Monthly Archives: December 2017

They May Be Tasty, but They Are Ruining Your Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

They’re fizzy, refreshing, bubbly, they’re delicious…they’re also ruining your teeth. Americans love their fizzy drinks, but drinking soda is the main culprit decaying your teeth. 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. 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. 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

You can avoid tooth decay and other health problems that arise from drinking too many soft drinks, other carbonated beverages, sports drinks, and other sweetened liquids, like fruit juices. Brushing, rinsing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist regularly will reduce your risk of tooth decay improve and/or maintain your oral health.

If you’re interested in learning more about carbonated beverages, 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.

Oh No…Do I Have Gingivitis? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Gingivitis isn’t the worst thing to hear you have developed, but it certainly isn’t the least embarrassing. After all, gingivitis usually develops when oral care falls by the wayside. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection.

Your gums attach to your teeth at a lower point than the gum edges. Food gets trapped in this space and cause a gum infection or gingivitis. 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 the tooth to eventually become loose and unstable. If infection progresses, you may ultimately lose your tooth or need a dentist to remove it.

Many people aren’t aware that they have gingivitis. In fact, it’s possible to have gum disease without any symptoms. However, the following can be symptoms of gingivitis:

  • red, tender, or swollen gums
  • blood when you brush or floss your teeth
  • gums that have pulled away from the teeth
  • loose teeth
  • a change your bite (malocclusion)
  • pus between teeth and gums
  • pain when chewing
  • sensitive teeth
  • partial dentures that no longer fit
  • bad breath

If the patient is diagnosed early on, and treatment is prompt and proper, gingivitis can be successfully reversed. If gingivitis is treated and the patient follows the dental health professional’s instructions, there are no complications. However, if the condition is left untreated, gum disease can spread and affect tissue, teeth and bones, eventually leading to periodontitis.

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 Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and surrounding areas.