Dental blog | Dental 1 Care a Sterling Heights MI Dentist

Cosmetic Dental Treatments to Help Your Smile

March 25, 2020 by dental1admin

Do you feel self-conscious about your smile? Routine dental care is an important part of ensuring that you have healthy teeth and gums. At Dental One Care, we offer a number of cosmetic dental treatments that can help to restore and perfect your smile. When you come in and meet with Dr. Farhat, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how we can apply these dental care techniques to help you get the beautiful smile that you deserve.

Orthodontic Solutions

If your teeth are misaligned, find out if you’re a good candidate for orthodontics. There are a number of orthodontic solutions to consider, and the one that is right for you will be based upon the severity of the misalignment that you have. If you are in need of braces Sterling Heights, MI patients will appreciate that there are so many options, including invisible aligner systems that allow for discreet orthodontic correction.

Veneers as a Solution

Teeth that are otherwise healthy but have significant aesthetic concerns may be good candidates for veneers. Cracks, chips, and discoloration may leave you feeling less than confident about your smile. Veneers, typically made from thin porcelain shells, can completely transform the way that your smile looks. Veneers can conceal small gaps and alter the appearance of each of your teeth.

Dental Bridges and Denture Solutions

Gaps in your smile can make it hard for you to feel like smiling. Bridges, offered in both removable and fixed options, are dental prosthetics that are bridges between two healthy or crowned teeth. Dentures, also offered in both removable and fixed options, can be partial or complete based upon the number of teeth that you are missing. These solutions can look very much like natural teeth, and are sure to restore your smile.

Dental Implants and Crowns

When visiting with your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, patients with one or two missing teeth may find that implants are a good solution. Implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, where they fuse with the healthy bone tissue in your jaw. Think of implants as replacement roots for your new prosthetic tooth, which will be placed on the implant post once it has healed.

Crowns, used on implants and on teeth that need to be reinforced after root canal therapy, can also be used to cover teeth that are misshapen or discolored. We asked our friend, Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Pete, FL, about dental implants and crowns. Dr. Leeson says, “Dental implants and crowns are one of the most common restorative dentistry options.”

Teeth Whitening Solutions

When visiting with your dentist Sterling Heights, MI patients may find that the quickest and best way to transform a smile is with teeth whitening. There are several techniques for tooth whitening, with some being available for in-office treatment. During these procedures, a bleaching agent will be applied to each of your teeth, and ultraviolet light will be used to activate the bleaching agent. Over-the-counter bleaching kits and laser whitening treatments are also great options to consider.

Remember that good oral health care is the best thing that you can do for your teeth and your gums. Are you ready to get the smile that you deserve? Contact us at Dental One Care to schedule your appointment. We offer the latest in dental techniques and technology to help you get the beautiful smile that you’ve been looking for.

Diabetes and Oral health

March 18, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Recent studies show that 29.1 million people living in the U.S have diabetes. That is about 9.3 % of the total population. There are also 1.7 million new cases with each passing year. To top it all off, 8.1 million people do not even know that they have diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. Your body transforms all the food you consume into sugar which provides all the energy your body needs. Once you get diabetes your body stops making insulin, which is a hormone that is responsible for carrying sugar from your blood to your cells. Type II diabetes prevents your body from responding to insulin. In both types, your blood sugar levels shoot up which can cause problems in your kidneys, heart, eyes, and nerves.

Symptoms of Diabetes

You may have diabetes if you have frequent thirst, urination, hunger, fatigue, and irritability.

Diabetes can also affect your mouth, if left untreated, in the following ways;

You may notice that your wounds don’t heal as fast as they should
You may face trouble in tasting foods
For children with diabetes, teeth may start to pop up earlier than normal.
You would likely be more vulnerable to infections in your mouth
You may feel the shortage of saliva in your mouth which will make your mouth feel dry.
As saliva acts as a safeguard for your teeth, you could easily get cavities
Your gums would start to bleed

Why People with Diabetes Are More Likely to Get Gum Disease

Every person’s mouth is home to tiny bacteria. It’s normal. If bacteria gets into your gums then it will leave you with periodontal disease which will destroy your gums, all the tissues holding your teeth and bones.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting those who have diabetes. With increasing age, poor blood sugar control increases the risk of gum disease.

How Can Your Dentist Help Fight Gum Disease?

Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining oral health. Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, adds that treating gum disease can help diabetes patients maintain their blood sugar levels. Taking care of your oral hygiene and scheduling dental cleaning sessions with your dentist can contribute to lowering your HbA1c which tells you your blood sugar levels hence indicating whether your diabetes is under control.

That is why you should have a good dentist because they can help treat your gum disease or help you in keeping your diabetes under control.

If you have diabetes or suspect that you may be developing gum disease, contact us at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our team will do everything we can to treat your gum disease and improve your oral health.

Why Are Dental Regular Visits Important?

March 16, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

On normal days you might not even think about your oral health but when you start facing some sort of problems, you’ll likely rush to your Sterling Heights dentist. Well at least you worry enough to get checked out by a professional in serious situations, but you don’t want all your dental clinic visits to be an emergency. You should visit your Sterling Heights dentist regularly. In this article, we answer the most asked question we get: “Why are regular dental visits important?”

Early Warning Signs

It’s best to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, especially when it comes to your oral health. By scheduling appointments with an experienced dentist regularly, you will decrease the likelihood of developing oral diseases. It’s important to detect potential problems before they turn into something serious. Whereas if you only visit your Sterling Heights dentist when the situation gets serious then you might find out that now it is too late and the issue cannot be resolved. If you’re not sure about your oral health state, contact us at Dental One Care. Our team is happy to evaluate you to see what the next steps are.

Preventative Measure

Maintaining your oral health is only possible when you stay on top of your oral hygiene and visit your dentist in Sterling Heights. You should be brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing a minimum of once a day. Professionals recommend seeing your general dentist every six months. Visiting the dentist regularly means that you are taking a positive step towards keeping your mouth clean and healthy. This is important for both, aesthetic and health reasons. An orthodontist can also give you tips on how to improve brushing habits at home as the method taught to you when you were a child might not be the most effective one.

Visit Dental One Care

Now that you can see why dental visits are important, make sure that you stay on top of your oral health. If you’re looking for a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, contact Dr. Fardi Farhat’s office. Our team is always welcoming new patients.

Jaw Pain

March 11, 2020 by dental1admin

The majority of adults go through the troubles of facial pain and chronic jaw pain. The most common symptoms of jaw pain are tenderness of the jaw, pain in and around the ear, headaches, and pain eating. There are several causes of jaw pain which makes the problem even worse. Sometimes jaw pain can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

To find out the cause of the pain, you would have to set up an appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist. Dr. Fadi Farhat will most likely perform an X-ray and examine your mouth thoroughly.

Several Things That Lead to Jaw Pain:

Injury
Tooth grinding
Arthritis
Problems with your jaw
Periodontal disease
Infections
Sinus problems

The type of treatment your Sterling Heights dentist decides will depend on the source of your facial pain. Pain can be tolerated and even treated with the following:

Root canal therapy
Antibiotics
Extraction
Mouth protector
Muscle relaxants
Exercises
Periodontal treatment
Anti-Inflammatory drugs

Preventing Jaw Pain

Knowing what triggers the pain in your jaw is crucial to prevent it from returning. Mentioned below are the few ways to stop it from returning once you have got rid of it

Avoiding crunchy foods, gum, or biting fingernails.
Eating soft or liquid foods such as soup or pasta
Take smaller bites of food
Avoiding caffeine
Trying massage, meditation, and aerobic exercise
Avoid grinding your teeth
Seek regular dental care with Dr. Farhat

If you are currently going through the immense pain in your jaw then look no further. Visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI for all your dental care needs. We offer a wide range of dental services!

Foods and Drinks with High Levels of Acid

March 5, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Upon hearing the word “acid,” the first thought that popped up in your mind would have been that “acids” are the various chemicals you saw when you were little in the science lab in school. Or you might have thought that it is the thing which causes indigestion and heartburn. However, in reality, “acids” play a crucial role in our oral health.

While our diet comprises most foods that have low acidity, some foods and drinks have high levels of acidity. Dr. Farhat adds that some can cause severe damage to your oral health. Foods and drinks with high levels of acid can cause major damage to our enamel and can also cause dental erosion.

How do Acids Affect Our Oral Health?

As acids damage the enamel of our teeth, it becomes a massive problem for your teeth because, without the enamel, our teeth are vulnerable to damage. For every acidic food or drink we take, the enamel on the surface of our teeth becomes softer for a short while, and it loses some of its mineral content.

Enamel is the hard, protective coating of our tooth, which acts as a safeguard for the sensitive dentine underneath. As mentioned above, when the enamel is softened, it leaves the sensitive dentine underneath exposed, which can be the cause of sensitivity.

The most common types of acids in the foods we consume daily are phosphoric acids, carbonic acids, and citric acids.

Fizz

Fizziness is the most obvious sign that you can see that will tell you that what you are about to drink contains high concentrations of acids. The most popular acidic drinks are fizzy drinks, sodas, carbonated drinks, and pops. While you might be thinking that diet drinks are safe, but they too are dangerous for your oral health.

Some types of alcohol are also acidic in nature like cider, white wine, beer, and alcopops. Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that these fizzy drinks are often damaging to your enamel. Too much of them can also lead to diabetes and other health problems.

Fruits

Fruits are an integral part of a balanced diet and are known to be quite good for your health, so you might be shocked to find out that fruits also contain acids. Furthermore, fruits contain citric acids, which can lead to dental erosion.

The worst of these are citrus fruits, which have a lower pH level, which means that they have a higher concentration of acids. The most acidic fruits are lemon, grapes, grapefruit, plums, limes, and blueberries.

Now you might be thinking that it is best to remove all these from your diet, but that would not be such a great idea because they are very nutritious, and they provide your body with what it needs. So, Dentists in Sterling Heights recommend eating the fruit instead of drink it. Fruits are packed with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

To learn more tips about your oral health, contact us at Dental One Care. Dr. Fadi Farhat and his team are happy to help you in any way we can.

Tips for Phasing out Sugar

March 3, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Tips for Phasing out Sugar

Most of us will probably say yes when asked whether you would like sugar in your tea or not. It’s not the healthiest choice, but we’re guilty of it too. It’s normal for you to crave something sweet now and then. But do you ever stop to think of how it can affect your health or even your oral health? If you did, you’d probably limit your sugar intake. In this article, we share some tips for phasing out sugar.

Sugar and Oral Health

Sugar does not just cause tooth decay, but it is also linked to some pretty severe conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and it is one of the main contributors to obesity. Phasing out sugar may seem difficult, but it may be easier than you thought. Start slow, and you’ll be back on track in no time!

Cut the Sugar

Do you like to drink your calories? For instance, do you have a cup of soda or two a day? Do you often drink frappuccinos or sweet teas? Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI suggest cutting out soda and drinking more water! Instead of drinking two cups of soda each day, cutting it down to one. Then cut it down to a few times a week, and then eventually cut it out for good. Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that sugar in moderation is fine, as long as it’s not consumed consistently. By just avoiding sugar in one of your beverages can have a positive effect on your health as you would be giving up about 56 grams in a week or 2912 grams in a year.

When You’re Craving Something Sweet

If you really crave some sweetness when phasing out sugar, then try natural sweeteners like xylitol or stevia. Even better, try adding honey to your drinks or even snacking on some fruit. This will not only fulfill your sweet tooth but also keep your teeth from rotting away.

As always, regular visits to your Sterling Heights dentist will help your mouth in staying healthy. Your dentist is the best person to talk to about your oral health. Dr. Fadi Farhat, or one of our dental hygienists at Dental One Care can also offer you advice on how to adjust your diet to reach optimal health.

If you don’t have a dentist to consult with, visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our team will take good care of you and your smile. Just contact us at our office today to set up an appointment.

Saving Money at the Dentist

February 26, 2020 by dental1admin

A recent report from the federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) on data from 1996 to 2015 concluded that more Americans have dental coverage than they did 20 years ago but their spending at the dental clinic is significantly higher.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) made dental insurance coverage much more common for children. 88% of those under 21 were covered in 2015, compared to 73% in 1996. Whereas for adults, progress has been comparatively slower especially for senior citizens.

After retirement, most people learn that Medicare doesn’t cover routine checkups and even people with dental coverage struggle to pay for costly procedures like root canal therapy and oral surgery.

The tips mentioned below are from dentist Fadi Farhat, one of the renowned dentists in Sterling Heights, MI, who can help make the costs of dental care more manageable.

Tips for More Affordable Dental Care

Practice good oral hygiene

The most important dental tip anyone could ever give would be to brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing once every few days would only make your dental health better. Just to be safe, avoid the excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks. Drinking lots of water will also go a long way.

Get covered if you can

Most jobs come with fringe-benefits which include dental care. If this is so, then you should sign up for dental insurance as most plans offer dental exams, X-rays, and cleanings, as well as a significant number of procedures such as fillings and crowns.

Consider dental savings plans

While savings plans are not as effective as dental coverage, it is still a very good option for those struggling for coverage. An annual plan usually costs around $80 to $200. However, it can provide access to numerous dentists who offer discounts as high as 50% for members.

Bargain hunt

In this day and age, you can find almost anything on the internet and there are several sites that let you look up the costs of dentists near you. This can help you compare them or even ask your dentist for a discount.

Try community health centers and university dental schools

Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker CO, points out that both of these options offer low-cost dental care. University dental schools are usually operated by dental students who do not have experience but are supervised by experienced dentists.

Avoid unnecessary treatments

Before undergoing expensive procedures or exams, question yourself if it’s really necessary. For example, X-rays only need to be done every 2 to 3 years but still, people have X-rays done very often.

If you need to make an appointment with Dr. Fadi Farhart, contact us today to schedule your visit!

Tips for Brushing Habits

February 20, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

It’s a common fact that every person should brush their teeth every morning and night, but there are a few more things that must be done in order to keep your mouth healthy. As a matter of fact, you might have some bad habits that you think is beneficial for your mouth.

It’s never too late to start taking good care of your oral health. To start, check out the list below of common habits that might be causing harm to your teeth and gums.

You Brush Too Hard

Of course, you put a little force when you brush your teeth; how else are you supposed to get the plaque and food residue off your teeth? However, applying excessive force when you brush can irritate your gums and damage your teeth. Too much force can even lead to scratches and infections if done often.

It may come as a surprise but plaque is loose and soft which makes it easy to remove from your teeth. It only becomes harder to remove when it turns into tartar. Even if you put excessive force into brushing, it still won’t be removed. The only way to remove would be to get a teeth cleaning service by a dentist. And besides plaque wouldn’t even form on your teeth if you brush two times a day every day.

You Share Your Toothbrush

If you are willing to use your partner’s toothbrush when you cannot find yours then you are not alone. Most couples do not think there is anything wrong with it. All in all, it’s almost disgusting to share your toothbrush with someone else. Even though at first it may not seem that bad but sharing your toothbrush can result in different types of germs transferring into another person’s mouth which can become a serious problem.

You might notice yourself getting sick more frequently than normal since the flu virus can stay on a surface for several hours, which is, in this case, the toothbrush. The bacteria can even lead to cavities which are also very contagious. Your partner might not even know they have a cavity; hence you are putting the health of your mouth at risk.

You Keep Using the Same Toothbrush For Too Long

Here is a fact that not too many people know about; your toothbrush needs to be changed every three to four months

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush at the start of every season. That is because your toothbrush accumulates germs over time and the bristles of your toothbrush also start to fray or break with extended use. These older bristles will not clean your teeth the way they are meant to, which will allow plaque to form. This can harm your teeth and gums if the plaque turns into tartar, which will then require a professional orthodontist to perform a dental cleaning session. If you are wondering where to go to do that if in case tartar has formed on the surface your teeth or you just want to get your teeth shining white, then you should visit Dr. Fardi Farhat. In Sterling Heights, MI. Dr. Fardi Farhat combines his years of experience with his skills to guarantee that the client is fully satisfied.

What is Bruxism?

February 18, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Do you wake up with unexplained tenderness in your jaw? Does your significant other tell you that you grind your teeth in your sleep? Dental professionals describe bruxism is the term used to describe teeth clenching or grinding. Bruxism can lead to a number of oral health care concerns, including serious damage to your previously healthy teeth.

The better you understand bruxism and how it can impact more than just your ability to get a restful night, the better you’ll understand the treatment options that you have available to you from your dentist in Sterling Heights MI, Dr. Fadi Farhat.

Causes of Bruxism

There are several causes behind teeth grinding, with stress and anxiety often being the primary factors. If you feel stress and anxious during your waking hours, you are much more likely to feel the effects of the stress during your sleeping hours. This can lead to clenching your jaw in your sleep and also grinding your teeth.

Bruxism can also be attributed to an undiagnosed condition known as sleep apnea. Those who live with this condition experience irregular or paused breathing when they are asleep. A night guard can help many patients with their sleep apnea, but it’s important to undergo a sleep study that can evaluate your unique condition.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Outside of your partner telling you that you grind your teeth in your sleep, there are several other symptoms of bruxism for you to keep in mind.

Frequent headaches in the morning
Tightness, discomfort or pain in the jaw muscles
Unexplained wear and chipping on teeth
Damage to restorative dental work, including fillings and crowns
Loose teeth or the ultimate loss of teeth

Preventing Bruxism

Protecting your teeth from further damage is an essential part of keeping your teeth healthy and your smile bright. First and foremost, your first visit should be to your dentist Sterling Heights MI patients should know. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and any damage that may need to be repaired. Keeping on top of tooth damage or gum inflammation can help to prevent tooth loss.

The best preventative solution will be using a custom-fit and professionally made mouthguard. The mouth guard, worn while you sleep, will help to protect your teeth from the nighttime grinding. This will have the positive effect of keeping your tooth enamel healthy and could help you to see a reduction in those headaches that have been plaguing you each morning.

Are you looking to preserve the health of your teeth and protect against teeth grinding? Whether looking for bruxism solutions or orthodontic solutions, you will find that our team at Dental One Care offers a treatment plan that will meet your individual oral health care needs.

To find out more, contact us at Dental One Care to speak to one of our dental professionals. We can answer your questions and schedule your appointment with Dr. Farhat so that you can learn more about bruxism and find the right treatment solution for your needs.

At Home Toothache Remedies

February 12, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Your head pounds, your gums hurt, and your mouth is sore and tender. All these things are due to your toothache. To get rid of it once and for all, a visit to the dentist would be highly recommended. Until then you can take the help of these home remedies to get short-term relief.

OTC Pain Relievers

For children, our Sterling Heights MI dentists recommend acetaminophen. However, for adults, just pick anyone of the over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen. If you decide to go with aspirin, just swallow it rather than keeping on the tooth or the gums because that causes some serious harm inside your mouth.

Cold Compress

If you look in the mirror and notice your face is swollen, place an icepack on your cheek. That can help ease the pain. The swelling of your face could also indicate that you might have an abscess, a sac of pus and gunk embedded deep into the roots of your tooth. If this is really the case, then it can result in a serious infection in your jaw and other teeth. Symptoms include fever and red gums.

Ice

Take some ice in your hand on the same side of your body in which you have a sore tooth. Rub the ice in the space between your forefinger and thumb for 17 minutes or until you start to feel numbness in the area. Wondering what rubbing ice between your thumb and forefinger has to do with the pain in your mouth? Research has discovered that ice stops pain signals to your brain.

Garlic

When you crush one of these cloves in your mouth, an oily liquid known as allicin is released which is a natural disease fighter. Will it affect the ache? That is not certain but you can try chewing a piece of garlic in your mouth or even placing chopped bits on your tooth. It’s safe and effective to some extent but comes at a price which is bad breath.

Clove Oil

As talked about before, it is a natural remedy that numbs the pain. Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, says that for it to work you must rub it directly onto the sore area or soak a cotton ball and dab it against the tooth and gums. Some argue that its effectiveness might equal to the effectiveness of benzocaine which is the numbing agent used in over-the-counter toothache gels.

Toothache Plant

By reading the name you might have had a thought in mind that this would for sure work wonders for your toothache. Unfortunately, that is not quite true because there has not come forth any evidence that proves that this plant which grows all over the world actually works to ease your pain.

If you are one of the many people out there who don’t believe in these remedies or who don’t want to prolong this problem and have it dealt with by a professional then contact us at Dental One Care to schedule a visit with Dr. Farhat Fardi.