Category Archives: Teeth Whitening

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.

Is Bleaching Your Teeth Dangerous? | Palm Harbor Dentist

When we think about the perfect smile, many of us associate it with bright white teeth. Not only does it improve our smile, but it brightens our overall demeanor. After all, who doesn’t like to show a gorgeous smile? With improved self-esteem comes an improvement on daily life. And so, we purchase products over the counter and schedule whitening treatments through our dental professionals. But where did this need to whiten our teeth come from?

Whitening strips and bleach trays may be an invention of the past 30 years, but techniques for teeth whitening go back centuries. In the 1100s, physicians would recommend scrubbing teeth with elecampane (a yellow flower) or a sage and salt mixture to make “them firm, white and healthy” or “clean, white, and sweet,” Trevor Anderson, an osteoarchaeologist, notes in a 2004 paper on medieval dentistry.

Later on, some would use acid washes in an attempt to strip away stains, but unfortunately, these rinses mostly stripped away all the enamel on the teeth, leaving them crumbling, says Dr. Scott Swank, curator of the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore.

It wasn’t until the advent of Hollywood and Technicolor movies that there was widespread interest in whitening teeth, usually through whitening toothpastes, he says. Enter the 1980s and in-office bleaching treatments, and it only took off from there, Swank says.

Unfortunately, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Overbleaching your teeth causes your teeth’s enamel to wear down. Not only will that cause your teeth to become sensitive, weak and prone to decay, but it also defeats the purpose as teeth’s natural underbody is yellow and becomes exposed by overbleaching. Teeth whitening is a safe procedure but must be used in moderation.

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

Don’t Skip Lunch on National Make Lunch Count Day | Palm Harbor Dentist

Today is a day to stop and enjoy your lunch break. According to a survey commissioned by TGI Fridays, many American workers don’t take full advantage of their lunch breaks. Some eat their lunch at their desk, some skip lunch altogether. Unfortunately, taking a break has many benefits. It improves your productivity and gives your brain a chance to relax and ingest some healthy foods to nourish your bodies. The following ten foods will not only fit those bills, but will also keep our smiles bright and shiny:

Pineapples can help whiten teeth due to an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover while breaking up plaque.

Ginger can protect against gum disease, which causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.

Carrots contain vitamin A, needed for healthy tooth enamel. And eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.

Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus and they all help reduce acid in your mouth.

Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Not only that, but chewing nuts can also provide this coarse, scrubbing action.

Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay, but you need to eat them raw.

Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.

Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

If you’re interested in learning more about smile-friendly foods, 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.

How Can I Whiten My Smile? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Everyone has heard of teeth whitening and it seems like everyone is doing it. It is a current, and long running dental trend as well as a frequently asked for cosmetic treatment. We all desire that dazzling bright white smile, but many aren’t sure which route to take to obtain it. There are a few different methods to whiter teeth from toothpaste to professional services.

There are many brands of toothpaste that claim to whiten teeth, and stores sell all varieties of tooth whitening products – trays, gels, strips, and rinses – over the counter. The most basic form of teeth whitening is available as toothpaste – toothpaste, whether it’s labeled as whitening or not – typically contains small abrasive components that gently polish the surface of your teeth, removing discoloration caused by surface staining.

Dentists, however, can typically offer two different whitening options. The first is take-home tray based, using chemicals stronger than over-the-counter trays, but working on the same basic principle. Often times dentist provided trays are custom-molded to the patient’s teeth, providing a smooth, comfortable fit suitable for wearing for multiple hours each day – often even overnight. Beyond the trays, dentists can often perform whitening in the office, using light and heat activated bleaching chemicals, providing a significant whitening in as little as 60 minutes. Because the procedure is supervised by a dentist, much stronger chemicals can be used, and much more dramatic results can be seen almost immediately.

No matter which method of teeth whitening you choose, the results will likely not be permanent. Your teeth are exposed to foods and drinks that will stain them over time, but your dentist can advise you on the proper procedure for repeating the whitening process at regular intervals.

If you’re interested in learning more about whitening options, 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 You Aren’t a Candidate for Teeth Whitening Treatments | Palm Harbor Dentist

Believe it or not, teeth whitening isn’t recommended if you have tooth colored fillings or crowns on your front teeth because the whitening gel cannot change the color of these types of dental materials. And since most of us have some type of dental work like this done, what do we do to get a bright smile? In such cases, patients may want to look into alternative options, such as veneers or dental bonding.

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance or function. Veneers can aid in improving teeth that are severely discolored, chipped or misshaped. Veneers are stain-resistant to classic stains, making them a very popular option for people looking to have a perfect smile.

Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to restore teeth that are chipped or broken, slightly gapped, discolored or misshapen. Bonding can also be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver fillings. After applying a mild etching solution that slightly roughens the surface of your tooth and allows the bonding material to adhere, your dentist will apply the composite resin and will begin to sculpt and shape the bonding material. Following the sculpting, your dentist will use a high-intensity light to harden the material and then finely polish the restoration.

Several patients choose bonding over silver fillings due to it looking more natural. The material can be match to your natural tooth color, but because the bonding material is more porous, smokers will see that it yellows.

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

The Kids Are Off School, Visit the Dentist | Palm Harbor Dentist

We are smack dab in the middle of summer vacation and you have lots of fun events planned for your family and friends in the upcoming weeks before the next school year starts. And not to burst your fun bubble, but it is also a great time to plan a fun family activity – to the dentist for your family’s bi-annual check-ups. Yes, we know you aren’t ready to get ready for heading back to school but heading over to the family dentist would be advantageous to check on any dental issues that may be occurring in your tiny human’s mouth.

If you have a family, it is a great idea to match your family with a dentist that specializes in families. Not only do they know everything a regular dentist would, but they have also focused on being able to treat those tiny smiles with special techniques that will help your family relax during their visits. Your family dentist will have great ideas for preventive care that will ensure that your family’s 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 decay prevention, as well as these dental procedures:

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

Nothing makes a parent happier than seeing their child’s smile. So, avoid trusting just any dentist with your family’s dental problems. With a family dentist, your family’s oral health will be improved and enhanced like never before.

If you’re interested in learning more about family dentistry, contact Dr. Larry Lieberman, DDS at 727-785-8017 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.dentist-lieberman.com.

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

What Is a Custom-Made Whitening Treatment? | Palm Harbor Dentist

In a world of selfies, people have now focused on having the best smile they possibly can. And one easy way to do this is with a teeth whitening treatment at the dentist. Unfortunately, this isn’t the most practical way for our budgets, so we tend to rely on over-the-counter options instead.

There are many brands of toothpaste and other tooth whitening products – trays, gels, strips and rinses – that claim to whiten teeth. These over the counter whitening systems typically contain a bleaching agent, like hydrogen peroxide, to lighten the color of your teeth chemically. By applying the bleaching chemical to strips or trays, the peroxide can stay in contact with your teeth for 30 minutes at a time, often twice a day, weakening your tooth enamel over time.

Dentists, however, can typically offer take-home tray-based options, using chemicals stronger than over-the-counter trays, but working on the same basic principle. Oftentimes dentist-provided trays are custom-molded to the patient’s teeth, so not only will they fit better, but they will do a much better job at providing a smooth, comfortable fit suitable for wearing for multiple hours each day – even as much as overnight. This option will include a dental visit and cost more, but the end results will be worth the effort comparatively.

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

Should I Whiten My Teeth? | Palm Harbor Dentist

Every day you see commercials for teeth whitening products, toothpastes, kits, whitening rinses. And who doesn’t want a bright white grin to show off to the world? If you feel like your smile could use a little boost in the white department, time may be time to consider getting your teeth whitened. But how to go about it is the real question…

There are plenty of over-the-counter products that claim to whiten your teeth, but they will generally take time and may not turn out as bright as you’d like. For quicker results, opt for an in-office whitening procedure. These procedures are considered safe, though you can expect some sensitivity in your teeth and gums for a while afterwards. And because it is not uncommon for the tooth color to dull a bit a week or two following this type of treatment, using an at-home product may help maintain the results.

If choosing a professional whitening treatment, you have two options – in-office and take home. The take-home tray uses chemicals stronger than over-the-counter trays, but oftentimes you’re provided with custom trays, providing a smooth, comfortable fit suitable for wearing for multiple hours each day, even overnight.

When performing a whitening treatment in-office, dentists use light and heat-activated bleaching chemicals, providing a significant whitening in as little as 60 minutes. Because the procedure is supervised by a dentist, much stronger chemicals can be used, and much more dramatic results can be seen almost immediately.

The length of time a whitening procedure will last is entirely up to you. Keeping your smile bright depends on your habits and how you look after your teeth, so it is important to be diligent with your daily dental routines.

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

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.