Dr. John, Author at Westchase Premier Dental

24/Dec/2024

Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

Cavities begin to form in the outermost layer of the tooth, the enamel. They progress at different rates in different people depending on many factors such as diet, enamel composition, tooth structure, and saliva. Decay can develop rapidly and spread to the layer beneath the enamel called the dentin. Once a cavity reaches the dentin it progresses much more rapidly. If it goes to the nerves and blood vessels, it can lead to an infection (abscess). Cavities may also take on a more slow progression and remain painless for years without spreading further than the enamel.

Demineralization is the initial stage of cavity formation. Acid byproducts from bacteria begin softening the enamel by removing calcium and other minerals. It is at this stage of development that you can prevent weakening the enamel further and reverse tooth decay before it becomes nonreversible. Demineralization can only be reversed if there is sufficient time to allow remineralization to occur. Remineralization counteracts the acids that strip away calcium and strengthen the enamel back to a healthy state. Though a cavity cannot be completely cured, you can prevent it from progressing as long as it is only in the enamel.

Things you can do to aid in the remineralization process and reverse tooth decay:

Healthy Diet – Maintain a well-balanced diet, including foods low in acidity and sugars.
Personal Oral Care – Keep a rigorous home dental hygiene routine to remove the plaque that harbors bacteria from the teeth.
Fluoride – Fluoridated toothpaste and professional treatments help re-harden the enamel and offer sensitivity protection.

The only way to know what stage a cavity is in during its development is through a dental examination with x-rays. Westchase Premier Dental will do a complete and thorough exam to diagnose any presence of decay, its progression, and determine the best form of treatment.

If you think you may have a cavity, call us immediately. Don’t wait around and let what could be a simple filling turn into something more serious and invasive. Our friendly staff is ready to help! (813) 475 – 4528

Can You Reverse Tooth Decay? Resources:

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth Decay – Topic Overview

Dr. John

24/Dec/2024

Wishing everyone a happy weekend from all of us at Westchase Premier Dental!

Dr. John

24/Dec/2024

Stand Up to Cancer Day

The second Friday in September is National Stand Up to Cancer Day. Of the various cancer types, oral cancer is not readily addressed in mainstream media. Most people, that maintain regular dental checkups, do so with the understanding of the value of their smile. However, routine dental visits are often useful to prevent, detect and treat systemic illnesses and other life threatening conditions, such as oral cancer. At Weschase Premier Dental we know the importance for our patients to understand the dangers and early warning signs of oral cancer.

Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

Swellings, Thickenings, Lumps or Rough Spots on the Lips, Gums, or Mouth
White Velvety or Red Speckled Patches in the Mouth
Unexplained Bleeding in the Mouth
Unexplained Numbness or Tenderness in Facial Area, Mouth, or Neck
Persistent Sores of the Face, Neck, or Mouth (Present for 2 Weeks)
Difficulty Swallowing, Chewing or Speaking
Difficulty Moving Jaw or Tongue
Hoarseness or Chronic Sore Throat
Ear Pain
Change Teeth or Dentures Fit, Occlusion or Bite
Dramatic Weight Loss

Risk Factors for Developing Oral Cancer

Smoking Cigarettes, Cigars or Pipes
Smokeless Tobacco Products
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Family History of Cancer
Excessive Sun Exposure
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

National Stand Up to Cancer Day is to bring national awareness to the fight against cancer. Don’t ignore warning signs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms that persists for two weeks contact Westchase Premier Dental immediately. Sometimes dangerous spots or sores can be very tiny and go unnoticed on your own. Your dental professionals are trained to detect any suspicious areas that may be a cause for concern. Early detection is can improve the chance of successful treatment. Schedule you an appointment for your examination and oral cancer screening. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you.

National Preparedness Month Week 1 – Flood

Just as Florida’s East Coast braces itself for the landfall of Tropical Storm Hermine, National Preparedness Month Week 1 is at our doorstep. September the 1st marks the beginning of a national campaign to bring awareness to families so they can be prepared for disasters and other hazardous events that may come their way. Having a game plan for your household can help protect you and your loved ones from potential struggles, stresses, and health risks that can occur during any type of emergency situation. The entire month of September is dedicated to making sure that each family has steps in place before such an event takes place. Each week is divided into themes to bring more awareness concerning particular disastrous events.

National Preparedness Month Weekly Themes:

Week 1 – Sept 1–5 Flood
Week 2 – Sept 6–12 Wildfire
Week 3 – Sept 13–19 Hurricane
Week 4 – Sept 20–26 Power Outage
Week 5 – Sept 27–30 Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day, September 30

National Preparedness Month Week 1 – Flood

With this storm approaching our area, we would like to share information and resources about flooding safety and preparation. Floods are the focus for the week of Sept 1-5. Ready.gov explains the actions to take if your area receives a flood watch or warning alert from the National Weather Service. They offer in depth details and steps to take before, during and after a flooding event. They also teach basic safety tips, flood warning vs. flood watch, and other help information and resources.

Inland flooding is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Every year, almost as many people die from flooding as from hurricanes, tornadoes and lightning combined. Most flood-related deaths and injuries could be avoided if people who come upon areas covered with water followed this simple advice: TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN. Oci.ga.gov

In our neck of the woods, we are quite accustomed to flooding conditions. Keeping informed and prepared for rising waters and the dangers involved should be on everyone’s priority list. Westchase Premier Dental encourages the promotion of this important month of preparedness. Reach out and share thoughts, ideas, and information using #NatlPrep. We want everyone to Stay Safe and Be Prepared!

Westchase Premier Dental

(813) 475 – 4528

Dr. John

24/Dec/2024

Choosing the Right Dentist in Westchase

Westchase area residents are careful when selecting the right health professionals to care for their families. Choosing the right dentist to take care of your family’s teeth is no small feat. There are several factors to consider when shopping around for a dentist. We have put together some helpful tips to help ease the process. Even if you choose to use another dental office for your family’s dental care, Westchase Premier Dental wants to help. We love keeping our community readers informed and sharing helpful information about all aspects of dental healthcare.

What’s Important to You?

Everyone is different about specific criteria when considering a dentist. For some, proximity is a very big factor and the search can be narrowed down by location. Our office is conveniently located at 12229 W Linebaugh Ave by McDonald’s and The Publix Supermarket at Westchase. View Map.

Office hours is another deciding factor that can be very important to many people. Finding a dentist that has appointment times before and after work hours can make all the difference for busy work schedules. Westchase Premier Dental gladly accommodates our patients with difficulties taking time off of work. We have appointment times available at 7 am and open until 7 pm Monday through Friday.

There are times when the fees have a huge weight on the decision making process. Dental insurance can be an issue as well. You may need to check your provider’s network to see which dentists are in your provider’s network. Most dental offices are happy to help you in determining your coverage and what fees you will be responsible for out-of-pocket.

Then, there are some that are simply looking for the highest level of comfort and care possible. Reading patient reviews online is a great tool to learn about a particular dental practice. Also, asking around locally is another way to get some insight.

We hope these tips help the decision making process during the journey of finding the right dentist for you and your family. Once you have a good idea of what you are looking for in a dentist, the process of narrowing it down becomes much easier. Once you find the right dentist for you, you will know it!

Contact Us

Contact Westchase Premier Dental at (813) 475 – 4528 for further questions or to make your next appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Dr. John

24/Dec/2024

It’s National Waffle Day!!! Who says you can’t have breakfast at anytime of the day? Enjoy!

Dr. John

24/Dec/2024

Capture a Memorable Smile

A smile is an expression of joy that takes a mere moment, but the ability to capture a memorable smile can be cherished forever. However, if you dislike your smile, you may try to keep it from being so noticeable in your photos. You may find yourself hiding your teeth with a less-than-enthusiastic smile or avoiding being photographed altogether. This can greatly damper the ability to capture those memorable moments.

Westchase Premier Dental knows the value of a beautiful smile and that it extends far beyond planned memorable photos and unplanned snapshot opportunities. The social and emotional benefits that accompany a beautiful and confident smile are priceless. Through cosmetic dental treatment, you will no longer have missed opportunities of connecting with others while avoiding social situations and those dreadful camera lenses.

Each person is different when it comes to their cosmetic dental treatment needs. Brightening up dull colored teeth can be enough to make a huge difference for some. Others may opt for a complete smile makeover to correct all areas of imperfection. A consultation visit is the needed to determine which treatment is best to reach the desired outcome of each individual patient.

We offer many cosmetic dental services including:

Westchase Premier Dental wants you to be able to enjoy all the benefits of a smile you are proud to show. We want you to become fearless when it comes to showing off your bright, beautiful smile. That’s why our practice offers a variety of modern options that can revitalize your smile. Take this opportunity to make your inhibited smile a thing of the past and start capturing those moments that will last a lifetime. Give us a call at (813) 475 – 4528 to find out more information and schedule your visit.