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You’ve heard your dentist in Ann Arbor say it time and time again – you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. But is it really that important to brush your teeth two times every day? What could really happen if you only brush your teeth once a day? Let’s find out.
Our teeth and mouths are exposed to a ton of things throughout the day, such as sugar and carbohydrates, which contain bacteria. While your saliva can help wash away some of the bacteria, most of it will form a thin film over your teeth called plaque. We need to remove that film to keep bacteria from building up and accumulating in your mouth. Too much bacteria can cause various dental problems, such as decay, bad breath, and gum disease. Brushing and flossing daily, as well as seeing your dentist in Ann Arbor regularly, helps combat bacteria and plaque buildup and protect teeth.
We always recommend brushing your teeth both in the morning and before bed at night. Many people don’t miss the morning brushing because they want to get rid of morning breath before they interact with other people. This is important because brushing your teeth in the morning not only helps freshen your breath, it removes any bacteria that were trapped in your mouth all night long.
However, it’s also important to brush your teeth at night, even if you’re tired and just want to go to bed. If you don’t brush your teeth before going to sleep, all of the bacteria that you consumed throughout the day is left stuck on your teeth for hours in an ideal environment for it to flourish. Failing to brush your teeth before bed basically lets your teeth soak in bacteria.
The longer bacteria is left on teeth, the more trouble it can cause. Some common issues associated with habitually only brushing your teeth once a day are an increased risk of:
Another note about bad breath. Even though brushing your teeth in the morning may mask bad breath, it’s usually only temporary. Chronic bad breath can be a result of poor oral hygiene, such as only brushing once a day, and may require treatment from your dentist in Ann Arbor.
We understand that it’s not always possible to brush your teeth twice a day, and that’s ok. Missing an occasional brushing is usually no big deal, just try to not make it a habit, and don’t go too long without cleaning your pearly whites.
One of the best forms of preventive dentistry is how you care for your teeth at home. Do everything you can to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss once a day to help protect your oral health.
We’re always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
It’s officially summer, which often means relaxing poolside with your family and friends, backyard barbeques, and vacations. But summertime can also cause disruptions in your family’s everyday life, schedules, and routines, which may mean that certain habits and necessities take a backseat. Don’t let your oral health be one of those things; turn to your dentist in Farmington Hills for some summer dental tips.
Choose Snacks Wisely
We may find ourselves snacking more frequently throughout the day over the summer months, especially if we’re popping from various picnics and barbeques. While there’s no reason you can’t enjoy some of your favorite summer treats, your dentist in Farmington Hills encourages you to choose sweet snacks, including drinks, in moderation. Limit your family’s intake of sugar-packed sodas, sports drinks, ice cream, lemonade, and candy. Water is always best when it comes to both staying hydrated and protecting your teeth.
Follow a Routine
Even though it may be tempting to fall off your regular oral hygiene routine during the summer or while on vacation, it’s incredibly important to stick to your habits all year round to keep cavities and other oral health problems away. Always brush your teeth twice a day for minutes each time, and don’t forget to floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from areas of your teeth where your toothbrush doesn’t reach.
Wear Sunscreen
Sun protection is key even when it’s not sunny outside. Your skin can easily be sunburned when you’re outside for an extended period of time, so make sure you lather up with sunscreen. Besides your skin, make sure you apply lip balm with an SPF-15 or higher as well. Your lips can also get sunburn which could cause cancer over time.
Swim with Caution
Whenever you’re around a body of water you should be careful. But your dentist in Farmington Hills also wants you to be careful of a lesser-known problem that can occur from too much pool time — swimmer’s calculus. Swimmer’s calculus can occur when the pH level of a pool is too low it becomes acidic. If the mouth is exposed to too much acidic water it can erode tooth enamel and cause damage. Swimmer’s calculus is one form of damage and is usually identified by brown spotting on the teeth that will need to be removed by your dentist.
See Your Dentist
Summer can be a great time to see your dentist in Farmington Hills for a checkup, especially if you have kids in school. We recommend that you call to schedule your family’s dental appointments soon, as availability tends to become limited during the next few months.
We hope that all of our patients and neighbors have a safe and happy summer full of family fun. Of course, if the unthinkable happens and you experience a dental emergency during the summer or on vacation, call us as soon as possible for advice or to schedule an appointment.
We’re always accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
The Safety of Dental X-Rays
The amount of radiation used in dental x-rays is very low, and therefore, so are the risks. Many dentists offer digital x-rays instead of film x-rays of the past. This is great news all around. Not only do digital x-rays reduce the amount of radiation exposure by 90%, but they also give your dentist immediate images that are often clearer and allow for faster and more accurate diagnosis. Additionally, your dentist may take extra precautions to lower the radiation exposure even more such as a lead apron.
Why Do We Need Dental X-Rays?
Dental x-rays allow your dentist to see what’s happening below the surface of what’s visible to the naked eye. X-ray images can show early signs of decay when cavities are teeny tiny and easier to treat. These pictures will also help your dentist look at the health of your jaw bone, monitor wisdom teeth development, and watch the eruption of kids’ teeth. Some other things that dental x-rays can show are:
How Often Will I Need to Get Dental X-Rays?
Your dentist in Ann Arbor may recommend dental x-rays once or twice a year, or sometimes every couple of years. The truth is, every patient is unique, and how often you need x-rays will depend on your specific health history, dental health, and risk factors. Remember, dentists will only take x-rays when necessary.
Different Kinds of Dental X-Rays
There are a few different kinds of dental x-rays that your dentist in Ann Arbor may take in order to see different parts of your mouth. Some of the most common types of dental x-rays include:
If you’re concerned about the safety of dental x-rays, we welcome you to schedule an appointment to chat with us. We’re always happy to help ease your worries and make sure you’re getting the best treatment that’s appropriate for you.
Welcoming new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
Placing a Dental Implant
First thing first – there are multiple different types of dental implants, and which one may be right for you depends on your personal needs. The three most common types of dental implants are:
All of these options are permanent solutions to missing teeth, and the procedure steps are relatively similar.
Will There Be Pain?
A dental implant is typically placed under general or local anesthesia, so during the process, you shouldn’t feel a thing. During the healing process, it’s completely normal to experience some mild discomfort. Any pain can be managed by properly following your dentist’s post-op instructions as well as:
Most discomfort should go away within 10-14 days. If you still experience pain after 14 days, contact your dentist in Farmington Hills to make sure everything is healing correctly and there is no infection or other cause for concern.
Dental implants can be a great solution to replace missing teeth, but they may not be right for everyone. Make sure to talk with your dentist in Farmington Hills about your options so they can make the best recommendation for you.
Welcoming new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
How Are Food Traps Formed?
Food traps can develop due to any number of issues, but a lot of food traps are caused by some other type of dental problem. The most common causes of food traps are:
There should be small gaps, also called loose contact, between teeth. This allows them to sit and function properly. However, when gaps become too large, they create the ideal space for food to get lodged. Gaps can occur naturally and even people with once super-straight teeth can start to notice gaps over time. Additionally, dental fillings can change the natural contact between teeth and may cause a food trap.
Our teeth naturally have crevices where food and bacteria can get stuck, but if there’s a broken or chipped tooth, you may notice food getting stuck in the same spot over and over again. You may also experience this if you lose a dental filling or older dental restoration.
One of the more serious causes of food traps is gum disease. Gum disease will cause pockets to form in the gum tissue and provide a great hiding spot for food particles. But what’s worse is that untreated gum disease can lead to a bunch of other health concerns such as tooth loss and an increased risk of heart disease. Treatment can be successful when gum disease is caught in the early stages, but later forms of the disease are irreversible. This is one reason why you should get seen by your dentist in Livonia if you have a food trap.
Problems Cause By Food Traps
Food traps that aren’t fixed can continue to cause long-term problems such as:
While food traps can certainly be annoying, they can also be dangerous. It’s important to tell your dentist in Livonia if you’re experiencing repeated problems of food getting stuck in your teeth so they can take a closer look at what may be going on and recommend the best treatment for you. Additionally, it’s always important to brush and floss your teeth every day to remove any food particles that may have built up in the teeth throughout the day.
If you’re looking for a dentist near you, all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia are always accepting new patients.
3 Reasons Why Your Denture Doesn’t Fit
Dentures can last for many years with proper care. But they aren’t meant to be a permanent solution to missing teeth. There are things that can happen that can make a denture no longer fit like it once did. These can cause a denture to slip, making it hard to eat and speak. They can even cause some minor discomfort. So what’s happening? Why would a denture no longer fit correctly?
Our natural teeth have both a root system and a crown. The crown is the white part of the teeth we see while the roots are secured into the jaw bone. Natural teeth constantly stimulate the jaw bone, reducing the risk of bone loss. However, a denture doesn’t have any roots to continue this stimulation. This can result in bone loss. When the jaw bone deteriorates, the shape of the jaw and the fit of the denture can change.
Similar to the jaw bone, gum tissue can recede over time, making dentures feel uncomfortable. Additionally, if someone develops gum disease while using a denture, this can cause inflammation and swelling, making it difficult for a denture to fit the way it did initially.
Life happens, and this can include damage to your denture or unexpected damage to your mouth. Things like mouth calluses can make a denture feel uncomfortable. Additionally, damage to a denture is more common than you think. A denture that’s at the end of its lifespan can become flexible or become more fragile and easier to break. Also, if a denture isn’t cared for properly, it can change in shape thanks to deposits.
How to Fix an Ill-Fitting Denture
Luckily, you have a few options to fix a denture that no longer serves you. But first, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Canton. Your dental team will perform an examination to determine the best course of action to get you a denture that feels comfortable again. One of the solutions may be a reline. This is when your dentist will either work on your denture while you’re in the chair or use new impressions to have a lab create a new denture for you. Either way, you’ll be well on your way to smiling confidently.
Denture Alternatives
If you no longer want to deal with dentures, you have other options such as dental implants. Dental implants permanently replace both the crown of the tooth and the tooth roots. This can make it easier to care for your teeth and reduce the risk of bone loss. If you’re interested, talk with your dentist in Canton about dental implants.
We believe that everyone has the right to smile and eat confidently, whether that’s with their natural teeth, a denture, or dental implants. So if you’re dealing with an uncomfortable denture, make sure you talk with your dentist about your options.
Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
Brushing Your Teeth Can Slow Aging
As unbelievable as it sounds, new research from scientist Andrew Steele suggests that taking care of your oral health throughout your life can slow the aging process. How can this be? Well, there’s already a connection between oral health and overall health, particularly when it comes to gum disease and the inflammation that goes with it.
How Gum Disease Affects Health
Many studies show a strong correlation between gum disease and an increased risk for some health problems including heart disease and dementia. Gum disease occurs when there’s a buildup of bacteria in the mouth that causes an infection in the gum tissue. In the early stages, gum disease can be treated by your dentist in Ann Arbor. However, the longer gum disease goes without intervention, the more severe it becomes and can reach a point where it can no longer be cured. This will cause the body to operate in a constant state of inflammation. Inflammation can reduce how well your immune system works and put you more at risk for age-related disease.
Tooth Loss
Gum disease can also lead to tooth loss, among other things. Tooth loss is concerning for many reasons, including inhibiting what you can chew and how you look, and it can even weaken the jaw bone. The good news is that there are many restorative dentistry options available to help replace lost teeth, such as dentures and implants.
How Dentistry Can Slow Aging
The best thing you can do for your oral health and overall health now and as you get older is to take excellent care of your teeth. This includes:
Cosmetic Dentistry
Time can also take its toll on the appearance of your smile. A daily cup of coffee can stain your teeth and gum recession can make you look “long in the tooth”, both of which can make you appear older. Thankfully, there are numerous forms of cosmetic dentistry that can transform your smile, such as:
If you’re concerned about the health of your teeth or the way your smile looks, talk with your dentist in Ann Arbor. They’ll work with you to find the best treatment for you.
We’re always accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
What Are the Common Signs of Nighttime Teeth Grinding?
Bruxism can be a tricky health issue to detect easily because the signs or symptoms could be mistaken for another condition. Unless the sound of your teeth grinding is loud enough to make you wake up (or your bed partner), it can be challenging to know the extent of your issue. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of teeth grinding episodes aren’t noisy. It’s not until a patient visits their Farmington Hills dentist that they make the connection.
Usually, a person figures out that they are grinding their teeth after a visit to their dentist by describing the list of symptoms they’re experiencing. If you think you’re grinding or clenching your teeth at night, get to know the common signs and symptoms and a few reasons why you might be doing it. It’s a good idea to see us if you’re experiencing:
You might not have any symptoms at all! That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with us.
What Could Be Causing Me to Grind My Teeth At Night?
The Sleep Foundation says that while nocturnal teeth grinding still remains somewhat mysterious, many contributing factors can lead to your bruxism. Everything from an increase in your daytime stress levels or anxiety to caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco consumption can lead to damaging grinding and clenching. Make sure you also talk with your dentist in Farmington Hills about what medications you’re currently taking. Certain pills, such as antidepressants, can lead to teeth grinding.
When Should I Get Help for My Teeth Grinding and Clenching?
If you have persistent pain and frustration, it’s important to get the help you need and deserve. You’re experiencing the discomfort grinding and clenching can put tremendous pressure on your teeth, with up to 250 pounds of force. While bruxism is not fully curable, you can take steps to reduce how often it occurs, its impact on your oral health, and the discomfort associated with the common symptoms. It’s essential to speak with a professional like your Farmington Hills dentist about sleep bruxism and teeth grinding. We also identify if it’s connected to other conditions like sleep apnea or acid reflux.
Are you ready to get help for your teeth grinding? Take the first step and contact us today. We’ll find answers to your questions and figure out what solution will be best for you. You might benefit from a custom-fitted nightguard that will help to protect your smile from further damage while you work on a treatment plan.
Our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia are always happy to welcome patients.
If root canals are that bad, why are they so popular?
The Tooth Truth About How Root Canals Work
As scary as you might think it’s going to be to have a root canal, there’s really nothing to worry about, thanks to your dentist in Livonia, who has some of dentistry’s most innovative technology. Having a root canal today is not a lot different from having a deep filling. There’s little or no discomfort because a local anesthetic is used to numb your tooth and surrounding gums for complete comfort. During the actual procedure, the :
You won’t feel pain, maybe just some pressure. Sometimes patients experience tenderness in their gums following a root canal, but acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) will certainly help.
Root Canals Actually Get Rid of Pain (Not Cause More)
Instead of causing you more dental discomfort, think of your root canal as the solution that can get rid of:
A 2011 review of 72 studies of root canal patients looked at pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment pain. These results showed that while the pain was high in patients before their root canal, it dropped moderately within one day of treatment, before dropping even more substantially to minimal levels within a week.
Prevention is Always Best
While we use root canals as tooth-savers, it’s best to avoid having to have the treatment altogether, right? To prevent the need for future root canals or other dental issues, always brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once. Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse is also beneficial for protecting your teeth from harmful bacteria that can cause tooth decay that leads to needing a root canal. We know you’ve probably heard this before, but try to limit the amount of sugary food and refined carbohydrates you eat. Sometimes these foods stick to your teeth and cause cavities.
The last step is the most important, and that’s to make sure you see your dentist in Livonia every six months for a checkup and a hygiene cleaning. Get scheduled for an appointment — today!
Welcoming new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
What is Periodontal Disease?
When conducting their studies, researchers focused on what we call periodontal or gum disease. There are two forms of the disease:
It’s essential to treat your gums with care, ensuring they stay healthy enough to support your teeth for a lifetime of comfortable oral health.
What Did the Study Find?
Researchers found that compared to women with no issues with their oral health, women who had trouble with their gums and teeth were 14 percent more likely to develop cancer. The most significant risk was developing cancer in your esophagus, which is three times higher in women with periodontal disease. The study also found that, “Women with periodontal disease were also 31 percent more likely to be diagnosed with lung tumors, 73 percent more likely to get gallbladder cancers, 13 percent more likely to have breast tumors, and 23 percent more likely to have melanoma.” If left untreated, periodontal disease can also lead to tooth loss, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
The Connection Isn’t All Clear
There are still questions about the exact causes of the connection between periodontal disease and cancer; it’s not 100 percent clear. Doctors think it’s due to the bacteria present in your mouth that travel to other parts of your body. The bacteria destroys your gum tissue, forming pockets where infection thrives. This is what ends up in your bloodstream. It can get stuck in other sites around your body, causing inflammation that could lead to cancer.
As you can see, going to your dentist in Canton for regular checkups and cleanings is important, especially if you’re a woman who is aging gracefully. Call us today to schedule an appointment or hygiene cleaning. We can help answer any questions you might have about your gum health and taking care of your smile. Take the time to care for yourself and your oral health, and enjoy all of the benefits that come with it.
Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
2715 Packard St, Suite B
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
New Patients: (734) 415-4030
Current Patients: (734) 975-6700
8588 N Canton Center Rd
Canton, MI 48187
New Patients: (734) 415-9663
Current Patients: (734) 453-0940
30620 West 12 Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
New Patients: (248) 587-8414
Current Patients: (248) 579-0487
18618 Middlebelt Rd, Suite 105
Livonia, MI 48152
New Patients: (248) 587-8638
Current Patients: (248) 579-0618