What are patients saying about Farina Orthodontics?

Check out what a few of our patients are saying about Dr. Mark Farina and our staff at Farina Orthodontics lately! Thanks for writing in, everyone!

"Dr. Farina & Staff My dentist (Dr. Matthew Giunta), referred me to Dr. Farina for an ortho consultation. That 1st visit was what left a lasting impression on me and the reason why I'm his patient." ~ Tatyana V

"Spending a braces-free Thanksgiving in Boulder, Co with family that only knows me with crooked teeth. This is going to be a wonderful holiday!!! Thanks Dr. Farina and the Farina office"

By the way, Facebook is a great place to tell us how we're doing, but we also encourage you to head to our Google Places page and leave a short review there. Your generous reviews help Dr. Farina build more beautiful smiles!

Share your experience at Farina Orthodontics with the world!

At Farina Orthodontics, Dr. Mark Farina and our entire staff are committed to excellence in orthodontics. It is our goal to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment available in a professional, caring and fun environment where patient's needs are our top priority.

Whether you’ve just come in for a complimentary consultation or your family has been visiting our Tampa office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Gummy Tummy? From Farina Orthodontics

At Farina Orthodontics we know all too well 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

All about cavities, from Dr. Farina

At Farina Orthodontics, we know one word nobody wants to hear when they visit their dentist is Cavity! Yes, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? Well, a cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your general dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities while you’re wearing braces:

· Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily

· Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)

· Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth and braces where your toothbrush can’t reach

· Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat or drink

· Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up during your orthodontic treatment with Dr. Farina

We hope that helps! Give us a call to learn more about keeping your braces and oral health in tip-top shape! Happy New Year!