29/Mar/2024

 Let’s Celebrate National Pumpkin Day!
October 26th is a day to recognize our favorite orange autumn decoration and food. In honor of National Pumpkin Day, we chose one of our favorite pumpkin recipes to share. Be sure to share your pumpkin recipes using #NationalPumpkinDay! Enjoy!!

Keep following South Tampa Smiles for more great recipes and to learn more about the nutritional facts of the foods you eat and their impact on your oral health. Call us today if it is time for your six month checkup or if you are experiencing any dental concerns at (813) 289 – 0560.

Further Reading:

Pumpkins are Good for Your Teeth!

Thanksgiving Foods that are Good for Your Teeth


29/Mar/2024

Floss Your Teeth Like a Dental Hygienist

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Keep your smile healthy and bright by following a proper dental hygiene routine at home. Be sure to include flossing in your daily dental care along brushing at least twice daily. South Tampa Smiles would like to share our expert flossing advice and techniques so our patients have the skills to floss like a pro!

First, make sure you are flossing at least once a day. Another tip is to floss before you brush so the particles and bacteria will be dislodged then brushed away. Either way is acceptable as long as you do a thorough job. Use a longer strand of floss— about 18 inches. Wrap the floss around your two middle fingers, with one of the two fingers having the majority of the floss. Using your two middle fingers will free up your index fingers to use as a guide to floss. Start with the very back tooth and gently slide the floss down to the gum line until you meet some resistance. Move to the opposite side of that tooth and gently slide the floss down in between two teeth and work it up and down several times. As you slide the floss up and down against each tooth, let out a little floss and wrap it around the finger picking up the slack. This way you are using a clean area of floss and don’t transfer the bacteria from tooth to tooth. Repeat until you have reached all areas between your teeth on the top and bottom of your mouth.

Congratulations! You have just gone through all the steps to floss your teeth like a dental hygienist! South Tampa Smiles encourages all of our patients to be knowledgeable about oral health and proper dental care techniques. Contact us at (813) 289 – 0560 to schedule your next dental checkup and cleaning. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you.

Further Reading: Why is Flossing so Important?

Source: ADA.org


29/Mar/2024

Feeling haunted by sweets and treats? Just remember to keep a balanced diet during this season to keep your smile bright and beautiful! Stay on top of your regular dental checkups and cleanings. We look forward to seeing you! (813) 289 – 0560


29/Mar/2024

Top 5 Questions About Enamel


There are many myths and facts about the enamel of your teeth. There are many misconceptions about its purpose and abilities. We have picked our top 5 questions about enamel so you can better preserve your smile for years to come.

1. Is enamel the hardest substance in your body?

Yes. The skull and femur are often mistaken as being the hardest structures in your body. However, the most resilient substances are in your tooth enamel. The minerals in enamel make it the hardest and toughest substance in your body.

2. Does saliva strengthen your enamel?

Yes. Saliva contains calcium, which strengthens enamel. Saliva washes food and debris away from the surfaces of your teeth. Furthermore, it neutralizes acids and bacteria in your mouth, preventing additional damage to your teeth.

3. Can enamel Regenerate?

No. Enamel cannot regenerate itself. Minerals like calcium and phosphate create enamel. It is not a living tissue, therefore, it cannot grow back.

4. Does grinding your teeth damage your enamel?

Yes. Grinding your teeth can damage your enamel. Our teeth are meant to chew and grind up food, but too much grinding can be damaging. Teeth grinding in more serious cases can cause the enamel to become so worn that it can crack and split.

5. Are certain foods more harmful to enamel?

Yes. Sugar acts as an acid that attacks the enamel and slowly wears it away. Also, crunchy foods like chips and ice can break away enamel. Better choices are healthy, crisp foods like carrots and celery to stimulate salivary flow. Also, calcium in dairy products and phosphorus in animal proteins strengthen your enamel.

See your dentist at least twice a year and have your teeth checked to catch any signs of damage early. Contact South Tampa Smiles at (813) 289 – 0560 to schedule your next dental visit. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, strong and beautiful smile!


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