Tag Archives: Periodontal Disease

Set Your Mind at Ease with Laser Dentistry | Palm Harbor Dentist

As a good rule of thumb, visiting the dentist at the beginning of a new year will not only start it off on the right foot, but it can also let you know just how much you celebrated during the holiday season. Unfortunately, many patients are nervous about a dental visit because of fear. The sound of the drill, the pain we visualize – there are plenty of reasons patients skip out on regular dental visits. Thanks to laser dentistry, patients can now choose to go for virtually pain-free dental procedures. Take a look at the benefits:

Better accuracy and precision. Procedures done on the bone and gum tissues are also more precise using lasers, which leaves the surrounding areas unaffected and helping you maintain your natural set of teeth for a longer time.

Greatly reduced trauma. High-speed drills can cause fractures in the teeth that will eventually lead to further dental problems and costs down the road. With lasers, trauma is significantly minimized.

Faster and more efficient procedures. The use of lasers can make it easier for them to perform certain procedures that would usually require multiple trips in one visit, and those that often required a specialist can now be performed by a single dentist, saving you time, money and hassle.

Less bleeding and swelling. For many years, bleeding and post-op swelling were common in dental procedures. With lasers, dentists can perform procedures such as soft tissue with little to no bleeding and post-op swelling involved.

Versatility. Those that required the extensive use of drills and scalpels, such as decay removal, cavity preparation, root canals, and many others will be far easier to do all thanks to lasers.

If you’re interested in learning more about laser dentistry, 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.

Turkey Day Dental Tips | Palm Harbor Dentist

As we prepare for arguably the yummiest holiday of the year, it is important to realize that if we don’t look after our smiles, we could run into some issues come the new year. It is a holiday and for many of us, a time to indulge in all of the flavors this time of year has to offer. But there are some we should try to maintain a healthy balance, so as not to cause any dental issues in the future.

Foods and drinks high in sugar and acid are typically bad for your teeth. The sugar provides food for bacteria that contributes to both tooth decay and periodontal disease, and foods high in acid wear down tooth enamel, making them weaker, more likely to crack, and more vulnerable to tooth decay. Yes, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie are Thanksgiving favorites, just make sure to keep your helpings to a minimum.

Don’t worry – lots of holiday favorites are actually really great for our smiles, so feel free to indulge in them! Foods like celery can help brush food particles off of teeth, while producing saliva to naturally cleanse the teeth. Foods high in calcium and protein (cheese and meats) help contribute 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. If you have a toothbrush handy, a quick brushing wouldn’t hurt. If you’re unable to brush your teeth, chew sugar free gum – sugar free gum encourages saliva to help cleanse your teeth, while helping to discourage bacteria growth in your mouth.

If you’re interested in learning more about Thanksgiving dental tips, 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.

Busting the Myth Gum Disease Style | Palm Harbor Dentist

If there is one thing that patients worry about when it comes to dental visits, it’s hearing they’ve had a bad checkup and need further dental work. One of these issues would be gum disease. While there are four stages to it, early detection is best in order to remedy the situation. Unfortunately, there are loads of myths about gum disease that cause patients to be confused as to how it develops or how to prevent it. With more research indicating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, maintaining healthy teeth and g ums have become more and more important, so let’s take a moment to bust the more common myths regarding gum disease:

Bleeding gums are not important.

Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are a telltale sign of gum disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, you should schedule a visit with your dental professional to be evaluated for periodontal disease right away.

You don’t need to floss every day.

Having proper oral hygiene is incredibly important, and that includes keeping up with brushing, rinsing and flossing.

A tooth lost to gum disease is lost forever.

While you can’t get a permanent tooth back if it falls out because of gum disease, there is no need to worry about having the gap in your teeth – periodontists use 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, tobacco use or a poor diet. Both of these can increase your chances of gum disease development.

If you’re interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, 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.

Gum Disease Prevention During a Pandemic | Palm Harbor Dentist

We are constantly getting news about how our world is changing by the day. Makes things feel very up in the air, but there are some things we can do to help keep ourselves grounded during this shaky time. Keeping up our daily dental routines will not only prevent future issues with your smile, but will also help prevent gum disease, which can lead to lot of other issues down the line. Thankfully, there are ways to easily prevent periodontal disease:

Brushing your teeth. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush after every meal. Avoid brushing only twice a day and have a toothbrush handy. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. Flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease because it removes plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth.

A mindful diet. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. For this reason, make the proper substitutions. Replace sodas and junk food with water and veggies.

In extreme cases, patients experience bleeding gums and permanent tooth loss. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth which aids in the formation of a sticky plaque on teeth. Plaque is extremely harmful to individuals because if hardened, patients risk the formation of tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. 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 Palm Harbor and all surrounding areas.

Am I Developing Gingivitis? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Gingivitis, or gum disease, is one of those ailments one dreads hearing they have. It usually develops when oral care falls by the wayside, so it can easily be prevented with proper dental routines. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection. If left untreated, it can become a more serious infection known as periodontitis and can cause tooth loss.

Your gums actually attach to the teeth at a lower point than the gum edges. Food can get trapped in this space and cause a gum infection or gingivitis. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria on the surface of your teeth. When you don’t brush, it hardens and becomes tartar. Left unchecked, gingivitis can cause the gums to separate from the teeth. This can cause injury to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, causing them to fall out.

The problem is many people aren’t aware that they have gingivitis. It’s possible to have gum disease without any symptoms, and without regular dental checkups, it can go completely undetected. However, the following can be symptoms of gingivitis:

red, tender, or swollen gums
bleeding when brushing or flossing
gums that have pulled away from the teeth
loose teeth
a change in how your teeth fit together when you bite (malocclusion)
pus between teeth and gums
pain when chewing
sensitive teeth
partial dentures that no longer fit
foul-smelling breath that does not go away after you brush your teeth

Remember, practicing good oral hygiene is essential to your oral health. Preventative care starts at home, not in your dentist’s chair every six months.

If you’re interested in learning more about gingivitis, 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.

Having Gum Disease Is Worse than You Think | Palm Harbor Dentist

We all want to be as healthy as we can possibly be, but there are times when things fall through the cracks. Gum disease is a dental condition that develops mainly from poor dental hygiene. And while most adults will have some form of gum disease in our lifetimes, it can be more detrimental to your health than you think. And not just your oral health – it turns out oral issues can be linked to other life-threatening diseases:

Heart disease. 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. Ultimately leading to inflammation in which makes 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 and may contribute to a type of plaque that has been linked to Alzheimer’s.

Diabetes. Individuals with diabetes are more like to have periodontal disease than those without diabetes. Gum disease makes it harder to control you blood sugar, resulting in a high chance for diabetic issues.

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 gum disease, 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.

Jaw Pain and TMJ Disorder | Palm Harbor Dentist

Do you have difficulty eating because you have begun to experience jaw pain? It is important that you do not ignore it. A “bad bite” occurs when your teeth are misaligned, which causes the jaw muscles to apply extra pressure in order to compensate for the poor alignment of your teeth. This increased stress on the surface of the teeth leads to cracks and chips, and jaw pains.

When the muscle strain extends to the temporomandibular joint, located where the upper and lower jaws meet, individuals will suffer from temporomandibular disorder or TMJ.

Because it is difficult to tell what is going on when we start to get a random pain, a dental professional will highly encourage their patients to schedule an appointment as soon as they notice they’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, as they are common indicators of TMJ:

Toothaches. Pain in multiple teeth or the jaw joint

Limited jaw movement. Difficulty when eating or speaking

Damaged dental work. Cracked, chipped or broken dental restorations

Headache. Especially when opening and closing your jaw

Ear pain. In front of or below the ear, with no other signs of ear infection

Noises “in your head”. Grinding, crunching or popping sounds

If you are experience any of the listed symptoms, it is essential to consult a dental professional about treatment options to diminish your tooth, jaw, and headaches caused by TMJ. Postponing treatment will only lead to further issues that will affect other areas. For a reliable professional near you, call Dr. Lieberman today.

If you’re interested in learning more about jaw pain, 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.

Gum Disease Prevention at Home | Palm Harbor Dentist

Even the most subtle dental problems, like simple gum inflammation, swollen gums, sensitive teeth, and pain when chewing, can signal gum disease. Not only does it cause your gums to constantly bleed, but the disease can lead to the loss of your permanent teeth. Thankfully, prevention is easier than you think.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. This is why daily dental hygiene is so important, in addition to frequent visits to the dentist, in order to ensure that no dental problems arise. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms for periodontal disease, don’t avoid treatment – not only will you save a significant amount of time and money, but you will save your smile from decay and permanent loss.

Brushing your teeth. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush twice a day, and if possible, after every meal. Brush for at least two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. Flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease by removing plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth your toothbrush cannot reach.

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

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth which aids in the formation of a sticky plaque on teeth. Plaque is extremely harmful to individuals because if hardened, patients risk the formation of tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.

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 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.

Nobody Likes Crowded Spaces | Palm Harbor Dentist

Losing you baby teeth is a natural fact of life, but how they come in depend on a few factors. And if the come in crooked, there is a way to fix the issues. Because it isn’t just a cosmetic issue – having crooked teeth can cause issues chewing, speaking and other dental issues. Today we have orthodontics to treat alignment and spacing issues, but if they are crowded, a number of different factors and the reason it developed may impact the treatment options.

One of the common causes of dental crowding is natural occurrence, where your front teeth drift slowly to the center of the mouth. In the past, some dentists believed this was caused by the presence of wisdom teeth which crowd the front teeth from the rear of the mouth. In reality, many of the problems are due to insufficient space for teeth, such as weakened support due to periodontal disease, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting.

While many patients see crowding as a cosmetic problem, the reality is that poorly aligned teeth are at an increased risk for periodontal disease, tooth decay and TMJ problems as an irregular bite may cause strain on their jaw over time. For these reasons, fixing alignment should be looked at more than a cosmetic procedure – correcting the alignment allows the patient to have better access to brush and floss, and their bite will be more level.

If you notice crowding in your front teeth, ask your dentist about options. There are a number of treatments available and having them treated early can help prevent more serious problems from developing in the future.

If you’re interested in learning more about teeth crowding, 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.