Monday - Friday 7am-7pmOpen Saturdays!(813) 358-71104315 Henderson Blvd Tampa, FL 33620
Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Cosmetic DentistryDental Education0

Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

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.

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Cosmetic Dentistry0

Dreaming of a White Christmas Smile

Christmas is a time for celebrating life, love, experiences and new beginnings with friends and family. This is the time of year when people look forward to reconnecting with old friends and also meeting new ones. When joining together with the special people in your life, it’s always nice to express your happiness with a warm and welcoming smile.

Don’t be hesitant to show your holiday smile because your teeth are less than bright and white. You can have a dramatically brighter smile through professional teeth whitening treatments. Here at South Tampa Smiles, we offer at home bleaching as well as deep bleaching in the office for maximum whitening results. Our teeth whitening treatments are far more superior than the over-the-counter products you may have tried in the past. These OTC treatments are generally not as effective and can take weeks to show noticeable results.

When you have your teeth professionally whitened, you will have the most dramatic results in the least amount of time. We can lighten your teeth up to 10 shades in a single visit because the active ingredient in our whitening gels is a much higher concentration than OTC gels. The treatment is generally safe and effective when done under professional supervision. We closely monitor the whitener’s action during treatment, and ensure your lips, gums, and surrounding tissues are fully protected from exposure to chemicals.

A full dental exam with x-rays is a requirement prior to having any professional teeth whitening treatment. Certain dental problems may cause a dull appearance to your teeth, such as a root canal. During the exam, we rule out any problems with your teeth that may be contributing to any discolorations. You will also need a regular dental cleaning. This is to remove any stains and plaque build-up that could hinder the bleaching process. Following these steps and any additional dental work that may be needed, we can begin your bleaching treatment.

Visit our Smile Gallery for before and after photos of some of our patients. Read more about teeth whitening and feel free to browse our website to learn about all of our cosmetic dental treatments. If you would like to celebrate this joyous season with a White Christmas Smile, give us a call at (813) 289 -0560 to schedule your appointment.

 

Article Title:

White Christmas Smile

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Dental EducationOral Health0

Thanksgiving Day Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth

Here at South Tampa Smiles, we want to say thank you to each of our patients that help make our practice so special. We are grateful for each and every one of you and your wonderful smiles. We wish all of you the best holiday season possible.

 

Of course we all like to splurge on our Thanksgiving Day feast and have an abundance and variety of our favorite foods. There are some foods that are not only delicious, but are quite healthy. Because we focus on the oral health of our patients, we would like to share some Thanksgiving Day foods that are good for your teeth.

 

Turkey

Turkey is the big staple of this Holiday and it’s very good for your teeth. It is loaded with protein and has the highest amount of phosphorus, which rebuilds hydroxyapatite matrices (enamel) that have been damaged from acid-producing bacteria.

 

Spinach

For those that perhaps do not eat meat, you can still get a good source of protein from green leafy vegetables. Spinach has an abundance of protein and is a good source of iron and Vitamin A. Spinach has a large amount of oxalic acid so it may leave a fuzzy feeling in your mouth. Just rinse with water if this is bothersome.

 

Sweet Potatoes & Mashed Potatoes

There are a good amount of vitamins in potatoes. Even though they are starchy, they do not stick to your teeth like many other starchy foods that are a haven for bacteria.

 

Dairy Products

Mashed potatoes wouldn’t be the same without some creamy milk in the mix. Milk has calcium, which is great from your teeth. Dairy is also low in acidity and sugar so indulge in a nice helping or two.

 

Cranberries

Cranberries are tart and juicy and are loaded with nutrients such as vitamin C, Vitamin A, beta-carotene, and potassium. They help prevent tooth decay by interfering with bacteria’s ability to stick to your teeth and forming dental plaque.

 

Pumpkin

Pumpkin, carrots and squash (orange foods) are rich in Vitamin A. Our bodies use Vitamin A to form tooth enamel. They are also a good source of minerals like copper, calcium and phosphorus, which protects your gums. Calcium also helps in the development and re-mineralization of teeth.

 

We hope you found our article “Thanksgiving Day Foods That Are Good for Your Teeth” helpful. Thanksgiving is even more joyful when our loved ones are healthy and happy. Be sure not to let the busy holiday season distract you from keeping your teeth in great health. Schedule your next dental appointment with us at (813) 289 – 0560. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving from South Tampa Smiles!

 

 

 

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Uncategorized0

Five Tips to Overcome Dental Anxiety

Most people do not look forward to being in the dental chair. But for some, the anxiety can become so strong that it prevents them from going to the dentist entirely. This can result in problems even further than oral complications. Studies now link it to illnesses including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

It is important to gain control of your dental anxieties to ensure that you attend all of your appointments for your overall health. We have compiled our top five to calm the nervousness and get you through your appointments with ease.

Our top five tips to overcome dental anxiety include:
  1. Plan Ahead – Make your dental appointment on a day that is errand and appointment free if possible. You would want to avoid having an appointment Pick a time of day that will allow enough time that you will not be in a rush. Minimizing your stress level on the day of your dental appointment will help keep your anxiety down.
  2. Review Sedation Options – Discuss which options would be suitable for you including local anesthesia and if you would benefit from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to make your visit more comfortable and relaxing.
  3. Avoid Caffeine & Sugar – Too much of either can leave you feeling more anxious and often jittery.
  4. Utilize Relaxation Techniques – Slow and deep breathing techniques are helpful before and during your appointment and can have a calming effect.
  5. Distractions – Listening to the music of your choice through headphones will keep your mind occupied and minimize the sounds from dental procedures that can be unpleasant for some.

We quite frequently have patients that are fearful and we take every step necessary to create a calm and pleasant atmosphere for each one of our patients. If you have additional questions about relaxation techniques and overcoming dental anxiety, please call South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560. Our friendly staff is ready to help.

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Dental Education0

Dry Mouth Causes and Solutions

Importance of Saliva

Saliva offers natural cleansing and helps rid harmful bacteria in the mouth. If the production of saliva is decreased you may experience: dry sticky feeling in mouth and throat, difficulty swallowing, mouth sores, cracked lips, dry and red tongue, burning sensation, bad breath, and other problems and discomforts. Even further damage than these irritations can occur from chronic dry mouth if left untreated, such as: gum disease, tooth decay, and oral infections.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common side effect of many medications. Discontinuing medications for illness or disease is usually not an option, which leaves only two courses of action: find ways to increase salivary production and eliminate specific things that are likely to cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth can be caused by medications used to treat:
  • Anxiety
  • Pain
  • Allergies
  • Colds
  • Hypertension
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Psychotic Disorders
  • Urinary Incontinence
  • Asthma
  • Parkinson’s Disease

It can also result from the use of muscle relaxants and sedatives.

Certain diseases and infections that may cause dry mouth include:
  • Sjögren’s syndrome
  • HIV
  • Alzheimers
  • Diabetes
  • Anemia
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Hypertension
  • Parkinson’s Disease Stroke
  • Mumps
Dry mouth can be the result of certain medical treatments, nerve damage, dehydration and lifestyle choices including:
  • Radiation
  • Chemotherapy
  • Head and Neck Injury
  • Smoking & Tobacco

Eliminating the cause to dry mouth would be ideal, but there are instances where that is not an option.

Here are a few steps you can take that can help to boost your salivary flow: 
  • Chew Sugar-Free Gum
  • Drink Plenty of Water
  • Breath Through Your Nose
  • Use a Room Vaporizer
  • Use an Over-the-Counter Saliva Substitute

 

Contact South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560 for further information if you are suffering from dry mouth or would like to make an appointment. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you!

 

Further Reading on Dry Mouth Causes and Solutions:

WebMd.com

MayoClinic.org

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Announcements0

Top 5 South Tampa Halloween Events for Kids

Top 5 South Tampa Halloween Events for Kids

South Tampa Smiles would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

There are going to be quite a few choices for fun and activities in the South Tampa area. If you are searching for the best locations to take your little ones for a Halloween event or an evening of Trick-or treating, we have a treat for you! We have put together a list of our Top 5 South Tampa Halloween Events for Kids. Find the hotspot best suited for you and your family to enjoy this Halloween weekend.

Our Top 5 South Tampa Halloween Events for Kids are:

  1. Halloween Spree at the Glazer Museum – This event offers games, crafts, prizes, trick-or-treating stations and more.
  2. Halloween in the Village – The Village will have costume contests for kids and pets, trick-or-treating and Halloween activities.
  3. Westshore Plaza Halloween – Westshore plaza will be having a costume parade and contest, Elmo and Kevin the Minion, games, crafts, prizes and more.
  4. Halloween Party at Color Me Mine – Test out your costume for free studio fees and spooky treats at this party event.
  5. Trick or Treating in South Tampa – Enjoy a traditional Halloween evening while trick-or-treating in these great South Tampa neighborhoods: Palma Ceia, Bayshore Beautiful, Beach Park, Sunset Park, Culbreath Bayou, and Culbreath Heights, and Swann Estates.

Did you know there was a trick-or-treat app available to help you navigate your way through the streets for your door-to-door adventure? This map app is helpful to make the hunt for goodies as painless as possible so your family can have the most enjoyable Halloween experience:

The Halloween Treat Map

We hope you have found our Top 5 South Tampa Halloween Events for Kids and Map helpful. We enjoy giving friendly advice to our locals and encourage sharing knowledge and information that is useful in planning local events. We are conveniently located in South Tampa and welcome new patients. Contact us for your next appointments at (813) 289 – 0560.

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
AnnouncementsOral Health0

Top 5 Healthy Halloween Dental Tips

Top 5 Healthy Halloween Dental Tips

Parents should be mindful of the effects of Halloween treats on overall health without spoiling all of the enjoyment for your children. We have compiled a list of our favorite Healthy Halloween Dental Tips to help keep your children’s smile healthy during the Halloween season and all year. Our Top 5 Healthy Halloween Dental Tips:

  1. Timing Your Sweet Indulgences:
    Eat Halloween candy after mealtime. Your salivary glands are kicked in gear when you have a meal. The production of saliva helps to naturally rinse the food particles away. This also helps rid the bacteria from the sugary foods that can cause tooth decay.
  2.  Staying Properly Hydrated:
    Drinking plenty of water each day not only keeps you hydrated, it keeps your teeth strong. Drinking water helps flush away debris and bacteria that are harmful if left to grow and flourish. Make water your primary source for hydration and stay away from sweet drinks. Sweet beverages keep the teeth in frequent contact with sugar increasing the risk of tooth decay.
  3.  Eating Nutritious Meals:
    Diets high in sugar are dangerous not to your overall wellness, but also can wreak havoc on your teeth. Teaching your children the importance of healthy eating habits will keep them fueled-up and help keep their teeth and gums in top shape.
  4. Choosing Your Sweets:
    Just as the time you choose to enjoy your sweet treats is important, the length of time these sugary foods remain in your mouth plays a role as well. Hard candies that you hold in your mouth for a longer time keep your teeth saturated in sugar. Also, sticky candies cling to your teeth such as taffy and gummy bears. These stickier candies take longer to get washed away by saliva and increase the risk of tooth decay. Softer sweets that dissolve quickly are more favorable. 
  5. Brushing Twice a Day:
    Lastly, we always encourage proper oral hygiene as one of the top picks to maintaining oral health during any holiday season and all year long. Brushing twice a day and flossing between the teeth will ensure that the plaque that has accumulated throughout the day has been properly removed.

South Tampa Smiles would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween. We encourage everyone to enjoy the sweeter things in life while maintaining long-lasting dental health. Be sure to keep your dental checkups every 6 months and stay on top of your professional cleanings, x-rays and examinations. Call us today for further questions or to schedule your dental checkup at (813) 289 – 0560.

 

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