St. Pete Smiles, wishing you a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember and honor the men and women lost while serving for our country. Memorial Day is also the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks in St. Petersburg, Largo and Seminole, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the classroom or the office spells sweet, sweet relief.

What about you? What are you up to this Memorial Day weekend? Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or just hitting the great American open roads, we’d like to hear all about it!

Our entire team at St. Pete Smiles wishes you a happy, safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

What, exactly, are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Dr. Bracy will tell you that when a tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and yes, even gum disease.

In addition to visiting our website with any questions you may have about wisdom teeth, our friends at WebMD have developed a helpful explanation about wisdom teeth and how they impact your health. Also, feel free to give us a call with any questions you have or ask us on Facebook!

Meet Marsha, St. Pete Smiles' Returning Dental Hygienist!

Please join us in giving Marsha a warm St. Pete Smiles welcome. She will be joining us as a dental hygienist. Marsha was a part of the St. Pete Smiles team about 10 years ago, until she left to start a family. Married with 2 daughters now, we are thrilled that we had an opening at the time she wished to return to dentistry.

Welcome back, Marsha!

St. Pete Smiles celebrates Secretary's Day

Last week, Dr. Bracy treated our staff at St. Pete Smiles to a delicious, extended lunch at the Vinoy in celebration of Secretary's Day. In our office, we not only honor our receptionist, Susie, for all her hard work and dedication throughout the year, but we make this our day to honor our assistant and hygienists as well. In addition to the wonderful meal, everyone received a lovely artisan crafted bracelet, each with a unique, beautiful natural stone. Our staff is truly a team when in comes to providing the best care possible for our patients.

Staff Spotlight: Welcome Becky to St. Pete Smiles!

Dr. Bracy and our team are excited to welcome Becky as a new staff member at St. Pete Smiles. We are thrilled to have Becky as one of our hygienists. She has been practicing dental hygiene for 11 years now and has been an orthodontic assistant for 16 years. Becky is married, and has a 4 year old son.

Be sure to say "hello" to Becky at your next appointment!

Play it safe this spring, from St. Pete Smiles

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Saint Petersburg, Florida will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Bracy and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. We recommend that patients wear mouth guards, helmets, and any other appropriate facial protection. Please contact St. Pete Smiles if you have any questions. Stay safe and have fun!

April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting Dr. Bracy regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Bracy would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of visiting our office for regular checkups and maintaining good oral hygiene.

As a dentist, Dr. Bracy is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Smoke screen

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco users are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75 percent of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health, we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with St. Pete Smiles! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Bracy has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting St. Pete Smiles on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at St. Pete Smiles found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Bracy or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at St. Pete Smiles

How to freshen bad breath, from Dr. Bracy

Dr. Bracy, your St. Petersburg dentist, recognizes that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to St. Pete Smiles, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!

March is National Nutrition Month!

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Bracy and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, Dr. Bracy and our team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Saint Petersburg, FL.

• Make each and every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Getting Married? Smile Bright!

It’s winter, and it’s cold. But, believe it or not, there is a growing trend of brides choosing to tie the knot in the winter wonderland. If you are gearing up for a wedding this winter, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At St. Pete Smiles we offer in-office teeth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a ring and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!

The importance of regular checkups

If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit St. Pete Smiles every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.
Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Bracy can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

St. Pete Smiles supports National Children’s Dental Health Month

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at St. Pete Smiles thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: You should visit us regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 61st year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with St. Pete Smiles, please feel free to give us a call!

Dr. Bracy attends the West Coast District Dental Association Annual Meeting

St. Pete Smiles was closed Friday while Dr. Bracy attended the West Coast District Dental Association Annual Meeting. The all day seminar was held at the Tampa Convention Center, and presented by a nationally known dentist. The seminar's subject was how to better treat and prevent debilitating conditions in the mouth due to excessive wear. Several ideas presented during the conference can be put implemented immediately to help our patients deal with these issues.

February is American Heart Month

Did you know February is Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Bracy. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to St. Pete Smiles. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Bracy says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at St. Pete Smiles, please give us a call today.

Toothbrush Trivia with Dr. Bracy

It isn’t any big news to dentist Dr. Bracy that people have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years. In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced, and people began practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss:

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• If you don’t floss, you are only cleaning 65% of your tooth surfaces
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Replace your toothbrush every two months, when bristles appear worn, or after recovering from a cold or flu
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Parsley and Other Ways to Brighten Your Smile

At St. Pete Smiles we know that many patients are concerned about bad breath and the brightness of their teeth. Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first step. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check. There are also certain foods that can be used as home remedies to help keep your teeth sparkling and beautiful.

Here are a few home remedies to keep you smiling bright:
Spice up your life: Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
Be weary of dark beverages: The worst options for your teeth are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer. If you do indulge in these beverages, we recommend that you use a straw to protect your teeth from dyes.
Apples, celery, and carrots: These foods are known to increase saliva production, and can act as natural stain removers.
Enjoy your strawberries: This fruit contains malic acid and fiber, which may help whiten and remove bacteria from your teeth.
Parsley’s there for a reason: Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
Frequent brushing: Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
Don’t forget the tongue: Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
Sugarless gum: Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.

For more tips on teeth whitening, you can visit this great article by AOL health, or give St. Pete Smiles a call! Dr. Bracy is specially trained to offer out patients Zoom! professional teeth whitening, which whitens teeth an average of eight shades - in just one hour.

Gummy Tummy, from Dr. Bracy

At St. Pete Smiles we know the rumors going around—mostly among young people—that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

What are patients saying about St. Pete Smiles?

St. Pete Smiles, serving St. Petersburg, Largo, and Seminole, FL and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Bracy and team!

"Prior to a girlfriend recommending Dr Bracy, I had been to quite a few dentists in the St Pete area. Something was always amiss until I went to Dr Bracy! Susie, his receptionist, is always pleasant, sweet and willing to work with me. Very knowledgeable with insurance, and teeth which makes it a lot easier and pleasant. Hygienist...I like a good, deep cleaning and I always get that. Know of others that don't care for it that deep and they also have hygienist that provide that type of service. Dr Bracy...complete check after every cleaning. Recommends what needs to be done and shows you the evidence of his findings. He puts money back into his practice. He has the latest technology, which improves my health greatly. Most important to me is having a clean, safe environment, current technology, and a doctor that does exceptional dental work. I have found all of this with St Pete Smiles!" ~Kathleen

"This office came highly recommended. The dentist, assistant, and office personnel were all very knowledgeable. I didn't have to wait for anything, and the price was respectable. The scheduling and records requests were faster than any office I've ever seen. I've been searching for a good dentist for quite some time now, and am happy to say that I think I've FINALLY found one!" ~Jessica

"I can't speak highly enough of Dr. Bracy & his staff. They are always pleasant, smiling & helpful. They have been my dentist for several years & I have had major dental work completed..." ~Sue