Dental blog | Dental 1 Care a Sterling Heights MI Dentist

Crowns Versus Bridges

January 22, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Dental Crowns and bridges are restorative options for chipped, cracked, broken or even missing teeth. But, what do these restorations refer to and when is each best suited for you? Read on and discover the answers to these and more questions as shared by the professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Crowns are also referred to as tooth caps or dental caps. These restorations cover every part of the tooth above the gum line. This restoration is best suited for situations when your tooth needs to have its strength or esthetic appearance improved.

At Dental One Care, we make crowns that resemble your natural teeth. It is therefore hard to distinguish a tooth with a crown from another without one. We can use different materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, resin, metal or a combination of these materials. All that you have to do is tell your dentist in Sterling Heights MI your needs and our team will recommend the best option to address your needs.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

You may need a dental crown if an injury has caused a tooth to chip, crack or fracture. A crown is also useful if one or more teeth have a cosmetic defect, such as stains. People whose teeth have been weakened by a root canal procedure, tooth decay, bruxism or other mechanical stress can also benefit from the functional and cosmetic roles of dental crowns. You can talk to an orthodontist in Sterling Heights if you have any of the conditions for which a crown can help.

What Are Dental Bridges?

When you join several dental crowns together, that multi-crown restoration is called a dental bridge. It is useful when a patient has more than one missing tooth. A bridge gets its stability from the dental structures, such as implants or nearby natural teeth, on which it is anchored.

As is the case with crowns, dental bridges can also be made from a variety of materials. The dentist will assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate material.

If you are missing all the natural teeth in your lower or upper arch, Dental One Care recommends that you get a fixed dental bridge. This is because this permanent restoration will restore full functionality to your oral structures. Your smile will also be more pleasing since the bridge will have crowns that are tooth-like.

Why Missing Teeth Should Be Replaced Promptly

When you don’t replace a missing tooth promptly, the remaining teeth are likely to shift towards the gap. This can cause your teeth to become misaligned or crooked. You also risk looking older than you are because your facial appearance will alter as bone resorption occurs in the space left by the missing tooth. Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, also warns that you are likely to develop bite problems as your remaining teeth shift and bite forces are no longer distributed evenly as you eat.

Needless to say, missing teeth can make it hard for you to speak or eat. It is therefore in your best interest to see an orthodontist in Sterling Heights MI so that an appropriate restoration can be provided. This is to restore the function and appearance of your smile.

Taking Care of Your Bridge or Crown

The first step to maintaining your dental bridge or crown is by being particular about your oral hygiene. Additionally, you need to visit Dental One Care regularly for a check-up and cleaning. Our professionals will use these bi-annual visits as an opportunity to check the condition of your crown or bridge to notice any issue.

If you are interested in learning more about dental bridges and crowns, contact us today and we will help you make an informed decision regarding the restoration most appropriate.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

January 17, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Tooth discoloration can affect you in many ways, like making you self-conscious about your smile. As a result, your social interactions and other aspects of your life can take a hit. But what causes teeth to become discolored? Read on and discover some of the common causes of tooth discoloration and the common remedies that dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Pigmented Foods and Drinks. Some vegetables, fruits, and drinks like coffee, red wine and soda can stain your teeth if you consume them frequently.

Tobacco Products. People who consume various tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, face a high risk of developing tooth discoloration. This is due to the chemical compounds found in tobacco, according to orthodontists in Sterling Heights, MI.

Poor Dental Hygiene. When you aren’t as vigilant about maintaining oral hygiene by flossing and brushing, you are likely to develop dental stains. This is because plaque will readily harden on your teeth and form calculus. Poor oral hygiene also allows pigmented foods and drinks to stay in contact with your teeth for long, resulting in stains.

Some Medications. Medications, such as some antibiotics, high blood pressure medication and antihistamines can also stain your teeth. This effect is particularly pronounced when kids whose teeth are still developing take those drugs.

Age. As one grows older, the enamel on the teeth gets eroded leaving dentin closer to the surface of the teeth. Dentin is closer to brown or yellow in color, so when it is exposed, your teeth will look discolored.

Genetics. Some people are naturally endowed with tooth enamel that is thicker or whiter than that of others. Your discolored teeth may have nothing to do with your oral care habits, the foods and drinks you consume or any medication you are currently taking.

Environmental Factors. You may also develop stains on your teeth if you live in an area with high concentrations of fluoride in the water supply or when you take large amounts of fluoride as a supplement. Fluoride rinses and treatments can also eventually cause tooth discoloration.

Trauma. Dr. Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills CA, has encountered numerous cases of people with discolored teeth resulting from trauma, such as accidents during contact sports. Kids whose teeth are still developing can also get stains due to a fall that affects the enamel.

How to Prevent Tooth Discoloration

As the discussion above shows, many of the causes of teeth discoloration are within your control. Therefore, you can prevent this cosmetic dental problem by making simple lifestyle changes. For example, make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You should also control or drop habits like cigarette smoking that increase your risk for tooth discoloration. Having teeth cleaning services every six months by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also avert tooth discoloration.

Treatment Options for Tooth Discoloration

If you already have stains on your teeth, talk to a dentist in Sterling Heights MI about the applicable treatment options. He or she will recommend the most appropriate from the following remedies;

Improving your flossing and brushing techniques.
Limiting your consumption of drinks and foods that stain your teeth.
Getting dental veneers.
Undergoing dental bonding.
Undergoing teeth whitening (using OTC whitening products, in-office teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening trays made by your dentist in Sterling Heights MI).

Don’t let discolored teeth affect the quality of your life. Contact us at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights MI and we will give you our considered opinion about how you can treat the discoloration and avoid the recurrence of dental stains.

Signs You Need a Dental Filling

January 14, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Dental fillings have been used for centuries and these simple restorations have saved lots of teeth. You, too, can benefit from dental fillings if they are provided before it is too late to save your tooth. Read on and learn about dental fillings from our team of professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

Dental Fillings Defined

Simply put, a dental filling is a material that is used to plug a hole in your tooth. This puts a halt to the progression of a cavity that could degenerate into tooth decay and additional problems down the road. A dental filling promotes dental health by keeping a tooth functional and healthy.

Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI explain that the dental fillings used today are made from a variety of materials, such as silver amalgams, porcelain ceramic and composites (glass and resin, for example). They can also be made to match the color of your teeth. This way an observer cannot tell that you have these restorations on your teeth.

Signs You Need a Filling

The only way to know for certain that you need a dental filling is by visiting Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights. An assessment by a professional will reveal which teeth have cavities needing immediate attention.

However, there are some signs and symptoms that can also alert you to the possibility that you may have cavities needing to be checked out. These include;

Pain (severe, mild, sharp, throbbing or any other variant of tooth pain)
Sensitivity in one or more teeth when they are being used to eat, drink or speak.
A visible mark or hole in your tooth.
When dental floss keeps fraying while you clean between a given set of teeth.
A feeling of roughness or jaggedness each time you run your tongue over a given tooth.

Orthodontists in Sterling Heights MI warn that by the time you experience the signs above, a cavity may have progressed to a level where the deeper structures of your tooth are affected. Most cavities don’t cause any pain. This painless stage is the best time to catch them and get a filling. Therefore, you should visit Dental One Care once every six months so that your teeth can be checked and cleaned by a professional. Any cavities discovered during these routine visits will be addressed long before they become bigger problems.

Possible Complications When Cavities Are Ignored for Long

If you leave your cavities unresolved for long, you risk the following;

Tooth decay can result when a cavity is allowed to get deeper. Tooth decay can cost you your tooth, among other problems.
Your tooth pain could worsen as the cavity deepens. This worsening pain can make it hard for you to eat, speak or function normally.
If cavities aren’t treated with a filling in time, dental infections, like periodontal disease, can result since the holes in your tooth harbor bacteria. This allows the bacteria to attack the more delicate parts of your tooth, such as the dentin and pulp.
You could also lose the tooth once decay sets in and invasive procedures like root canals aren’t capable of saving the affected tooth.

Common Questions About Dental Fillings

The experts at Dental One Care are frequently asked a number of questions about dental fillings. Those questions include;

Does the Procedure Hurt? Dentists assure you that getting a dental filling isn’t painful because your dentist will first administer a local anesthetic before starting the treatment. In contrast, the pain that you are likely to experience if you don’t get a filling when you should is likely to be much worse than any discomfort you feel while getting a filling.

How Long Does the Procedure Take? It typically takes the professionals at Dental One Care 30-60 minutes to place a dental filling. However, this time could increase if the cavity is large or multiple teeth need fillings. If you are concerned about the duration of the procedure, talk to the dentist and get clarification about how long you should expect the dental filling procedure to last.

Are Dental Fillings Expensive? Fillings are generally affordable. If you have dental insurance, your insurer could even cover the entire cost or most of it. If you don’t have insurance, talk to our staff.

Do Teeth Feel Different After the Procedure? Your teeth may feel somewhat different right after you receive the dental filling, but this typically subsides within a day or two. Your teeth should feel normal soon after the procedure.

If you still have questions about dental fillings or if you have pain in a particular tooth, contact us to schedule an appointment. We will address your queries and fix whatever problem is found to be responsible for the discomfort or pain that you are feeling in your tooth.

How to Manage Sensitive Teeth

January 8, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that about 40 million Americans suffer from teeth sensitivity. Pain or discomfort in the teeth each time the trigger (something hot or cold or even pressure) is activated characterizes this problem. If you are one of the millions who suffer from teeth sensitivity, don’t despair. Our team of professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI reassures you that this condition can be managed. Here are some of the suggestions you can implement to get relief from teeth sensitivity.

Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Habits

Your first step in managing sensitive teeth is by implementing the advice that your dentist in Sterling Heights MI recommends. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing once each day. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush because one with hard bristles is counterproductive. This is due to the potential damage it can cause to your gums and teeth. It is also advisable to replace your toothbrush every three months or as soon as you notice the bristles are aging. When you improve your oral hygiene habits, any bacteria that was damaging your teeth and gums resulting in tooth sensitivity will be killed and you could notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Get a Desensitizing Toothpaste

There are toothpastes that are specifically designed to reduce teeth sensitivity. You might, therefore, want to talk to a dentist at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights MI for advice as to whether a desensitizing toothpaste could help your situation. An example of a desensitizing toothpaste is Sensodyne.

Go Slow on Acidic Drinks and Foods

Orthodontists in Sterling Heights MI caution that any acidic drink or food you consume can only make a case of sensitive teeth worse. This is because the acidic substances, such as citrus fruits, soda, and processed carbs make tooth enamel soft and prone to erosion. This ultimately worsens sensitivity. To improve your symptoms, it is best to lay off acidic foods and drinks. If you must take an acidic drink, use a straw so that the drink has minimal contact with your teeth.

Don’t Whiten Your Teeth

If you have been using teeth whitening products and realized that your teeth became sensitive, forego using those products. This is because you could be one of the people who are sensitive to the ingredients in the whitening product.

Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Petersburg FL, explains that some at-home teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity when they are used for longer than is recommended or in a way that differs from the instructions of the manufacturer. Putting a halt to the teeth whitening process will cause the sensitivity to reduce.

Get Help for Bruxism

The teeth sensitivity you are experiencing could also be as a result of teeth grinding (bruxism). Dentists in Sterling Heights MI say that many people who suffer from this condition don’t know they do because it happens while they are asleep. If you suspect you do this, talk to your dentist about your suspicions. Our experts may give you a mouth guard or other device to protect your teeth from damage while you sleep. This could result in a reduction in the teeth sensitivity that you feel.

Forego the Mouthwash

Some people develop teeth sensitivity after using over-the-counter mouthwash brands that are acidic. If the enamel is damaged, the acidic mouthwash can attack the softer dentin, which causes teeth sensitivity to worsen. You may have to talk to your dentist about the different oral care products that you use, especially mouthwash. This way any possible culprit can be identified and replaced with something tooth-friendly.

See Your Dentist Frequently

When you visit Dental One Care on a regular basis, the professionals at our office will identify any potential problems that trigger teeth sensitivity. If teeth sensitivity has been giving you problems, contact us today and we will get to the bottom of it.

Dental Tips for the New Year

January 3, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

As 2019 comes to an end, you may be busy putting together your resolutions for the coming year 2020. The dental care experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI recommend that you resolve to implement the following tips in next year and beyond. These tips are meant to improve your dental health for the rest of your life.

Improve Your Eating Habits

Dentists in Sterling Heights MI say a healthy diet is one of the most beneficial habits for your dental and overall health. The nutrients that are found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, and other food groups are instrumental in warding off the microbes that damage teeth. Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, adds that those nutrients are also good at strengthening your teeth. This way they can continue to execute their roles for years to come. Therefore, it is advisable to make a goal to incorporate more dental health-supporting foods into your diet.

Put the Brakes on Your Sweet Tooth

Sugary beverages and snacks are one of the most serious threats to your dental health. Every time you eat or drink something sugary, acids are left in your mouth and they attack your teeth. It is not surprising that people who eat or drink a lot of sugary substances frequently suffer from tooth decay and other related problems. The best orthodontist in Sterling Heights MI, therefore, recommends that you aim to reduce sugary beverages and snacks come next year so that you can see improvements in your dental health.

Kick Tobacco Products to the Curb

People who use tobacco products, such as cigarettes and snuff, are at a high risk of developing a variety of dental problems. Dr. Such problems include oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, and discolored teeth. Every step you take to quit or reduce your consumption of these tobacco products will improve your dental health. You can visit Dental One Care for advice on how to get alternatives, such as sugar-free gum if you would like to wean yourself off tobacco products.

Floss and Brush More

Nearly everyone knows that brushing and flossing frequently can keep most dental problems away. However, some people may not be as vigilant when performing these daily oral hygiene activities. If you look back and realize that you haven’t been as regular in brushing and flossing as dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend, it is a good idea for you to make a conscious decision to up your game.

Visit Dental One Care

The dental care experts at Dental One Care are best placed to safeguard your dental health. Resolving to visit the dental office regularly next year will, therefore, put you in a good place to retain peak dental health. Dr. Farhart in Sterling Heights MI will catch any issues early and resolve them before they put your oral health at risk.

There is a lot riding on your dental health. For example, your self-confidence can take a huge hit if you have missing or discolored teeth. You will also find it hard to speak or eat if you have loose teeth. For that reason, contact us at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights, MI. Our experienced professionals will assess your oral health and give you advice that will help you start the New Year off right. This year make it a goal to achieve the best dental health you have ever enjoyed.

How To Enjoy The Holidays Without Destroying Your Teeth

December 26, 2019 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

If there is one thing synonymous with the holidays, it’s sweets and tasty treats. From cookies and chocolates to fudge, toffee, pies and more, it can seem like there is no end to sweet treats passing in front of you when the holiday season arrives. As we all know, the naturally-occurring bacteria in our mouths thrives off of sugar. The combination of added sugary treats and bacteria is recipe for cavities and a host of other oral health concerns.

The good news is that you don’t need to allow cavities and dental damage to gain a foothold during your holiday season. With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite treats and keep your teeth and gums healthy well into the new year.

The Concerns with Sugary Food and Drink

Spending extended periods of time enjoying sugary foods and drinks can increase your risks of developing tooth decay and gum disease. For some of us, that is the definition of the holiday season. While it might be easy to just say that you’ll avoid certain foods and drinks entirely, it’s not a realistic way to get through the holidays. And it certainly won’t be very enjoyable for you.

The better solution is to simply plan well, and keep the health of your mouth in mind when you’re out enjoying and indulging.

Tips for Enjoying your Favorites

According to your favorite dentist in Sterling Heights MI, following these handy tips could help you keep your teeth healthy when faced with copious amounts of sweet desserts and other delicious treats.

Be sure that you drink plenty of water, as water will help to rinse your mouth out. It’ll wash food debris away from your teeth and keep your gums hydrated.
Ensure that you are staying well-rested during the holidays. It can be all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and the bustle and neglect something as simple as getting a good night of sleep. Getting adequate sleep can contribute to your overall health, which includes your dental health.
Don’t skip the fruit when you have the opportunity to enjoy it. Foods that are fibrous, such as apples and kiwis, combine with the saliva in your mouth and help rinse away food particles and excessive bacteria that could otherwise lead to cavities.
Don’t skip the vegetables, like cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, as they can also help to keep your teeth and gums clean. Vegetables scrub food particles from your teeth.
Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker CO, says patients can keep fresh breath, by adding parsley, cilantro and mint to your meals or salads.

Foods to Consider Taking it Easy With

Certainly, you don’t want to skip out on some of your favorites, but there are some foods and drinks that you may wish to take it easy on enjoying.

Candy canes and lollipops
Peppermint bark
Christmas cookies and gingerbread men with too much crunch
Fudge, toffees, and caramels; especially if you have braces.
Popcorn
Fruitcake

Just be aware of how these foods impact the health of your gums and your teeth when you’re enjoying them. Those with braces will know all about what foods to avoid, thanks to the best orthodontist Sterling Heights MI patients could have.

Maintaining your Oral Hygiene

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is ensure you are maintaining good oral hygiene at home. This can go a long way towards protecting your teeth against decay and disease.

The other step you can take is scheduling your routine checkups, and taking the time to meet with your dentist to discuss any areas of concern in your mouth. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Why You Might Need Another Round of Braces

December 21, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Approximately two in ten people who have braces are adults. So, don’t think that you’re alone if you’re having to undergo treatment as an adult. While the prospect of wearing braces may not be the most exciting one, the orthodontics experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, reassure you that orthodontics has made serious advancements over the years. Therefore, you will have more options, such as clear aligners, to choose from. Here are some reasons why you may need another round of braces as an adult.

You Overlooked Wearing Your Retainer as a Teen

Dr. Fardi Farhat, a Sterling Heights dentist, explains that orthodontic treatment requires several steps. So, having your braces removed doesn’t mean that the treatment has ended. Dr. Fardi adds that many teenagers neglect to wear their retainers. This is a big mistake because the retainer helps to keep your teeth in place. Without the retainer, the teeth can move again and become crooked or misaligned. When this happens, you will need to visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can assess the state of your smile and dental health. Braces may, therefore, be one of the treatment options to fix the problems.

You May Have Needed to Wear the Retainer for Longer

A lot has been changing for the better in the field of dentistry, and orthodontics in particular. With a better understanding of orthodontics has come the knowledge that people may have needed to wear retainers for much longer than had been originally thought. For example, some patients may have needed to wear retainers throughout their lives rather than for just a few years as they had been instructed based on the information available at the time. If you are one of those people who didn’t wear your retainer for as long as the current understanding suggests you should have, then a trip to Dental One Care would be helpful for you to learn how Dr. Fardi Farhat and the team can design an appropriate orthodontic treatment plan for you.

Changes to Your Oral Structures

Younger people, such as teens, normally wear braces so that their teeth and jaws can be directed to grow well. Over time, changes keep happening and these changes may take your teeth out of alignment as you grow older. Consequently, you may need another round of braces.

Injuries and Other Dental Problems

Many adults also end up needing a second round of braces as a result of injuries or other dental problems that afflict them. For example, if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), the abnormal levels of stress exerted on your teeth may cause them to shift out of their positions. Such shifts may be so severe that only orthodontic treatment by the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI can correct the resulting defect. For other people, accidents can have such a serious effect on their teeth that they may need to wear braces or undergo other forms of orthodontic treatment in order to deal with the effects of that trauma.

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons that could make it necessary for you to wear braces again later in life. The only way to be certain that you can benefit from the second round of braces is by coming to Dental One Care for a consultation with Dr. Fardi Farhat who will assess you and explain the available options for resolving the issues observed. You will, therefore, be empowered to make informed decisions about the way forward to better dental health, so schedule an appointment today.

How to Remove Plaque

December 17, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

What is Plaque?

After your dentist performs a teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will look sparkly and white, but over time this beautiful color fades away, and the teeth start to appear slightly dull and yellow. This yellow color comes from plaque, which is a filmy substance made out of bacteria. Plaque accumulates both above and below the gum line. This might not be a pleasant sight for you, but it is even worse for the health of your teeth and gums if it is not removed.

Best Ways to Remove Plaque

The best and most effective way to get rid of plaque is to brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush and replace it every three to four months when the bristles of the toothbrush start to fray. Using an electric toothbrush is usually more effective at removing plaque than a traditional toothbrush.

You should also floss before brushing your teeth. This way, any bits of food stuck to the teeth are removed so you can brush them away. To floss your teeth:

Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Then, gently push the floss between two teeth.
Move the floss into a C-shape on the side of one tooth.
Rub the floss up and down gently, continuing to press it against your tooth.
Repeat this process for every tooth.

After flossing, brush your teeth for approximately two minutes.

To Brush Your Teeth:

Take an amount of toothpaste about pea-sized on your toothbrush.
Hold your toothbrush on your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
Move your toothbrush back and forth in short, gentle strokes the same width for each of your teeth.
Brush all the outside surfaces, inside surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, and don’t forget your tongue.
For the inside of your front teeth, tilt your toothbrush vertically and make small up and down strokes.

Unfortunately, plaque will accumulate very quickly after being brushed away. Experts suggest other at-home treatments to remove plaque buildup. These recommendations include oil pulling and baking soda treatments.

Oil Pulling

Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, says swishing coconut or olive oil around in your mouth may strengthen your teeth, prevent the tooth from decaying, and remove plaque.

Coconut oil is believed to be a good option because it contains fatty acids such as lauric acid, a substance with inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Baking Soda

Research has brought forth evidence which shows that individuals who brush their teeth with baking soda removed more plaque. These individuals also had less plaque regrowth over twenty-four hours than those who brushed their teeth with toothpaste not containing baking soda.

How Plaque Causes Tartar to Form

Tartar forms when plaque on the surface of your teeth combines with minerals in your saliva. Just like plaque, tartar can also form on both above and below the gum line. Tartar acts as a breeding ground for plaque bacteria.

Unlike plaque, tartar can’t be removed by brushing or flossing. The only way to get rid of it is to visit our dentists for a teeth cleaning service. They will use a technique called “scale and polish.” Scaling refers to the removal or picking off of tartar from the teeth while polishing refers to shining and smoothing the teeth.

How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar from Forming

As mentioned before, brushing your teeth daily is the most efficient way to prevent tartar and plaque from forming. Other than that, it is also recommended to visit our team every few months for a checkup.

If you are looking for a reliable dental clinic in Sterling, MI, then you should visit Dental One Care because our team of orthodontists includes one of the most experienced and qualified orthodontists.

If there is a need for treatment to remove tartar, then you should visit us at Dental One care as we are one of the best in Sterling, MI.

Teeth Cleanings Before the Holidays

December 11, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

The holidays are just around the corner! While you may be excited about holiday activities, now is the time to have your teeth cleaned by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Keep reading to discover why right before the holidays is the best time to get your teeth cleaned professionally.

The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings

Dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend that you get teeth cleaning services by a professional at least once every six months. These cleanings come with several advantages, such as checking for gum disease.

Dr. Fardi Farhat, an orthodontist in Sterling Heights, MI, adds that regular cleanings at Dental One Care help get rid of plaque and calculus. Not all plaque and calculus can be removed during your oral hygiene activities at home. The plaque that forms beneath the gum line is particularly problematic because it can cause dental infections leading to tooth loss.

Regular dental cleanings at Dental One Care also provide an opportunity for our team to give you advice on various issues related to your dental health. This is especially important with the upcoming holidays, likely putting your dental health at risk.

The Teeth Cleaning Process

When you visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, to have your teeth cleaned, the hygienist will start with examining your gums and teeth using an overhead light. If the hygienist observes anything of concern, he or she will bring it to the attention of Dr. Fardi Farhat.

Once the inspection is completed, the hygienist will use special tools to brush and floss your teeth. The cleaning agent used during this process is stronger than the toothpaste you use at home, so your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly.

Any stains on your teeth will also be removed during this teeth whitening unless they are intrinsic stains that cannot be removed by abrasive tools or agents.

For people with dentures, the dental cleaning process at Dental One Care will involve cleaning and adjusting those dentures. By the end, the dentures will be clean and fit properly.

When necessary, a fluoride treatment will be administered to give your teeth added protection against cavities and tooth decay.

If you have other dental work, like dental crowns or fillings, the hygienist in Sterling Heights will polish that dental work.

Educational Instructions During Teeth Cleaning

Your dental hygienist at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also give you some educational information relevant to your dental health. This could include the following categories of information;

Nutritional Advice. This advice will be given to you to ensure that you avoid excessive holiday treats and drinks that could be detrimental to your dental health. Getting more of the foods and drinks that are beneficial to your dental and overall health is more important.

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques. The hygienist may have noticed that certain parts of your teeth aren’t being cleaned appropriately as you brush and floss. Thus, he or she may advise you on how to improve your technique. An improved technique will help clean all the surfaces of the teeth adequately.

Counseling on Tobacco Use. If you are a smoker or use other forms of tobacco (snuff, for example), the educational instructions that you receive may include counseling about the dental risks associated with this habit.

Dental Evaluation

Once the hygienist finishes, Dr. Fardi Farhat will come and evaluate your teeth. He will identify cavities and any other dental problems you may be having. The Sterling Heights MI dentist will then suggest a follow-up visit to monitor any potential problems. He may schedule a visit to treat the problem found.

When the dental cleaning process finishes, you are free to go and start enjoying the holidays! Keep in mind all the advice given regarding how to safeguard your teeth from all the holiday sweets and delicacies. After the holidays, pay Dental One Care a visit so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can assess and fix any damage your teeth sustained during the holidays before the problems worsen.

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

December 5, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

Oral cancer screening refers to an annual examination performed by your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. This screening is used to identify signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions inside your mouth. The purpose of performing this examination is to catch oral cancer early when the odds of a complete cure are highest. At Dental One Care, we routinely perform oral cancer screenings during our patients’ routine visits. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about oral cancer screening.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Done

As already mentioned, Dr. Fardi Farhat, an orthodontist in Sterling Heights MI, conducts oral cancer screening to detect oral cancer or lesions that point to the possibility of oral cancer.

These screenings are particularly vital for people who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. The risk factors include;

Users of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, cigars, and pipes)
Heavy alcohol drinkers
A history of oral cancer
A history of intense sun exposure (this heightens the risk for lip cancer)

When you visit Dental One Care, ask Dr. Fardi Farhat if you are at risk of developing oral cancer. The dentist in Sterling Heights MI will ask you several questions to ascertain your risk level. If you are found to be at risk, then oral cancer screening may become part of the routine assessments that you undergo at your dental check-up.

Limitations of Oral Cancer Screening

Additional Tests May Be Required

Many people may have sores in their mouths. Dentists in Sterling Heights explain that oral exams may not be sufficient to identify the cancerous or noncancerous sores. Additional tests may be required before a definitive oral cancer diagnosis can be made.

Not All Oral Cancers Are Detectable During Oral Exams

Cancers are abnormal cell growth patterns, and it is unlikely that an oral exam will unearth all the abnormal areas in your mouth. This means that the dentist could miss a cancerous lesion during your oral cancer screening exercise.

The Scientific Community is Still Divided

There is no research yet to confirm that screening for oral cancer can reduce the number of deaths from this condition. However, since the chances of a cure are highest when cancer is detected early, it is wise for you to undergo this screening just in case you are at risk of developing mouth cancer.

What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Fardi Farhat says you aren’t required to prepare anything before the oral cancer screening. The screening fits nicely into the other routine dental care that you receive.

During the oral cancer exam, Dr. Fardi Farhat will look into your mouth carefully. The dentist in Sterling Heights MI does this to detect if there are any visible white or red patches or sores inside your mouth.

If you have removable dentures, our team will ask you to remove them so that the area beneath the dentures can also be examined for sores and patches.

Additional Oral Cancer Screening Tests

Dr. Fardi Farhat may use any of the additional tests below during your oral cancer screening.

Use of a blue dye. You may be asked to rinse your mouth with a blue dye. This special dye is absorbed by any abnormal cells in your mouth, making them turn blue. When the expert at Dental One Care looks into your mouth, he will immediately spot those blue areas.

Use of a light. Alternatively, the dentist may choose to shine a light into your mouth during the oral exam. The abnormal (and potentially cancerous) cells will look white while your normal cells will look dark under this light.

If Dr. Fardi Farhat finds any precancerous lesions or other signs of oral cancer, he may recommend a follow-up visit to Dental One Care to monitor your mouth. Additionally, the Sterling Heights dentist may recommend a biopsy so additional tests can confirm or rule out oral cancer. Fortunately, most lesions turn out to be noncancerous, so don’t be worried if abnormal cells are observed in your mouth. Simply do everything that Dr. Farhat asks you to do. If you still have questions about oral cancer screening, contact us at Dental One Care.