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Jul26

When It’s Better Not To Brush

Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the important job of protecting teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also protects tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.

Cuts heal. Bruises fade. Broken bones mend. The body’s ability to heal itself is truly amazing. But tooth enamel is different. When it’s gone, it’s gone.

The team at Your Time Dental Urgent Care encourages our patients to shield their tooth enamel for a lifetime of dental health.

This may seem counterintuitive, but sometimes it is better NOT to brush immediately after eating. Specifically, after eating acidic items. The acid weakens the enamel which can be further weakened by brushing. Waiting 60 minutes will allow the acid to dilute. Rinsing immediately after eating acidic foods is helpful, however, because it washes away some food particles and speeds up the dilution of the acid.

Some people don’t realize that dry mouth can cause or exacerbate enamel erosion. The calcium and phosphate in saliva protect your enamel. When there is little saliva, the enamel is left unprotected. Chewing stimulates saliva production but constant snacking is not the answer for dry mouth. Chewing sugar-free gum and sipping water frequently can stimulate saliva production between meals without increasing the risk of or upping your calorie intake.

Additionally, tooth grinding wears enamel away. If you are one of the many Gibsonton residents who grind their teeth at night, it’s critical to get a mouthguard immediately. People who grind their teeth are at a high risk for enamel erosion and the tooth decay that can follow. Athletes should also use a mouthguard to safeguard their teeth on the playing field. For more specifics, communicate with Dr. Richard Kernagis at Your Time Dental Urgent Care about custom mouthguards.

If you sip soda, tea, or coffee all day, we suggest you switch to water to halt any enamel erosion that has already occurred. It may be a hard change to make – but if you are successful – your teeth will thank you for it.

Using teeth as tools can weaken enamel, as well. Take a moment to fetch scissors before tearing a package or ripping duct tape with your teeth. Do you really want to take a chance to chip a tooth just to open a lunchmeat package?

Chewing ice and hard candy can also weaken enamel. If you simply must have sugar, soft candy is best as long as it is not left to sit on teeth for a long period of time. If your molars are packed with gummy candy, it can bring about cavities which erode enamel just as efficiently as chipping it with hard candy. Many of the old-school hard candies we enjoyed as kids now come in soft versions. Enjoy them sparingly because constant sugar is bad for teeth. Period.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion or other dental problems, Dr. Richard Kernagis can help you shield what is left. To schedule a comprehensive examination, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton at 813-519-0128!

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Jul19

Your Time Dental Provides Comprehensive Oral Care

How does your dentist help you stay healthy?

Most individuals know that they can go to their dentist if they have a tooth or have a toothache. Because of this, they may not realize how many other health problems your dentist can help you with.

As a full-service dental practice, Your Time Dental provides comprehensive oral health care.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is usually due to bacteria build-up in the mouth. Perhaps, however, you have offensive breath even though you brush and floss daily. If that’s the case, speak with your dentist. She or he can help you discover the cause of your problem. It could be an infection or a side effect of prescription medications. You need a professional diagnosis and we are here for you.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. Reduction of saliva flow is a common dilemma, especially among older individuals. However, people 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.

Unfortunately, it can bring about a multitude of problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. A lot of men and women experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-type joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. If you have pain or clicking in your jaw, you may have TMD. But the first step is diagnosing the cause of the malady. For example, teeth clenching or grinding can cause or exacerbate TMD. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep. The condition can also be caused or aggravated by injury or arthritis. Some men and women who experience TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress. If stress is the only cause, stress-reducing habits can help you prevent it or decrease the severity.

Snoring

Your dentist may treat snoring and OSA. Many dentists in the Gibsonton area provide Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). With OAT, a custom-made mouthpiece helps keep your airway open throughout the night. If your bed partner tells you that you snore, do him or her a favor and get professional help!

Oral Cancer

Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer accounts for about three percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. This amounts to 53,000 new cases annually. That means thousands of Florida residents receive the grim news every year. Early detection is critical for all types of cancer, but especially so for cancers of the mouth and throat.

Teeth Grinding

Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Nighttime teeth grinding can damage enamel and cause severe headaches. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—schedule a consultation and evaluation at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. It’s not just an annoyance, teeth grinding can cause headaches, restricted sleep, and put you at risk of serious cavities and gum recession.

Sports Protection

Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, talk to your dentist about a quality, custom-fitted mouthguard.

If you have questions about any of these issues or want to schedule an exam, give us a call today. We look forward to meeting you.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Jul5

What is Dental Sleep Medicine?

What is dental sleep medicine?

It’s a relatively new branch of dentistry that treats sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing problems.

Don’t confuse dental sleep medicine with dental sedation or sleep dentistry. Dental sleep medicine treats sleep apnea. At Your Time Dental, we can determine if dental sleep medicine is right for you.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a malady where you have frequent, intermittent pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses can last for up to 60 seconds. They are caused by soft tissue in the back of the throat that relaxes and obstructs the airway. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen it interferes with important physical processes.

There are three different forms of sleep apnea. They are categorized by the cause of the cessation of breathing. Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition where your throat muscles relax. Central sleep apnea occurs when your brain doesn’t send proper signals to control your breathing. The final type is called complex sleep apnea syndrome. This type occurs when someone has a combination of the two previously listed.

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a medical doctor. If you have several of the following symptoms, we encourage you to see a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Insomnia
Sleep Deprivation
Excessive Snoring
Episodes of Not Breathing
Mouth Breathing
Dry Mouth/Throat
Fatigue
Frequent Headaches
Irritability

How does a sleep apnea dentist treat sleep apnea?

Dentists use oral appliance therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea. Patients wear a custom-fitted removable oral appliance at night. The appliance fits somewhat like a sports mouthguard.

How does an oral appliance work?

An oral appliance prevents your airway from collapsing. It either holds the tongue or jaw in a forward position.

Does an oral appliance work as well as a CPAP machine?

It depends on the severity of the condition and other considerations specific to the patient. Many patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea benefit from OAT.

What are the advantages of OAT over CPAP?

Some people find the device more comfortable. It’s smaller and easier to clean than a CPAP system. Patients who suffer from claustrophobia often choose OAT. Patients who move around a lot when they sleep can get twisted up in the CPAP tube. And a small, portable device is easier to travel with.

If you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea and are interested in OAT, give us a call at the number below.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

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Jun28

Persistent Dry Mouth in Gibsonton, FL?

Many residents in our Gibsonton community experience dry mouth occasionally. Some develop dry mouth in social situations or when they are under a lot of stress. Sporadic or infrequent dry mouth is usually not a serious problem. Constant dry mouth, or xerostomia, is not only irritating, it can lead to acute health problems.

Your saliva plays a key role in maintaining your health. One of its roles is to help digest your food. The moment food enters your mouth, saliva starts breaking it down so your body can metabolize it. If you don’t produce enough saliva to carry out this task your body may not be getting vital nutrients needed to stay healthy.

Saliva also functions as a disinfectant by cleansing the mouth of leftover food, bacteria, and fungi. This helps prevent tooth decay and infections. Many Gibsonton residents don’t realize that many of the foods we eat are very acidic and our saliva helps to counteract those acids in our mouths.

I am Richard Kernagis. I recommend cutting back on caffeine in such drinks as cola, coffee, and tea. Not only do these beverages stain and discolor your teeth, but the caffeine can also contribute to a dry mouth. I also recommend drinking water throughout the day to make sure you are adequately hydrated.

Tobacco and alcohol can also contribute to dry mouth. Consult your physician if you are taking medication that is causing your dry mouth. A dry mouth is not a natural part of aging, so call your dentist today and schedule an appointment if your dry mouth is getting worse as you grow older.

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Jun21

Your Time Dental Urgent Care Treats Canker Sores, Lesions, And Fever Blisters

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, one of the most common complaints we hear from Gibsonton dentistry patients is problems with mouth sores.

There are many different kinds of oral lesions that can make eating and talking painful. Some are annoying yet harmless, while other sores are more serious and require medical intervention.

Though not contagious, the most common complaint is canker sores, which affect an estimated eighty percent of the Apollo Beach population. Canker sores can be attributed to stress, tissue irritation, or acidic foods.

Dr. Richard Kernagis can prescribe a topical dental paste to relieve pain and guard against infection. Recurring canker sores can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health problem.

Another common complaint is fever blisters or cold sores, which are contagious fluid-filled blisters. Tampa cold sore sufferers should be aware that they can become infected. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we advise our patients on how to treat cold sores and avoid further breakouts.

Fungal infections and oral cancer can cause sores in the mouth and throat. See your Tampa dentist if you experience any of the following:

Dr. Richard Kernagis reminds patients that eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and not smoking can all aid in oral health and hygiene.

To schedule an appointment, or ask about other oral concerns, contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care today at 813-519-0128.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton provides the full spectrum of general, cosmetic, and pediatric dental services. We offer weekend dental care, sedation dentistry, root canals, dental implants, tooth extractions, and complete smile makeovers.

The following online articles were used as source material for this blog:
‘Mouth Sores,’ American Academy of Otolaryngology, December 2010, http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/mouthSores.cfm, accessed on November 29, 2011
‘Dental Health and Canker Sores,’ WebMD, November 2011, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores, accessed on November 29, 2011

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Jun14

Don’t Like Dental Visits? Go to Your Time Dental Anyway.

It’s no secret that many Gibsonton residents dread going to the dentist. Whether they associate dental visits with shame, pain, or financial drain, they avoid it at all costs. At Your Time Dental, we make it easy for our patients.

See Your Dentist Regularly to Avoid Painful Oral Problems

However, consider the fact that by seeing your dentist regularly, you can abstain from dental procedures like fillings and root canals.

Though it sounds backwards, the truth is that you protect against dental pain by seeing your dentist regularly–even if you hate dental visits.

Oral Health Improves Your Quality of Life

In today’s post, let’s concentrate on the big picture. We want to make the case that twice-yearly dental visits and following your dentist’s counsel are essential for a high quality of life.

If you have naturally healthy teeth, you may not appreciate your amazing good fortune. After all, you can eat whatever you want. You aren’t uncomfortable with stained, chipped, or missing teeth. Tooth pain doesn’t interrupt your sleep.

Lucky people with great teeth may do fine with very little dental treatment in their twenties and thirties. What we’ve observed, though, is that eventually avoiding exams and cleanings catches up with you.

Do You Have Risk Factors for Oral Problems?

This is especially true for individuals with dental risk factors. These include smoking, recreational drug use, extensive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding, poor eating habits or crooked teeth. Notice that some of these things are a conscious choice, and others, like crooked teeth or teeth grinding may be unavoidable. Regardless, most men and women who forego dental exams and cleanings eventually experience oral conditions.

Gum Disease is The #1 Cause of Tooth Loss in U.S. Adults

The first thing that may come to your mind is tooth decay. While this is an issue for some middle-aged people, it’s actually not the most frequent dental malady. Gum disease earns the dubious honor as the top cause of tooth loss in U.S. adults.

We Welcome Nervous Dental Patients

If you have neglected your dental needs, we invite you to make an appointment at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. After all, our specialty is making dental treatment comfortable for nervous patients or those who are self-conscious about the status of their oral health. If you are looking for compassionate dental care, Your Time Dental Urgent Care is here for you. Oral conscious sedation is perfectly safe and there are several levels of sedation, so you don’t have to be out cold if you don’t want to be.

Let’s Restore Your Dental Health

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care we have so many advanced materials at our disposal to make your smile as beautiful and healthy as it can be. Dental crowns, veneers, implants, teeth whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays, and short-term braces are some of the most popular dentistry procedures in and around Gibsonton.

Dental Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Convenient and Affordable

Many Tampa residents are surprised to find that most of these procedures are more convenient than they supposed and more affordable than they expected.

Meet Dr. Kernagis

I’m Dr. Richard Kernagis of Your Time Dental Urgent Care and I want to help you love dental visits and love your smile. I’ve practiced dentistry since 2001, and I find it especially rewarding when patients find renewed confidence after a smile makeover.

At my Gibsonton practice, we offer emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, and root canals. If you have any questions, the comfortable staff here at Your Time Dental Urgent Care would be happy to answer them and schedule an appointment to see how we can improve your life by improving your dental health.

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Jun7

Raise Your Dental IQ in Gibsonton, FL

There are many simple things that a health-conscious person can do to raise their Dental IQ and improve their oral health. At Your Time Dental, we want all our Florida patients to be as informed as possible. One simple lesson involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But, don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. Dental problems occur for patients when the balance of bacteria becomes unhealthy. This is where brushing and flossing come into play. Brush and floss properly each day and you will have a better chance of keeping the appropriate balance.

This is yucky to think aboutbut it’s a good idea to store your toothpaste as far away from the toilet as you can. Also, close the lid of the toilet before you flush.

When it comes to a good toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can avoid gum disease, tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

If your teeth are sensitive, avoid rinsing off your teeth after you brush. The fluoride in the toothpaste can help remineralize your enamel. If you go to bed with some toothpaste left on your teeth, it has a chance to go to work.

If you can avoid decay, it’s less likely that you will need more extensive dental work such as dental implants and crowns.

Dr. Richard Kernagis is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy teeth and beautiful smiles.

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Apr19

Floss Pick Facts For Gibsonton

Health-conscious people want to keep their teeth as clean as possible. However, they are also looking for convenience. That’s why many of them turn to floss picks instead of traditional dental floss.

These little tools are quite handy. They usually have a handle that is pointed and can double as a toothpick, and a length of floss strung in a U-shaped groove. They are affordable and can be used more discretely than floss. At Your Time Dental, we highly recommend staying on top of your oral health in the Gibsonton area.

While this may seem like a dream come true for those hoping to make flossing a more regular part of their oral health routine, floss picks are still a step below actual floss when it comes to effectiveness.

So, what is a responsible dental patient to do? The first thing is to talk to your dentist. If you love floss picks, continue to use them when convenient. But try to use regular dental floss daily.

If you are in the process of looking for a new dentist, we hope that you consider Your Time Dental Urgent Care. We have been serving the Tampa area since 2001 from our Gibsonton office.

Our comfortable staff would love to answer any questions you have regarding flossing and other dental health concerns. We also welcome questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers.

Call 813-519-0128 today to schedule an exam or consultation.

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

Apr12

Unexpected Stress? Don’t Forget Your Smile

When you suddenly have to juggle extra balls, some are bound to get dropped. Perhaps you are going through a divorce or became the caregiver for an ailing parent. Perhaps you took on a second job or started night school to earn an advanced degree.

Not every stressor is negative. A new baby, marriage, career, or move can be exciting but overwhelming. It’s okay – and sometimes helpful – to drop some of the balls. You can probably let another parent take over room mother duties for a few weeks, forego a haircut, or skip poker night until things calm down.

When life hands you extra challenges it is easy to get lax about oral hygiene, but Your Time Dental urges you not to. Sometimes you feel too exhausted to brush or floss and skip regular check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Richard Kernagis wants to remind you to think about the possible consequences of neglecting your smile.
1. Tooth decay
2. Gum disease
2. Tooth and gum pain
3. Bad breath
4. Infection
5. Tooth loss

Your plate is already full – you don’t want to add poor oral health and the associated expense and inconvenience required to treat advanced issues.

Let the car go unwashed for a few weeks. Record your favorite show to watch later when things slow down. Postpone that kitchen remodel. But keep your smile healthy – it really will make your life easier, healthier, and happier.

Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton provides gentle, comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Our services include:
root canals
tooth extractions
weekend dental care
dental implants

Dr. Kernagis is a member of the American Dental Association. You can learn more about the American Dental Association at https://www.ama-assn.org. If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, we invite you to call us at 813-519-0128 and schedule an exam and cleaning. Our cheerful team will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. There is no need to feel ashamed about plaque build-up or a cavity. We completely understand how stressful life can get and love helping our Gibsonton area patients get back on track.

We make patients feel comfortable!

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Apr5

Your Time Dental Urgent Care: A Reason to Smile

Hello, friends of Your Time Dental Urgent Care! If you haven’t visited our blog in a while, we welcome you back. It has been a terrific month at our practice.

We continue to achieve amazing results with our precision smile makeovers.

We Provide Modern Smile Solutions

Dr. Kernagis uses the all the tools of cosmetic dentistry: veneers, porcelain crowns, aligners, teeth whitening, soft-tissue grafts, crown lengthening, and dental bonding to create brilliant smiles. If you are not happy with your smile, call us at 813-519-0128 today to set up a smile design consultation.

With a Smile Makeover, There is Never Buyer’s Remorse

The vast majority of cosmetic dental smile makeover patients have absolutely no regrets about their investment in a stunning smile. There is no physical feature as eye-catching as an attractive smile. When your smile is stunning, you smile all the time!

We are Passionate About Changing Lives

We are dedicated to changing lives, one beautiful smile at a time. Our patients who have transformed their smiles with cosmetic dentistry report feeling more confident at work and in social situations.

It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Dental Health

We are thrilled when our patients step up their oral hygiene to reverse gum disease or have had us remedy decay. They say renewed efforts to overcome dental problems improve their outlook on life and give them motivation to keep their smile healthy.

If you need a reason to smile, then think about a smile makeover from one of the top dentists in Florida. See for more specifics and photos. We look forward to making your smile the best it can be!

Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

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

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

How does your dentist help you stay healthy?

Bad Breath

Dry Mouth

Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)

Snoring

Oral Cancer

Teeth Grinding

Sports Protection

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

What is dental sleep medicine?

What is sleep apnea?

How do I know if I have sleep apnea?

How does a sleep apnea dentist treat sleep apnea?

How does an oral appliance work?

Does an oral appliance work as well as a CPAP machine?

What are the advantages of OAT over CPAP?

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

See Your Dentist Regularly to Avoid Painful Oral Problems

Oral Health Improves Your Quality of Life

Do You Have Risk Factors for Oral Problems?

Gum Disease is The #1 Cause of Tooth Loss in U.S. Adults

We Welcome Nervous Dental Patients

Let’s Restore Your Dental Health

Dental Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is Convenient and Affordable

Meet Dr. Kernagis

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

We Provide Modern Smile Solutions

With a Smile Makeover, There is Never Buyer’s Remorse

We are Passionate About Changing Lives

It’s Never Too Late to Improve Your Dental Health

LOCATIONS: (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

SOUTH SHORE – GIBSONTON

FISHHAWK – LITHIA

TEXT OUR OFFICE