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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Oral Health0

Chewing Ice Can Damage Your Teeth

There are many everyday habits that may seem perfectly harmless, but in fact can actually cause damage to your overall oral health. Chewing ice is one of those routine habits that can cause some major dental problems. Understanding the potential harmful effects may keep you from biting down on an ice cube and save you from unnecessary dental problems.

Chewing Ice & Tooth Damage

Chewing ice can cause microscopic fractures in enamel that can become larger and even broken teeth. Your teeth are made of enamel and dentin. The enamel is the hard surface that is exposed and covers the dentin underneath that is not as hard. Chewing on ice can wear down and weaken the enamel of your teeth, which can cause cracking. If the enamel is cracked and dentin is exposed, your teeth can become weakened and sensitive because within the dentin is the nerve of the tooth. This could also lead to increase sensitivity to hot and cold and make your teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Dental Work

In addition to the harmful effects to the teeth, you run the risk of damaging your dental work. Fillings, crowns and other previous dental work may weaken the tooth and cause it to chip more easily. This could lead to further and more extensive dental work needed and even more time in the dental chair. You’ve spent the time and money to make your smile healthy, you will want to lessen any danger of harming your beautiful smile.|

Gum Damage From Chewing Ice

The pieces of ice can become sharp as they are broken down in your mouth. This causes potential cuts on the soft tissues inside your mouth. Constantly chewing on ice and pressing down on the gums could cause injury to your gums and potentially lead to gum recession. Chewing sugar-free gum may help fight the urge of chewing and lessen the risk of puncturing your gums and causing serious damage.


Underlying Medical Concerns

The desire to chew ice cubes may be due to underlying medical conditions. Studies have shown that people with the iron deficiency anemia, nutritional deficiencies, obsessive compulsive disorder, emotional and developmental disorders may be more likely to chew on ice. If you have the consistent urge to chew on ice, it is a good idea to seek medical attention and rule out any underlying health issues.

Contact South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560 today if you believe your habit has caused damage to your teeth or need a checkup to protect your teeth and your beautiful smile!

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Cosmetic Dentistry0

All Crowns – Treatment for Severe Wear

Bruxism (Teeth grinding)

The word “brux” is the term that dentists use to refer to a patient’s habit of tooth clenching and grinding. Grinding teeth can occur during waking hours, during sleep, or both. Sometimes patients are not even aware of their bruxism habit. Over time, people who clench and grind their teeth can wear them down to the point they have lost their pleasant and natural looking smile.


Appearance of Severe Wear

People who clinch and grind their teeth typically have the same characteristic wear pattern. Teeth with severe wear are generally short and all the same length. A normal smile has a more gently rounded contour with certain teeth having slightly varying lengths. Patients with clinching habits generally have worn the edges of their teeth flat and often display chipping.

Treatment Using All Crowns

Damage from teeth grinding can be so severe that the treatment of choice involves the use of all crowns. The use of porcelain crowns over the worn teeth is a reliable technique because the must be able to withstand the extreme forces from clenching and grinding. Porcelain crowns can repair the most severe dental problems. They can even replace missing teeth to offer a complete and functional bite. Visit our Smile Gallery to see some of our patient’s transformations using all crowns.

Contact Us

Dr. John Cannariato provides quality work with fantastic transformations. He is renowned for quality smile makeovers and long-lasting correction of major dental problems. If you have worn your teeth to an unflattering level and need a “new” smile, contact South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560.

Read more about All-Porcelain Crowns here.

For further reading related to this topic read: Aging and Oral Health and Hypersensitive Teeth.

Article Title: All Crowns – Treatment for Severe Wear

#allcrowns

#severewear

#southtampadentist

#bruxism

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Cosmetic Dentistry0

Dental Crowns with Bleaching

The use of dental crowns with bleaching is a great option for acquiring a natural looking, bright smile. Sometimes dental crowns alone will not get the desired look for the best smile possible. The two treatments can be used together to cover damaged teeth and brighten the appearance of your overall smile.

 

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are natural-looking covers that fit snugly over teeth to conceal cracked, badly discolored, injured, or chipped teeth. In the past, dental crowns in South Tampa required a metal substructure, but with today’s technology, all-porcelain crowns are now available.

All-Porcelain Crowns

All-porcelain crowns are more natural looking than traditional porcelain fused to metal crowns. They provide support for damaged teeth and improve the overall appearance of your smile while making your teeth more resistant to injury. Read more about All-Porcelain crowns and view some of our before and after photos.

Bleaching

Professional teeth whitening can also be used along with all-porcelain crowns for maximum results. Deep bleaching is the best-known tooth whitening solution. It can leave your teeth significantly whiter than other teeth whitening solutions. Find out more about deep bleaching and view the results of some of our patients here.

Contact

If you think dental crowns with bleaching might be a dental treatment for you, South Tampa Smiles can help. We offer amazing deep bleaching, professional teeth whitening treatments to our patients. For more information about our dental crowns with bleaching, please contact us today at (813) 289 – 0560.

#allporcelaincrowns

#southtampadentist

#teethwhitening

#teethbleaching

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Announcements0

National Dental Hygiene Month

National Dental Hygiene Month, NDHM is October

Public Awareness

South Tampa Smiles would like to extend the announcement of October as National Dental Hygiene Month, NDHM. For us this is simply reminding you that your teeth are an important part of your overall health, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. Taking care of your teeth, eating a well balanced diet and regular dental visits helps you maintain a bright, healthy smile that can last a lifetime.

 

About NDHM

The American Dental Hygiene Association (ADHA) and Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company have teamed together for the sixth straight year to promote good oral health maintenance to the public. They work together to raise public Announcing October as National Dental Hygiene Month (NDHM) with focus on 4 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

 

Make Your Appointment

Be sure to thank your dental hygienist for all their hard work and dedication to keep us with healthy 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 South Tampa Smiles for your appointment at (813) 289 – 0560.

 

#nationaldentalhygienemonth

#dentalhygiene

#oralhealth

#dentalhygienist

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
South Tampa Dentist1

Our Smile Gallery

South Tampa Smiles provides comprehensive dental care with a focus on beautifying our patient’s smiles. We use the latest techniques and technology available to provide a natural, healthy smile that helps build confidence in each of our patients.

We are happy to share the results of some of our patients in our Smile Gallery. The Smile Gallery highlights just some of the transformations we have helped our patients achieve. It was created to help you understand the outcome of various dental treatments. It is categorized by treatment. You can simply click on the treatment to scroll through the interactive gallery.

The treatments in the smile gallery include:

  • Bonding
  • Same Day Crowns
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Crowns
  • Six Month Braces
  • Smile Makeovers
  • Veneers
  • Whitening

Our latest addition to the gallery shows a patient that completed the Six Month Braces. It is a series of six photos showing the patient’s smile before having the braces placed and her amazing results after completing her treatment. Visit the smile gallery to view a collection of before-and-after Six Month Braces photos. While you are there, browse through other treatments in the gallery. Please enjoy some of our amazing smile transformations.

It is easy to see why our patients are loyal to Dr. Cannariato, our experienced cosmetic dentist in South Tampa. If you would like to learn more about what treatments may be right for you, we invite you to call South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560. Our caring staff is ready to assist you.

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Dental EducationOral Health2

Hypersensitive Teeth

Having hypersensitive teeth is a common experience with symptoms ranging from moderate to severe. It is caused by the movement of fluid within tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel that contains the inner pulp), which results in nerve irritation. Finding the underlying cause is important to help alleviate the sensitivity.

Dentin Exposure (Receding Gums)

Exposure of Dentin is the most common underlying cause. Dentin is the area that surrounds the root of the tooth. It is normally covered by gum tissue. Hypersensitive teeth can occur when the gums recede and expose part of the dentin. This becomes more common as we age. Read more on aging and oral health for more information on other dental processes that can develop with age.

Other Common Causes

Sometimes sensitivity may be caused by certain activities other factors including:

  • Teeth Grinding
  • Brushing too Hard
  • Eating Acidic Foods
  • Decay
  • Cracked Tooth

If you have had recent dental procedures it is common to have some sensitivity that will diminish in time and should be of no concern. Dental treatments that may cause temporary hypersensitive teeth including:

  • Recent Fillings, Crowns,
  • Placement and Adjustment of Braces
  • Periodontal Treatment
  • Teeth Whitening
Treatment for Hypersensitive Teeth

Treatment for hypersensitive teeth can range from simple home treatments to office treatments and surgical procedures. You may be able to alleviate your discomfort by using desensitizing toothpaste for sensitive teeth at home. If using desensitizing toothpaste does not ease your discomfort, there are in-office fluoride treatments that can help. When your discomfort is due to an underlying dental problem, you will need office treatment such as a filling or crown. If your sensitivity is due to the loss of gum tissue, you may need a surgical gum graft to cover the root. This will protect the tooth and reduce the sensitivity. When the sensitivity is severe and cannot be alleviated by other means, you may need endodontic treatment (root canal) to eliminate the pain.


Getting Help

The first step to correct your hypersensitive teeth is to determine your cause. Whether it is due to exposure of dentin or an underlying cause such as decay or abscess, corrective measures are needed. Our professional team at South Tampa Smiles can help. Contact us at (813) 289 – 0560 if you are experiencing pain due to hypersensitive teeth. We are here to provide you with some relief!

Source: Ada.org

#hypersensitiveteeth

#sensitiveteeth

#sensitivity

#dentalpain

#toothsensitivity

 

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Dental Education1

Aging and Oral Health

As we grow older, it is just as important to be aware of the effects of aging and oral health as maintaining a healthy heart, mind and bones. Although our mouths do go through changes as we age, a common misconception is that losing our teeth is inevitable. That is not true. If you take care of your teeth and get proper dental care, your teeth can last a lifetime.

During the aging process, we become more at risk for developing a variety of oral health conditions. As we age, the nerves in our teeth can become smaller, making any cavities or other dental problems less noticeable. This can mean getting a late diagnosis since we may be less aware of any dental issues that may be developing. It is important to be knowledgeable about this process and talk to your dentist about treatment options that are specific to your oral healthcare needs.

Conditions Associated with Aging and Oral Health:

  • Dry Mouth
  • Oral Tissue Inflammation
  • Root Decay
  • Diminished Sense of Taste
  • Oral Cancer

Maintaining Optimum Oral Health with Age

  • Healthy Diet
  • Limit Sugar Intake
  • Good Brushing and Flossing Habits
  • Regular Dental Visits
  • Don’t Smoke

Maintaining a healthy smile throughout your lifetime plays a huge role in overall health and wellness. There are many ways to keep your smile as healthy as possible as you grow older. Making healthier choices about lifestyle and diet along with regular dental visits can help prevent dental problems that may arise due to aging.

If you are experiencing any dental problems or concerns with aging and oral health, talking to a dentist is vital for troubleshooting solutions and creating a plan to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Contact South Tampa Smiles for any further questions or concerns about your oral health at 813 – 289 – 0560. Our friendly staff is always ready to help.

Aging and Oral Health ADA.org

#agingandoralhealth

#aging

#oralhealth

#dentalhealth

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Dr. Cannariato
10/May/2025
Dental Technology0

Dental X-Ray Safety

Dental X-Ray Safety Concerns & Risks

Concerned about dental x-ray safety? Let us put your worries to rest. The amount of radiation used in dental x-ray technology is minimal and have significantly decreased with advances in technology. The benefits in dental x-rays far outweigh the risks. They are vital in the diagnostic process to ensure proper dental treatment.

Uses for Dental X-Rays Include:
  • Identify problems with the teeth, mouth and jaw
  • Pin point cavities and wisdom teeth that may be hidden
  • Show bone loss and other oral problems that are usually not visible during a visual exam
  • They are useful for follow-up visit after dental treatment
Dental X-Ray Technology

The exposure in dental offices is far lower than in hospitals and other medical facilities. Digital x-rays are becoming the new standard in most dental practices. Digital x-rays use 50% less film speed than the recommended standard amount. This plays a direct role in the amount of exposure during routine dental examinations.

Additionally, dental x-ray units have a cone to focus the x-ray beam. This cone allows the beam to only expose the area of concern localizing the exposure and also minimizing exposure to other parts of your body.

We take your protection a step further with the use of lead aprons that drape your body to reduce the amount of scatter radiation. Lead aprons are used as a precaution for pregnant women along with a thyroid collar for additional safety precautions.

Minimizing Exposure

We all get radiation exposure not only from healthcare diagnostic treatments, but environmental factors as well. Since radiation can accumulate in our bodies over our lifetime, additional exposure should be kept to a minimum and only used for necessary diagnostic treatment.
 

Dental X-Ray Inquiries

At South Tampa Smiles, we take every step necessary to ensure our patients have the most protection available. Contact us today if you have any further questions or concerns about dental x-ray safety at (813) 289 – 0560.

#dentalxrays

#dentalxraysafety

#digitalxrays

#xraytechnology

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