While dissatisfactory oral hygiene is the most frequent cause of halitosis, many conditions can contribute to or exacerbate the condition. One of these is the lack of saliva or xerostomia.
Saliva and Oral Health Saliva moistens the teeth and gums and removes odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks, and the minerals in saliva help to maintain enamel durability. Immunoproteins in saliva curb the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis. Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This protects against decay and infections.
Many men and women suffer from dry mouth infrequently; perhaps when they are perceiving anxiety or stress. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using OTC saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.
If you have occasional periods of dry mouth, there is probably nothing to worry about. Constant dry mouth, however, can bring about additional oral and physical health dilemmas.
I am Dr. Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care. I have been treating xerostomia and bad breath since 2001. If you suffer from either condition, we recommend that you book an exam and consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will help you discover the source and guide you on treatment.
Many Gibsonton dental patients are turning to metal-free dentistry. Instead of amalgam fillings, they choose composite and porcelain restorations. Non-metal fillings and crowns can be matched perfectly to your natural tooth color. Some people are sensitive to the metals used in standard fillings. Non-metal materials can prevent potential tooth sensitivity.
Controversy Over Whether Dental Amalgam is Toxic
Another one of the issues with dental amalgam is that it contains a small amount of mercury. Some dental patients are worried that mercury is toxic or dangerous to one’s health.
Both the American Dental Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have reviewed volumes of research and concluded that dental amalgam does not pose a health risk.
“FDA has reviewed the best available scientific evidence to determine whether the low levels of mercury vapor associated with dental amalgam fillings are a cause for concern. Based on this evidence, FDA considers dental amalgam fillings safe for adults and children ages 6 and above. The weight of credible scientific evidence reviewed by FDA does not establish an association between dental amalgam use and adverse health effects in the general population.”(FDA)
That said, many patients do not want any metal in their mouth, regardless of what the FDA and ADA says. This leads to the question “Is there a metal-free alternative to titanium for dental implants?”
Some implant dentists offer Zirconia implants.
What Are Zirconia Implants?
Zirconia tooth implants are routinely touted as a non-metal alternative to titanium posts.
Is Zirconia Actually Metal-Free?
As it turns out, the answer to this question is complex. And you will get different answers depending on whether you consult a manufacturer of Zirconia tooth implants, an implant dentist who prefers titanium, or a scientist who has no ties to the dental industry.
Consider the following:
“Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a very durable type of metal that’s related to titanium, although it’s categorized as a type of ceramic crown.”(Healthline.com)
“Is it misleading when we call zirconium restorations “metal-free”? We all are agreed that titanium is a metal. Zirconium is chemically a metal and has been used in alloys. Its atomic number is 40. To say that Titanium is metal and that Zirconium is not is showing a poor knowledge of chemistry. Zirconium dioxide, an oxidized form of Zirconium that is used for restorations, is a metal. We would not call rust — iron oxide — anything but metal. Now we have a new generation of zirconium dioxide implant fixtures and they are advertised as “metal-free” and calling them ceramic.” (Osseonews.com)
“Zirconium is a silver-gray transition metal, a type of element that is malleable and ductile and easily forms stable compounds.”(LiveScience.com)
How are Zirconia and Titanium Implants Similar?
Both materials are FDA approved, biocompatible and safe to use for dental implants.
Why Don’t all Dental Implant Dentists offer Zirconia Implants?
There are many reasons.
Some dental implant dentists don’t believe they are as durable as titanium dental implants.
Some dental implant dentists don’t offer them because they can’t be used in a variety of configurations. For example, they are not suited for complete mouth restorations and implant-anchored dentures.
Some dental implant dentists don’t perform them because they believe they have a slight risk of fracture–especially narrow diameter Zirconia dental implants.
Some dental implant dentists believe they haven’t proven to provide long-term success.
“A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, concluded, “Survival rates and marginal bone loss of zirconia implants are promising, but more evidence on long-term outcomes is needed.”(JADA)
So what do you do if you are interested in getting a dental implant but you don’t want titanium in your mouth? Talk to Dr. Kernagis.
Don’t count on marketing hype to make important decisions about dental implant procedures. Consult a doctor who has been placing tooth implants successfully since 2001 and has a legacy of satisfied patients.
Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Tampa dental patients. As your Dr., I’m devoted to helping you care for your teeth and keep them healthy. Everyone in Tampa knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires thorough daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Tampa dental practice are also necessary for preventing cavities and maintaining proper dental hygiene.
We typically forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial to your teeth. A diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local Tampa foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as bread and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.
Saliva is critical to healthy teeth because it assists with maintaining the pH balance in your mouth. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum.
Just as certain diet choices in the Tampa area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be dangerous. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars – especially soda and energy drinks – are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.
Making good diet choices and limiting between-meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums. If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth in the Gibsonton area, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128. We would love to hear from you.
Restorative dentistry has advanced significantly over the years and there are now several effective ways to correct decayed teeth. In today’s post, we are going to focus on two similar types of restorations: dental inlays and onlays.
Where possible, an inlay or an onlay can be a less-invasive alternative to a complete crown and either one is usually more affordable than a porcelain crown procedure.
Inlays/onlays are “indirect fillings,” meaning that they are produced in a lab and placed whole on the tooth. A traditional “direct filling” is applied to the tooth while the material is malleable and then shaped by the dentist.
An inlay is used to fix the surface of a damaged tooth, often to fill a small cavity or a natural pit that is at risk for decay.
Typically porcelain or composite resin is used for inlays; these materials are tough and look very natural because the color can be matched exactly to the surrounding teeth. An inlay is precisely fitted to your tooth and looks, feels, and functions as the previous tooth.
An onlay covers a larger part of the tooth. Because they cover such a large area of the tooth, they are often referred to as partial crowns. Onlays are usually applied to the biting surface of the tooth. Just like inlays, they are specifically fitted to the damaged part of the tooth. Composite resin and porcelain are also the main materials used to create an onlay. As mentioned before, inlays and onlays serve an important role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we provide first rate dental care including inlays and onlays. If you have one or more teeth that has a cavity, crack, or excessive wear, call 813-519-0128 to make an appointment today.
Believe it or not plaque can rear its ugly head in any Gibsonton mouth – even yours – no matter how meticulous you try to be. If you have deep grooves, watch out. If you have a receding gum line, watch out. If you are a candy-loving Gibsonton resident with the proverbial sweet tooth, watch out.
The plaque process goes something like this: Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth, always will. Bacteria will try to colonize on the smooth surfaces of your teeth. At first, it will be soft enough to be removed with a fingernail. After 48 hours, it will start to harden. Give it 10 days and it will be that substance most difficult to remove, tartar. (See picture.) This bacteria will feed on sugars and produce acid that will eat away the tissues of the tooth and lead to cavities. Cavities will originate on the surface and spread on and through the tooth. The best way to deal with plaque is to have a consistent removal process, i.e. regular daily brushing and flossing after eating and even sleeping.
A fabulous smile with fabulous teeth isn’t always the reality for Tampa, Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia folks. We encourage anyone in the Tampa area who is unhappy with their smile to consider the benefits of a smile makeover.
Cosmetic dentistry can be a significant investment but the truth of just how much it will cost for veneers, braces, dental implants and even teeth whitening may surprise you. At our Gibsonton cosmetic dentistry office you can expect to learn about urgent dental care, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and any number of other dental services.
Richard Kernagis has been serving the Gibsonton area since 2001. Call 813-519-0128 to schedule a consultation.
If you are dreading some upcoming dental treatment, you may want to consider oral conscious sedation. First off, 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.
When choosing a type of sedation, it is helpful to consider the type of anxiety (fear of immobility, fear of loss of control, fear of pain, etc), the specific procedure(s) you will undergo, the length of time required to complete the treatment, past experiences during treatment, and any complicating health problems. Call 813-519-0128 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Kernagis to discuss your options.
Perhaps you have a dentist-wary child who needs treatment. For simple dental procedures, topical anesthetics are applied to the gums and other tissues reducing sensation. If your child requires more sedation, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia are both safe options.
Perhaps Mommy is the one who is anxious about her child undergoing dental work. Sorry – we can’t sedate you while your child is being treated – but you can take comfort in the fact that we take excellent care of our youngest patients. We make sure they are comfortable, relaxed, and understand exactly what is going to happen. Our team of child-friendly dental professionals has been putting children at ease since 2001.
Regular dental check-ups are critical for your child’s lifelong oral health, so it is important that your child has a positive experience during dental visits. If possible, don’t let your child know that you have dental anxiety. If he/she already knows, explain why your fears are unreasonable and why you are having treatment regardless of your anxiety. Show them how brave Mommy is because she wants healthy teeth.
Your Time Dental Urgent Care offers full-service dental care including sedation dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and urgent dental care. Thanks for visiting our blog. Check back for more helpful dental details from Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton.
Today’s post focuses on a problem experienced by many people – bad breath.
Bad breath, or halitosis, has several causes. The most frequent cause is poor oral hygiene. Often, halitosis develops midday arising from the inability to brush teeth between meals. Small food pieces on the teeth, gums, and tongue grow bacteria. The wastes of the bacteria and decay of the food create a sulfur compound, which emits the nasty odor. Food particles, bacteria, and sulfuric gas all need to be removed to eliminate bad breath caused by poor oral hygiene.
While poor oral hygiene is the most prevalent cause of halitosis, many circumstances can contribute to or worsen the dilemma. The best remedy is consistent, thorough brushing and flossing, but other actions might also be required depending on the cause(s).
For example, a salivary gland dilemma or certain medications can cause dry mouth. Saliva moistens the teeth and gums, clearing away odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums, and cheeks. Limiting caffeine, chewing sugar-free gum, using OTC saliva substitutes, and using a humidifier can add moisture to the mouth.
Most Common Causes of Bad Breath:
Poor oral hygiene Inability to brush between meals Gum disease or cavities Smoking Braces An infected root canal Diabetes Kidney failure Liver problems Infection Dry mouth (Xerostomia) Dieting Age Crooked teeth Ear, nose, throat issues Tonsil issues Constant breathing through the mouth Specific foods: garlic, onions, horseradish, etc. Some prescription medications Ill-fitting dentures To Minimize or Prevent Bad Breath:
Go to the dentist twice a year for professional dental cleanings Brush teeth, tongue, gums, and roof of the mouth Use a tongue spray or scraper Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse Chew sugarless gum Brush and floss after each meal Drink plenty of water (A dry mouth is conducive to bacteria growth) Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months Have a toothbrush and floss available when you are out Talk to your doctor or dentist if bad breath stays despite proper oral hygiene
Remember, the very best defense to bad breath is a good dental care routine – brushing, flossing, and regular visits with your dentist. If you struggle with bad breath regardless of vigilant oral hygiene, ask your dentist for help in identifying the source. It may be an issue outside of the oral cavity. If this is the case, your dentist may refer you to your family physician or a specialist.
If you don’t have a regular dentist or are not satisfied with your current one, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. Dr. Kernagis has been serving patients in the Tampa area since 2001. The comfortable team of dental professionals at Your Time Dental Urgent Care provides the full spectrum of general and cosmetic dental services including urgent dental care, emergency dental care, and sedation dentistry.
With the constant media coverage of celebrities, many Gibsonton dental patients are interested in having a smile like the stars. With an experienced dentist and the right smile makeover procedures, anyone can have a smile they want to show off.
Many smile makeovers include teeth whitening. There are a variety of ways this can be done. Most Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, and Lithia drugstores sell over-the-counter whitening strips and gels. Your Tampa dentist can recommend an effective one, or he or she may offer in-office bleaching. This is a quick way to see whiter teeth in less than an hour.
For missing teeth, most Tampa cosmetic dentists will recommend a dental implant. Because a dental implant is anchored into the jawbone, it looks and feels just like a natural tooth. A dental implant prevents jawbone recession and the shifting of adjacent teeth.
Veneers are especially popular in the Tampa area. They cover the front of the teeth and are custom-made for each individual patient. These are useful for Gibsonton patients who have broken or chipped teeth, stained teeth, or gaps between teeth that they would like to hide.
Enamel shaping, bonding, braces, and gum contouring are other successful treatments that can be used to help your teeth look their best.
I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis, a trusted and experienced Gibsonton dentist. If you are looking for quality dental care in the Apollo Beach, Fish Hawk, or Lithia area, I hope you’ll give us a call at 813-519-0128 to schedule a consultation.
We offer urgent dental care, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, and dental implants.
1. Consider what the anxiety stems from. For example pain, injections, loss of control, personal space invasion, embarrassment about fear of the unknown. 2. Communicate these fears and concerns with your dentist. 3. Expect respectful consideration and open discussion about resolving fears.
Dr. Richard Kernagis has been helping anxious patients relax and feel comfortable since 2001.
Fear of pain is a natural human response. Not knowing what the process will entail can be scary. Allowing Your Time Dental Urgent Care to professionally address your concerns today makes tomorrow’s visits simple for both parties.
We provide exceptional expertise in many areas of dentistry. Education, training, and certifications are important to our office conduct.
Please don’t let the unknown keep you from receiving the quality dental care that will ensure a healthy smile. We have answers to your dental questions. You will appreciate your healthy, beautiful smile long after you forget the anxiety of the dental procedure. Knowledge brings power to anyone afraid of dental care. Dr. Richard Kernagis can educate and provide information valuable to you from your first visit onward.
Call us to set up an informative meeting at 813-519-0128 whether you have urgent issues or simply need an exam and cleaning. Count on Your Time Dental Urgent Care to put you at ease.
At Your Time Dental Urgent Care we know that many Gibsonton children are afraid of going to the dentist. I am Richard Kernagis and my staff and I at Your Time Dental Urgent Care want to make your child’s first visit to my Gibsonton practice a positive experience. Regular dental check-ups from toddler age are an essential part of oral hygiene.
Florida parents can follow these guidelines to help prepare their child for a dental visit.
1. Talk about the exam with your child. Answer any questions with uncomplicated answers. 2. Don’t share your bad dental experiences with your child. 3. Don’t imply that the exam will be painful. 4. Help your child understand that this is an important part of staying healthy. 5. Don’t offer a reward for visiting the dentist.
It is important for parents to make sure they aren’t anxious about Gibsonton dental visits because children can sense their stress.
At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we have been treating children and adults since 2001. Our professional, friendly staff can calm the nerves of a fearful child and help them have a gentle dental experience.
If you or your Gibsonton child has had a bad dental experience or is unable to stay calm while visiting the dentist, ask us about sedation dentistry. We want all of our patients to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible while receiving excellent dental care.
For simple dental procedures, topical anesthetics are applied to the gums and other tissues reducing oral sensation. If you require more sedation, nitrous oxide and general anesthesia are safe solutions.
Your Time Dental Urgent Care also offers complete smile makeovers which may include dental implants, teeth whitening, dental veneers, or any other cosmetic dental procedures required. All of these can be done with some type of sedation. Don’t let your fears or your child’s fears keep your child from having a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128today!
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