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Merry Christmas from South Tampa Smiles!
Title: A Christmas Story
Twas the night before the dentist and all thru the house,
Everyone was brushing and flossing their mouths.
The toothbrushes were hung in the cabinet with care,
In hopes the germs wouldn’t grow on them there.
The children were excited but finally went to beds,
While visions of candy and gum danced in their heads.
And Mamma had a toothache on the top in the back,
I had just settled my brain with a little nightcap.
When just before dawn we awakened to chatter,
Pancakes for breakfast, the kids mixed the batter.
We ate in a hurry and got ready in a flash,
Out the door we went, all in a mad dash.
I set the GPS with directions to go,
Adjusting my speed to the traffic flow.
Just as our appointment time drew near,
Our South Tampa Smiles’ office appeared.
We were welcomed and politely asked to take our pick
Of our seats in the waiting room, though our wait time was quick.
Soon after we seated, a staff member came,
With a warm and friendly smile, she called us by name.
Now Dexter, now Amber, now Spencer and Kristen,
We each took a stand as we quietly listened.
She guided us back and down through the halls,
To chairs that reclined and had little suction straws.
X-rays were taken of all of our teeth
To check all the areas between and beneath.
The cleaning was pleasant; it went very fast
Next was the exam, which the dentist did last.
He checked each tooth and the appointment was done
But those that needed treatment made another one.
Our checkup was complete and the experience was polite.
Regular dental visits keeps our smiles shining bright!
Article: Twas The Night Before The Dentist
Contact South Tampa Smiles for your next dental appointment at (813) 289 – 0560.
With the new Star Wars movie coming out, lots of folks will be flocking to the theater to watch their beloved trilogy and enjoy a big bowl of buttery popcorn. We all know that irresistible movie popcorn smell that makes your mouth water. When it comes to popcorn, there can be some surprises as you bite down, such as on a kernel. Ouch! This could actually crack your teeth. It is also easily lodged in between the teeth and the sharp edges can cut your gums up quite a bit.
This leaves us to question… Is popcorn bad for your teeth?
The answer is regrettably, YES! But that doesn’t mean you must give up an occasional indulgence of this savory American favorite. We have put together 5 tips so that you can still enjoy your popcorn while keeping teeth and gums in the best shape possible.
- Watch for the kernels. Try to be mindful of those sporadic hard pieces especially when you get to the bottom of the bag. Try taking your eyes off the big screen while grabbing from your bag to keep from getting those unfavorable chunks.
- The toothpick Trick. Try using a toothpick to get the lodged pieces out. It’s almost impossible to eat popcorn without getting some lodged somewhere. Remove the pieces as quickly as you can to keep from damaging your gums.
- Water. Water, Water. Popcorn is one of those foods that create lactic acid in your mouth. This acid is bad for tooth enamel if left on the teeth without proper cleaning. Try bringing along water. This will not only keep you hydrated, but flush away some of the debris and lactic acid.
- Sugar-Free Gum. Chewing on sugar-free gum after you’ve eaten helps stimulation saliva. This is also helpful in washing away popcorn pieces and harmful acids.
- Proper Oral Hygiene. Lastly, proper brushing and flossing as soon as you can after the movie is the best way to rid your mouth from these harmful substances. You can enjoy some of your guilty pleasures without the harmful effects on your oral health by proper brushing and flossing in a timely manner.
Contact South Tampa Smiles if you are experiencing pain from biting down on popcorn or other hard foods or for your next dental checkup. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you at (813) 289 – 0560.
When cold air hits your teeth, you may experience cold weather tooth sensitivity that is just a mild discomfort or it could hit you like an electric bolt that makes you shudder. Just as if you are eating ice cream and get a sudden sharp pain, frigid temperatures can cause the same reaction. Teeth are porous and not immune to extreme temperatures. Cold air breathed in through your mouth can cause the teeth to contract. Once you close your mouth, your teeth will expand again. This contraction and expansion of the teeth can cause tiny hairline fractures in your teeth. You may be completely unaware they are even there until you breathe in an arctic blast and get a sudden surge of pain. Also, people may clench their jaw when they are cold. This can contribute to tooth discomfort and cause jaw pain.
5 Steps to Alleviate Cold Weather Tooth Sensitivity
- Breathe through your nose. Once you close your mouth, cover your teeth with your lips and get your saliva circulating, your pain should subside quickly.
- Don’t clench your teeth. Be mindful of tensing up to stay warm. This can cause tooth erosion and increased sensitivity.
- Don’t brush too hard. Brushing too hard on a regular basis can cause your gums to recede and expose the roots of your teeth. Exposed roots are more sensitive to temperature changes.
- Practice proper oral hygiene. Make sure you are brushing and flossing every day. Choose and soft bristled toothbrush and brush gently. Flossing also stimulates your gums, prevents them from receding and keeps them healthy. Rinsing with mouthwash is also a great way to ward off sensitivity. It can create a seal over the sensitive areas of your teeth.
- Get regular dental checkups. Visiting your dentist every 6 months will help stay on top of any dental problems that may be developing. Most insurance companies cover dental check-ups twice a year. Finding any problems with your teeth early keeps you from having to go through more extensive treatment and more tooth sensitivity.
If you feel that your sensitivity is lasting longer than it should, there could be an underlying problem that needs to be evaluated. Contact South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560 if you are experiencing cold weather tooth sensitivity and need to make an appointment for an evaluation. We are here to help.
Related Articles:
Having straight teeth has more than just cosmetic benefits. How your teeth fit together affects your oral and overall health. There are many health advantages of straight teeth including healthy gums, decreased risk of tooth injury, decreased headache and jaw pain, and improves your self confidence and overall happiness. However, not all of us are born with the perfect smile. Fortunately, there are orthodontic treatment options that are available to help maintain a healthy, straight and confident smile.
Maintain A Healthy Bite
The purpose of orthodontic treatment is to shift the teeth back to proper alignment. Straight teeth properly meet the opposing teeth in the opposite jaw creating a healthy bite. Stabilizing your bite creates healthy tooth touches for each of your teeth. Having a healthy bite helps preserve your existing teeth and is ideal for when placing new dentistry such as veneers, crowns and implants.
Prevent Gum Disease
Overcrowded and crooked teeth can also lead to gum disease. When your teeth are misaligned, you may have problems cleaning between the teeth and along the gum line. This causes the build-up of bacterial plaque, which can lead to Gingivitis. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to Periodontal Disease. Having a straight smile provides the best defense against potential periodontal problems.
Avoid Structural Damage
Teeth that do not meet together properly can cause structural damage to the teeth, jawbones and dental work. Some of these symptoms include:
- Chipped & Cracked Teeth
- Chipped Dental Work
- Jaw Pain and Soreness
- Tooth Wear
- Tooth Movement
- Premature Loss of Teeth
Contact Us
Contact South Tampa Smiles if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if your teeth are not happy with the alignment and appearance of you teeth. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Ask about our 6 Month Braces treatment! We are ready to assist you at (813) – 289 – 0560.
