You’ll hear it over and over again from your dentist in Ann Arbor — limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks. This is because sugar causes cavities, right? Well, sort of. Sugar itself doesn’t cause cavities, but what happens when we digest sugars can increase the risk of developing cavities. So if sugar isn’t to blame, then what is? 

What Causes Cavities?

You may have had a mental image of sugar bugs attacking and decaying teeth, but in fact, bacteria are to blame for decay and cavities. When we eat sugars, they feed the bacteria naturally found in our mouths. As a byproduct, these bacteria release acid. The acid can then attack tooth enamel, removing the layer of protection. Once the enamel is gone, bacteria can work their way in and the process repeats itself. Only this time instead of wearing away enamel, acids wear away at the actual tooth causing a cavity.

How to Know If You Have a Cavity

In their early stages, cavities may not show any signs of a problem. That’s because the decay hasn’t reached the inner tooth where all the nerves live. But just because you don’t feel it doesn’t mean there’s not a problem. Your dentist in Ann Arbor will be able to diagnose a cavity at your bi-annual dental visits, but you should keep an eye out for any signs of a cavity in between those checkups. Some signs of a cavity include: 

• Increased sensitivity
• Pain when biting down
• Seemingly random tooth pain
• Pain when eating sweets
• Visible holes

Cavity Prevention

The best way to avoid a dental filling or perhaps even a root canal is to prevent a cavity from forming in the first place. Try these cavity-fighting tips. 

• Drink plenty of water to help rinse away bacteria and neutralize acids
• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day
• Chew sugarless gum after snacks if you can’t brush
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year

Now that you know sugar doesn’t cause cavities, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you can indulge in sugary sweets and drinks whenever you want. You should still listen to your dentist in Ann Arbor and reduce the amount of sugar you allow in your diet. It’s also important to brush and floss your teeth every day to remove any buildup of plaque and keep your teeth protected. 

We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

We have officially rung in the new year, which means all of the resolutions are in full effect. During this time, many people commit to transforming their lives. Whether they’ve resolved to eat healthier, lose weight, or stop smoking, the new year provides a fresh start and gives people a view of a better life. It’s also a time that you can resolve to work with your dentist in Canton to get a new smile that you’re proud of. 

Cosmetic Dentistry 

Did you know that more than one-third of Americans don’t like the way their smile looks? That’s a lot of people hiding their smiles behind closed lips. If you’re one of those people, you don’t have to live with a smile you’re unhappy with. Your dentist in Canton can help you find your perfect smile with cosmetic dentistry. 

Cosmetic dentistry includes various treatments that are designed to transform smiles. Whether you want to brighten your teeth or completely change the appearance of your grin, there’s a cosmetic dentistry solution that’s right for you. 

If You Want Whiter Teeth

Things like regular wear and tear, tobacco use, and even foods and drinks can take a once bright, white smile and make it dull and discolored. In fact, tooth discoloration is one of the most common complaints of dental patients. But there’s good news. Most tooth discoloration can be fixed through teeth whitening. While there are many teeth whitening products available, not all products will give you the result you want and there may be some that aren’t high quality. We always recommend meeting with your dentist before starting a smile whitening treatment on your own. 

If You Want a More Even Smile

Dental veneers are another form of cosmetic dentistry that can quickly and easily transform the look of your teeth and smile as a whole. These thin pieces of ceramic are individually custom-made to give each tooth an ideal shape and color for a totally natural look. Veneers bonded to the front surface of your teeth can cover up things such as discoloration, chips or cracks, and can even help fix uneven or overlapping teeth. 

If You Only Need a Tiny Fix 

Oftentimes there are small imperfections that are just big enough to bother you and if you could easily fix them, you would. Well, the good news is, your dentist in Canton can do just that. If your teeth are resistant to traditional teeth whitening solutions or if you have smaller chips you may be a candidate for cosmetic bonding. Your dentist will essentially cover the area with safe composite material and shape and harden it into a natural restoration. 

If You Want a Completely New Look

Patients who are unhappy with the overall appearance of their smile may want to consider a full-mouth restoration or smile makeover. This cosmetic dentistry solution combines several treatments and can completely transform your look. Your dentist will talk with you about what you’d like to achieve and develop a custom plan to make your dream smile a reality. 

Nobody should have to live hiding their smile behind their lips. Make a commitment to yourself to talk with your dentist in Canton about the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for your specific wants. You deserve a smile you love and we’d be happy to help you. 

We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

New Year’s Resolutions are made each and every January and can range from committing to eating healthier to training to run your first marathon and anything in between. But all resolutions typically have the same underlying notion — to get healthier. This year is no different, and we may actually put more emphasis on health now more than ever before. Additionally, it’s important to know that oral health goes hand-in-hand with overall health. That’s why your dentist in Ann Arbor is here to encourage you to make dental care part of your 2021 resolutions. 

The Importance of Dental Care 

Dental care and overall health are directly linked, and how well we care for our smiles can affect our bodies in other ways. For example, gum disease can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and dementia. So if you’ve resolved to get healthier this year, there are things you should do outside of eating a well-balanced diet and exercising. 

• Schedule An Appointment with Your Dentist In Ann Arbor

Many patients make the mistake of only seeing the dentist when they’re experiencing a problem. However, preventive dentistry can go a long way in keeping these problems from occurring in the first place. Additionally, appointments with your dentist every six months allow your dental team to catch and treat any problems early before they have a chance to affect the rest of your health. One of the best things you can do to fully commit to a healthier 2021 is to schedule an appointment with your dentist and maintain those visits every six months. 

• Brush Your Teeth

Besides seeing your dentist, you should also do your part at home by brushing your teeth twice a day, every day. Gently brushing your teeth in the morning and at night will help remove bacteria buildup and reduce the risk of decay and even gum disease. But at-home dental care doesn’t end there. It’s also important to floss daily. Flossing removes particles in between your teeth and up under the gum line, further protecting you from problems down the road. 

• Quit Smoking

One of the most common resolutions people make every year is to stop smoking once and for all. It’s also one of the hardest resolutions to keep. But following through on this commitment can greatly improve your life and your health by reducing the risk of cancer, including oral cancer, and lowering the risk of decay, gum disease, and tooth discoloration. Make a plan and find supportive friends or resources to help. 

• Stop The Soda Habit

Another way you can help your body and your teeth is to stop drinking soda, or at least limit how much you drink and how often you drink it. Soda is packed with sugars that feed bacteria in the mouth. As these bacteria eat, they give off an acidic byproduct that can eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Soda can also increase the risk of whole-body problems such as diabetes, weight gain, and heart disease. Instead, drink water as often as possible and try to drink at least 64 ounces every day. 

As we welcome 2021, make a resolution to take care of your dental health. Your body, your smile, and your dentist in Ann Arbor will thank you. 

We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

Toothaches can happen at any time and they can happen to anyone. But that doesn’t necessarily make having a toothache feel any better. When it comes to finding out what’s causing your tooth pain, and how to treat it, there are few steps you can take. However, please note if you’re currently experiencing tooth pain, stop reading, and call your dentist in Livonia immediately. 

Know Your Pain 

Different things can cause different types of tooth pain, so it’s important to try to identify what type of tooth pain you’re experiencing, if it gets worse with certain activities, and if it’s paired with pain anywhere else in your body. Let’s take a look at a few scenarios. 

• If Pain Gets Worse When Eating Sweets you may have a cavity. A cavity, also known as tooth decay, is an area of your tooth that has, well, decayed. When cavities are little they’re easy to fix with dental fillings, and you may not even know you had a cavity or had any pain. It’s common for tiny cavities to cause little zings of pain when anything sweet touches them. Additionally, if cavities aren’t treated when they’re little, they will grow and start to affect the inner tooth nerves. That’s where the pain comes into play, either while eating sweets or not. 
• If Your Pain is a Throbbing Type of Pain it can be harder to know what’s really causing your pain. Throbbing tooth pain can be a sign of a cracked tooth, an abscess, or simply something stuck in your gums. A cracked tooth may not immediately cause symptoms, and you probably won’t be able to see it, but if the crack affects the nerves you will feel throbbing pain. Additionally, an abscess, which is essentially a pocket of bacterial infection, can also cause throbbing but is also usually associated with other symptoms such as a bad taste in the mouth, pain in the ears or jaw, or swelling
• If The Pain Zings While Biting may be a sign of TMJ disorder, also known as TMD. This condition affects the jaw joints and can be caused by numerous things, including teeth clenching or a grinding habit. If your pain gets worse when chewing or biting, zings throughout your mouth, and is accompanied by headaches, jaw pain, or facial pain, talk to your dentist about TMJ disorder and treatment. If not treated, headaches can become worse, teeth can become damaged if you clench and grind, and it can become increasingly painful to chew. 

Again, we can’t stress enough just how important it is to see your dentist in Livonia for a proper examination, diagnosis, and treatment. However, there are a few ways you can reduce tooth pain at home. 

Toothache Tips

At-home toothache relief can help make the pain more bearable before your dental appointment. Different people respond differently to each of these, so try a few options to find what works best for you and your situation. 

• Floss. Simply flossing can help relieve a toothache, especially if the source of the pain is a forgotten piece of food that wedged its way between teeth or up under the gums. Make sure to floss gently and don’t overdo it. Too much flossing can cause more pain. 
• Ice. Ice can reduce any swelling, reduce inflammation, and ease the pain. Make sure that you cover your ice pack in a towel or t-shirt before placing it on the outside of your cheek in the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, give yourself at least a 15-minute break, and reapply.  
• Anesthetic. Over-the-counter oral anesthetic can numb the pain, at least for a little while. Use your preferred anesthetic as directed.  
• Salt Water. Salt water isn’t only good for relieving a sore throat, it can also help relieve tooth pain. Swish some warm salt water around in your mouth, spit it out, and repeat a few more times. The salt will help remove any fluid that may be putting pressure on the nerves. 
• Anti-inflammatory Medicine. If you can take anti-inflammatories, they can help to reduce toothache pain by decreasing swelling and pressure on the nerves. Use these only as directed and no matter what the old wives’ tale tells you, do not put any pill directly on the gums or tooth!

Remember, these are temporary, short-term solutions. None are meant to be a permanent fix. Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right, and you should still see your dentist in Livonia for a thorough exam, diagnosis, and custom treatment plan to fix the pain at its source.  

Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

There are so many ways to get a whiter smile these days. From over-the-counter whitening strips to a professional whitening treatment from your dentist in Farmington Hills, getting a bright, white smile is no longer reserved for only celebrities. Usually, we interpret a white smile as a healthy, attractive smile, but can you whiten your teeth too much? Let’s find out. 

Over-Whitening Is Possible

Even though we all strive for a beautiful, white smile, there is such a thing as over-whitening. In fact, teeth that are too white can have the opposite effect that we were trying to achieve in the first place and can cause some problems. Some common negatives that go along with over-whitening include:

• Enamel Erosion – Enamel erosion can occur from too much exposure to whitening ingredients. Enamel erosion increases the risk of decay as well as other oral problems including darker teeth and sensitivity, which we’ll take a look at next. 

• Darker Teeth – As the enamel erodes away it can also cause teeth to appear more translucent as more of the naturally darker inner tooth becomes visible. 

• Tooth Sensitivity – Additionally, a lack of tooth enamel leaves teeth at increased risk for sensitivity. Sometimes, over-whitening can lead to constant tooth sensitivity and a lot of pain. 

• Gum Irritation – If too much of the whitening solution makes contact with the gum tissue it can cause irritation. 

An easy, yet unofficial way to find out how white your teeth should be is to try to match them to the whites of your eyes. 

How to Safely Whiten Your Smile

Even though there can be negative side effects of over-whitening, you shouldn’t let that stop you from getting a whiter smile, but you should start by talking with your dentist in Farmington Hills. Together, you can find the best way to whiten your teeth. Some common whitening treatments include: 

• Whitening Strips can be a cheaper option but are not custom-fitted which could lead to a higher risk of irritation and sensitivity. 
• Whitening Trays tend to be a bit more expensive than strips but come with similar concerns of irritation and sensitivity. 
• In-Office Professional Whitening is probably the fastest way to get a whiter smile. Plus, since it’s done at your dentist’s office, you have a trained professional guiding you through the entire treatment.

Once you decide on a treatment, make sure you read and follow any directions of your chosen product. Never leave a whitening product on longer than recommended as this can increase the risk of gum irritation, cause sensitivity, and can damage enamel. Stop use of the whitening treatment if you do have any sensitivity or irritation and talk with your dentist. 

There are many different ways you can get a brighter smile, but you can whiten your teeth too much which can lead to larger problems. We always recommend starting your journey to a whiter smile by scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Farmington Hills. If traditional smile whitening treatments aren’t appropriate for you, we can explore additional cosmetic dentistry options that can still transform your smile. 

Welcoming new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. 

Your dentist in Livonia will often ask you things about your overall health as well as your habits, and with good reason. But there are times when patients aren’t comfortable sharing some aspects of their life with their dental team and instead try to keep these things a secret. However, we have a secret of our own — we most likely already know your secrets. 

There are some things your dentist can tell you about you just from looking at your teeth, even if you don’t volunteer that information with them. Let’s take a look at some of the things your dentist in Livonia may notice about you and your habits. 

• You’re a Nail Biter

Why would your dentist care if you nervously or habitually bite your nails? Well, nail biters often have tiny chips or cracks in their teeth that may be invisible to the naked eye but can show up on dental x-rays. These cracks provide a great place for bacteria to nestle in and increase the likelihood of decay. Nail biters may also suffer from TMD or TMJ thanks to changes in their bite. TMD/TMJ disorder can be a painful condition that may also lead to headaches and increased jaw pain or jaw clicking. 

• You’re a Smoker

One of the most common habits patients try to hide is being a smoker. They’ll use perfume, mints, mouthwash, and everything in between to try and cover up the smell of cigarettes. But the truth is, your dentist in Livonia can probably still tell that you smoke. You see, cigarette smoke doesn’t just disappear. In fact, the smell can seep into the soft tissues of your mouth and linger around long after you light up. Additionally, smokers tend to have telltale tooth staining as a result of the nicotine.  

• You Don’t Floss as Much as You Should

We know that you don’t like to floss, nobody does. But it is incredibly important that you do your best to floss every day. If you don’t, and you save your annual flossing session to the day before or the day of your appointment, we’ll know. Patients who avoid flossing often have swollen, red gums that bleed almost as soon as their appointment begins. Bleeding gums are unhealthy gums and may be a sign of gum disease. 

• You Don’t Brush Often Enough

Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don’t brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don’t brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums. Additionally, if you brush too hard you may have gum recession or worn enamel which can cause tooth sensitivity and increase your chances of cavities. 

We encourage you to always be honest with your dentist in Livonia and every member of your healthcare team. If we don’t know about certain things that can affect both your health and your treatment, you won’t get the best care possible for you. We understand that some things may be embarrassing to share, but it’s important to know that your dental team is only here to help you, not to judge you. 

Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. 

There are many misconceptions about oral health. One of the more common misconceptions is that plaque and tartar are the same things and that the terms can be used interchangeably. While this isn’t completely false, it is a bit misleading and something that your dentist in Farmington Hills wants to clear up. After all, understanding what’s going on inside of your mouth is a crucial part of keeping it healthy. 

A Peek at Plaque

It makes sense for us to start by taking a look at plaque. Plaque is something that accumulates on everyone’s teeth each and every day. It’s unavoidable, it’s sticky, it’s packed full of bacteria, and it can cause a whole lot of trouble. You see, plaque forms as a result of foods we eat and latches on to the area around the gum line. The bacteria that make up this sticky substance then start to feed on food particles in the mouth. As a result, the bacteria release an acidic byproduct. This acid then attacks the tooth enamel, wearing away at this protective layer and leaving teeth at increased risk of cavities. If plaque is not removed every day, it will start to harden and turn into tartar. 

Tartar Troubles

Tartar is very similar to plaque but, essentially, is a more progressed version. Also known as calculus, tartar is a super hard substance that occurs when plaque is not properly removed. Additionally, while plaque is invisible, once it transforms into tartar it can appear as yellow or brown lumps. Another key difference between tartar and plaque is that while you can effectively remove plaque on your own, your dentist in Farmington Hills is the only one that can remove tartar once it forms. Like plaque, tartar can increase the risk of cavities as well as other problems, including tooth discoloration, sensitivity, and gum disease. 

Preventing Plaque Problems

Since tartar occurs as a result of plaque buildup, it’s important to take a look at how we can prevent problems from plaque in the first place. The most effective way to remove plaque is to practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day. Make sure to brush both morning and night to remove plaque that has built up overnight and throughout the day. Additionally, choosing what you eat can also help keep plaque away. Try to pick plaque-busting foods like cheese and crunchy vegetables and avoid sugary foods and drinks. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help wash away bacteria, neutralize acids, and further protect teeth. 

Outside of brushing, flossing, and eating well, it’s also crucial that you see your dentist in Farmington Hills twice a year. These checkups give your dental team the opportunity to monitor your oral health, catch problems early, and remove any tartar buildup before it can create trouble. 

If it’s time for you to see your dentist, we welcome you to call our Farmington Hills dental office to schedule an appointment. 

Accepting new patients at all of our locations in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

Did you know that there’s a connection between oral health and overall health? It’s true, and your dentist in Livonia wants you to know that what’s going on inside of your mouth can provide a snapshot of your overall health –  and may even help diagnose health problems before they show symptoms anywhere else. Let’s take a look at what clues your oral health can give about your overall health and how problems with your mouth can negatively affect your wellbeing.

Bad Bacteria

Bacteria can be found throughout the body, including in the mouth. While most of these bacteria aren’t dangerous and many can actually be helpful, there are also bad bacteria. These are what concern your dentist in Livonia. Bad bacteria can increase the risk of tooth decay as well as gum disease, both of which can affect oral health and overall health. In fact, gum disease in particular has been linked to several whole-body problems. According to the Mayo Clinic, recent studies show that oral bacteria and inflammation due to gum disease are related to health issues including: 

• Diabetes – Diabetes not only affects the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose, but it can also reduce the ability to fight off infections, such as gum disease. Study after study shows that diabetics also have a higher risk of gum disease. 
• Cardiovascular Disease – Gum disease may also affect heart health, and studies show that the more severe the gum disease is, the greater the chance for heart disease or stroke. 

Oral Health Clues About Overall Health

As we mentioned earlier, your mouth may also provide clues about other problems happening elsewhere in the body before you even suspect anything. Your dentist in Livonia will be on the lookout for signs of: 

• Kidney Disease – If you have bad breath that doesn’t go away or if you constantly have a funny taste in your mouth, make sure you tell your dentist. These can be signs of kidney trouble. When kidneys aren’t able to properly break down proteins, it can cause bad breath or a bad taste. 
• Oral Cancer – Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, and it can be hard to diagnose and catch early. However, the earlier it’s caught the more successful treatment can be. Keep an eye out for unusual lumps or bumps or bleeding sores. Your dentist in Livonia will also check your mouth, neck, head, and cheeks for any abnormalities at your appointments. 

Taking care of your oral health can help protect your smile as well as your overall health. Make sure to brush and floss every day and see your dentist at least twice a year for preventive checkups. 

We’re always accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.