Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissues and can cause some unwanted side effects, such as your gums pulling away from the teeth. This can lead to deep pockets between your teeth and gums. Gum disease also makes your teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, and, if left untreated, gum disease may even lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, there are some early signs of gum disease that you can look out for to keep your mouth healthy and strong. Let’s learn about some of the more common signs of gum disease and what your dentist in Canton can do about it.

Bleeding While Brushing

According to The Academy of General Dentistry, bleeding gums can indicate damage in one or more tooth surfaces. While this may just be a sign of sensitivity, if you notice your gums bleed while you brush or floss, make an appointment with your dentist in Canton to rule out other possible causes. Early detection and treatment may prevent gum disease from progressing, so it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums at home between professional dental visits.

Swelling & Redness

One of the earliest warning signs of gum disease is swollen or red gums. If you notice swelling or a new redness in your gums, you may have gum disease. This is usually caused by plaque build-up at or below your gum line that has not been properly cleaned away. It’s important to see a dentist right away if you notice any changes in your gums. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to treat periodontal disease because damage gets worse over time.

Pain & Sensitivity

While not every case of gum disease has pain, many people do experience painful gums as well as tooth sensitivity. Now, some people simply have sensitive teeth, so if that’s normal for you, there may be no cause for concern. However, if your teeth haven’t been sensitive to hot or cold before and the sensitivity lasts for more than a few days, you may have gum disease. Be sure to see your dentist right away.

Bad Breath

Nobody wants to experience bad breath, but it happens to everyone. Sometimes bad breath is caused by something we ate or drank and goes away on its own. However, other times bad breath is persistent and chronic. That’s when your dentist in Canton may become concerned. Chronic bad breath is often a telltale sign of gum disease thanks to the bacteria involved in the infection. These bacteria release a sulfur-like smell and make some people experience bad breath. If you’re not brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal, it’s much easier for food bits to become trapped in your mouth, leading to bacteria and plaque buildup and, you guessed it, bad breath and perhaps gum disease.

Visiting your dentist in Canton at least twice a year is crucial for maintaining good oral health and catching gum disease early. Visits like these are important because, while you can’t really cure gum disease, you can slow its progression if caught early enough. Visiting your dentist regularly will make it much easier to catch potential issues before they become major problems.

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

The American Dental Association recommends that you go to the dentist at least twice a year, but the sad truth is, many people don’t. In fact, about 65% of Americans don’t get regular dental care. However, the truth is, seeing your dentist in Ann Arbor at least twice a year can prevent some serious problems, including tooth loss. Here are five things that happen if you don’t go to the dentist.

• Plaque Buildup

Even if you brush and floss your teeth every single day, there are just some things your daily oral hygiene routine can’t touch, such as tartar. You see, a sticky substance called plaque, which is made up of bacteria, collects around your teeth every day. If plaque isn’t thoroughly removed it will harden into tartar. This tartar needs to be removed from teeth regularly by a trained dental hygienist to keep it from causing problems like decay. 

• Cavities

Cavities are perhaps the most common dental problem. While there are various causes of cavities, studies have shown that plaque build-up is one of the main reasons tooth decay happens in as many as 60% of adults by age 35. Without regular check-ups, small cavities can escalate quickly and cause even more problems. The best way to avoid cavities is to visit your Ann Arbor dentist every six months for a check-up and professional cleaning. 

• Bad Breath

More than one-third of people who don’t see their dentist every six months have bad breath. Why? Essentially, the bacteria that cause bad breath can hide in and grow on your tongue, in between your teeth, as well as in the pockets between your teeth and gums. While brushing and flossing help remove some of these bacteria, it’s still crucial to get professional cleanings twice a year. If these bacteria are left untreated, you may experience bad breath and they may cause even more problems. 

• Gum Disease

Patients who don’t visit their dentist regularly are at greater risk of developing gum disease. Gum disease is a serious infection of the gum tissue. It starts as gingivitis, but if it’s not treated quickly, it can quickly turn into periodontal disease. Regular dental visits help catch gum disease in the early stages when it’s reversible and before it has a chance to put you at risk for other major health issues. In fact, gum disease can cause complications such as heart disease and diabetes.

• Tooth Loss

Another side effect of gum disease is tooth loss, but advanced decay can also cause someone to lose their teeth. Preventive dental checkups and cleanings can help protect your oral health from advancing to this serious level and help you keep your teeth for life. 

We always encourage our patients to visit their dentist in Ann Arbor twice a year for checkups and cleanings, as well as any other necessary procedures. These visits are important to maintaining good oral and overall health. Regular visits also ensure that small problems are caught and treated before they become big ones. If it’s been longer than six months since your last dental visit, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with us today. 

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

If you want to know how to get whiter teeth, you’ve come to the right place! Thanks to advancements in whitening technology, your dentist in Livonia offers several ways for you to whiten your teeth and give you back that gorgeous smile! Read on to find out which methods will work best for you!

Brush 

First and foremost, you should brush your teeth twice daily. Your dentist in Livonia recommends brushing for at least two minutes per session. Use an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride, which is best at helping to remineralize and re-harden enamel and protect against tooth decay. If you smoke or drink coffee or tea regularly, it’s even more important to use ADA-approved toothpaste. 

Floss

Flossing is an often forgotten part of a good oral hygiene routine, but it’s key to floss if you want to keep your teeth stain-free. Flossing your teeth removes pieces of food that can stain your teeth and put you at risk for tooth decay. It’s also been shown to reduce gingivitis, which is one of the causes of tooth discoloration. 

Whiten

With so many different types of teeth whitening treatments on offer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options. Fortunately, your dentist in Livonia is here with some basic truths that you can use to guide your decision-making. When it comes to smile-whitening products, it really comes down to two options: DIY strips and professional treatments.

• DIY Strips: Available over-the-counter, whitening strips are one of the fastest and most effective ways to whiten your teeth. They can be worn for 30 minutes up to two hours, depending on their strength. But there are some downsides. They’re often messy and may take a little bit of trial and error before you find one that fits well and doesn’t irritate your gums. Also, they don’t always last as long as in-office whitening treatments.
• Professional Treatments: Even though these treatments can be more expensive, they often get you results faster and last longer. Professional in-office smile whitening is also often done using custom trays so that none of the whitening gel gets on the gums, which reduces the chance of irritation. 

Enhance

Some types of tooth staining won’t be reversed through brushing, flossing, or whitening. This is why it’s important to talk to your dentist before starting any smile whitening option. If the type of stains you have can’t be removed with the other options, you may be a candidate for certain cosmetic dentistry treatments. The most common version of cosmetic dentistry to help with staining is veneers. These porcelain slices are adhered to the front surface of teeth and cover up stains or other imperfections.

Visit

Most people visit their dentist to have their teeth cleaned, which is important for keeping teeth healthy. But in addition to cleaning your teeth, your dentist can also remove stains from tooth surfaces and even prevent new ones from forming. More importantly, removing stains helps prevent cavities and decay at a microscopic level where they cannot be seen by even our sharpest eyes.

If you’re looking for a brighter, whiter smile, talk with your dentist in Livonia to find the best solution for you. 

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

As we age, it’s important to take special care of our teeth and gums in order to maintain good oral health into old age. As we get older, there are some factors that come into play that make maintaining strong, healthy teeth more difficult than it was when we were younger. Here are 4 tips from your dentist in Farmington Hills to take care of your teeth as you age so that you can keep them looking great well into the golden years.

Be Prepared to Combat Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs more frequently in seniors and can be caused by certain medications. Other causes include dehydration or hormonal changes that can occur with menopause. If untreated, dry mouth can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. While you should never stop taking the medication without discussing it with your doctor, there are some ways to relieve dry mouth – such as drinking plenty of water throughout the day, using special hydration rinses, and chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow. You should talk with your dentist in Farmington Hills to find the best solution for you. 

Get Used to Seeing The Dentist More Often

While we love seeing all of our patients, we tend to see our senior patients more often, and for a good reason. As we age, our mouths change. Due to decreasing production of saliva and a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease, seniors may need more frequent dental care than other adults. Getting into a dentist’s chair at least once every six months will help you avoid some serious oral health problems. Regular visits will also let your dentist in Farmington Hills perform preventative treatments before problems ever occur. 

Don’t Stop Brushing

Brushing your teeth correctly is important for everyone at every age, but it’s absolutely critical when you’re over 50. Seniors should be brushing their teeth at least two times per day and ideally after every meal. A soft-bristled toothbrush and a toothpaste containing fluoride are always best. Make sure to use just slight pressure as brushing too hard will cause unnecessary wear on your teeth and gums. Keep in mind that brushing properly can be hard for older people and can put them at risk for decay. Find a toothbrush that makes it easier in order to protect their teeth. 

And Don’t Forget the Floss

Like brushing, flossing everyday is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for seniors. The older we get, the harder it is to brush teeth effectively. Flossing helps dislodge plaque that would otherwise stay on your teeth and cause cavities and gum disease. If you don’t floss at least once a day, you’re missing out on cleaning 35% of your tooth’s surfaces! Sometimes flossing can also become difficult as we age and lose dexterity. If this is the case, talk to your dentist about other flossing options that can be easier to use. 

According to many research studies, taking care of our teeth will only get more difficult as we age — that’s why it’s imperative that older adults take care of their oral health today. Senior citizens face many unique dental issues; while most don’t require immediate attention, ignoring them can have long-term consequences for your health. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

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

Do you feel like your breath isn’t what it used to be? Or maybe you notice that those around you have bad breath from time to time, and you don’t want to offend them. Either way, National Fresh Breath Day — August 6th — is the perfect day to learn how to freshen your breath and keep it healthy all year long! Here are 5-tips from your dentist in Canton on how to keep your breath smelling great.

1. Take Care of Your Teeth & Gums

The first step to getting and keeping fresh breath is to take care of your oral health by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. And don’t forget to gently brush your tongue, too! Thoroughly cleaning your mouth each morning and every night helps remove bad breath bacteria and can even reduce the risk of gum disease. In fact, gum disease is the second most common source of bad breath.

2. Eat Healthier Foods

Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to improve your breath. Processed, sugary foods can leave you with bad breath because they feed bacteria in your mouth and produce acids that cause tooth decay and plaque buildup. Instead, choose raw fruits and veggies. 

3. Drink Water

Drinking water keeps your mouth and throat hydrated, so it helps wash away food particles and bacteria. Water is also essential for thinning your saliva. Saliva is a natural defense against germs, but it can get thick from dehydration, which leads to higher levels of bacteria in your mouth. Take long sips throughout the day or even drink water in between meals. Your dentist in Canton recommends drinking 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

4. Stop Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can automatically make breath smell simply because of the way cigarettes smell. But that’s not the only reason. The smell of cigarettes can linger around long after you’re done smoking because it gets trapped in your mouth. Smoking also causes dry mouth and can increase the likelihood of developing gum disease, both of which are common causes of bad breath. 

5. See Your Dentist in Canton

Regular visits to your dentist help catch issues before they become serious and allow a chance for your hygienist to give you a deep, professional cleaning. These cleanings help remove bacteria or plaque buildup that you can’t tackle at home and may be contributing to bad breath. These same bacteria may also increase your risk of cavities or gum disease later on down the line if left unchecked and uncleaned by a hygienist.

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

You might think that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking — and you wouldn’t be alone. Many former smokers, and even never-smokers, are turning to electronic cigarettes as a safer smoking option. But just how much safer is vaping than cigarettes? As it turns out, not much safer at all. Vaping poses some of the same health concerns as traditional tobacco, and, as your dentist in Livonia knows, some similar oral health problems, too. 

Health Concerns Associated With Vaping

Believe it or not, vape pens or e-cigarettes debuted in the United States all the way back in 2007, but they seemed to pick up in popularity in recent years. Many people choose vaping over smoking cigarettes for a variety of reasons, such as: 

• To help them quit smoking
• Recreation
• Bypass smoking rules
• Belief that vaping is safer

However, research shows that vaping can result in similar health problems as smoking including, but not limited to, an increased risk of pneumonia, rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure, and stroke. 

Oral Health Concerns Associated With Vaping

Similarly to the overall side effects of vaping, there are oral health dangers behind the use of e-cigarettes. 

• Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is one of the most common side effects of vaping. While this doesn’t seem like a very serious problem, it can actually cause more than simple discomfort. Vaping liquid contains an ingredient called propylene glycol, which is one of the most common ingredients found in vaping liquid. This ingredient can cause a mouth to dry out, resulting in bad breath. It can also damage tooth enamel which increases the likelihood of decay and gum disease, both of which will require early intervention from your dentist in Livonia to treat successfully. 

• Cavities

The list of dangerous ingredients doesn’t end with propylene glycol. The sweet flavor of many e-liquids can be attributed to something called vegetable glycerin. If there’s one ‘good’ thing about this vape ingredient is that researchers believe that it doesn’t cause cavities. However, if it’s mixed with flavoring, as it is with many e-liquids, it can erode enamel and make it easier for bacteria to stick to teeth. Without enamel and with a surplus of bacteria, the result is often cavities. 

• Gum Disease

E-cigarettes contain nicotine, although usually not as much as cigarettes. This is one reason why many people try to use vaping as a way to quit smoking. But, nicotine has been well researched in the dental community and is known to negatively affect gum tissue and increase the risk of gum disease. If not treated quickly, gum disease can become irreversible and lead to tooth loss, as well as health problems such as heart disease. 

Kick The Habit

Even though one of the main reasons people pick up a vape pen in the first place is to help them stop smoking, there’s no conclusive evidence that this strategy works. In fact, some studies show that vaping has the opposite effect and makes people less likely to quit. Instead of turning to the vape pen, try some proven ways to kick the habit once and for all. The American Lung Association is a great resource for smokers who want to quit. Keep in mind, quitting can be difficult, and not one tactic works for everyone. Don’t give up. 

Your dentist in Livonia is here to help keep you healthy, whether you smoke e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, or neither. The most important thing to remember is to get a dental checkup at least twice a year. These appointments allow your dental team to keep a close eye on your oral health and intervene quickly if problems arise. 

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

In recent years, there’s been an environmental fight against the use of non-reusable plastic straws. These one-time use straws make up about 7% of plastic product waste in the U.S., so there is a need to talk about how much we actually need straws. Now, while your dentist in Farmington Hills is in support of making small changes to help the environment, we also know that there are some great oral health benefits of drinking out of a straw. 

Use Reusable

Before we go any further, we want to encourage our patients and neighbors to find a friendly alternative to plastic straws. There are many reusable straws available nowadays and there are even some fit for travel. Find a few that you like and use them to save the planet and reap the oral health benefits. It’s a win-win!    

Straws & Teeth

Ok, now back to the teeth stuff. We know that you must be thinking, “How can a thin tube benefit my oral health?” Well, it comes down to how much liquid touches teeth using a straw versus sipping directly out of a cup. Drinking beverages through a straw can limit the amount of liquid that comes in contact with your teeth, and therefore, how much risk there is for damage. Choosing to go without a straw basically bathes your pearly whites in whatever it is you’re drinking. This means that your drink of choice is left lingering on your teeth’s surfaces long after your cup is empty, increasing the likelihood of developing some unwanted oral health side effects.

• Stained Teeth

Many beverages contain coloring additives or are naturally colored. These drinks of choice can easily stain teeth and cause discoloration. To help avoid this, drink any colorful beverage with a straw. If your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like, whether because of dark drinks or not, talk to your dentist in Farmington Hills about smile whitening options.  

• Eroded Enamel

One of the worst things for teeth is acid. Acid can easily erode enamel and leave teeth exposed to the danger of additional acid and bacteria. This can result in increased tooth sensitivity and other concerns.  

• Cavities 

Cavities can also result from a lack of enamel as well as from having too much sugary or acidic liquids come in contact with teeth. 

The Worst Drinks for Teeth

Not all drinks are bad for teeth, but there are some top contenders. These drinks should be enjoyed moderately and with a straw if at all possible. 

• Soda
• Sports Drinks
• Fruit Punch
• Juices
• Coffee
• Tea
• Wine & Other Alcohol

It’s our responsibility to advise our patients and neighbors on everything they can do to help keep their smiles healthy. Drinking out of a straw is a simple change you can make to protect your teeth against decay, sensitivity, cavities, and other problems. Of course, it’s always important to brush and floss every day and see your dentist in Farmington Hills every six months.  

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

The American Dental Association, along with your dentist in Canton, recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day, every day. However, many people don’t brush their teeth as often as they should. This can increase the risk of developing some serious oral problems. 

1. Cavities

The most common oral health problem that can happen when you don’t brush your teeth regularly is cavities. Cavities occur when the bacteria in your mouth feed on food debris and release acid. This acid can wear down tooth enamel and decay teeth. The result? A brand new cavity. If treated by your dentist in Canton quickly, a cavity is often an easy fix. However, if the cavity becomes too large and affects the inner workings of the tooth, you may need a root canal or additional treatment.  

2. Bad Breath

Another likely side effect of not brushing your teeth is bad breath. The same bacteria that cause cavities can also carry a pretty pungent smell, and the more bacteria there are, the worse the smell. One of the best ways to avoid bad breath is to brush your teeth twice a day. 

3. Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissues. It’s often caused by poor oral hygiene habits, such as not brushing your teeth or flossing as often as you should. When you don’t brush regularly, plaque builds up on teeth, can harden into tartar, and provide a nice environment for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria can work their way into your gums and cause an infection. Gum disease can be treated if caught early, but if it’s left alone too long it can contribute to other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. 

4. Tooth Loss

Untreated gum disease is scary enough since it can lead to other problems throughout the body. However, to make matters worse, gum disease can also lead to tooth loss. Losing natural, adult teeth can mean even more oral health and overall health problems. A jaw bone can deteriorate, chewing power becomes limited, and self-confidence lowers. Thankfully, there are ways to replace teeth such as dentures, dental implants, or even implant-retained dentures. 

We understand that it can be easy to skip brushing your teeth, especially if you’re running late in the morning or are extremely tired at night. However, we always recommend doing everything you can to get a thorough brush in both morning and night. Additionally, we encourage you to see your dentist in Canton every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. 

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

Your dentist in Ann Arbor uses dental fillings to repair an area of tooth decay and keep any damage from progressing. This type of restoration is incredibly common, so common that over 90% of American adults have had a cavity, and we’re willing to bet that most of them were repaired with a filling. However, even though dental fillings are super-strong and durable, the truth is they simply don’t last forever. So just how long can you expect a filling to last? 

Well… It Depends

How long you can expect your filling to last depends on a few factors, such as what it’s made out of and how well you care for your teeth. For example, those who brush and floss regularly and see their dentist in Ann Arbor twice a year will most likely have a longer run with fillings (and other types of restorations) than those who don’t. But, when it comes to the material used for a filling, it can get a bit more complicated.   

Silver Fillings

Silver, or amalgam, fillings were more commonly used a few years ago than they are now, but they may still have their place. These types of fillings are one of the most durable available and are expected to last around 10-15 years. But not everyone likes the way they look. Silver fillings are more visible than their composite counterparts and can create a discolored, darkened smile. 

There has also been an increase in concern regarding the level of mercury in the material used. If this is something that worries you, we encourage you to talk with a dentist in Ann Arbor. 

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings, also known as tooth-colored or white fillings, are by far the most popular type of filling today. This is probably because they’re designed to match the color of neighboring teeth and blend into your smile. Many times, nobody even knows a filling is there! But like everything else, there is a small downside. Composite fillings, while still strong and durable, are estimated to last 7-10 years compared to silver fillings’ 10-15 years. 

How Do You Know When Your Filling Needs To Be Replaced? 

Since we now know that fillings don’t last forever, how will you know when one needs to be replaced? Many times, patients will experience increased pain or sensitivity in the area of a filling. Most fillings are worn down naturally by everyday habits such as chewing and speaking. But it’s also important that your dentist uses the right type of filling for your specific needs. Talk to your dentist in Ann Arbor about your options so you can make the best choice for yourself. 

Always accepting patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.