sterlingheightsdentalcare, Author at Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

7 Reasons Why Adults Should Get Braces

May 31, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Bad bites, crowded teeth, gaps. You can correct whatever dental problems you might have, no matter your age. A Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, has fitted braces for patients who are well into their 60s, and his dental practice has helped countless adult patients straighten their teeth and boost their confidence. Dr. Farhat shares seven reasons why adults should get braces.

Age is merely a number when it comes to corrective treatment that allows you to improve your smile and oral health. If you still need some convincing, here are 7 reasons why adults should get braces:

1. Even people with a strict personal oral care routine can experience teeth movement.

Just because you’re an official adult, it doesn’t mean that you’re exempted from having dental issues, and shifting teeth is one example.

If you had braces as a child or teen, it’s no guarantee that you won’t be needing them again. Perhaps you neglected to wear a retainer for the prescribed period of time, which could cause teeth to move back out of place. It’s also possible that the structure of your mouth can change naturally over time and the teeth will need help getting back to where they should be.

2. It’s great to make it a goal to reach your golden years with your own teeth.

You might be thinking that losing your real teeth is inevitable and you should just resign yourself to the fact, but there’s no reason to subscribe to this way of thinking.

It’s perfectly possible for people in their advanced years to hold on to most of their original teeth with proper care and the right dental devices. Imagine how good that would feel — living to the age of 70 or 80 with your own teeth! And it’s all thanks to getting braces to keep your teeth in the proper alignment (among other things).

3. Dental problems may emerge in adulthood, but can still be prevented.

Allowing your teeth to become and stay misaligned in your adulthood can cause other dental issues to crop up. For example, the movement of the teeth could open up spaces where food debris and plaque can build up. From there, a host of other problems can emerge, like tooth decay, worn-out enamel, gum disease and bone loss.

So get braces from your Sterling Heights dentist them and discover how they can keep other potentially serious problems at bay.

4. There are better orthodontic solutions available today.

The traditional braces that you saw everywhere or used yourself when you were younger are still available today and are still effective. However, there are other solutions that you could consider too, such as the clear plastic aligners of Invisalign which are much less visible. These can make restoring the proper alignment of your teeth a much more comfortable and convenient experience.

5. Adults are in a better financial position to get dental treatments and devices.

Dental treatments and devices naturally cost money, but being an adult who is now earning, you don’t need to rely on your parents’ capacity to pay for braces to get them.

What’s more, you can take advantage of various dental and medical insurance plans that can make the cost of getting orthodontic treatment easier on your pocket.

6. Oral health issues in adults can pave the way for other health risks, so it’s best to keep problems in check.

As you grow older, a dental health concern may not necessarily be just that. A dental problem such as having crooked teeth, for example, can prevent you from properly chewing and breaking down your food, which in turn can cause problems for your digestion. Likewise, an uneven bite could be causing frequent headaches or earaches.

You want to prevent as many health issues as you can as you age, and taking better care of your teeth and gums can help you have fewer concerns to worry about.

7. It’s good to care about your smile.

Finally, you may think that it doesn’t matter whether you have gorgeous teeth or not, but once you discover how beautiful your smile has become thanks to orthodontic treatment, you will discover that it can transform more aspects of your life.

With healthier, well-aligned teeth, you are inspired to smile more, approach other people with confidence, and socialize to your heart’s content without feeling self-conscious about your appearance. And that can improve the quality of your life in more ways than one.

What Are the 10 Benefits of Clean Teeth and Mouth?

May 30, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Your health plan is likely to include nutritious meals, exercise, and check-ups with your doctor. This plan, however, is lacking one crucial element: oral care. Clean Teeth are

The Link

Oral care is an essential part of your health because countless bacteria fill the mouth, some of which have a connection to gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this disease could lead to several other diseases in the body, from diabetes to cardiovascular problems.

Clearly, looking after your overall health needs to include oral care. This could be as simple as brushing and flossing to clean teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath.

Apart from preventing diseases, here are the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth:

1. You can maintain your ideal weight or lose the excess pounds.

It turns out that when you brush your teeth three times a day, for two minutes each time, you could burn 3,500 calories annually. It may not seem like much of a loss, but every little bit helps when you struggle to keep your ideal weight.

Burning calories is not the only reason good oral hygiene can help with your weight loss goals. There is also psychology behind the routine; after you brush and floss, you’re not likely to give in to the urge to snack.

2. You don’t have to spend as much money on dental care.

With healthy teeth and gums, you don’t need to worry about spending money on cosmetic treatment. You don’t need to undergo complex procedures and visit your Sterling Heights dentist multiple times in a single month. At most, your dental care spending would be for the twice-a-year visit and professional teeth cleaning.

3. You’ll smile more often, which opens up more opportunities.

A smile indicates confidence, and confidence, for many, indicates success. People naturally gravitate towards people who are ready to smile because it means warmth and trustworthiness. This attraction could open up opportunities that improve your professional and social life.

4. You sustain an intimate relationship.

Having good, clean teeth means you also have fresher breath. This could mean more intimate moments with your loved one. For people in long-term relationships, greater intimacy can bolster deeper connections.

5. You ensure cognitive function and health.

Researchers have linked long-term gum disease with Alzheimer’s. From an American Dental Association-released study to medical teams in Taiwan, various research groups have found a connection between periodontal inflammation and a higher risk of lower cognitive function.

6. You’ll perform better in tests.

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reports that adults with gingivitis, in comparison to people with healthy gums, tend to do poorly on memory tests.

7. You ensure a healthy baby.

Healthy teeth gums could help you carry a baby to term. There is a relationship between gum disease and the incidence of low-birth-weight infants.

8. You prevent sexual problems.

A study shows that 79 percent of men who had erectile dysfunction also had gum disease. Oral bacteria and tartar could enter the bloodstream, which could interfere with blood flow.

9. You maintain or develop self-confidence.

With healthy teeth and gums, you’re likely to have a better self-image

10. You retain your natural teeth even as you age.

Finally, losing teeth is part of life. But you don’t need to lose too much that you end up with no natural teeth when you retire.

Read our blog to learn more about your oral health.

6 At-Home Toothache Remedies

May 29, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

A toothache can vary in intensity, ranging from something that can be dull and bothersome to a level wherein you simply cannot sleep or work.

One thing is for certain: You would want relief from the pain.

If you are looking for safe at-home toothache remedies instead of using over-the-counter pain medications, Sterling Heights dentist Dr. Farhat shares a few that you can try.

At-Home Toothache Remedies

Saline Rinse

A saline rinse works for many types of toothaches and inflammation. Plus, it is simple to make, with all of the ingredients (water and salt) readily available in practically all homes.

First, mix about half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Next, gargle the solution like you would do with a regular mouthwash.

Cold compress

A cold compress works best with toothaches caused by a trauma.

The cold temperature restricts the flow of the blood by constricting the vessels. In turn, this can effectively reduce the pain you might be experiencing as well as the associated swelling.

Garlic

Garlic possesses antibacterial qualities. But more importantly, it can help substantially reduce the pain of a toothache.

As a toothache remedy, you will need just one clove. Crush the clove until you reach a paste-like consistency and then apply it to the affected tooth.

Thyme

This herb is a staple in many households that love to cook.

Like garlic, it has antibacterial properties and is also an excellent remedy to toothaches.

If you have thyme essential oil in your house, you can add a few drops of it in water. Using a cotton ball, soak up the solution and place the cotton ball on the affected tooth.

Vanilla

Vanilla is another ingredient commonly found in households where people love to cook and bake.

In addition, vanilla extract can be used to minimize the pain of a toothache as well as facilitate healing.

As a toothache remedy, you can apply a few drops on to your finger or on a cotton ball and apply to the affected tooth.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is often included in first aid kits because it can be used for cleaning wounds.

It can also be used for treating toothaches.

As a toothache remedy, you will need to create a solution consisting of one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Use that solution as a mouthwash.

If pain persists

Some toothaches will subside after using these remedies. However, there are some toothaches that require professional attention.

If you notice signs like fever, swelling, painful bite, changes in your taste, reddish gums, and difficulty in swallowing, see your Sterling Heights dentist immediately.

Read our blog to learn more helpful oral health tips.

7 Best and Worst Breakfast Foods for Your Teeth

May 24, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The food and drinks you consume will have a crucial role in keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Just like the different parts of your body, your teeth will require certain nutrients to thrive.

For instance, foods rich in vitamins A and D, calcium, fiber, and phosphorous will protect and strengthen your teeth. Also, those that require some crunching and generate saliva will help prevent decay and eliminate stains.

However, not all food and drinks can benefit your teeth. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist says that there are certain food products that are dangerous for your oral health because they promote tooth decay and erode teeth enamel.

Before deciding which food to prepare each morning, you must know what you should eat and avoid. Dr. Farhat shares some of the best and worst breakfast foods for your teeth.

Best Breakfast Foods

Yogurt

Yogurt is a tooth-friendly breakfast food because it is low in sugar. Also, it has healthy bacteria that maintain the right bacterial balance in your mouth.

Dairy Products

Milk and cheese are some of the best breakfast foods for your mouth because of the calcium they contain. Remember that calcium will prevent tooth decay.

What is unique about cheese is that it contains casein. This is a type of protein that repairs and strengthens tooth enamel.

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries and other berries contain minerals and nutrients the will benefit both your oral and overall health. These non-citrus fruits are also great for your metabolism. Since they are slow carbohydrates that gradually break down, they will keep you fuller longer. Don’t forget though that these fruits also contain sugar, so you have to brush soon afterward.

Fatty Fish

Fish like sardines and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also, they are full of vitamin D, which is essential in calcium absorption.

Worst Breakfast Foods

Cereal

Eating cereal early in the morning is probably the most common breakfast mistake people commit. Even the healthiest cereals contain plenty of sugar, causing cavities and late-morning energy crashes.

Pancakes and Waffles with Syrup

It is okay to occasionally indulge in foods with syrup. But this should not be a part of your morning routine. Instead, you must save waffles and pancakes for special occasions. Also, limit the amount of syrup. If not, skip the syrup and use sugar-free jam.

White Bread

White bread is awful for your teeth because it can stick into the crevices of your teeth. After chewing, the enzymes of the bread are converted to sugar, which can wreak more havoc on your oral health.

Eating foods that can damage your teeth is unavoidable. Thus, a dentist in Sterling Heights recommends visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and teeth cleaning.

6 Reasons for Regular Dental Cleanings

May 22, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Regular cleaning, flossing, and visits to the dentist are essential in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

You might ask, “But I brush and floss my teeth regularly. Why should I have my teeth cleaned by my dentist?”

Here are 6 reasons for regular dental cleanings that will convince you to schedule regular visits to your Sterling Heights dentist.

For the protection of your teeth

Left unchecked, the diseases that can wreak havoc in your mouth can lead to tooth loss. With regular cleaning, your Sterling Heights dentist can nip the particular dental problem plaguing you in the bud, preventing its progression that may eventually lead to tooth loss and additional costs.

Cavity prevention

The buildup of plaque has been identified as one of the leading causes of tooth decay. And no matter how thoroughly or how often you brush and floss your teeth, you simply cannot remove plaque by yourself.

Plaque is often described as a film that builds upon the surface of your teeth. The acids contained by plaque can slowly erode the surface of your teeth and eventually lead to cavities.

Smile overhaul

Want to have a brighter smile?

Overtime, your teeth will lose its natural luster due to the food and drinks that you consume. Some of these food and drinks can actually stain your teeth, leading to a dull, lackluster smile.

Regular dental cleaning can help restore or even improve the quality of your smile.

Fresh breath

Nothing can dampen confidence faster than foul breath.

Sure, regular brushing, flossing and even using a mouthwash can help curb this problem. But if there is an underlying issue beyond the cleanliness of your teeth, it’s your Sterling Heights dentist who can provide an effective solution.

Improve your health

Quite simply, a healthy mouth is a vital component of overall health.

There is a substantial body of research which points to a correlation between oral and overall health. Risk for diseases like stroke and heart disease increase when a person has poor oral health.

Savings

Not yet convinced?

If losing your teeth or the idea of having clean teeth and fresh breath do not convince you to visit Dr. Farhat for regular cleanings, how does spending tons of cash to treat diseases and other oral health problems (which could have been easily prevented with professional attention) sound?

Think of regular dental cleanings as an investment in yourself. At first, you might not see the dividends. But over time, you’ll thank yourself (and your Dr. Farhat) for taking a proactive approach to caring for your oral health.

Should I Get Dental Implants?

May 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When you lose a tooth, the remaining teeth will move into space where your lost tooth previously was. This can create a host of problems.

This is why it is crucial for you to find the right tooth replacement option. One such option you might want to seriously consider would be dental implants. You’re probably wondering “Should I get dental implants?” or “Are dental implants worth it?”

Anatomy of dental implants

In order to better answer that question, it is worthwhile to have some understanding of what implants are.

An implant is comprised of three main parts: the post, abutment, and the tooth restoration.

The implant looks and functions like a screw. It is usually made of titanium and is implanted beneath the jawbone.

Once the implant is installed by Dr. Farhat, the abutment is then installed. This will be followed by the installation of the tooth restoration.

Advantages of dental implants

One of the key advantages of dental implants over other tooth replacement options is that these can help prevent the deterioration of your jawbone.

Dental implants help ensure that your jawbone is stimulated despite the lack of a tooth root. In turn, keeping your jawbone healthy can prevent your face from looking sunken and your lips from looking too thin.

Dental implants can also prevent some of the problems associated with wearing dentures. These include mouth sores, poor fit, and dietary restrictions.

Finally, dental implants have been around and have been modernized with the advent of new technologies.

Today, dentists like Dr. Farhat can show their patients the outcome they can expect from the procedure. But apart from that, regarding longevity and overall value, implants are considered by many experts as superior over other tooth replacement options.

Should I get dental implants?

Wel, if there is one major caveat that you should know about dental implants, it is the fact that it may not be suitable for everyone.

In order to be considered an ideal candidate for dental implants, your Sterling Heights dentist will need to take a few crucial factors into consideration.

First, you should have healthy gums. That means that if you have gum disease, you might need to consider other tooth replacement options.

Patients who want to get dental implants should also possess good bone density. Remember, the implants will be anchored to the jawbone.

The whole process of installing dental implants can take several months or even up to a year. If you do not have the patience to go through such a long process, then dental implants may not be for you.

Finally, there are some patients that are ruled out from getting implants due to their conditions. These include smokers and people who are suffering from diseases that affect their bodies’ ability to heal.

What Are the 10 Benefits of Clean Teeth and Mouth?

May 14, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Your health plan is likely to include nutritious meals, exercise, and check-ups with your doctor. This plan, however, is lacking one crucial element: oral care. Visiting your Sterling Heights dentist regularly in addition to proper oral care will help you achieve the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth.

The Link

Clearly, looking after your overall health needs to include oral care. This could be as simple as brushing and flossing to clean teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath.

Apart from preventing diseases, here are the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth:

You can maintain your ideal weight or lose the excess pounds.

You don’t have to spend as much money on dental care.

With healthy teeth and gums, you don’t need to worry about spending money on cosmetic treatment. You don’t need to undergo complex procedures and visit your dentist in Sterling Heights multiple times in a single month. At most, your dental care spending would be for the twice-a-year visit and professional teeth cleaning.

You’ll smile more often, which opens up more opportunities.

You sustain an intimate relationship.

You ensure cognitive function and health.

You’ll perform better in tests.

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reports that adults with gingivitis, in comparison to people with healthy gums, tend to do poorly on memory tests.

You ensure a healthy baby.

Healthy teeth gums could help you carry a baby to term. There is a relationship between gum disease and the incidence of low-birth-weight infants.

You prevent sexual problems.

A study shows that 79 percent of men who had erectile dysfunction also had gum disease. Oral bacteria and tartar could enter the bloodstream, which could interfere with blood flow.

You maintain or develop self-confidence.

With healthy teeth and gums, you’re likely to have a better self-image.

You retain your natural teeth even as you age.

Finally, losing teeth is part of life. But you don’t need to lose too much that you end up with no natural teeth when you retire.

Schedule a cleaning appointment with Dr. Farhat today.

Be sure to read more articles on our blog to learn more oral health tips.

Dry Mouth: Causes And Treatment

April 30, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Everyone experiences dry mouth. Temporary mouth dryness is caused by stress, dehydration or a normal reduction in saliva production at night. However, if you are experiencing persistent dry mouth, you may be suffering from xerostomia.

What is Xerostomia?

Xerostomia happens when your salivary glands aren’t working properly. A lack of saliva can lead to several health problems. First, it can be too difficult to eat with a dry mouth – chewing, swallowing, and tasting can also be affected. In turn, this will compromise your nutrition.

Moreover, a dry mouth can lead to tooth decay. Remember that saliva plays a crucial role in preventing the proliferation of decay-causing bacteria as well as in neutralizing the acids that these bacteria produce.

Causes of Dry Mouth

A reputable Sterling Heights Dentist Dr. Farhat shares some of the possible causes of dry mouth.

Disease

There are several systemic diseases that can cause your mouth to dry up. These include diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease.

Medications

Medications are the common culprit of dry mouth. There are over 500 medications that have this side effect. These include antidepressants, diuretics, chemotherapy drugs, and antihistamines.

Nerve Damage

Trauma to the neck or head can damage the nerves that play a role in saliva production.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation to the neck and head can permanently damage your salivary glands. But radiation used to treat cancer in other body parts won’t cause severe mouth dryness.

Treatment

If medications are the culprit to your mouth dryness, your physician may recommend a substitute or simply adjust the dosage. But if this does not solve the problem, there are other things you can do:

Chew Sugarless Gum

Chewing gum can help stimulate the flow of saliva when your salivary glands aren’t damaged. Choose gums that contain xylitol, a natural sugar substitute that can protect your teeth against decay.

Regularly Sip Fluids

Sipping fluids during meals is very important. Make sure though that what you drink doesn’t have sugar and isn’t acidic. Sugary and acidic beverages like sodas must be avoided because these increase your risk of tooth decay.

Use Saliva Stimulants

There are over-the-counter and prescription products that can stimulate saliva production. Some even act as an oral fluid substitute. Dental One Care can provide you with some recommendations.

Practice Proper Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day because this will help prevent plaque buildup. Also, fluoride can help strengthen your teeth. Floss daily as well.

Schedule Regular Dental Visits

You should maintain regular dental visits, especially if you have dry mouth. Inform your dentist about the medications you are taking. Your dentist can provide you with other ways to relieve your mouth dryness.

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

April 25, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Professional associations, like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the use of toothpaste with fluoride as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts.

Fluoride helps fortify the teeth of young children which can be vulnerable to tooth decay brought about by bacteria, acids and sugars in their teeth.

The use of this mineral can minimize damage on the teeth of children and even reverse some of the damage brought about by the onset of tooth decay.

But do adults need fluoride treatments?

What the pros say

According to Dr. Farhat, a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, some adults can benefit from fluoride treatments.

Ideally, you should get your fluoride from a variety of sources, including your diet, your water, and dental products like toothpastes and rinses. However, your dentist may recommend products with stronger concentrations or a fluoride treatment, depending on your needs.

Who can benefit from fluoride treatments?

An example of people who can immensely benefit from fluoride treatments would be those who have a moderate to high risk of getting dental cavities.

You may also need to get a fluoride treatment if you are taking medications which alter the flow of saliva in your mouth. When the flow of saliva in your mouth is substantially reduced, your mouth becomes drier and puts you at a higher risk of getting cavities.

If you have not been taking good care of your teeth, getting a fluoride treatment can help undo some of the damage caused by poor oral hygiene practices like irregular toothbrushing and flossing.

Finally, if you are about to undergo radiation treatment for cancer, ask your Sterling Heights dentist about the benefits of fluoride treatments and whether they would be good for you. Radiation can wreak havoc on your salivary glands, adversely affecting the flow of saliva in your mouth.

If you are planning on getting braces or restorations like dental crowns, your dentist may also recommend that you undergo fluoride treatments. Fluoride can help strengthen your teeth, thus ensuring that you get more value out of the specific dental treatment you are planning on getting.

Patients suffering from gum recession should also seriously consider getting fluoride treatments. Gum recessions create gaps between the teeth and gum, exposing the teeth’s root surface. This can leave the teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Not sure if you need a fluoride treatment? Dr. Farhat will gladly answer your questions and determine if you need one.

To learn more interesting facts about your oral health, visit our blog.

Things You Need to Know About Temporary Filling Aftercare

April 23, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

As their name implies, temporary fillings are used by dentists as a partial solution until the patient is ready for a permanent solution for a dental issue.

Cases where temporary fillings are used

According to Dr. Farhat, there are several instances wherein temporary fillings are used.

One such example is when a patient has suffered a dental emergency. In such a situation, a dentist in Sterling Heights needs to administer a quick solution to the emergency which can be used until the patient’s next dental visit.

If you are undergoing a root canal procedure, your dentist may use a temporary filling in order to protect the affected tooth until your next appointment. The temporary filling is used primarily to protect said tooth from bacteria and food debris.

A Sterling Heights dentist will sometimes use a temporary filling if he is unsure if the tooth can still be saved or needs to be extracted. If the decay in the tooth is found close to its nerve, the dentist will need to buy some time to determine the final outcome, whether the tooth can be saved with permanent fillings or needs to be extracted.

There are instances wherein the teeth of patients with new permanent fillings become sensitive to temperature extremes. In some cases, the issue resolves itself. In other cases, the dentist needs to remove the permanent filling and replace this with what is called a sedative temporary filling. This type of filling is used until the sensitivity is eliminated.

Finally, temporary fillings are used in patients with fractured teeth. These fillings are used while a permanent solution like a crown or veneer is ready for installation.

Your quick guide for temporary filling aftercare

Due to their temporary nature, patients need to be extra careful in caring and maintaining these fillings. Specifically, you would want your temporary fillings to remain on your tooth just until your next dental visit.

Here are things you need to know about temporary filling aftercare.

Eat mindfully. There are several types of temporary fillings dentists can choose from, depending on the unique circumstance of the patient.

But whatever type of temporary filling is used on your tooth, you must take great care while eating. Ideally, you should avoid chewing your food with the affected tooth. How long this will last will depend on the type of filling used.

As a rule of thumb, avoid eating hard and crunchy foods. It may also be beneficial to go on a soft diet.

Clean your teeth with care.

Although teeth with temporary fillings can be cleaned like normal teeth, you have to be careful when brushing and flossing.

In brushing your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and avoid using vigorous strokes. When flossing, pull gently on each side of the affected tooth to prevent snagging the edge of the filling with the floss.

Monitor your tooth.

Your dentist will give you a rundown of things that you may experience once the anesthesia wears off. These may include numbness and discomfort.

You need to watch out for anything unusual and contact your dentist if something is going on.