Tag Archives: bad dental habits

Breaking the Myth: Periodontal Disease Edition | Palm Harbor Dentist

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. Despite the major prevalence, only three percent of those individuals actually seek treatment for their gum disease. With more research indicating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, maintaining healthy teeth and gums have become more and more important. Here are some common things in which the AAP have deemed misconceptions about oral health that should help you distinguish signs of gum disease:

Bleeding gums are not important.

Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are an important sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing on a regular basis, you should schedule a visit with your dental professional in order to be evaluated for periodontal disease right away.

You don’t need to floss every day.

Having a set oral health routine is incredibly important. This includes keeping up with brushing AND flossing. Doing one without the other is giving opportunities for harmful bacteria to wreak havoc on your dental health.

A tooth lost to gum disease is lost forever.

This is not true, but not exactly false either. While gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss, and you tooth is indeed lost forever, periodontists use procedures such as dental implants to replace teeth.

Poor oral hygiene is the only way to develop gum disease.

Good oral hygiene can definitely contribute to the prevention of gum disease, however there are other factors in which having good oral hygiene won’t matter. For example, using tobacco increases your chances of developing gum disease by a large amount.

If you’re interested in learning more about periodontal disease, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

End the Year Without Your Bad Habits | Palm Harbor Dentist

Let’s face it – this has been one wild ride of a year. There was always something new to make us overwhelmed. And with this, some bad habits may have presented themselves. It’s understandable. So, as we are preparing to enter a new (and hopefully less stressful) year, why not take a moment to think about these bad habits and make a change for the better? Here is a list of some bad dental habits that we hope you can try to curtail because they are really killing your smile:

Chewing ice. We’ve all been guilty of this. After you’ve finished a drink, you might have the habit of chewing the ice that is leftover. But it’s the cold and hardness of the cubes can actually chip or crack your teeth.

Oral tool kit. Just like the ice habit, using your teeth to crack open nuts, or tear through plastic can be incredibly detrimental. Just like chewing ice, using your teeth as a tool may cause damage to your teeth.

Drinking soda. This may seem harmless, but there is a number of reasons why soda is bad for our teeth. Chockful of sugar, even the sugar-free options are bad for our teeth. Sodas are acidic and incredibly harmful to teeth.

Nail biting. A nervous habit, we know and perhaps one of the most common bad habits at that, biting your nails itself is not only damaging to your nail beds, but also to your teeth.

Teeth grinding. Officially called bruxism, grinding your teeth can begin to wear them down. While this is difficult to control while you’re sleeping, a dentist may give you a night guard to help you get it under control.

If you’re interested in learning more about bad dental habits, contact Dr. Lieberman at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Cavity Prevention 101: Palm Harbor Dentist

We all want a good report card when we go to visit the dentist. Unfortunately, we aren’t always the most responsible when it comes to a consistent dental regimen. When it gets by us, there is a high chance we will develop a cavity. A cavity occurs when plaque produces enough acid to eat through tooth enamel. The effects are usually reversible through extensive dental treatments, but there’s an easier way to deal with cavities – follow these three simple tips:

Watch your diet. People who love sugary treats are more likely to suffer from dental issues those that don’t prefer sugar will. Frequently snacking on sweets leaves sugar and starch on your teeth if not brushed afterwards, causing plaque and eventually, cavities. To minimize the risk, cut back on your sugar intake, or avoid it altogether. By making the decision to eliminate sugar from your diet, you’ll not only improve your oral health, but your health overall.

Don’t skip the dentist. Plenty of people suffer from cavities because they rarely pay a visit to their dentist. If it’s been a while since your last appointment, consider scheduling a visit ASAP. Your dentist will examine your entire mouth and give you a proper assessment of your oral health.

Make dental hygiene a priority. Make it a habit to brush your teeth every day and floss regularly. People tend to forget to floss, but it gets in spots a toothbrush can’t. If you don’t know if you’re brushing or flossing your teeth properly, ask your dentist. Gargling mouthwash will also go a long way in eliminating plaque buildup, so ask your dentist for any brands they recommend.

If you’re interested in learning more about cavity prevention, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Why You Should Stay Away from Soda | Palm Harbor Dentist

It seems we drink them whenever we have a burger or a delicious slice of pizza. Americans love soda. They’re fizzy, refreshing, bubbly, they’re delicious…but if you are drinking them frequently, they’re also ruining your teeth. Drinking soda is one of the main culprits of teeth harm caused by your diet. Of course, in moderation it poses very little threat, but a steady consumption of soft drinks is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Heavy soda consumption has also been linked to other health complications including diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis.

Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks the teeth. Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage teeth. When sipping on soda all day the sugar and the acidity is sitting on your teeth, eating away at your enamel, staining your teeth, and setting off bacteria bombs.

Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks the teeth. Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage teeth. Each attack lasts about 20 minutes and starts over with every sip of soda you take. These ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. Kids and teens are most susceptible to tooth decay because their tooth enamel is not fully developed. Some guidelines to avoiding tooth decay:

Consuming two or more servings of dairy foods
Drink water – Water is beneficial in more ways than one in this instance
Restricting other sugared beverages to occasional use

If you’re interested in learning more about the effects of soda on your teeth, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Eat Your Way to a Healthy Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

When we treat our bodies well, it treats us well in return. But it’s not only in a general sense, a diet filled with nutrition can also help to improve and/or maintain our dental health as well. If the foods are not good for you, they can contribute to the development of gum disease; if they are, they will have the opposite effect.

Foods and drinks high in sugar and acid are typically bad for your teeth because they contribute to both tooth decay and periodontal disease, making them weaker and more vulnerable to tooth decay. Foods like celery can help brush food particles off of teeth, and they also encourage the production of saliva to cleanse the teeth. Foods high in calcium and protein (such as cheese, milk, meats, and nuts) tend to be low in sugar and key to stronger teeth by protecting tooth enamel.

In addition to the sugar and acid contents of food, patients should pay attention to how long the food is in contact with their teeth. Soft foods like peanut butter are more likely to be stuck between teeth, and drinks that are sipped throughout the day tend to stay in contact with teeth all day. In order to keep these foods from having adverse effects on your teeth, eat or drink the sugary ones in one sitting so you can brush or rinse afterwards. If a toothbrush isn’t handy, popping a stick of sugar-free gum in your mouth will create the saliva needed to rinse your teeth enough until a proper brushing is available.

If you’re interested in learning more about smile-friendly foods, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

September Is National Self Care Awareness Month | Palm Harbor Dentist

sedation dentistry Because it is important to take care of ourselves, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the way we are treating ourselves. If we are treating ourselves well, it is easier to remain healthy. If not, this month is a great time to take stock and make any chances necessary to improve our livelihood. One way to do that is through your dental health. The mouth is the first line of defense against bacteria that can affect our overall health. In fact, gum disease as a result of poor oral hygiene, may be more detrimental to your health than you think…

Heart health. Individuals with gum disease are twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. Harmful bacteria from your mouth enter your blood stream and attaches to fatty plaques in your heart’s blood vessels, making you more prone to clots that may trigger heart attacks.

Memory loss. Researchers have found that there may be a close link to poor oral health with an increased risk of dementia. Oral bacteria may spread to the brain through cranial nerves that connect to the jaw, even contributing to a type of plaque linked to Alzheimer’s.

Diabetes. Gum disease makes it harder to control you blood sugar, resulting in a high chance for diabetic issues, and a higher chance of periodontal disease.

Breathing issues. Individuals with poor hygiene are hurting their respiratory systems. Gum disease may increase your risk of respiratory infections such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Fertility. Women with gum disease take an average two months longer to conceive a child that those who don’t have gum disease.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental health, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Do You Have Trouble Sleeping Well? | Palm Harbor Dentist

It is important for us to get enough sleep every night. Not only does it help us manage our daily tasks, but it also affects how our overall health is looked after. Not enough sleep and your health will slowly begin to take a turn a turn for the worse. But why is it that you are having a tough time sleeping? Is it your lifestyle or is it something else?

If you find that you are waking up with headaches, jaw pain or something related to your face, you may be developing a sleep disorder known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. If would be a good idea to visit your dental professional as soon as possible to find out if this is the case. If left untreated, you will begin to develop other dental issues as a result.

Individuals suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ, experience many symptoms such as discomfort and pain in areas surrounding the face or jaw. There are a series of remedies recommended in order to alleviate tension found in those areas. Some of these include:

Facial exercises such as stretching, relaxing, or massaging the muscles found around the jaw
Evading actions such as yawning, singing, or excessive chewing.
Learning new stress relieving techniques including but not limited to: Meditation, Breathing Exercises, or Personal stress relievers.
Formulating an exercise plan in order to increase our pain tolerance.

TMJ is nothing to worry too much about if you take care of it early. Dr. Lieberman highly encourages patients suffering from TMJ to follow these few techniques in order to alleviate TMJ pain and symptoms.

If you’re interested in learning more about TMJ, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Why Visit the Dentist? | Palm Harbor Dentist

We all know proper oral hygiene is important not only for your smile, but for your overall health as well. And regular dental visits are essential for the maintenance of healthy teeth and gums. They will help keep your mouths in tip top shape, but the brunt of the work relies on you. So, don’t think of these regular dental appointments as a bad thing – they are doing more than you know…

Gum disease prevention. Gum disease is a tissue infection surrounding your teeth, and one of the major causes of bone loss if left untreated. Regular dental cleanings and DIY care are main factors in prevention.

Oral health maintenance. On these visits, your dentist will look closely for any problems that may have happened in between visits. The sooner you treat issues, the better.

Oral cancer detection. Early diagnosis of oral cancer is very important in improving of the prognosis of cancer. When you have dental cleanings, you are also screened for oral cancer.

A healthy smile. When you have a beautiful smile, you feel more confident and satisfied with your being. When you feel confident, you live it that confidence.

Brighten your smile. Our diets have a tendency to stain our teeth over time. A dental cleaning can remove built-up stains and leave you with freshly polished teeth.

Fresh breath. Even if you brush and floss regularly, getting a cleaning is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and odor-free.

Good overall health. There is a correlation between poor oral health and chronic diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, premature and low birth weight.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental exams, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.

You Don’t Have to Have Gum Disease | Palm Harbor Dentist

No one wants gum disease, but it is more common than one would think. In fact, most adults will have some sort of gum disease in their lifetime. Luckily, with proper dental hygiene and an examination by your dental professional. The symptoms are visible, and include gum inflammation, sensitive teeth, and pain when chewing but can develop into much worse if left untreated, even as far as the loss of your permanent teeth. Luckily, preventing periodontal disease is simple. Here is what you need to know:

Brush your teeth. This should be a given – brushing your teeth is important. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush after every meal. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. Flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease by removing the plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth.

Watch what you eat. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. Keep things healthy by replacing your sodas and junk food with water and veggies.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Extensive brushing and flossing is recommended, along with regular dental visits. Taking preventative measures is the key to good dental health. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms for periodontal disease, avoid waiting and make a dental appointment as soon as possible. By preventing or treating periodontal disease, you will not only save a significant amount of time and money, but your will save your smile from decay and permanent loss.

If you’re interested in learning more about gum disease prevention, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.

The Energy Drink Is Ruining Your Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

It’s been a busy few days and all the work’s starting to take its toll on you. You find yourself tired and sleepy. So, you go down the hall, find the vending machine, look for an energy drink of your flavor of choice, toss in a few bucks and voila, you’ve just found a way to get yourself out of that mid-shift funk.

All is well and good, right? Well, not exactly. Fact is, even if most people know that drinking energy drinks regularly is bad for the body, it seems that the energy boost isn’t all that worth it, especially since it comes at the expense of your beautiful smile.

The main root of the problem is a mix of extremely high sugar content and a citric acid pH that’s usually as low as 2.9 all in one drink. Even the extremely high sugar content alone isn’t enough to fully describe just how bad energy drinks are for one’s teeth. It’s the combination of the sugar content and pH levels that makes energy drinks such a danger to the teeth.

Anything acidic, when consumed regularly and in high amounts, can cause damage to tooth enamel, which in time can lead to a myriad of dental problems, including tooth sensitivity, tooth discoloration and pain or discomfort in the teeth. With energy drinks, the teeth are exposed to a huge amount of these acidic substances, which leads to it having a similar detrimental effect on teeth as that of carbonated drinks and juices.

If you’re interested in learning more about the effects of energy drinks on your teeth, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today. Or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com for additional information.

Dr. Larry Lieberman proudly accepts patients from Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.