeth need to be removed, call us today at 813-519-0128 to schedule an appointment. We can assess the condition and placement of your wisdom teeth and discuss a treatment plan.

If you have a teenager heading off to college, make sure his/her wisdom teeth are taken care of before they move out of state. You might not be able to find a dental provider in your network and extraction will be more expensive.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care is a Full-Service Dental Practice

In addition to wisdom teeth extraction, we provide comprehensive preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Ask us about urgent dental care, emergency dental care, and sedation dentistry. We accept most Florida dental insurance. But don’t let a lack of dental insurance keep you from having regular dental exams and cleanings. Talk to our office about cash prices for exams and cleanings and financing for more extensive services.

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

 

ArticleID 4110
Dec17

Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

are floss picks as good as regular floss? Apollo Beach

Are floss picks as good as regular floss?

Which is better, a floss pick or regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Kernagis recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why:

A floss pick holds just a small piece of floss stretched in a straight line. Looking down, a tooth is shaped somewhat round or oval, with occasional irregularities. A straight segment of floss just doesn’t make sense geometrically because it doesn’t conform to the contours of the tooth as well as traditional floss used correctly. By wrapping the floss completely around the circumference of a tooth, you can more capably clean that crucial area around and just below the gumline. And your fingers are much more nimble than a piece of plastic.

We have seen patients who are vigilant floss pick users who developed decay due to a small crack the floss pick missed day after day.

Here is a guide to appropriate flossing:

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long and securely wind each end around your middle fingers.
2. Take hold of the floss with your forefinger and thumb leaving about two inches to work with. Thread the floss between two teeth.
3. Hold the floss firmly 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 vital to scrape up and out of the pocket.
4. Move the floss around the tooth to clean every surface—especially those that your brush can’t reach. You can use a “shoeshine” method if you like. As you use a section of floss, unwind from one hand to access a clean piece. With 18 inches, you should have enough to deliver a clean segment for each tooth. If you run out, that’s okay. Just toss the used piece and cut a new length.
5. Some people find it easier to start on one end of the upper teeth and clean each gap one by one until they reach the end on the opposite side, and then repeat for the lower arch. Whatever method you decide on, make sure you clean around every tooth, including the back surfaces of the rear molars.
6. If you have never flossed before, your gums might bleed the first few times. The bleeding may be due to gum inflammation, the beginnings of gum disease. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding commonly stops within a week or two.

 

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B
Gibsonton, Florida 33534
813-519-0128

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Road
Lithia, FL 33547
813-571-5555

 

ArticleID 7340
Nov26

The 5 Stages of a Cavity

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

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. Let’s discuss the five stages of a cavity. Remember, at stage one, it can be reversed.

Stage 1: Attack of the Little White Spots

At this stage, the tooth begins to show signs that something’s going on. The first evidence is little white spots. Though they are under the surface of the enamel, you can see them from the outside.

Demineralization will bring about these spots. When they occur in children’s molars, it can be easy for parents to miss them. That’s why daily dental hygiene and regular dental exams are essential. If you have children, make sure you bring them for regular dental exams.

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

Can Stage 1 be reversed? Yes!

Stage 2: Enamel Decay

Did you know that tooth 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 withstand 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 taken out.

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 decay (and infection) has 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 exceptionally painful.

It’s also dangerous 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.

https://www.yourtimedentalurgentcare.com/root-canal-gibsonton-fl/

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B
Lithia, FL 33547
FishHawk Phone: 813-710-9789

Oct29

Patient Education Improves Dental Outcomes

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Fishhawk family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we enjoy providing guidance on oral health.

We know that optimal dental health depends on good habits, so we want you to have all the information you need to practice those habits.

We make sure we explain all procedures and answer our patients’ questions. We also explain how to care for your teeth post-procedure.

We also help patients understand how to improve their smile cosmetically. We work to make patients aware of the numerous cosmetic dental procedures that can improve smiles dramatically. Procedures such as teeth whitening and veneers are simple but can have amazing results.

If you are in the Gibsonton area and are seeking an experienced dentist with excellent communication skills, give us a call.

We can answer any questions you have about emergency dentistry, dental implants or general dentistry.

We perform tooth extractions, treat dental decay, and whiten smiles with in-office teeth whitening.

As a provider of emergency dental services, we offer extended hours to serve our patients. But we are a full-service general and cosmetic dental practice as well. Your Time Dental Urgent Care can serve all of your family’s dental needs. We’ve been serving Gibsonton families since 2001.

We make patients feel comfortable.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

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

 

ArticleID 8203
Oct15

Patient-Centered Dental Care

Categories: Dental Emergency, Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton affordable family dentist

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing patient-focused dental care of the highest standard.

We are here to help you. You could be our next success story!

What is patient-focused care?

A check-up with no cavities? A brilliant smile? A crown that looks as natural as the surrounding teeth?

It could mean all those things and many more.

For a child, dental success could be defined as a childhood free of cavities. Learning proper dental hygiene. Plus gaining an understanding of why it’s important.

What about a local Gibsonton adolescent who is hesitant to smile because of crooked teeth? The solution is a successful course of orthodontic treatment. The result is a beautiful smile that boosts morale.

What about the Gibsonton man who suffered dental trauma in an accident? Patient-focused care could be dental implants that restore oral health and tooth function.

For a woman with tetracycline stains but otherwise healthy teeth, patient-centered care may be as simple as quick in-office same-day tooth whitening.

Consider someone with several missing teeth who can only eat soft foods. Patient-focused care could mean natural-looking implant-anchored dentures that allow the patient to eat steak for the first time in years.

We serve your specific dental needs

What are your goals for your smile? What is the current state of your oral health? Schedule a consultation with Richard Kernagis.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care

Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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

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

ArticleID 8205