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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
AnnouncementsDental Education

October Is National Dental Hygiene Month!

October Is National Dental Hygiene Month!

The Westchase Premier Dental Team is happy to share that October as National Dental Hygiene Month. This month is the perfect time for a simple reminder of how important your teeth are, along with your overall health. Staying on top of your home dental routine, a healthy diet and regular dental checkups will ensure a long-lasting healthy and bright smile.

The Focus of National Dental Hygiene Month

For the seventh straight year, The American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company have teamed together to promote and encourage the importance of oral health care maintenance to the public. They work together to raise public awareness and have dedicated October as National Dental Hygiene Month with 4 key components:

1. Brush – Brushing your teeth twice daily is important to keep the plaque from accumulating and causing oral and health problems.

2. Floss – By flossing once daily, you can rid your mouth of the plaque that is caught between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.

3. Rinse – Antimicrobial mouth rinses can kill any bacteria that brushing and flossing left behind.

4. Chew – Chewing helps produce saliva, which helps naturally rinse the teeth. Chewing a sugar-free gum can aid in the removal of food and plaque between brushings.

 

Chewing sugar-free gum is a fun way to help keep teeth healthy while on-the-go after eating and drinking.

Source: ADHA.org

Schedule Your Next Dental Appointment

The entire dental team at Westchase Premier Dental is dedicated to keeping our patients with healthy and bright smiles. If it has been six months since your last dental check-up, we encourage you to make your appointment and keep your smile the priority that it should be. Contact Westchase Premier Dental for to schedule your next appointment at (813) 475 – 4528.

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental Education

Types Of Dental X-Rays

Types Of Dental X-Rays

Anyone that has ever had a dental checkup is familiar with x-rays. You are draped in a lead apron and given a rectangular contraption that you bite down on until you hear little beep. Have you ever wondered what the different types of dental x-rays are and what they’re for? Let’s take a closer look the most common types of dental x-rays.

Panoramic X-Rays

Has a dental professional ever had you stand still on a circular platform for several seconds while a machine spun around your head? Then you’ve had a panoramic X-ray. This is the most common type of extraoral (outside of the mouth) dental X-ray.

With panoramic x-rays, we can see your entire mouth in one image. This is because the camera moves all the way around your head while taking the picture. These X-rays show all erupted and unerupted teeth in your mouth, including incoming adult teeth and wisdom teeth. It also shows impacted teeth, which is how we determine if there’s enough room for these teeth to come in or if they will even come in on their own. Panoramic X-rays are also very useful for detecting issues such as abscesses, cysts, and tumors.

Bitewing X-Rays

Just as the name implies, bitewings are the x-rays where the patient has to bite down on a piece of dental film while the image is taken. Because the dental film is inside your mouth, bitewing x-rays are a type of intraoral (inside the mouth) x-ray. Typically, there will be 4 bitewings taken— one for each of the four quadrants of your mouth.

Bitewing x-rays are used to see the crevices between your teeth, which are difficult to see with the naked eye. With these images, we can check for tooth decay and other dental issues, such as periodontal disease in those areas.

Periapical X-Rays

This intraoral x-ray is the close-up of each tooth, showing the entire root and surrounding bone. If you are experiencing pain in  a specific tooth or area of the mouth, we will probably take a periapical x-ray to get a clear idea of what is going on in that area. Occasionally, periapical x-rays are taken alongside bitewing x-rays for preventative measures even if you aren’t aware of an obvious tooth problem.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of the types of dental x-rays and how each one is used in your dental evaluation. We like for all of our patients to have a clear understand of all their dental treatments so that you are more relaxed and can enjoy a pleasant dental visit. Call Westchase Premier Dental for your next dental checkup and cleaning at (813) 475 – 4528. We look forward to seeing you!

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental Education

National Lipstick Day Lipstick Protects Against UV Rays

Lipstick Protects Against Harmful UV Rays

For all the ladies that use lipstick as part of your daily beauty routine, you’re in luck. July 29TH is National Lipstick Day and mid-summer is the perfect time to honor one of women’s most beloved cosmetic products. Lipstick not only enhances beauty, it also acts as a barrier from wind, sun and other outdoor elements.

Summertime is hot and the outdoor environment can wreak havoc on your skin. Lips are often overlooked when it comes to protection from the sun. This can be a big problem since lips contain almost no melanin, the compound that protects us from the sun’s harmful rays. Wearing lipstick can shield your lips from harmful ultraviolet sun rays.

Choosing a matte finish with SPF 15 or higher will provide a better shield. Lip gloss and high-shine lipsticks act as a reflector and can draw UV rays to the area. If you do choose to go with a gloss, look for one that has an SPF of 30.

Westchase Premier Dental wants everyone to feel happy and confident with their smiles. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to stay on top of your dental exams and professional cleanings. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you with your next dental appointment.

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental EducationDental Technology

Top 5 Dental Gift Ideas for National Give Something Away Day

National Give Something Away Day

Top 5 Dental Gift Ideas

In the spirit of National Give Something Away Day, Westchase Premier Dental thought we would share our top 5 dental gift ideas for donating to charities, giving to someone in need, or to your friends and family. Each of these gifts will benefit their dental health, appearance, overall health, and is sure to put a smile on their face. Our Top 5 dental gift ideas are:

  1. Smile Squared Bamboo Toothbrushes – Smile Squared bamboo toothbrushes are the perfect gift for the humanitarian in your life. Smile Squared donates one toothbrush to a child in need for every bamboo brush purchased.  They are a gift you can feel good about and they also come in eco-friendly packaging.
  1. Toothbrush Sanitizer – The average toothbrush contains millions of bacteria from E. coli to Staphylococci (Staph). You can get a toothbrush sanitizer at most health and beauty retailers from $10 to $30. They kill the germs and bacteria lurking on toothbrushes.
  1. Elect Toothbrush – A Sonicare toothbrush is an electric toothbrush that vibrates at 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute. A Sonicare or other electric toothbrush can clean areas that a conventional toothbrush simply cannot and vibrates at 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute. This allows you to enjoy a better smile and a healthier mouth.
  1. Teeth Whitening – Give the gift of confidence! In-office whitening treatment or professional take-home whitening trays are the perfect way to brighten someones smile and day. Professional treatments are far more superior than the over-the-counter options and leave teeth looking bright and new!
  1. Selfie Stick – A frequent selfie-taker will want to show their bright smile more often to their social media friends. This is the perfect gift for showing off your dedication to keeping your smile beautiful and healthy.

We hope you liked our suggested dental gifts. If you can think of any great dental gifts, please leave a comment. We love our patient’s input.

Give us a call for your next dental appoint at (813) 475-4528. We look forward to hearing from you.

Post on social media using #GiveSomethingAwayDay
Further Reading: National Re-Gifting Day 2016

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health

Relief from Chapped and Cracked Lips

Relief from Chapped and Cracked Lips

We have more than our share of warm and sunny days in the Tampa Bay area. Unfortunately, this is prime weather to bring on dry, chapped and cracked lips. It’s not uncommon in the summer months to see lips that suffer from annoying, painful cracks. Many of us will experience chapped lips at some point this summer. Knowing the causes and what you can do to remedy chapped lips may save you from pain and discomfort all season long.

What Causes Dry, Chapped Lips?

There are many factors that can be the cause for dry, cracked lips such as climate change, sun damage, and wind exposure. Common contributing factors include dehydration, smoking, spicy food, or ill-fitting dental appliances. Certain medications can also be the culprit due to side effects and allergic reactions. There are also some serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, that cause chronic dry lip problems.

How to Get Relief from Chapped and Cracked Lips

• Stay Hydrated – It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated and keep drinks that cause dehydration to a minimum, such as alcohol.

• Use Ointments – OTC creams work well, especially before you go to bed. Avoid balms with eucalyptus and menthol that could have a burning sensation.

• Don’t lick your lips. Saliva on your lips evaporates and removes moisture from them. Licking your lips will dry out your lips even further.

• Don’t Overuse Products – Frequent use and over-application of commercial skin treatments, such as flavored lip balms and cosmetics will also dry out your lips.

• Eat a Healthy Diet – Diets lacking in vitamins A, B, C, and E can contribute to cracked lips. Vitamin deficiency tends to take away moisture from the lips and result in dryness.

• Keep Regular Dental Checkups – You should have a professional dental cleaning and dental exam every 6 months to keep your smile healthy and catch any developing problems early.

Westchase Premier Dental is very much attuned with the oral health care of our

community. Contact Westchase Premier Dental at  (813) 475-4528 for your next

checkup and cleaning. We look forward to being your family’s oral healthcare

providers and keep your smiles healthy and bright.

Smiling should never be painful!

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health

Share Your Smile Power

Share Your Smile Power

Today, Westchase Premier Dental would like to share with you that June15th is National Smile Power Day! So be sure on this day to share your smile with everyone! A smile is a universal way to connect with people and convey a sense off happiness. Smiling releases endorphins in your brain, making you feel better. These endorphins help you feel relaxed and boosts your immune system.

A beautiful smile can make your day more delightful. When you give someone a warm and sincere smile, you pass along a pleasant feeling that can last throughout the day. Recent studies have shown that smiling is contagious! Just one smile can start a shift in your mood. When people around you are smiling, it can change your day even if you don’t feel much happier straight away. When you share a smile, people around you are more likely to smile!

This is the perfect time to express the importance of practicing good oral hygiene at home and maintaining regular dental visits. This is the easiest and least expensive way to keep your smile healthy and bright. Here are a few simple steps keep your smile bright so that you may share your smile power for many years to come:

    • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
    • Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
    • Cut down on sugary foods and drinks.
    • Visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups and cleanings.

At Westchase Premier Dental, we would never question the power of a smile.  Share your smile not only on National Power of a Smile Day, but everyday. And bring a bit of happiness to everyone around you! If you have questions about taking the best care of your smile or to make your next dental appointment, contact us today at (813) 475 – 4528. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you!

Share your Smile Power on social media using #smilepower and #smilepowerday

National Day Calendar – National Smile Power Day

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health

Road Trip Teeth Tips

Road Trip Teeth Tips

The season for road trips has just kicked into high gear. Lots of folks will be grabbing the family and hitting the open road. Whether it’s a day out at the beach or a lengthy vacation, road trips are a fun and often scenic way to really get the most out of your vacation. Long car rides should be planned and organized prior leaving so you and your family are prepared for “whatever” when you are out on the road.

Many people feel like they have a hard time taking care of their teeth when they are on vacation. We would like to share some tips to keep your family’s oral health in check and keep their smiles bright throughout your trip.

Our Top Road Trip Teeth Tips:
    1. Clean Bill of Oral Health – Always make sure your teeth are in good health before leaving. If you are due for an exam and cleaning, it’s a good idea to go prior to your trip and allow enough time for any dental treatment needed. This will keep the risk down of developing dental problems when you are away from your family dentist.
    1. Store Emergency Numbers – It’s helpful to have your doctor and dentist phone numbers in your contacts on your phone. This will keep you from having to hunt down numbers should an emergency situation arise.
    1. Bring Oral Hygiene Essentials – Don’t forget all your dental care items including floss, toothpaste and toothbrush. It may also be a good idea to bring extra for those that do forget to bring theirs.
    1. Pack Healthy Snacks –  Carrots and celery are packed with fiber, which stimulates salivary flow. This is a natural cleanser for your teeth and keeps plaque bacteria from sticking to your teeth.

If you are planning a long trip this summer, get your family lined up with your regular checkups and cleanings first. Contact Westchase Premier Dental at (813) 475 – 4528 to make your next appointments. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you!

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental Education

Top 5 Ways to Avoid Red Wine Stains on Your Teeth

Top 5 Ways to Avoid Red Wine Stains on Your Teeth


Happy National Wine Day! Most of us are aware that moderate wine consumption can have many health benefits. Studies have shown that it may reduce the risk of certain cancers, lengthen your lifespan, improve your mental health and is good for your heart. However, red wine is acidic and contains chromogens and tannins that can stain your teeth. Here’s our top 5 ways to avoid red wine stains on your teeth:

  1. Brush Before – The tannins in the wine cling to any plaque on your teeth. Brushing before you drink wine decreases the chances of having wine stains on your teeth. However, brushing after you drink wine can leave your teeth extra sensitive due to the acidity. It’s a good idea to wait about 30 minutes before brushing.
  1. Rinse with H2O – Try having a glass of water after drinking wine to rinse your teeth and save the brushing for a little later. Water helps the stain-forming tannins from clinging to your teeth for too long.
  1. Add Cheese, Please – Wine and cheese are the perfect combo for good reason. Along with wine and cheese having the perfect harmony on your palate, hard cheeses like Cheddar and Asiago have calcium that coats your teeth. This makes it harder for the tannins to stick.
  1. Wipe Them Off – Use a cloth or wet paper towel to clean your teeth and wipe away potentially staining tannins. There are actually wine wipes sold at stores now because of the effectiveness of using this method.
  1. Eat Your Veggies – Foods high in fiber like spinach, broccoli, and carrots require a lot of chewing, which produces saliva. The food itself and the extra saliva work in together to naturally scrub stains from your teeth.

If you are unhappy with the discoloration of your teeth, contact our office for more details on whitening treatment! We would be happy to answer any questions. Call Westchase Premier Dental today for an evaluation at (813) 475 – 4528. Happy National Wine Day!

Bottoms Up!

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health

Salad is Good for Your Teeth

Salad is Good for Your Teeth

May is National Salad Month! There’s nothing like the crunch of a fresh, cool, vegetable salad. Incorporating salad into your diet is easy considering there’s a wide variety of delicious summery salad choices. The foods you eat have a strong impact on your overall health as well as your dental health. Westchase Premier Dental wants to help keep your oral health and point out a few reasons why salad is good for your teeth.

Most salads consist of mainly vegetables, which contain vitamins and nutrients that promote healthy teeth and gums. Along with their high nutritional value, eating raw, fibrous vegetables allow your teeth to practice grinding action. Chewing on these fibrous foods gives good resistance to your teeth. Celery’s fibrous strands can naturally cleanse your teeth. Carrots and broccoli are also high in vitamin A, which forms tooth enamel.

Although eating salad is good for your teeth, you should consider what you put into your salads. Salad dressings contains high amounts of vinegar and sweeteners. Acidic and sugary foods only feed your oral bacteria, thus, increasing your chances of developing cavities. These make a salad very acidic and can change the pH of your mouth from alkaline to acidic, putting your teeth at risk for erosion and decay. These crunchy veggies are also full of water, which can mitigate their sugar content.

Please enjoy all the tasty whole foods that are great for your body and teeth. A healthy smile and waistline have a positive influence on your overall health. A healthier you is a happier you and when you are happy, you smile more! Westchase Premier Dental wants you to keep your smile bright and healthy. Contact us at (813) 475 – 4528 for your next checkup and cleaning. Our friendly staff will work with you to make an appointment time that best fits into your schedule. We look forward to being your Westchase family dentist!

Related Articles: Best Fall Foods for Your Teeth / Cinco de Mayo Chili Pepper Tribute

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Dr. John
25/Apr/2024
Dental Education

The Science of Tooth Decay

The Science of Tooth Decay

Lets talk about the science of tooth decay! It is common knowledge that tooth decay is the result of plaque and bacteria. Plaque that forms on your teeth contains bacteria, which utilizes sugars in the foods you eat to produce acid. This acid attacks your teeth and destroys the enamel. Combined, these are the basic causes of tooth decay.

There are certain factors that contribute to tooth decay that can be broken down to a science:

    • The Anatomy of Your Teeth  – Each and every tooth is different, even within your own mouth. All teeth have a unique shape, size and quality of tooth enamel formation. Some teeth may be harder and stronger than others. Some may have deep fissures that can trap bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay.
    • Salivary Flow & Content – Saliva helps keep the acidity in your mouth at optimal levels. It aids in washing away plaque from teeth and remineralize after acid attacks on your teeth. Reduced flow or inadequate quality of saliva increases the risk of tooth decay.
    • pH Levels in Your Mouth – The acidity of your mouth plays an important role in the formation of tooth decay. A low pH level, which is acidic, allows decay-causing bacteria to thrive. The pH level is affected greatly by the quality and flow of saliva and your diet.
    • Dietary Nutrition – Your diet is one of the biggest and most easily controlled risk factors for developing tooth decay. A diet made up mostly of sugars and sticky foods will increase the amount of plaque formed and lower the acidity of your saliva.
    • Home Dental Hygiene Care – Brushing and flossing properly twice a day is your best weapon to fight against tooth decay. Also, rinsing with water after ingesting sugar foods is another way to keep the pH level in check.

Stay on top of your regular cleanings and checkups at Westchase Premier Dental and keep your smile happy, healthy, and decay-free. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to schedule your next appointment. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you!

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