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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health0

Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

Cavities begin to form in the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel. They progress at different rates in different people depending on many factors such as diet, enamel composition, tooth structure, and saliva. Decay can develop rapidly and spread to the layer beneath the enamel called the dentin. Once a cavity reaches the dentin it progresses much more rapidly. If it goes to the nerves and blood vessels, it can lead to an infection (abscess). Cavities may also take on a more slow progression and remain painless for years without spreading further than the enamel.

Demineralization is the initial stage of cavity formation. Acid byproducts from bacteria begin softening the enamel by removing calcium and other minerals. It is at this stage of development that you can prevent weakening the enamel further and reverse tooth decay before it becomes nonreversible. Demineralization can only be reversed if there is sufficient time to allow remineralization to occur. Remineralization counteracts the acids that strip away calcium and strengthen the enamel back to a healthy state. Though a cavity cannot be completely cured, you can prevent it from progressing as long as it is only in the enamel.

Things you can do to aid in the remineralization process and reverse tooth decay:
    • Healthy Diet – Maintain a well-balanced diet, including foods low in acidity and sugars.
    • Personal Oral Care – Keep a rigorous home dental hygiene routine to remove the plaque that harbors bacteria from the teeth.
    • Fluoride – Fluoridated toothpaste and professional treatments help re-harden the enamel and offer sensitivity protection.

The only way to know what stage a cavity is in during its development is through a dental examination with x-rays. Westchase Premier Dental will do a complete and thorough exam to diagnose any presence of decay, its progression, and determine the best form of treatment.

If you think you may have a cavity, call us immediately. Don’t wait around and let what could be a simple filling turn into something more serious and invasive. Our friendly staff is ready to help! (813) 475 – 4528


Can You Reverse Tooth Decay? Resources:

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth Decay – Topic Overview

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental Education0

Choosing the Right Dentist in Westchase

Choosing the Right Dentist in Westchase

Westchase area residents are careful when selecting the right health professionals to care for their families. Choosing the right dentist to take care of your family’s teeth is no small feat. There are several factors to consider when shopping around for a dentist. We have put together some helpful tips to help ease the process. Even if you choose to use another dental office for your family’s dental care, Westchase Premier Dental wants to help. We love keeping our community readers informed and sharing helpful information about all aspects of dental healthcare.


What’s Important to You?

Everyone is different about specific criteria when considering a dentist. For some, proximity is a very big factor and the search can be narrowed down by location. Our office is conveniently located at 12229 W Linebaugh Ave by McDonald’s and The Publix Supermarket at Westchase. View Map.

Office hours is another deciding factor that can be very important to many people. Finding a dentist that has appointment times before and after work hours can make all the difference for busy work schedules. Westchase Premier Dental gladly accommodates our patients with difficulties taking time off of work. We have appointment times available at 7 am and open until 7 pm Monday through Friday.

There are times when the fees have a huge weight on the decision making process. Dental insurance can be an issue as well. You may need to check your provider’s network to see which dentists are in your provider’s network. Most dental offices are happy to help you in determining your coverage and what fees you will be responsible for out-of-pocket.

Then, there are some that are simply looking for the highest level of comfort and care possible. Reading patient reviews online is a great tool to learn about a particular dental practice. Also, asking around locally is another way to get some insight.

We hope these tips help the decision making process during the journey of finding the right dentist for you and your family. Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for in a dentist, the process of narrowing it down becomes much easier. Once you find the right dentist for you, you will know it!

Contact Us

Contact Westchase Premier Dental at (813) 475 – 4528 for further questions or to make your next appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental Education0

Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

Do I Need Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays are pictures of your teeth called radiographs. These images are used to see various hard tissue surfaces of the mouth that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Dental x-rays are used for detecting cavities, infection, bone loss and other dental problems that may be developing. X-rays are a requirement in order for your dentist to do a thorough and accurate dental exam. They help assure there are no dental problems left undetected and treated, which can lead to more costly and invasive dental treatment later.


How Often Do I Need X-Rays?

There are many factors to determine how often an individual may require dental X-rays such as age, dental history, and rate of decay. There are times your dentist may need a single x-ray to monitor tooth wellness or progress during treatment. If you are more prone to developing cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems, you may need x-rays a little more often. On the other hand, if you keep your regular dental checkups and rarely have any problems with your gums and teeth, you may only need them every one to two years.


Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

The exposure to radiation in dental x-rays is much lower than in most hospitals and other diagnostic facilities. We only take the x-rays that are needed and dental x-ray units have a small cone that focuses the x-ray beam on the area of interest. Your exposure is minimal and only for a very short period of time. We also use digital x-rays that use 50% less film speed than the recommended standard amount. These digital x-rays are just as accurate as conventional x-rays and even reveal things that traditional films cannot. Therefore, the exposure to the patient during a routine dental exam is very minute and localized.

Early detection will help minimize the need for extensive and costly dental treatments. If you are overdue for your six month dental exam, x-rays and cleaning, contact Westchase Premier Dental at (813) 475 – 4528 to get back on track.

Further Reading about Dental X-Rays

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health0

Fight Receding Gums – Westchase Dentist

Fight Receding Gums

Gum recession is a very common dental condition, especially as we age. Receding gums happen when the soft tissue surrounding the teeth begin to slip away from their normal position. As your gum line moves further down, you may experience tooth sensitivity. This is due to part of the root of the tooth being exposed. The root of the tooth houses the nerves and with this area of the tooth being more unprotected, you may become more susceptible to pain and infection.

Some common causes and how to fight receding gums include:

Brushing Too Hard

Being too aggressive with the toothbrush not only can cause tooth abrasion, but can also lead to your gums pulling away from your teeth. Ease up on the force applied while brushing and make sure you are using a soft-bristled tooth brush. Some people may find it helpful to use an electric toothbrush to provide a more smooth and steady motion.


Infrequent Brushing & Flossing

On the opposite end of the spectrum, not following a proper home care routine can cause receding gums as well. Not brushing and flossing your teeth often enough can cause bacteria to build up between your teeth. This can lead to inflammation of the gums and problems with the underlying bone structures surrounding your teeth. Be sure to discipline yourself to brushing and flossing each morning and night to keep your teeth and gums healthy.


Gum Disease

Receding gums can often be a sign of a more serious condition, such as gingivitis or periodontal disease. Make sure to keep up with your dental checkups every six months to evaluate the health of your gums. Early detection is important to keep any problems from becoming more serious, expensive and painful.

If you are showing signs of receding gums or other dental issues, give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528. Make sure you are up-to-date on your dental checkup and make your next appointment with Westchase Premier Dental if it’s been 6 months since your last visit. Your gums will thank you!

Further Reading: Receding Gums

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental Education0

How Hot Weather Can Affect Your Teeth

How Hot Weather Can Affect Your Teeth

In truth, it is rarely the hot weather itself that affects our teeth. With the weather in the 90’s during the summer months, we thought we would share how hot weather can affect your teeth through our reactions to it. We all enjoy being outside enjoying the sunshine with an ice cold drink and cool refreshing treats. Keeping yourself hydrated is important during the summer months not only for your overall health, but also for your oral health. Your natural production of saliva can decrease when your body isn’t hydrated, which makes your mouth very dry. Saliva has many important functions when it comes to oral health. It aids chewing, swallowing and digesting food. It also acts as a natural cleanser and keeps food from sticking to your teeth.

Most dental problems are preventable if the right care is taken. Having a cool bottle of water around on those hot, summer days will keep your mouth moist and keep your body hydrated. Soda, beer, and other drinks that are high in sugar may seem very refreshing, but they contain acids that can weaken the enamel on your teeth. Rinse your mouth with water in-between sugary drinks and snacks to wash away the harmful acid from your teeth and reduce the negative effects on your oral health. Don’t be fooled by diet sodas. They also contain acids that can weaken your teeth.

While we are all entitled to enjoy and indulge on a hot day, please remember your teeth and ensure that you stay well hydrated and try to avoid excess sugars. Don’t forget to give your teeth a good brushing before you go to bed at night. Stay on top of your routine dental checkups and cleanings. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment at (813) 475 – 4528.

Westchase Premier Dental wishes everyone a happy summer!

Related Reading: How Working Out Affects Your Oral Health

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental Education0

Your Smile Can Make You Look Younger

Your Smile Can Make You Look Younger

Is your smile aging you? If you have been taking care of your teeth and your smile isn’t reflecting your efforts to maintain your smile, you are not alone. With age, staining, wear-and-tear, attrition and erosion are a few of the dental issues that can lead to a less appealing smile. Westchase Premier Dental offers cosmetic dental treatments that can bring back the brightness of your childhood smile.

Your smile can make you look younger with cosmetic dental treatment. Here’s how:
  • Removing Stains – Staining is perhaps one of the most aging features that can add years to your smile. Simple whitening procedures can rejuvenate your smile by addressing overall staining. Bonding is a great way to target individual stains while porcelain veneers are used for overall coverage, deep staining and problem areas.
  • Replacing Old Dental Work – Replacing old metal fillings and crowns with new, tooth-colored dental restorations will transform your smile into a more vibrant and youthful smile. All-Porcelain crowns and tooth colored fillings created a seamless look. The separation between your dental work and your natural teeth will be no longer noticeable.
  • Improving Minor Damage – Your teeth can become weathered over time. Those little nicks and dings can be easily smoothed out with contouring and bonding. However, if you are looking for a more dramatic change, porcelain veneers can give you a complete smile makeover.

If you are ready to get your youthful smile back, give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions about cosmetic dental treatment, our staff is ready to help. Read more about our whitening treatments, veneers, and bonding and check out a few of our before and after photos to see just how your smile can make you look younger!

 

 

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health0

How Tea Affects Your Teeth

How Tea Affects Your Teeth

June is National Iced Tea Month! Nothing quenches your thirst quite like a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer’s day. This is the time to celebrate this refreshing drink of choice for so many. Without taking away from the pleasure of this beloved summertime favorite, we would like to take this opportunity share exactly how drinking iced tea affects your teeth.
The Good – Drinking unsweetened tea is a good source of fluoride. Tea contains antioxidants, which may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Studies also show that black tea can actually inhibit growth of bacteria in your mouth and possibly ward off a precancerous oral condition called leukoplakia.

The Bad – Tea contains tannic acid, which stains the enamel on your teeth. The tannic acid can settle in the grooves of your teeth, which can cause discoloration over time. This is purely cosmetic and does not cause any oral health issues.
 

Ways to combat how iced tea affects your teeth negatively:
  • Drink unsweetened, brewed tea and try to stay away from bottled and canned tea that is loaded with sugar.
  • Drink lots of water, which can help you maintain a healthy supply of saliva, which protects teeth by neutralizing acid.
  • Using a straw when drinking tea can minimize the coating of tannin and sugars on the teeth.
  • Maintain proper brushing and flossing at home.
  • Get regular, professional cleanings.
  • Your dentist may also remove the staining through bleaching procedures.

It’s important to take the necessary steps to keep your teeth in optimum shape so you can enjoy sweeter things in life without compromising your smile. Stay vigilant with your home dental routine and make sure to keep your dental checkups current. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528. Our friendly staff at Westchase Premier Dental is ready to assist you.

For further reading on How Tea Affects Your Teeth in a positive way, go to PacificCollege.edu.

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health0

Melanoma Oral Cancer

May is Melanoma Awareness month! Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm of melanocytes. The incidence of melanoma of the skin has increased over the years. It is important to be informed of the causes and symptoms for early detection and treatment. Though melanoma of the oral mucosa is rare, everyone should be knowledgeable and be able to detect unusual lesions and other symptoms of this potentially fatal disease.

­

Symptoms of Melanoma Oral Cancer Include:
  • A Colored Patch (Red, White, Blue, Black)
  • An Ulcer or Canker Sore
  • A Thickened or Swollen Patch
  • Numbness and/or Pain
  • Difficulty Swallowing or Moving the Tongue
  • Sudden Tooth Loosening

If oral lesions with these characteristics present in the clinical differential diagnosis, a biopsy would be needed.  If the lesion is flat and not thickened, a biopsy may still be indicated if it has atypical color, borders, or size. Treatment for oral cancer is complete surgical excision with the most important prognostic factors being the thickness and depth of the lesion.

Factors that increase the risk of developing melanoma oral cancer include:
  • UV Sunlight Exposure
  • Fair Skin
  • Light Hair
  • Male Gender
  • Moles
  • Older Age
  • Family History
  • Poor Diets
  • HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
  • Smoking
  • Heavy Alcohol Consumption

But having a risk factor, or even many risk factors, does not mean that you will get the disease. And some people who get the disease may have few or no known risk factors.

Read more about risk factors on Cancer.org

If you have any noticeable changes in your gum tissues or lips that have been present for more than 2 weeks, visit your dentist immediately. Early detection is crucial and can have a great impact on the extent of treatment and outcome. Contact Westchase Premier Dental for your next dental exam and cleaning at (813) 475 – 4528. Our friendly staff is ready to help!

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Dr. John
23/Apr/2024
Dental EducationOral Health0

National Celery Month – Westchase Dental

March is National Celery Month

 

In celebration of National Celery month, we would like to give this healthy treat the attention it deserves. Most of us are aware that celery is a nutritious veggie and that it is beneficial to our overall health. But, we would like to take this opportunity to share some of the many oral health benefits found in celery.

Vitamins and Minerals

Along with salty and flavorful crunch, celery is loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Celery contains high levels of potassium and calcium, which promotes strong bones and teeth. It also contains about 25% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin K. Vitamin K is beneficial in promoting osteotrophic activity, which increases bone mass. Another important vitamin in the mix is vitamin C, which fights off inflammation. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, which can lead to periodontal disease. Celery also has a good source of folate, manganese, copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

Water Content

Did you know celery is comprised of 95% water? This high water content is not only great for keeping our bodies hydrated, it also aids in keeping the saliva levels in our mouths high. Saliva is our body’s natural way of rinsing the food debris from our mouths. It helps keep the teeth clean and healthy, prevents tooth decay and inflammation of the gums.

Natural Fibers

Celery also has a high fibrous content. This high fiber content requires our teeth to perform a chewing action. This helps the teeth build good resistance and stimulates saliva production. Therefore, the increased the salivary flow and the fibrous strands found in celery also offer a natural cleansing action.

Contact

There are countless other nutritious foods that offer the same benefits if a nice stick of celery doesn’t appeal to your taste buds. Westchase Dental encourages healthy eating habits for our patients to achieve a healthy smile. Be sure to continue proper brushing habits at home and stay on top of your dental checkups and cleanings. We look forward to hearing from you for your next dental visit.

Contact us at (813) 475 – 4528.

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