Gummy Tummy, Farina Orthodontics

At Farina Orthodontics 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!

--Farina Orthodontics

When Are Two Phases of Treatment Necessary? Dr. Farina Explains

Usually patients in orthodontic treatment already have their permanent teeth – but in some cases we have to start treatment earlier, even before the patient’s permanent teeth come in. We call this “two-phase treatment.”



When we at Farina Orthodontics have patients with clear developmental problems at an early age, it’s best to start work when they are young, before the problems get bigger and more difficult to treat. Examples include an upper or lower jaw that is not growing correctly, or a mouth growing in a way that doesn’t leave enough room for all the permanent teeth to come in.

In these cases we will start early and do one round of treatment – phase one – while the patient still has “baby teeth.” Phase one usually does not involve braces, but can include a different type of appliance that helps the jaw grow into place properly, such as a retainer. We’ll follow up with phase two usually a few years later, when permanent the patient’s permanent teeth have come in. Phase two often does involve braces and sometimes headgear.

In order to catch early problems, we recommend that children have an orthodontic check-up no later than age seven (and so does the American Association of Orthodontics). However, if your dentist or pediatrician sees any sign that early treatment might be necessary, he or she may recommend your child visit an orthodontist even sooner. Visit our website for more information about two-phase orthodontics, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Farina, please call 813-774-5323.

Farina Orthodontics Patient Testimonials

Our motto here at Farina Orthodontics is Live. Love. Smile. Dr. Farina is committed to creating great smiles for young and old alike; take a look at what some of his patients have said!



Dr. Farina is a very caring person, and he makes you feel as if he really has nothing better to do than have a chat. ~ Al E.

Dr. Mark S. Farina is professional with his patients and it is very clear that he knows his industry. It is obvious that Dr. Farina goes to great lengths to make us, the customer, comfortable in our decisions as well as in the office. Thank you. ~ Troy I.

Very kid-friendly office. I love all of the rewards that are set up. My son actually looked forward to coming back the 2nd time to get tickets and tokens. Dr. Farina and the staff were great and non-painful when putting on his braces. They both explained everything that they were doing, which was mind-easing for our son. They also thoroughly explained how to clean and maintain braces. ~ Mark G.