22/Dec/2024

Tongue scrapers and cleaners are a great way to rid your tongue of unwanted debris and reducing bacterial conditions. If you only brush your teeth and forgo cleaning off your tongue, you are leaving behind bacteria to flourish in your mouth. These plaque-forming can bacteria accumulate and breed causing numerous dental problems such as bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth decay.

Tongue Scrapers and Overall Health

Along with the reduction of the bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath, gingivitis and tooth decay, a clean tongue plays an important role in your overall health. The tongue harbors almost half of the bacteria within your mouth so it is vital to get rid of all of these toxins that can be trapped in the crevices of your tongue. These toxins can be reabsorbed into your body if left behind and lead to a multitude of health conditions including a compromised immune system, respiratory difficulties and digestive problems.

How to Use Tongue Scrapers

Tongue scrapers are “U” shaped thin, flat deplaquing devices that are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. You simply hold the scraper with both hands in front of a mirror and place it as far back on your tongue as possible. Use one long stroke with a little pressure and scrape all the way from the far back surface area to the front surface of your tongue. Rinse off the tongue scraper and repeat until your tongue appears free of coating. And… Viola! Your tongue is clean as a whistle.

Keeping up with your regular, professional dental cleaning will keep your teeth and gums in optimum condition and minimize the need for extensive dental treatment. Contact South Tampa Smiles for your next dental appointment at (813) 289 – 0560. Our friendly and professional staff is ready to assist you.

Dr. Cannariato

22/Dec/2024

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:

Brush – brushing your teeth twice daily is important to keep the plaque from accumulating and causing oral and health problems
Floss – by flossing once daily, you can rid your mouth of the plaque that is caught between the teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach
Rinse – antimicrobial mouth rinses can kill any bacteria that brushing and flossing left behind.
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

Dr. Cannariato

22/Dec/2024

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

Dr. Cannariato

22/Dec/2024

More Effective Than Brushing Alone

Flossing your teeth helps clean the areas of the teeth that a toothbrush cannot access. Regular flossing helps break up the bacterial plaque and keep the bacteria from colonizing. If plaque is left to organize, it can create a pathogen-rich environment in your mouth leaving you at risk for developing dental and gum related diseases or even systemic illnesses.

Prevents Buildup of Plaque

Plaque is the sticky soft film that can harden into Tartar buildup if left undisturbed for a period of time. Once this film hardens into tartar, it must be removed in the dental office. Preventing plaque from hardening into tartar can be achieved more effectively with proper brushing along with flossing the surfaces between the teeth and along the gum line.

Fresher Breath

Battling with offensive smells coming from your mouth? The bacteria in plaque and food particles left in between the teeth can cause bad breath. Flossing the areas your toothbrush cannot reach helps getting rid of this smelly plaque.

Healthier Gums

Flossing is important for the removal of the bacterial film along the gum line. Without regular bushing and flossing, you are at risk of developing infection, and possibly disease of the structures that support your teeth in your mouth. Gum infections known as gingivitis can lead to gum disease, or periodontitis, which can eventually cause tooth loss.

Prevents Serious Diseases

If bacteria is left to flourish in your mouth, it can have harmful effects on your overall health. Research has shown that bacteria in the mouth can lead to respiratory illnesses, diabetes and heart disease. Improving your oral health plays a major role in your overall health.

Brighter Smile

To keep your teeth white and shiny, incorporate flossing into your daily routine. Flossing helps remove stains from the teeth caused by the food and drinks we consume. It helps remove food particles and prevent unsightly staining resulting in a healthier and brighter smile.

Regular dental cleanings are an important part in maintaining optimum oral and overall health. Contact South Tampa Smiles today at (813) 289 – 0560 to schedule your checkup and cleaning.

#flossing

#oralheath

#plaque

#stainedteeth

Benefits of Using Tongue Scrapers

Tongue Scrapers and Overall Health

How to Use Tongue Scrapers