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

Make 2011 the year to improve your oral health

Many folks in St. Petersburg consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? Dr. Bracy and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). After all, your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-The team at St. Pete Smiles

Family Resources Holiday Collection

The St. Pete Smiles holiday collection for Family Resources was a huge success. They were thrilled to receive the much needed items. Dr. Bracy and our team hope to make this an annual event, thanks to the generosity of our staff and patients. Happy Holidays!

St. Pete Smiles Holiday Staff Luncheon

Dr. Bracy and our team at St. Pete Smiles had a wonderful holiday luncheon at Malio's Steakhouse in downtown Tampa. Great minds must think alike, because Dr Bracy got the staff e-readers as gifts, and that's the gift they got Dr. Bracy as well! There will be alot of reading going on at St. Pete Smiles this winter.

After our holiday luncheon, we had fun ice skating at the rink set up along the Riverwalk. Ice skating brought back memories for our former figure skater receptionist Susie. First timer assistant Michele was a good sport and tried ice skating. Dr. Bracy and his wife Donna held their own out on the rink.

This holiday season we would like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Spending time with loved ones? Winter activities, such as ice skating? All of the delicious holiday treats?

Please feel free to share your thoughts on our Facebook page. Happy holidays!

Michele is certified with the Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence

St. Pete Smiles dental assistant Michele was recently recognized by the Dental Assisting Board for the milestone of reaching 25 years as a Certified Dental Assistant. This certification is the "Mark of Dental Assisting Excellence", and reflects her commitment to the dental assisting profession and dedication to quality patient care. Her award includes a certificate, anniversary pin, and commemorative gift. Congratulations, Michele!


Be sure to ask Michele for more information about her certification the next time you're in for an appointment. We're all very proud of her achievements.

At St. Pete Smiles, we respect your time

At St. Pete Smiles, we provide the highest quality of general dental and cosmetic dental care in the St. Petersburg community. Unlike other practices that book multiple patients into the same time slots, we choose the approach of individual attention to minimize delays. We respect your time and do our best to not make you wait. Dr. Bracy and our team runs an organized and on-time schedule because we know that your time is important.

If you have any questions about our modern approach to dentistry, state-of-the-art facility, or specific treatments at our office, feel free to give us a call at 727-280-5812. We look forward to hearing from you!

Meet Dr. Bracy

I am a detail oriented person by nature, which fits perfectly with the practice of dentistry. Dentistry is never boring to me, since no two procedures or patients' needs are exactly the same. It is personally fulfilling to change people's lives by improving their smile and contributing to their overall health. My patients are like family. They have interesting and diverse personalities and lifestyles, which makes every day a special day when they share a little bit of their lives with us.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from University of Florida and went on to earn my Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the Florida College of Dentistry. I constantly take continuing education to keep up with cutting-edge techniques and procedures to provide the highest level of care for my patients. I have received advanced certification in Invisalign® and participate in numerous educational dental study groups.

I have lived in Tampa Bay my entire life and live there now with my wife, two sons, and two cats. I enjoy attending my kid's sporting events, collecting wine, attending Florida Gator football, reading, re-learning to play the piano, and improving my snow skiing technique. I attend and contribute to various charity events including the American Cancer Society and Family Resources and I volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank and Faith Café.