Preventive Dentistry in North Tampa, FL

Yes! Brushing three times a day is highly recommended. According to the American Dental Association, you should clean your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. We can provide a few tips on the best time to brush and how long you should brush.

The Best Time to Brush Your Teeth

Our dentist in Tampa, FL, recommends brushing your teeth after every meal to remove any bacteria that might be growing. Wait to brush immediately, especially if you've had an acidic meal or anything with citrus. The acids can weaken your enamel, which can be damaged if you brush your teeth soon after eating. It's good to wait an hour after eating before you practice good oral hygiene.

Should I Use a Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes will always be better than manual ones, especially if the toothbrush head oscillates. Electric toothbrushes are beneficial for people who have issues with arthritis or manual dexterity problems.

However, you can brush your teeth thoroughly using a manual toothbrush; just be sure to gently brush for at least two minutes each time and use a soft-bristled brush. Plus, using fluoride toothpaste helps protect tooth enamel and fight cavities. 

Contact our dentists in Tampa today to learn more about best oral hygiene practices. 

Yes! We offer regular dental teeth cleanings and exams at our Tampa, FL, dental office. Preventive dental care is a big part of what we do. Preventive dental appointments help us ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, problem-free, and beautiful for many years to come. During exams and cleanings, we check for issues like tooth decay, gum disease, infections, oral cancers, and more. 

If your dentist finds any oral health abnormalities during your check-up, we can provide comprehensive dental services to help treat oral issues before they get worse or have a chance to progress. Since we provide multiple dental procedures, our patients won't have to seek different dental specialists to fix a dental issue. We don't want to make maintaining your oral health more complex or time-consuming than it should be; in fact, all of our services are offered in-house so patients can be fully treated in one location.

We Warmly Welcome New Patients

Dr. Belle has been providing excellent dental services since 2000 and has had many glowing testimonials––just check out our patient reviews! We love treating your family and friends, so let your favorite people know about us. 

Need a 'dentist near me'? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment! You can do so online or call our office at (813) 968-5368.

Oral cancer screenings in Tampa and routine examinations are essential aspects of the preventive dentistry we practice at our Tampa dental office. Dental exams in Tampa `allow Dr. Roberto Bellegarrigue, to monitor your oral health and identify any potential issues before they progress. 

Why Screen for Oral Cancer?

Many factors increase the risk of developing oral cancer, especially tobacco use. For those who use tobacco products, like cigarettes or chewing tobacco, it’s crucial you see a dentist regularly to make sure your mouth is cancer-free. 

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

During every examination, Dr. Belle screens all of his patients for oral cancer to ensure their mouths are healthy and disease-free. Dr. Belle looks for cell abnormalities, cancer, or precancerous conditions that affect the mouth’s soft tissues. These soft tissues include the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, palate, and throat. 

Dr. Belle also checks for lesions, lumps, sores, and white or red patches in the mouth. However, having one of these conditions doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer. Only a dentist or medical professional can accurately diagnose and treat oral cancer.

If your dentist locates any abnormalities or areas of concern, he will refer you to a medical doctor who takes a biopsy and sends it to a medical laboratory for diagnosis. Your dentist will also want to see you for a follow-up visit to see if any changes have occurred and review the biopsy results when ready. 

Contact us today to schedule your routine dental examination in Tampa.  

Brushing and flossing your teeth is an essential part of prevention, including regular dental exams and teeth cleanings in our Tampa dental office. 

Preventive dentistry in Tampa and an excellent at-home routine are crucial to long-term oral health. And it is always a partnership between patients and dental professionals. 

Dr. Belle recommends the following: 

• Visit your dentist twice yearly for exams and teeth cleanings.
• Brush and floss at least twice daily and always before bed.
• Reduce sugary and acidic foods and drinks. 
• Contact your dentist if you have concerns between office visits.

Prevention keeps you smiling comfortably for life by reducing your risks for preventable conditions. And good oral hygiene in conjunction can save you time and money in the long run. 

However, the way you clean your teeth is also important. You should spend time on every surface and use a clean strip of floss every time you move on to the next tooth. It's also important to be gentle. You should never force your floss. Instead, move against the natural curves of your teeth to the gumline. 

Do You Have Questions for Your Tampa Dentist? 

If you have questions about best practices or are ready to schedule a checkup, give us a call today. We're here to help, so don't hesitate to reach out to your 'dentist near me.'