Gum disease Tampa

Nov15

Gently Now (Protect Your Gums When You Brush)

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

young mother and daughter brushing their teeth and smiling

Everyone wants nice, pearly whites so, naturally, we should brush our teeth more, right? The only problem with that is many people brush their teeth too aggressively, leading to gum recession.  You don’t want that. Your Time Dental wants you to be aware of the health of your gums.

Gum recession is when your gum line exposes more of your teeth, or in severe cases, your tooth root. It creates a pocket of space between your teeth and gum line.  Decay-causing bacteria can grow and fester in that pocket. This leads to serious issues down the line. Even tooth loss.

Longer or Harder?

A common fallacy we hear occasionally at Your Time Dental Urgent Care is the idea that if you want to brighten your teeth, you should scrub them really hard.

The best way to get pearly whites (and prevent cavities) is to brush longer, not harder. Gently brush your teeth until they’re squeaky clean. Run your tongue over them. Doesn’t that feel great?

When you are finished brushing, it’s time to floss. Make sure you get the floss into the pocket between the teeth.

Why?

Brushing longer and not harder is the key. When you brush your teeth quickly, you may not be getting all the bits of food off. You don’t want the bits of food to turn into plaque.

If you truly desire whiter teeth, be sure you brush your teeth in a slow, circular motion for as close to five minutes as you can. Methodically go over each tooth on every surface. Plus your tongue. If five minutes is impossible, make sure you brush for at least two minutes. Set a timer on your phone. Play your favorite two-minute song.

Use a whitening toothpaste with fluoride. That way, you get all the recent gunk off and your teeth get a little bit whiter each time you brush. The fluoride helps your teeth re-harden after eating or drinking enamel-weakening acidic foods and beverages.

Let’s Review

If you’re not careful, the way you brush your teeth can lead to gum recession. Gum recession can (and most likely will) cause a space to form between your teeth and the gum line. This pocket collects bacteria. Bacteria cause cavities. Plus, if the gums continue to recede, the tooth can become loose.

Next, we discussed the proper motion and duration to brush your teeth. Finally, we went over the reasoning behind why all the aforementioned things are so important. Remember, you want a slow, circular motion for two to five minutes.

What If You Already Have Gum Recession?

Come talk to us at Your Time Dental Urgent Care. We can address your options for reversing it.

What If You Want Your Teeth Whiter Than Whitening Toothpaste Can Make Them?

Whitening toothpaste can make your teeth a shade or two lighter. Professional in-office teeth whitening can make your teeth several shades whiter. In just one visit, you can have a beautiful white smile.

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

Aug9

How Brushing Prevents Gum Disease

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Gibsonton Teeth Bleaching Why should everyone brush at least twice a day? Let’s consider why this is essential.

Brushing and flossing are the best ways to prevent decay.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and carefully flossing removes the food from our teeth and prevents the build-up of plaque.

If we let food stay on our teeth, the starches in the food will combine with the plaque. This nasty mixture forms an acid that immediately starts drilling into the enamel to form cavities. Brushing can’t get all the spaces between your teeth, so you’ve got to floss also.

Brushing and flossing keeps gums and bones healthy. Your Time Dental is committed to keeping our dental patient’s oral health in pristine condition.

If you let gum disease go untreated, you can lose cavity-free teeth!

The progression of gum disease (gingivitis) goes like this:

  1. Plaque build-up irritates gums.
  2. Irritated gums loosen from the tooth.
  3. Bacteria multiply in the spaces between the gum and tooth.
  4. The bone holding the tooth is eaten by the bacteria.
  5. Say goodbye to the tooth.

The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed early.

Call Your Time Dental Urgent Care at 813-519-0128 to schedule a gum disease evaluation at our office in Gibsonton.

 

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: 813-710-9789

Mar22

Unmasking the Threat of Gum Disease and At-Risk Individuals in Tampa

Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry

Unmasking the Threat of Gum Disease and At-Risk Individuals in Tampa

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a stealthy adversary that can creep into our mouths with little warning.

For some individuals, the risk of developing gum disease is significantly higher due to various factors. Your Time Dental Urgent Care, located near Tampa, is dedicated to shedding light on the importance of understanding gum disease risk factors and providing tailored care for those who need it most.

The Hidden Menace: Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the gums and bone. It typically begins with gingivitis, which can manifest as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss and impact overall health.

At-Risk Individuals: Who is Vulnerable?

Smokers: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease. It weakens the immune system and reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Diabetics: Diabetes can compromise the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels, making those with the condition more susceptible to infections, including gum disease.

Hormonal Changes: Women experiencing hormonal changes, such as pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, may be at increased risk of gum disease due to hormonal fluctuations that affect gum health.

Family History: A genetic predisposition to gum disease can make individuals more vulnerable, as it can affect the body’s immune response to oral bacteria.

Medications: Certain medications, such as antihypertensive drugs and antipsychotics, can lead to dry mouth, reducing saliva production and increasing the risk of gum disease.

Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fend off infections, including those in the gums.

Prevention and Care at Your Time Dental Urgent Care

At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we are committed to treating gum disease and educating our patients about their risk factors and how to prevent its onset. Our approach is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

Comprehensive Assessments: Our team conducts thorough oral examinations to assess the health of your gums and identify any signs of gum disease.

Personalized Treatment Plans: If gum disease is detected, we create customized treatment plans that may include scaling and root planing, laser therapy, or other appropriate interventions.

Education and Prevention: We empower our patients with knowledge about proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes that can reduce their risk of gum disease.

Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental check-ups are essential for early detection and prevention of gum disease. We recommend regular visits to monitor your oral health.

Gum disease can be a silent threat, especially for at-risk individuals. Understanding the risk factors and seeking timely care is crucial to maintaining not only a healthy smile but also overall well-being. At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, we support you in your journey to gum health. Don’t let gum disease remain hidden; take proactive steps to protect your oral and overall health.

Schedule an appointment with us today and let us be your partners in a lifetime of healthy smiles.

 

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: 813-710-9789