Menu
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common infection that affects the gum tissue. It’s so common, in fact, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of the disease. In the early stages, gum disease can often be treated successfully by your dentist in Livonia. However, if the disease progresses, it could mean serious trouble.
The least severe stage of gum disease is gingivitis. During this stage, the infection only affects the gum tissue, and treatment can help reverse the disease.
If gingivitis isn’t treated it can progress into the initial stages of periodontitis. When this happens, the infection starts to spread into the areas where tissues connect teeth to bone.
Following early periodontitis is mild or moderate periodontitis. It’s during this stage when a patient can experience significant bone loss.
The most severe case of gum disease is advanced periodontitis where there is more than 50% bone loss.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease can vary depending on the stage of infection and can range from:
If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Livonia.
There are a number of ways that your dentist can treat gum disease. Again, it depends on each individual situation. Some of the common treatments for gum disease include:
The best way to ensure your gums stay healthy is to brush and floss twice daily. Getting into this habit will help remove plaque buildup. Allowing plaque to accumulate on the teeth is what ultimately leads to gum disease in the first place. There are also other ways you can lower your risk of gum disease.
Don’t let gum disease affect your oral health or your teeth. Keep your biannual dental appointments for regular preventive care so your dentist can detect and treat any problems early.
We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
Everyday things such as coffee, wine, and even spaghetti sauce can take a once bright, white smile and transform it into something discolored. If you were once used to brilliant white teeth and find yourself staring into the mirror and wondering when your teeth went from dazzling to dull, you’re not alone. In fact, more than half of Americans are insecure about their teeth. The good news is that there are many different ways to whiten your smile. The most common way is over-the-counter whitening strips. However, your dentist in Farmington Hills wants you to know the benefits and risks that go along with the use of whitening strips.
Whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic covered with an active whitening ingredient. Some of the active ingredients can include hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, or chlorine dioxide. When in doubt, look for a product that offers no more than 14% of hydrogen peroxide and steer clear of anything that has chlorine dioxide – it can irreversibly damage tooth enamel. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow package instructions accurately. Whitening strips that are used too often or left on too long can cause unwanted side effects, and there’s no benefit to doing so.
There are so many different kinds of whitening strips available to you. You can buy them almost anywhere – from your local grocery store to online without ever consulting your dentist in Farmington Hills. However, we encourage you to first talk with your dentist before spending any money on whitening strips. After all, whitening strips are only effective at removing surface stains and not internal stains, and it’s hard to know the difference between the two without a professional opinion.
While whitening strips can be effective at removing surface stains, they don’t come without their risks. Some risks of using whitening strips can include:
The absolute best way to make sure you’re investing your money into something that will give you the results you want is to first talk with your dentist in Farmington Hills. They can help determine the origin of your tooth staining and recommend the best way to whiten your smile that will give you the results you want.
Accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, can have similar symptoms to a toothache, and you may be wondering which may be affecting you. The good news is that your dentist in Canton knows the difference between the tell-tale signs of a toothache versus those of a sinus infection. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences.
Sinus infections can cause tooth pain, although a tooth may not be the underlying problem. Knowing the difference between a sinus infection and a toothache can help you get the proper help you need to relieve discomfort. First, the common signs that are apparent in both a sinus infection and a toothache include:
It may be difficult to understand where these symptoms are originating from, so now let’s look at the difference between a toothache that’s caused by a sinus problem and one caused by a dental problem.
Any type of pain is uncomfortable, but your dentist in Canton knows that tooth pain has a unique feeling and can cause alarm. It’s incredibly common for patients to not know the difference between actual tooth pain and tooth pain that’s caused by a sinus infection.
While toothaches can have some of the symptoms of a sinus infection, there are some key differences:
Why can a sinus infection cause tooth pain in the first place? Well, it all comes back to anatomy. The sinus cavity is located around the forehead behind the eyes as well as on the sides of the nose, and tooth roots of some teeth are really close to the area. This is why when the sinus cavity becomes inflamed as a result of infection it can be felt in the teeth.
It’s unlikely that a sinus infection will cause pain in other teeth other than the top back molars. Since the roots of the top back teeth are close to the sinus cavity, pain during a sinus infection is most likely to occur in this area. A toothache in the front teeth or lower teeth may be a clear sign of a dental problem and should be checked by your dentist in Canton. If you’re experiencing jaw pain, it’s also wise to see your dentist. This discomfort can be attributed to many things, including a sinus infection, tooth troubles, or a misaligned bite.
Long story short, any type of tooth pain should be looked at by your dentist. If they determine the cause isn’t related to something happening in your mouth, they may refer you to another type of doctor to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call the dentist closest to you to schedule an appointment today!
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 34 million American adults smoke cigarettes. While the number of U.S. smokers has declined over the past several years, the health risks associated with smoking still remain. Many people know that smoking has negative health consequences such as lung cancer, but your dentist in Ann Arbor also wants to make sure our patients and neighbors know that smoking has been linked to several oral health concerns, and it doesn’t take long for those problems to happen.
Cigarettes, as well as cigars, chewing tobacco, and pipe tobacco, have all been linked to several serious health concerns. Why? These products contain dangerous ingredients, such as toxins (which are poisonous), carcinogens (which cause cancer), and nicotine (which leads to addiction). This combination can not only make tobacco products dangerous, but it can also make them difficult to quit.
The answer to this is – it depends. Variables such as your current oral health, diet, how much you smoke, and how often you light up can determine how long it takes for smoking to affect oral health. However, it’s important to know that in as little as one week of smoking, your oral health may become noticeably compromised. But negative side effects can occur even after lighting up your first cigarette.
Smoking can lead to a whole host of health problems, such as heart disease, lung problems, and even death. When it comes to oral health, let’s see what your dentist in Ann Arbor has to say about the oral health side effects of smoking.
Smoking and any other type of tobacco use can affect oral health quickly, and the longer tobacco is used, the more the risk increases. Work with your dentist and your doctor, and use these tools from the American Cancer Society to help you devise a plan to quit today.
We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call the dentist closest to you to schedule an appointment today!
We’ve heard the saying that sugar rots your teeth. This adage exists for a good reason, as too much sugar can absolutely increase the risk of decay. So it’s no surprise that your dentist in Livonia will encourage you to enjoy sugary snacks and drinks in moderation. But what if there was a way where you could enjoy sweet treats and not put your teeth at risk for cavities? Good news! Thanks to xylitol, there is.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute that’s naturally found in many fruits and vegetables. Its naturally sweet flavor can give you everything you want from sweets without the risks of traditional sugar. How so? Well, xylitol is digested differently in the body than sugar, so it’s less dangerous for overall health. Sugar can raise blood glucose levels, slow down metabolism, and cause issues with weight. Xylitol on the other hand has about 40% fewer calories than sugar and has a low glycemic index, meaning blood glucose levels won’t be nearly as affected by xylitol as it is by sugar. But that’s not all. Your dentist in Livonia wants you to know that xylitol may also protect oral health.
Besides being a better alternative to sugar for overall health, xylitol can also benefit oral health. There are tons of bacteria in our mouths. Some of the bacteria are good, and some are bad. One of the most common types of bad bacteria is Streptococcus mutans. These bad bacteria love sugar as it gives them fuel to replicate and create more and more bacteria. Essentially, the more sugar we eat, the more the bacteria feed, and the more bacteria they produce. Streptococcus mutans are also the main contributor to plaque buildup which also means an increased risk of decay. However, xylitol is different.
While the Streptococcus mutans bacteria will still feed on xylitol, it won’t allow the bacteria to reproduce. In fact, quite the opposite. Xylitol will starve Streptococcus mutans and actually reduce the amount of bad bacteria in the mouth. This gives the bacteria less of a chance to create plaque buildup and cavities.
Some of the oral benefits of xylitol include:
Gum that contains xylitol as opposed to sugar can be a great way to protect teeth. Chewing gum on its own produces saliva that washes away bacteria and neutralizes acids. But chewing gum with xylitol can continuously kill bad bacteria. You can also find xylitol in the baking aisle at most grocery stores and use it as a sugar replacement in many recipes.
Replacing sugar with xylitol can go a long way in protecting teeth. But it is not a replacement for good old-fashioned oral hygiene. You still need to brush and floss your teeth every day and see your dentist in Livonia every six months for checkups.
We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia to best serve our communities!
Pointy canine teeth may be a good look for a vampire. But if you’re one of the many people whose canines are pointier than you’d like, we want you to know that there are various ways that your dentist in Farmington Hills can use cosmetic dentistry techniques to reshape your teeth and revitalize your smile.
Canine teeth are those four teeth in the top and bottom of our mouths that are naturally pointy in shape. Some people refer to them as vampire’s teeth, and they can somewhat look like dogs’ teeth, hence the name canine. The unique shape of the canine teeth helps us eat by allowing us to tear, hold, and chew food. But if you think your canines are too long or too pointy, let’s check out a few ways your dentist in Farmington Hills can help.
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t only meant for people who want to get a brilliantly white smile. In fact, it can fix a whole bunch of aesthetic concerns. Three of the best ways to fix pointy teeth through cosmetic dentistry are:
Dental bonding is the most conservative way a dentist can change a tooth’s appearance. The treatment involves applying a tooth-colored material to a tooth and sculpting it into an ideal size and shape. Bonding can also fix chipped teeth, slightly overlapped teeth, and even crooked teeth.
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to the front surface of teeth. They can cover up discoloration, fill in gaps, and change the size or shape of teeth. The procedure requires your dentist to remove a small portion of enamel for the veneer to fit. But after that, you’re left with a new, natural look.
Another way your dentist in Farmington Hills can change the shape of your teeth is through tooth recontouring. This quick and easy treatment allows your dentist to use an artistic eye to gently remove tooth enamel to alter the size or shape of a tooth. Only a few millimeters of enamel are removed so it’s a painless procedure.
Changing the look of your smile doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Start your smile makeover journey by talking with a dentist about your options.
We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call the office nearest you, today!
Hollywood has done a great job showing characters cracking up after getting laughing gas. But is that true? Does laughing gas really make you laugh? If so, how can this be beneficial for patients visiting their dentist in Canton? In reality, laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, can make you laugh, but there are plenty of other benefits besides the mood boost.
How Laughing Gas Works
Many dentists use laughing gas, which is just a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen, to help reduce anxiety and make patients more comfortable. Nitrous oxide can help minimize any pain associated with dental treatment. Even though this is a form of sedation dentistry, patients will remain conscious throughout their appointment.
Is It Safe?
Nitrous oxide is deemed safe by the American Dental Association. However, one reason that it’s safe to use in dentistry is that the patient, as well as the dosage, is monitored the entire time.
Side Effects
Another great thing about nitrous oxide is that there are few side effects, and the medication wears off quickly. Most patients can return to their normal day after treatment. Keep in mind that we may still recommend that someone drive you after your appointment.
Patients may also get giggly, hence the name laughing gas. This happens because of the way nitrous oxide interacts with the brain. Patients may also feel relaxed, euphoric, and tingling in the extremities.
Some other common, yet temporary, side effects of laughing gas that can be felt during or after administration include:
Patients are advised to eat only a small meal or snack before sedation dentistry appointments to help reduce the likelihood of nausea.
Who Should Get Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas isn’t for everyone, so make sure to talk with your dentist in Canton to see if it’s a good option for you. Some people that may benefit from laughing gas or another form of sedation dentistry include those who:
How Is Laughing Gas Administered?
Laughing gas is easy to administer. Your dentist in Canton will place a small mask over your nose and ask you to breathe normally. With each breath, you’ll inhale a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. When treatment is finished, you’ll breathe pure oxygen to help flush out any leftover nitrous particles.
Dental fear or any apprehension about upcoming dental appointments shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need and deserve. Always talk to your dentist about your concerns and if nitrous oxide or sedation dentistry is right for you.
We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call the location closest to you to schedule an appointment.
There’s an appropriate time and place for do-it-yourself, at-home projects, and improvements. But your dentist in Livonia wants you to know that any social media trend involving your oral health isn’t one of them. While you should take great care of your teeth at home by regularly brushing and flossing, you shouldn’t try these four social media dental trends under any circumstances.
If straightening your teeth or tightening up small gaps is your goal, there’s a right way to go about achieving a super straight smile, and that’s by talking with your dentist in Livonia. Moving teeth is a science and an art, and if done incorrectly, can cause some serious problems. One trend popular on social media is using typical office supplies to shift teeth around. This is incredibly dangerous and can cause permanent damage to your teeth. It can also lead to jaw problems or even make teeth fall out.
A highly disturbing trend circulating on social media platforms is something called the “veneers check” where users file down their own teeth into small stubs or just in an attempt to even out some ridges. The result is the appearance of “shark teeth.” Many users are showing these filed-down teeth as a before picture prior to getting veneers. The problem is dental veneers don’t require that type of preparation. But there’s more. Filing down your teeth can be painful, lead to permanent damage, and may require additional treatment from a dentist in Livonia such as dentures.
While there are ways to whiten teeth at home, this should be done only if given approval by your dentist and only by using appropriate whitening solutions. Never dig for smile-whitening ingredients in your pantry or cleaning products and mix up a social media concoction that claims to whiten teeth quickly. Many of the ingredients used are highly acidic and when applied directly to the teeth can quickly weaken the enamel. Not to mention, cleaning products can be very harmful to overall health.
Even other trends involve using art supplies to craft individual teeth. This could be in the form of a crown, partial dentures, or even just filling in a tiny crack. Either way, the materials are often not approved as safe to use in the mouth and there’s a good chance you may be covering up a bigger problem that should be properly addressed by your dentist. The longer dental concerns go undiagnosed and untreated, the bigger issue they can become.
When it comes to improving the appearance of your smile, never take the DIY approach. Always start by talking with your dentist about your cosmetic dentistry options so you can get the smile you desire safely.
We’re welcoming new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.
If you’re pregnant, especially if it’s your first time, dental care may be the farthest thing from your mind. But there are good reasons to still keep your oral health top of mind during this joyous time. In fact, your dentist in Farmington Hills recommends that everyone, including those who are pregnant, continue to keep up with regular preventive dental care every six months. After all, the truth is, that the oral health of the mom can affect the overall health of the baby.
During pregnancy, hormones can go haywire thanks to the rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, gum disease, or what’s known as pregnancy gingivitis, is common and affects about half of pregnant women, according to the American Dental Association. The symptoms of this condition are pain, swelling, tenderness, and excessive bleeding in the gums. While this may seem like no big deal, pregnancy gingivitis can result in low-birth-weight babies and even preterm births. If you have signs of pregnancy gingivitis, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Farmington Hills.
Pregnancy cravings are real and, depending on the craving, can affect oral health and increase the risk of decay. For example, if your pregnancy cravings are treats that are high in sugar or you find yourself snacking more often than usual, it can increase the likelihood of developing a cavity. Additionally, morning sickness, which affects an estimated 70% of pregnant women, can weaken tooth enamel. When teeth are exposed to stomach acid over an extended period of time, this acid can wear away the protective layer of enamel and increase the risk of decay.
The good news is that there are things you can do to limit the negative effects of stomach acid on teeth:
Oral health is closely related to overall health as well as pregnancy health. This is why three of the most respected organizations – the American Dental Association, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Pediatrics – encourage every expectant mother to see the dentist, especially during the earlier stages of pregnancy. It’s an important part of ensuring good health for the mom and the baby.
If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t put off regular dental visits to your Farmington Hills dentist throughout your pregnancy. It’s also crucial to keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to keep bacteria at bay. However, if you need non-emergency or non-routine dental care such as cosmetic dentistry or a dental implant, wait until your baby is born to proceed with those treatments.
We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call the dentist closest to you to schedule an appointment today!
We all do our best to limit how many sugary snacks we eat in order to reduce the risk of developing cavities. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on what you drink, too. Certain beverages can be great for oral health, and others can lead to dental problems. Let’s see what your dentist in Ann Arbor has to say about the best and worst drinks for teeth.
When you’re searching for drinks to quench your family’s thirst, there are a few choices that clearly outweigh other options.
Water is the best choice for dental health as well as overall body health. It contains no sugar so you don’t have to worry about teeth bathing in sugar anytime you drink it. Water also helps keep your mouth hydrated and encourages saliva production which can rinse away bacteria and neutralize acids.
Milk has three ingredients that help support strong teeth – calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. This trio not only helps strengthen teeth but can also help replace lost minerals in teeth. Milk also contains caseins, a protein that forms a protective barrier on teeth to keep bacteria and acids away. However, your Ann Arbor dentist recommends serving milk with meals and encourages enjoying it in one sitting. Since milk does contain sugar, it’s important to not sip on milk over a long period of time.
Not everyone can tolerate dairy products like milk. If this is the case for you or someone in your family, don’t worry. They can still get similar benefits from alternative kinds of milk such as soy, rice, oat, almond, or coconut milk. Choose a brand that has added calcium.
Fruit juices are one of the beverages that toe the line between being good and bad for teeth. However, be careful when looking for fruit juice and keep an eye out for 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. That’s what you should pick. Make sure to only drink juice when you can enjoy it in one sitting and wait 20-30 minutes before brushing your teeth after drinking it.
There are some common drinks that aren’t good for teeth. These options are usually packed with sugar or are highly acidic. Some of the worst drink choices include:
Yes, we know we just listed fruit juice as an acceptable drink for teeth, but most commercial fruit juices contain a lot of added sugar. Steer clear of juice that isn’t 100% fruit juice or has added sugar.
Perhaps the worst drink for teeth is soda. Soda or pop is loaded with sugar and is also acidic. This packs a double punch and can weaken tooth enamel and make cavities more likely. Even brands with artificial sweeteners can be detrimental to dental health. Your dentist in Ann Arbor recommends enjoying soda only on occasion and drinking it in one sitting. You can also swish and rinse with water after drinking soda to help wash away sugar and acids.
If you have a really active family, you may think a sports drink is a great choice to help rehydrate. However, these beverages contain sugar and acid, which we know can cause problems. When in doubt, always choose water.
What you eat and drink can absolutely affect your oral health. Choosing options that are low in sugar and acid can do wonders in keeping teeth cavity-free.
We’re always accepting new patients at 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