What Our Dental Hygienist Wants You To Know?

What Our Dental Hygienist Wants You To Know?

What Our Dental Hygienist Wants You To Know?

There are a few things that your dentist and dental hygienist in St. Petersburg FL want you to know. You’re undoubtedly aware that you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. Is there anything more your dentist and dental hygienist want you to know about keeping your teeth healthy? So here are some things to answer the question of what our dental Hygienist Wants You To Know?

There Are A Few Things That Your Dentist And Dental Hygienist Want You To Know

Today, the best dentist in St. Petersburg is going to talk about four things that will help you feel confident in your smile while also nailing your six-month checks. These items can also help you avoid dental crises such as tooth discomfort caused by cavities and decay.

Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months And Whenever You Become Sick

When was the last time you got a new toothbrush? It’s probably time to do so if you’re having problems remembering. In fact, the CDC recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months. We also urge that you change it if you become ill. The truth is that a toothbrush with worn bristles not only damages your gum line and harbors icky germs, but it also cannot clean your teeth as well as a brush with new bristles. This may result in poor breath and an increased risk of gingivitis or re-infection as a result of being unwell.

Brush And Floss Your Teeth Thoroughly Before Going To The Dentist

Our friends over at OG Dental the best dentist in Denver CO answer the recurring question, Is there a legitimate reason to clean and floss your teeth before your dental visit (other than to show your dentist that you value oral health)? Our response may surprise you. Yes, brushing and flossing your teeth before a dental checkup is always a good idea.

Consider driving your vehicle along a particularly muddy road. The staff at a car wash will most likely rinse your car before starting the automated wash. Brushing your teeth before going to the dentist will help eliminate surface plaque. This can lessen irritation when your hygienist cleans your teeth and help you spend less time in the chair.

Energy And Sports Drinks Are More Harmful Than Soda

You’re undoubtedly aware that excessively sweetened beverages might cause tooth decay. But did you realize that drinking excessively acidic beverages might harm your teeth? That’s correct. Taurine, caffeine, guarana, and, of course, tons of sugar are all typical constituents in popular energy drinks. These components, together with excessive sugar levels, produce an unfavorable environment for your dental health. These high acid levels can damage your enamel over time, making your teeth more vulnerable to dental decay and cavities.

It Is Ok To Swallow Your Spit During Teeth Cleanings (But Try Not To)

Swallowing may be both an active and passive response. Many people find it difficult to resist the impulse to swallow while having their teeth cleaned. That’s OK. It does happen. St Peterburg FL Dentists and dental hygienists, on the other hand, utilize suction tools for a purpose. When you have your teeth cleaned, more than likely, spit accumulates at the back of your mouth. Extra water and scaler may be used by the hygienist to assist clean your teeth. Debris, tartar, and, in certain circumstances, blood from sensitive gums can also be present. Yuck! While all of this is perfectly safe to swallow, we utilize the suction tool, so you don’t have to.

Tell the hygienist if you find yourself resisting the impulse to swallow during your next tooth cleaning! They will enjoy the dialogue and the chance to make you feel more at ease. They may even let you hold the suction instrument in certain circumstances!

Contact 4th Street Dental Today For A Dental Cleaning

Have you scheduled your teeth cleaning appointments for 2022 yet? Call us to make an appointment now. It’s critical to have frequent visits to keep your pearly teeth in good shape, which is why we recommend visiting your 4th Street dentist every six months for a cleaning and checkup.

Healthy Teeth For the Holidays

healthy teeth for the holidays

Healthy Teeth For the Holidays

Dental health is so important, every month of the year. However, many of us often neglect our dental health when there’s a busy season of life, such as the holidays. However, it is essential to maintain healthy teeth for the holidays.

How to Maintain Healthy Teeth For the Holidays

Luckily, our team at 4th Street Family Dentistry is here to help! Today on the blog, Dr. Brian Leeson, dentist in St. Petersburg, shares how to maintain your healthy teeth for the holidays.

Try to Limit Your Sugar Consumption

Of course, we want you to splurge and treat yourself during the holidays! There are so many delicious treats to enjoy this season. However, don’t allow sugar, eggnog, and cookies get in the way of a beautiful smile. To keep your smile happy and bright this holiday season, we recommend trying to limit your sugar consumption. Our dentist in St. Pete’s explains that people tend to indulge and gorge during this festive time of year, and often forget to brush their teeth afterward.

Unfortunately, when you eat too many sweets your teeth may begin to rot and develop cavities. Treat yourself now and again, but don’t go overboard, and remember to brush and floss afterward. Without proper maintenance of your teeth, you might end up needing emergency dentist St. Pete.

Drink Water Between Meals

Drinking water is a great way to clear any extra gunk out of your teeth. We recommend drinking a full glass of water after every meal. This is a wonderful way to really clean your mouth and enhance saliva production.

Select the Appropriate Stocking Stuffers

Stockings are traditionally packed with sweets that cause cavities. This year, establish a new family tradition by putting a new toothbrush in each stocking to kick off the New Year. Dental accessories make for excellent stocking stuffers! Try adding some floss, fun toothpaste, and more for your loved ones.

Avoid Grazing

It’s normal to leave food out for folks to snack on throughout the day. “Grazing” not only contributes to weight gain over the holidays, but it also means that the bacteria in your mouth have continual food to consume, raising the risk of dental decay. To avoid this, serve food at mealtimes and hide leftovers away after everyone has eaten.

Chew Sugar Free Gum After Meals

Bethlehem Dentistry states, after a meal, chewing gum is a great way to unwind. It reduces snacking and creates more saliva, which helps to wash away germs that cause plaque development more rapidly. Make sure the gum you pick is sugar-free or includes xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol that aids in tooth decay prevention. After each meal, 20 minutes of chewing gum delivers significant cavity-fighting advantages.

We wish you a happy holiday season!

Don’t hesitate to call Dr. Leeson if you need assistance putting these holiday dental advice into action. We’re always happy to discuss your dental problems so that you can keep your smile bright and cheerful! Please contact us online or call 4th Street Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment!

Dental Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving

Dental Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving St Pete Dentist

Dental Tips for a Happy Thanksgiving

There’s something comforting about Thanksgiving – the gift of family and friends, as well as a nice heartwarming meal together with classic Thanksgiving staple dishes. However, it is essential to take care of your dental health during this holiday. Today on the blog, our Dentist in St. Petersburg shares dental tips for a happy Thanksgiving.

Dental Tips for Thanksgiving From 4th Street Family Dentistry

Of course, we must also be kind with our teeth and gums, which can take a hammering over the holiday season. Below, Dr. Brain Leeson, the best dentist in St. Petersburg, shares straightforward techniques for Thanksgiving.

Reduce Sugar Consumption

Thanksgiving dinners are well-known for their high sugar content. It doesn’t matter if it’s pecan pie or cranberry sauce. However, avoiding or reducing the excess sugar in these recipes would have the reverse impact, benefiting your teeth.

According to the California Dental Association, avoiding, limiting, or substituting sugar with sugar substitutes such as xylitol and erythritol, which do not induce tooth decay, is an effective approach. When eating sweet meals and desserts, use portion management. After that, our dentist 33704 rinse your mouth with water to remove any sugar or food particles that may have stuck to your teeth or gums.

Watch Your Starchy Meal Intake

Our dentist in St. Pete explains starchy meals are quiet tooth destroyers. They don’t appear to be hazardous at first glance, but starch transforms into sugar, which feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Breaded stuffing, mashed potatoes, potato chips, cornbread, and dinner rolls are popular offenders, and this issue may be rectified by complementing them with fiber and protein items.

Enjoy A Well-Balanced Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving dinners aren’t all horrible. There is a wide variety of healthy food options to choose from. This includes leafy greens high in calcium, fruits, and vegetables high in various vitamins and minerals that are good for your teeth and gums. Another example, St. Petersburg FL dentist explains that raw carrots that make natural teeth cleansers, and turkey aids in tooth development.

Choose Your Snacks Wisely

It’s not just the Thanksgiving feast that might harm your teeth; it’s also the snacks you eat throughout the day. Instead of sweet cookies and candies, eat nuts, dry fruits, and cheese to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Our friends over at College Hill Dental, Easton PA Dentist, explain that assorted nuts are another fantastic snack since they help to strengthen your teeth. Chewing the nuts stimulates saliva production, which washes away dangerous germs and helps to prevent tooth decay.

Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

Brush and floss your teeth as usual on Thanksgiving Day, and increase your regimen if necessary. There is no such thing as being too careful when it comes to your oral health.

When eating acidic foods, however, wait at least half an hour before brushing your teeth. After a meal, you can sip water, chew gum, and floss.

On D-day, you can use toothpicks instead of brushing, flossing, or chewing gum. It is effective for removing sticky food particles and loosening plaque buildup, but you must be careful not to injure your gums in the process.

Schedule a Dental Cleaning With 4th Street Family Dentistry

Finally, schedule a post-Thanksgiving day appointment with your dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning. It also allows your dentist to identify and address any dental concerns that arise early on.

Contact 4th St Family Dentistry today to book your cleaning!

An Oral-Health Friendly Halloween

An Oral-Health Friendly Halloween

An Oral-Health Friendly Halloween

October is here, and Halloween is already upon us. In fact, over 600 lbs of candy will be purchased in the United States between now and October 31st. As your Dentist in St. Petersburg, we are here to provide tips for an oral-health friendly Halloween. 

How to Have an Oral-Health Friendly Halloween

Whether you have children or not, Halloween is a time for excessive sugar consumption. Our dentist in St. Pete knows there will be plenty of candy available during the next month for everyone.

People will begin bringing candy to work. You’ll buy Halloween candy…only to start eating it before the trick-or-treaters come. When Halloween finally arrives, the average child will consume over 675 grams of sugar on that single day – equivalent to eating 170 sugar cubes.

The sugar will arrive one way or another, but will you be ready? Most likely, you will not be able or willing to stop the sugar train from arriving. And, while most of us (kids and adults) can’t resist the snacks, we can at least be conscious of eating them and safeguarding our teeth health.

Not All Candies Are Created Equal 

Some are more damaging to the teeth than others – When it comes to your dental health, some sweets are really better for your teeth (or do less damage) than others. The stickier the candy, the more likely tooth decay. Our St. Petersburg FL dentist explains that sticky candies such as gummy bears, Tootsie rolls, Snickers, and Skittles require additional chewing time and can also adhere to and between your teeth. The longer candy remains in your mouth before being wiped away by saliva, the easier it is for bacteria-causing sugars to promote tooth decay and cavities. Sticky candy might also cause problems with your fillings and crowns.  As follows, when it comes to snacks, chocolate is still better for your teeth because it is less sticky and dissolves more quickly. 

Increase the Fluoride Treatment 

Children who haven’t formed their permanent teeth can undoubtedly benefit from a little more fluoride. Our dentist 33704 explains that including a fluoride treatment in your dental appointments is a great option. These treatments can assist to provide an extra layer of protection against tooth decay and cavities. A little more fluoride can also help certain individuals, especially if they are predisposed to cavities. If you know you won’t be able to control your sweet craving over the Halloween season and have a history of cavities, fluoride treatment or mouth rinse may help you keep your teeth cavity-free during the sugar season.

Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush 

If you know you’ll be working in a Halloween treat-filled atmosphere, bring a toothbrush. The sooner you can brush your teeth after you’ve consumed candy, the better. If you have children, use a Halloween-themed toothbrush to urge them to brush their teeth after eating candy.

Fixed a Time to Eat Sweets 

The treats aren’t going away, so instead of munching on them throughout the day, designate a set “snack” time when some of the Halloween candy can be savored. Our friends over at Shreveport Dental Solutions, dentist in Shreveport LA, explain that a tip they have is to allow your children to select one or two pieces of candy from their Halloween haul. Having a set treat time can help limit the quantity of bacteria-building sugars that remain in your mouth throughout the day, giving your super-hero saliva a greater chance of neutralizing the bacteria.

Halloween is the holiday that brings out the child in all of us. And it’s that time of year when most of us will find it nearly impossible to resist the temptations. Rather than abstaining from sweets, try using some of these tips over the next few weeks to safeguard your teeth. And have a wonderful Halloween!

Contact 4th St Family Dentistry Today 

P.S. If you need a tooth fixed, your teeth cleaned, or a fluoride treatment during or after Halloween, please let us know! Your friendly St. Pete dentist is always available! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Celebrating Dental Hygiene Month

national dental hygiene month - 4th Street Family Dentistry

Celebrating Dental Hygiene Month

4th Street Family Dentistry will be celebrating Dental Hygiene Month all month long! Our staff has compiled a list of home dental hygiene guidelines to help you keep a healthy smile. You can always rely on 4th Street Family Dentistry if you’re looking for a  family dentist in St. Pete, FL, or if you require dental services. 

If you have any questions regarding early warning signs or are due for a cleaning, please contact our dentist in St. Pete right away.

Brush 2x a Day

It’s important to brush a minimum of two times a day. If you can, brush after each meal. Your toothbrush should have soft bristles and be big enough to brush one to two at a time. We recommend using an ADA approved toothpaste. When brushing, focus on the inner, outer areas of your teeth and tongue. If you’re having trouble brushing for the full two minutes, sing the ABC’s three times! Also, Dr. Leeson recommends that patients change their toothbrush every 3-4 months. 

Floss Daily

Brushing your teeth alone will not remove all the debris and plaque that collect between your teeth. That’s why it’s just as important to floss as it is to brush your teeth.

How to Floss Properly: 

  • Use about 18 inches of dental floss and wrap it around two fingers, leaving about 1-2 inches of floss.
  • Holding the floss with your thumb and index finger, you will insert the floss between two teeth.
  • Gently move the floss up and down, rubbing it against each tooth (avoid hitting your gums).
  • Once you’ve reached your gum line, curve the floss, and move it back and forth between one of the teeth.
  • Move the floss to the next set of teeth, repeat the steps above.

Rinse With Mouthwash 

Mouthwash can help put a stop to plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay! There are plenty of mouthwashes to choose from. Choose a mouthwash that will help you meet your oral health goals. Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, points out that not all mouthwashes are used the same. So, make sure you read the directions carefully.

We recommend using a mouthwash that is ADA approved—rinsing before or after brushing/flossing depends on the product.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Did you know there are benefits of chewing sugar-free gum after a meal?

Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

  • It helps increase saliva, which washes away harmful bacteria & relieves dry mouth.
  • Helps dislodge food stuck in your teeth, preventing plaque buildup.

Connection Between Oral Health and Body

Many studies show a link between gum disease and other diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and more. Additionally, those with high blood sugar are more at risk of developing gum disease. Those with diabetes are highly encouraged to visit their dentist for regular cleanings. As you can see, it’s very important to take care of your oral health. It’s not too late to make a change today.

Why We Celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month

At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we like to celebrate smiles. National Dental Hygiene Month is the perfect way to honor our community and staff members. It also helps us to take our oral health into our own hands. Set a good example for you and your little ones by following the tips above. If you have any questions about your oral health or would like to set up an appointment, please contact 4th Street Family Dentistry today.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 

Must-Knows About Children’s Oral Health

must knows about children oral health St pete

Must-Knows About Children’s Oral Health

February is National Children’s Oral Health Month! To celebrate, our St. Pete, FL family dentist is sharing oral health tips all month long. Creating good oral health habits at a young age is so important to prevent oral health-related illnesses. The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months after they turn one year old or after their first tooth erupts. On today’s blog, we’re sharing all the must-knows about children’s oral health. 

Oral Health Tips #1: It’s Not Too Soon To Start Brushing

Many parents are surprised that it’s never too early to start brushing children’s teeth. However, you should handle brushing your infant’s teeth differently than you handle your own. Infant teeth and gum wipes can be used by parents to swab their child’s gums before teeth come in. This gentle practice helps maintain optimal gum health by slowing the development of bacteria in the mouth and tongue. Teeth and gum wines can be found at your local supermarket!  

For brushing, you can start with a soft-bristled baby toothbrush once your child has at least one tooth. Our friend and pediatric dentist Bethlehem GA, Dr. Uyen recommends parent use a small grain-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste and a gentle brush after breakfast and after dinner. 

Oral Health Tips #2: Try Fluoride Toothpaste

It is safer to begin brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Many of our parents grew up with a training toothpaste, something that was ‘healthy when swallowed.’ As soon as your baby gets his or her first tooth, you should start brushing with fluoride. Again, for your infant, use a grain-sized toothpaste dab. About the time the child reaches three, you can then use a pea-sized dab.

Oral Health Tips #3: Visit Your 4th Street Dentist Often

Around the time of his or her 1st birthday, your child should visit our St. Pete dentist, Dr. Leeson. Adults usually ought to visit the dentist twice a year, and the same applies to your children. An oral exam will be performed by a pediatric dentist and a dental history will begin. Are you prone to cavities? Your child might be as well, but if you start early and maintain regular dental appointments, this can help prevent cavities or other dental health issues. 

Oral Health Tips #4: Help Your Child Focus On Their Brushing Technique 

Usually, children are old enough to begin brushing their own teeth between the ages of 3 and 5. Two minutes of brushing with the bristles towards the gums in tiny circles for each tooth is a good rule. This will prevent plaque build up on the surfaces and spaces of your teeth. That means on the top right and left and on the bottom right and left for around 30 seconds each. 2 minutes may seem like a long time, especially for kids who don’t have all their teeth, it might not take a full 2 minutes.

Oral Health Tips #5: Make Flossing On a Regular Basis Fun

Most parents assume that before the permanent teeth come in, children do not need to floss. However, as soon as your teeth meet one another, you can start flossing. No matter how good you wash, when you touch your teeth, there are areas that cannot be reached. Disposable flossers that are intended for little children to perform well. 


4th Street Family Dentistry knows how busy life can get. This year, make you and your child’s oral health a priority. Good dental care is critical for the growth and overall health of a child. If you have any questions or concerns about your family’s oral health, contact our dental office in St. Petersburg, FL.

Celebrating National Brush Day

National Brush Day - 4th street family dentistry

Celebrating National Brush Day

Is it really a coincidence that National Brush Day is on November 1, right after Halloween? Definitely not! Halloween comes with candy, lots and lots of candy. Many parents tend to get a little obsessed with ensuring that their children’s teeth get back in shape. This is where brushing comes in. While it is the most effective way to clean our teeth and keep them free from plaque and bacteria, brushing too much can also be a problem. 

The following are a few good practices the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, recommends for children and grownups to keep in mind when brushing their teeth. We’ve also added some bad practices to avoid while brushing your teeth.

Good Dental Hygiene Practices

Brushing Teeth the Proper Way

Dr. Chris Green, the best dentist in Parker, CO, emphasizes that brushing your teeth involves a lot more than a few up-down and right-left motions using your toothbrush. First, you need to hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Follow this up with back and forth strokes on your teeth, making sure you clean the chewing surfaces as well as the inner and outer surfaces of your teeth with the same series of gentle motions. 

Focusing on the Invisible Sufaces

After you’re done brushing the tooth surfaces that are visible, you can now attend to the inside surfaces on the back of your front teeth. It should be noted that some dental complications, such as dental caries, originate from the back surface of your front teeth. Dentists in St. Petersburg state that it’s important to ensure that you remember to clean that area. Effectively but gently brushing your teeth using the proper technique two times a day, every day is good for your gums and teeth and tough on plaque and bacteria, which ensures optimal oral health. 

Choosing the Right Brush Size

When choosing a toothbrush for your child, you should remember that the one size fits all rule does not apply here. Your child’s toothbrush must not be too big or too small for their mouths. Making sure you choose the right size ensures your child does not experience discomfort while brushing. Moreover, using the right size toothbrush makes it easy to clean your child’s teeth properly as it reaches all the parts of the mouth. 

Family dentists in St. Pete also recommend investing in a toothpaste that has fluoride in it, as it’s good for your teeth. This is because fluoride prevents cavities from developing and also prevents tooth decay. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to brush.

Flossing Your Teeth

Emergency dentists St. Pete adds that flossing rids your mouth of the plaque that is on your teeth. This prevents plaque buildup. In addition to this, flossing also helps prevent gum disease and takes care of both your gums and teeth.

Visiting Your Dentist, Dr. Brian Leeson, After or Before National Brush Day

Making a trip to your dentist 33704 for your annual checkup at least twice a year ensures that any issues or problems you might have with your teeth are well taken care of. They may also provide you with extra tips to help keep your teeth healthy.

Bad Dental Practices to Avoid

Brushing Immediately After Eating

Brushing your teeth after eating candy or consuming a meal may end up causing more harm to your teeth. This is because when we eat, the enamel of your teeth tends to soften and stay like that for about half an hour after you’re done eating. During this time, your enamel is weak, which means that if you brush your teeth, it may be scraped away together with plaque and bacteria. 

This National Brush Day, refrain from rushing your children to brush their teeth immediately when they are done eating. Waiting half an hour will give their enamel time to sufficiently harden before they brush, thus protecting their teeth.

Using Toothbrushes with Hard Bristles

Hard-bristled toothbrushes not only cause bleeding of your gums and pain, but they also damage your teeth enamel. Damaged gums may loosen their teeth grip, which may result in loss of teeth. It is, therefore, important to avoid getting hard bristled toothbrushes for your kids or using them yourself.

Not Brushing for the Proper Amount of Time

Effectively brushing your teeth requires at least two minutes. The two minutes ensure that your teeth are properly exposed to the toothbrush’s cleaning action. 

Using an Old Toothbrush

Frayed toothbrush bristles can damage your gums and teeth. If your toothbrush is more than three months old, then you need to get a new one to help you remove all that plaque buildup from your Halloween candy that’s on your teeth. This National Brush Day, contact 4th Street Family Dentistry to keep your smile bright and your teeth right!