Category Archives: Preventive Dentistry

Giving Thanks for a Healthy Smile | Palm Harbor Dentist

Tis the season for gather together with family and friends to give thanks for all of the year’s blessings. While you’re at it, why not take a second to give yourself a healthy smile. It’s really quite easy – when you get to your Thanksgiving dinner, eat a lot.

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. If you notice, these are all staples in a Thanksgiving feast.

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 a healthy smile, 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.

Even More Reasons to Practice Good Dental Hygiene | Palm Harbor Dentist

We all know it is important to brush your teeth on a daily basis. Not only does it prevent bad breath and teeth staining, but it also keeps our smile healthy. No one wants to lose teeth from practicing poor dental habits, but there is more to keeping your mouth clean and healthy – your general health.

Believe it or not, but gum disease as well as poor oral hygiene may be more detrimental to your health than you think. It turns out oral issues can be linked to other life-threatening diseases. Here are just some of the reasons brushing your teeth is so important:

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

Memory loss. Researchers have found that there may be a close link to 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. Conversely, 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 effects on your health, 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.

Dental Tips for Your Next Cookout | Palm Harbor Dentist

During these hot summer days, it is pretty natural to gather with friends and family together for a BBQ. Ice cold drinks are flowing, smiles and laughter fill the air – there is nothing better. If you are the host of this summertime event, here are some tips to consider when it comes to preparing for guests. And if it benefits their dental health at the same time, even better…

Crunchy munchies. When it comes to BBQ nosh, chips and dips are always a given. But there are other crunchy foods that can not only produce saliva, but scrubs cavity-causing bacteria. These foods are the ones you would see on fruit and veggie platters. Apples, pears, broccoli and carrots – there are so many smile-friendly options to offer your guests.

Add some cheese. Cheese is packed with calcium and other fantastic things that keep our teeth strong and healthy. Top off your burger, offer a charcuterie board – all of these will not only please your guests, but your smiles as well.

Toothpicks. If you are offering corn on the cob, pulled meats or foods that have seeds, chances are that your guests will have food stuck in their teeth. Instead of toothpicks, which can damage your gums, offer dental picks or wooden plaque removers. Gum is also a great idea, just make sure it’s sugar-free.

Infuse the water. We all know that sodas and other carbonated beverages need to be offered, especially on a hot summer day, but these drinks tend to not only damage our teeth, but also dehydrates the system. Infuse some water with various fruits and herbs – it’s healthy, tasty and looks great in a pitcher.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental tips for your next summer gathering, 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.

New Town, New Dentist | Palm Harbor Dentist

You have just made a move to another city, and you are slowly getting your footing on your new adventure, trying to give your new life a sense of normality. New schools, new jobs, even a new grocery store – there are so many things to get used to when moving to a new place. It isn’t easy, but slowly things are falling into place for you and your family. Then you think, “When was the last time we’ve gotten a dental checkup?” Time to start looking for a dentist. But where do you even start? How do you protect your family’s smiles? Consider looking into a family dentist.

It’s true – not all dentists are the same. A family dentist will focus of preventive care to ensure that your oral health is in the ideal condition. Along with regular checkups, your family dentist can prevent oral hygiene problems with fluoride treatments, teeth cleanings, and tooth decay prevention. Because there are little humans on the patient roster, family dentists will have the added training to be able to service every member of your family in the best way possible.

  • Tooth-colored dental fillings
  • Root canals
  • Tooth extraction
  • Wisdom teeth extraction
  • Dental crowns
  • Teeth whitening
  • Dental bridges

Avoid trusting just any dentist with your family’s dental problems. We want to preserve those smiles as much as possible – your family deserves nothing but the best. With Dr. Lieberman’s years of expertise, your family’s oral health will be improved and enhances like never before. After all, families that brush together have awesome checkups together. It isn’t just about healthy smiles, but about family togetherness as well.

If you’re interested in learning more about family 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.

Preventing Gum Disease at Home | Palm Harbor Dentist

Even the most subtle dental problems signal periodontal disease. These symptoms include simple gum inflammation, swollen gums, sensitive teeth, and pain when chewing. The ramifications of periodontal disease are detrimental to your oral health. Not only does periodontal disease causes your gums to constantly bleed, but the disease can lead to the loss of your permanent teeth.

Luckily, preventing periodontal disease is simple. Here are some 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 carry a toothbrush everywhere you go. 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.

Watch what you eat. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. For this reason, 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.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Extensive brushing and flossing are recommended, along with frequent visits to ensure that no dental problems arise. 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 keeping your gums healthy and strong, 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.

Is Easter Good for Your Smile? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Springtime is a wonderful time of year. The sun shines brighter, nature is blossoming – there are lots of reasons to want to smile during this time of year. And with springtime comes the Easter season. Pastel colors, baby farm animals and colorful hidden eggs abound. But is the Easter Bunny hurting your smile?

Easter baskets. One of the staples of Easter is the egg hunt – this necessitates the use of a basket. For some little ones, these baskets are filled with candies and other little gifts from the Easter Bunny. We all know that candy isn’t good for our teeth, but in moderation, everything can be enjoyed. Try to stay away from overindulging in hard, sticky candies. Not only do they stay in your mouth longer as they dissolve, but they can break teeth or other dental appliances, like braces. Believe it or not, but chocolate is the best for you, especially the darker varieties. Fancy a chocolate bunny?

Easter eggs. A childhood favorite during this cheerful holiday is dying hard-boiled eggs. The designs and colors not only dazzle the eyes during egg hunts, but it’s a family activity that really brings home the reason for the season. Fortunately, eggs are a great source of protein, and our teeth need protein to stay strong. One large egg contains 95 mg of phosphorus and its protein to phosphorous ratio is excellent. Since the yolk of an egg contains vitamin D also, eating them is an easy way to get two needed tooth nutrients in one shot.

But beyond pretty eggs, lots of the foods we eat during our Easter feast are great for our teeth. Fruits, veggies and meats all have bits that can benefit our smiles. Happy Easter!

If you’re interested in learning more about keeping your teeth healthy and strong, 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.

Celebrating National Toothache Day | Palm Harbor Dentist

It’s true – there is a national day to celebrate the toothache. Something no one hopes to experience in their lives, the toothache is one of those pains that can drive someone insane. Not only because a toothache is painful, but it is a constant pain that can be caused by a number of issues.

If you find that you are developing tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, it may be brought on by exposed dentin from thin enamel or receding gums. A cracked tooth is a different type of pain, rooted deep in your jaw or gums when you bite down. The pressure of biting can cause the cracked tooth to spread, putting pressure on nerves, and causing an intense pain localized to a single tooth.

Throbbing pain on one side of the mouth may be caused by an infection below the tooth, often related to periodontal disease or dental abscess. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the bone, jeopardizing one or more teeth, and potentially causing loss of gum tissue.

There are even some mouth pains that have nothing to do with your teeth. Sinus issues and problems of the TMJ (jaw/skull joint) can both cause pain in the mouth and face but aren’t necessarily problems your dentist can solve.

So, if you find that you have woken up with a toothache, best bet is to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible to avoid further issues down the road. In the meantime, there are loads of over-the-counter products that can help soothe your pain. Soaking a cotton ball in vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, tea tree or oregano oil, or baking soda with some water will soak into your sore tooth for optimal relief.

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

Biting Your Nails Is Damaging Your Teeth | Palm Harbor Dentist

There are lots of bad habits that can damage your teeth. For one reason of another, many of us use our teeth as tools for anything but eating. We drink teeth-staining beverages, we use our teeth as a knife, we smoke tobacco. But there is one bad habit that starts from childhood and progresses through adulthood – nail biting.

You may think that biting your nails is a harmless habit to have, but it really does a number on your smile. Not only can you chip a tooth, but you can also expose your mouth to bacteria that is hidden beneath your nail surface, which can wreak more havoc than a cosmetic issue.

If you are a chronic nail biter, you really need to consider stopping before your smile is damaged. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep your nails trimmed.
  • Apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails. This over-the-counter option is safe, and the awful taste deters the most avid nail biter.
  • Get regular manicures. Spending money to keep your nails looking attractive may make you less likely to bite them.
  • Replace the nail-biting habit with a good habit, like a stress ball.
  • Identify your triggers. By figuring out what causes you to bite your nails, you can figure out how to avoid these situations and develop a plan to stop.
  • Try to gradually stop biting your nails. Start with your thumbs and eventually you can work your way to both sets of nails.

Making small steps towards quitting a habit is a great way to ensure you’re breaking the habit. The goal is to get to the point where you no longer bite any of your nails, so slow and steady will win the race.

If you’re interested in learning more about the effects of biting your nails on your teeth, 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.

When It’s Time to Buy a New Toothbrush | Palm Harbor Dentist

If you really think about it, we will have thousands of toothbrushes in our lifetime. Not only do they need to be changed out every three months, but also when we catch a cold. When you choose a toothbrush, it needs to be convenient and can reach all the nooks and crannies of our mouth for the ultimate clean. Here is a quick reference to help you think through your choices. After all, we use this little gadget twice a day – we should make it count, right?

Electric and manual. As a general rule, electric toothbrushes tend to outweigh the manual variation. They’re more effective at reducing plaque and they may better reduce the risk of gingivitis, but they are also more expensive.

ADA seal. The American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval signifies that a product is both safe and effective.

Opt for a soft-bristled brush. Hard bristles are very abrasive on your teeth, they can cause damage. Instead, choose a soft-bristled brush.

Customization is key. Not all mouths are the same size, so it makes sense to select a toothbrush head size that’s the right fit for you. Also consider the head shape—some are more tapered, others broader.

It’s all about the grip. As with head size and shape, grip is also something to consider. There is no right or wrong, so just choose one that feels good in your hand. Don’t be afraid to try out the feel of different toothbrush handles before committing to a purchase.

When in doubt, just ask. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, ask a professional. They will give you ideal recommendations based on your particular case.

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

The ABCs of Tartar Buildup | Palm Harbor Dentist

One of the first instances of poor dental habits is the development of tartar. This is why it’s so important to practice good dental hygiene each and every day. And if you find that you are developing tartar, don’t ignore the issue and visit the dentist for treatment. Tartar is just the jumping off point that leads to further dental issues, like gum disease and tooth decay, down the road. That said, let’s take a look at what tartar is and how we can prevent it.

Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. When plaque isn’t removed regularly by brushing and flossing, it can harden and become tartar. It forms at, underneath, and above the gumline and can irritate gum tissues and lead to cavities and gum disease. When tartar collects above the gumline, the tissue can become swollen and may bleed easily.

Symptoms. Unlike plaque, a colorless film of bacteria, tartar is a mineral buildup that’s fairly easy to see if it’s above the gumline. The most common sign of tartar is a yellow or brown color on the teeth or gums. The only way to detect tartar — and to remove it — is to see your dentist or dental hygienist.

Prevention. Proper brushing, especially with a tartar control toothpaste, and flossing are essential in reducing plaque and tartar buildup. Regular visits to the dentist also help. Because once tartar has formed, only your dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. During a scaling, a dental professional uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gumline, all the way down to the bottom of the tooth pocket.

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