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4 Tips For Kid’s Dental Health

August 14, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

4 Tips for Kid’s Dental Health

For most parents, getting their children to practice proper oral care is a challenge. You may even try to skip it altogether.

But as a responsible parent, you should ask for help from your trusted dentist in terms of teaching your children how to properly care for their dental health. After all, dentists are your best source of advice and recommendations for teaching children about oral health. We spoke to our friends at Laurich Dentistry about kid’s dental health. From here, you can then take on the role of guiding your children in caring for their teeth and gums.

Bear in mind that it is possible for your child to develop the habit of brushing and flossing their teeth regularly and to actually have fun observing the ideal dental practices.

To help you further in this endeavor, here are 4 tips for kid’s dental health:

1. Begin at an early age

Your child can easily develop the habit of regular brushing and daily flossing if you start teaching them early. Eventually, this can become second nature instead of a chore that their parents force them to do. By starting early, you also help them maintain good oral health to avoid plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum infections.

2. Be a role model

Being your child’s role model is the key to get them to properly brush their teeth. Forcing a brush in their mouth will not help them enjoy this activity. But when you show them that you are performing and enjoying the task yourself, there is a greater chance that you can instill such enjoyment in your kids. Remember that children pick up cues from adults.

Most children wish to become independent. Thus, they learn how to explore their surroundings on their own. If you can teach them through your actions and inform them that responsible grownups practice proper oral care, they will most likely want to do it as well.

3. Offer encouragement

Encouragement can help in letting them practice a daily dental routine. As you teach them how to properly brush their teeth, gently teach and correct them. Do not threaten them with frightening consequences of bad brushing. Be patient because it will take a while for them to know the proper way of brushing their teeth.

4. Make dental visits exciting

Dental visits do not have to be boring or stressful. A dentist in Sterling Heights, for instance, offers educational visits to help children learn about proper dental care. This is indeed a great way to introduce kids to the dentist and educate them that it can be a fun experience and not a scary one.

Finding the right dentist is crucial to making the experience exciting. So make sure to find a dentist who works well with children. How your child perceives dental visits will play a huge role in how easy or difficult it will be for you to get him in the dental chair.

Educating your child about proper oral care can be a challenging process. But a Sterling Heights Dentist shares that these tips can help make the process a lot easier. With encouragement and patience, you can help create a good daily habit.

Benefits of Flossing Examined

August 8, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Medical Benefit Of Flossing Is Being Questioned: Findings

According to the American Dental Association, people must clean between their teeth at least once a day. This further means that they must engage in “mechanical interdental cleaning” on a daily basis.

Research

Recently, the medical benefit of flossing has been questioned. Most people are asking about any solid evidence showing the impacts of flossing on dental health. When it comes to managing gingivitis, the evidence is of low. This is due to the small number of studies, sample sizes, as well as the interpretation of the results.

Although the Cochrane Systematic Review on this topic in 2011 showed a reduction in the measures of gingivitis when flossing was added to tooth brushing, a meta-analysis by Berchier et al failed to find a significant improvement. The meta-analysis concluded that an initial consideration must be whether high-quality flossing is an attainable goal.

Furthermore, a meta-analysis of different studies that examined the impact of flossing on interproximal caries has revealed that regular professional flossing caused a statistically significant reduction in interproximal caries. This result was not seen with intermittent professional flossing or self-flossing.

Medical Benefits

Evaluating the medical benefit of flossing is somewhat complicated because this is a technique-sensitive intervention. Recently, data revealed that people are not always honest when it comes to reporting their flossing behavior. Indeed, understanding the success of significant behavior change can be thought-provoking. In terms of communicating messages regarding oral hygiene, one message might not cover all situations.

Ultimately, most people want to know if flossing is necessary. Professionals like our dental friends in Shreveport, Louisianna recognize that even with the absence of solid evidence, you must still seek guidance from the experts, like a reputable dentist Sterling Heights. There may be only a small benefit to flossing, and the quality of evidence is too low, but even such a small benefit is significant given the fact that most people around the world are suffering from tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Overall

Many dental professionals are still recommending floss because of the minimal costs to patients and the absence of documented harms. Considering this along with your specific issues, a Sterling Heights dentist would be able to provide the right recommendation for you.

Adult Braces: Are They Worth It?

August 3, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Adult Braces, Are They Worth It?

Today, the number of adult orthodontic patients is increasing. Indeed, it is not hard to figure out why. Dental appliances that are hardly noticeable were developed to offer adults more discreet choices in terms of orthodontic treatment.

Moreover, more and more adults now realize that a smile makeover offers significant benefits, both professionally and socially. For instance, teeth straightening has become a crucial part of that confident-boosting process.

When it comes to adult braces, are they worth it? Well, if you have healthy teeth, they can be moved at any age. Thus, there is no such thing as being too old for orthodontic treatments like braces. But orthodontic treatment for adults is somewhat different. First, gum disease is more common in adults. Secondly, jaw growth and development are already complete in adults, so not all changes in your jaw structure can be attained.

Orthodontic appliances apply gentle force to your teeth so they can be successfully moved through their surrounding bone. The health of your gums plays a crucial role in all of this. A Sterling Heights dentist shares that when your gum tissues aren’t healthy, bone loss can take place. Also, this will weaken your teeth’s long-term prognosis.

We spoke to our friend Dr. Ben Kacos at Shreveport’s dentist to elaborate on this topic. So if you are suffering from gum disease, it should be treated first before any orthodontic treatment can begin. You may undergo regular professional cleanings while you are on an orthodontic treatment to maintain good periodontal health. Most importantly, you must maintain proper dental hygiene at home.

4 Types of Orthodontic Appliances

All orthodontic appliances will work the same way – they employ light yet constant force in order to move your teeth into proper alignment. How these forces are applied varies. Here are the common types of orthodontic appliances:

Traditional Metal Braces – These are small metal braces bonded to the front of your teeth. There is a thin wire that runs through the brackets. The wire is attached on either end to the metal bands that often go around your back molars.

Clear Aligners – These are removable. They are a series of clear plastic trays that can easily fit over your teeth. Every tray is part of a series of trays that will help move your teeth until they are in their proper position. The trays are designed using specialized computer software that creates a virtual model of your bite.

Clear Braces – Instead of the traditional metal braces, you can opt for clear ones. These are made of plastic, ceramic or a combination of both. These appliances are hardly visible, except for the wire that runs through. Remember though that this option is more vulnerable to breakage than the traditional metal braces.

Lingual Braces – These are metal braces that are bonded to the back of your teeth so they can’t be seen. However, these braces are more difficult to get used to wearing. Also, they are more costly than traditional metal braces.

What to Expect After the Treatment

Regardless of which type of appliance you choose, it is crucial for you to wear a retainer. Without a retainer, your teeth can gradually drift back to their original positions. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist can provide you with additional instructions on how to retain your beautiful smile so it continues to make you feel and look gorgeous for many years to come.

Are Adult Fluoride Treatments Necessary?

July 30, 2018 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Most people falsely assume that only kids require fluoride treatments, especially since dental insurance usually covers such treatments up until age 18. However, you should know that there are certain conditions that put you at a moderate to high risk for cavities.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking if fluoride treatments are necessary for adults, below your Sterling Heights Dentist dives in:

When you take medications or have an affliction which has led you to suffer dry mouth conditions – Medications usually prescribed for hypertension and heart disease lead to dry mouth conditions, thereby reducing your natural ability to produce saliva and cleanse your mouth of food debris and plaque-causing bacteria.

You’ve suffered from cavities through the years – If you have a history of struggling against dental carries even with consistent oral care, then you can benefit from fluoride treatments.

Periodontal disease and gum recession – If you have gingivitis, it means you may already suffer from receding gums which put you at a higher risk for dental problems that can be alleviated by fluoride treatments.

Your teeth have deep grooves or pits – This characteristic means you are prone to suffering from dental cavities as well.

You are a compulsive snacker – If you find yourself eating all the time or grazing, especially on sweet or sugary snacks, then you are putting yourself at a higher risk for dental carries.

You’ve had some dental work done such as crowns, bridges or braces – Teeth that have been subjected to dental procedures and treatments are susceptible to dental cavities, especially at certain vulnerable spots your dentist can point out for you.

Adult Fluoride Treatment FAQs

Sterling Heights MI Dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhat has helped us put together this FAQ which you may find especially useful in your quest to avail of fluoride treatments.

How does fluoride help your teeth?

Fluoride is an important component of the tooth enamel and helps protect your teeth from mineral loss due to food acids activated after eating. Food acids are produced by plaque-causing bacteria and sugars in your mouth.

What forms does fluoride take?

Aside from being a primary component in toothpaste and mouth washes, fluoride is also found in small amounts in food, and can be applied to your teeth in the form of a varnish, foam or gel for added protection.

Are adult fluoride treatments necessary?

Fluoride is a known necessary component for growing teeth. But topical fluoride treatments are also necessary for dental protection, especially if you have any or all of the conditions described above.

So don’t hesitate — make a dental appointment and check with your doctor if fluoride treatments are for you.

The Oral Health Benefits of Kissing

July 23, 2018 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Explore the Health Benefits of Kissing

Great news for couples and, well… motivation for single people actively looking for their significant other: The oral health benefits of kissing extend way beyond the pleasure centers of the human brain.

What, exactly, does this mean? Kissing, like all other things you do, affects your overall health and well-being.

In fact, your Dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, is on hand to help you (and the rest of us mere mortals) understand and appreciate the fine art of kissing.

The Oral Health Benefits of Kissing

Of course, as already previously mentioned, kissing is a pleasurable way of expressing affection and love for your significant other. It’s a great way to bond with each other, and to start and end the day for married couples, and those who are seriously dating.

But did you know about the actual health (physical and emotional) benefits of kissing? If not, well, here they are:

It’s a light workout on its own. Though it may never take the place of your daily jog or Zumba workout, a passionate kiss can burn about 8-16 calories. Not too bad for a kiss, right?

It helps reduce hypertension. Dilated blood vessels mean lower blood pressure – and that’s exactly what kissing does. So if you are hypertensive, make sure you get your daily dose of it!

Kissing helps fight cavities.

Kissing activates saliva production in your mouth, thereby helping wash away plaque or clean up your teeth to a certain degree. However, be sure your partner doesn’t have dental issues since cavity-causing bacteria can also be transmitted through saliva. So, the next time you have the opportunity to kiss your partner, just tell them your Sterling Heights Dentist recommended it.

It also alleviates minor aches and pains. Do you have a headache or are you suffering from cramps? Kiss! Mainly due to its blood dilation effects, kissing can provide headache relief as well as make you (temporarily) forget about those pesky menstrual cramps!

Kissing tones the muscles in the facial area. Toning facial muscles means that kissing gives your face, neck and jaw the “exercise” they need to shape up and tone your face. That’s one beauty-related benefit right there… much like face yoga!

Kissing instantly makes you feel better. Remember that thing about kissing activating the pleasure center in the human brain? Well, kissing leads to the release of the so-called “happy hormones” – a heady cocktail made of oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine – essential for your happiness and helpful in strengthening your personal relationships. And yes, of course it follows that kissing relieves stress. Isn’t that great?

Kissing gives a healthy boost of confidence. A good kissing session can instantly make you look great and feel good about yourself. That is why they say married men who passionately kiss (or get a kiss from) their wives before heading to work actually earn more money – and there’s actually a study that proves this.

If you can think of a better way to improve your mood and fight cavities at the same time, we would love to hear about it! As always, we are here to support your dental health needs in Sterling Heights MI. Contact us for your next cleaning to keep your mouth kissing friendly!

Why Choose Invisalign

July 14, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Why Choose Invisalign

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Get Invisalign

Invisalign braces are notoriously expensive – which is one of the main reasons why patients tend to shy away from them altogether, especially when their dental insurance may not cover Invisalign treatment.

However, before you discount them altogether as a viable dental treatment for your misaligned teeth, here are the top five reasons why you should get Invisalign:

Reason #1: They are aesthetically pleasing

This is inevitably one of the oft-quoted reasons for opting to go for Invisalign. Invisalign braces are barely discernible since they are clear and fitted onto the teeth like a glove. Unlike metal braces, food particles will not get caught in between them as well.

Reason #2: They are removable and easy to clean

Unlike metal braces which can only be removed on your next dental appointment, Invisalign teeth aligners can be removed before a meal (as needed) and then replaced afterwards, making it easier to maintain, clean and reinstall them by yourself.

Reason #3: They are relatively more comfortable

With Invisalign braces, those painful mouth sores which usually accompany metal braces will be a thing of the past as well as the discomfort and irritation that come with their abrasive metal components. The smooth, transparent plastic surface of Invisalign teeth aligners is definitely more comfortable than protruding metal braces.

Reason #4: They can be used as a protective lifetime dental appliance

Beyond simply helping straighten misaligned or crooked teeth, Invisalign braces may be used for teeth whitening and, more importantly, as a protective device against the wear and tear resulting from teeth grinding as well as during contact sports or physically challenging activities that may pose a danger to your teeth.

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) sufferers can also benefit from long-term (several months) Invisalign use as long as it has been established that there is no joint pathology involved in their symptoms.

Reason #5: The outcome is calculated and certain

The assessment of and treatment plans for patients who opt for Invisalign aligners are fully computerized. So, the duration of the treatment and expected outcome are all calculated with great accuracy. There are no unexpected surprises at the end of Invisalign therapy. Only the promise of a great bite and smile, as well as better-looking, well-aligned teeth.

So, have you decided yet?

Talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights about possible payment options if the only thing that’s keeping you from deciding to have Invisalign is the price.

Sterling Heights Dentist Discusses Dental Bridges

July 9, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Sterling Heights Dentist Discusses Dental Bridges.

The Truth About Dental Bridges – Pros and Cons

There are a number of restorative dental options in less-than-ideal scenarios involving tooth loss. If you are currently considering getting dental bridges, it would be ideal to weigh what this option entails.

So, here’s a quick rundown of the essential facts about dental bridges – pros and cons:

PROS

Dental bridges are a highly functional dental appliance in the replacement of missing teeth. Once they are securely in place, the patient can immediately start using them for normal biting and chewing functions without pain or discomfort. There is also little to no effect on speech as the fixed dental appliance functions like the natural tooth it is supposed to replace.
They are low maintenance as there is no need to periodically remove them for cleaning. This is the main reason why some patients prefer them to removable dentures.
So, they are aesthetically pleasing as a restorative dental solution for missing or lost teeth. Materials used can be matched to the color of adjacent teeth. Ultimately, there is no way others can tell apart the artificial tooth from the natural teeth.
They reduce the possibility of teeth movement and bone loss in the jaw. Thereby, substantially reducing the risks posed by tooth loss.
Installing the dental bridge requires only about two sessions to complete.
Patients get used to the comfortable feel of a dental bridge

CONS

The health of the abutment teeth on either side of the lost/missing tooth may be compromised as they need to be prepared to support and keep the pontic (replacement tooth) in place. Preparation entails shaving off or removing substantial amounts of tooth tissue whether or not decay is present in the abutment teeth. This makes the adjacent teeth vulnerable to decay if the crowns and bridges are not properly and securely fitted.
The abutment teeth become more sensitive to external stimuli, so there may be a need to create temporary crowns to protect them until the bridge procedure is completed.
If it happens that the abutment teeth turn out to be not strong enough to support the pontic, they may collapse and eventually lead the patient to require dental implants instead. They also need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

To determine which dental appliance will work best for your current dental condition, contact your dentist in Sterling Heights.

In the end, your decision should be something that wouldn’t further compromise your dental health down the line.

4 Ways To Close A Tooth Gap

July 5, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

4 Ways To Close A Tooth Gap

Diastema, or a gap between two teeth, is a fairly common cosmetic dental issue. It can be caused by various factors such as a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jawbone, missing or undersized teeth, and certain habits such as thumb sucking. Should I leave my tooth gap alone or are there ways to close a tooth gap?

Although having gapped teeth is not a huge concern for many today, there are still a number of people who are not confident in their smiles and want to know how to close a tooth gap. The good news is that there are different solutions dentists offer which can fix this dental flaw.

If you want to get rid of your diastema, here are 4 ways to close a tooth gap:

Braces

This is the most popular way of closing a gap between teeth. Braces move teeth by forcing them into the desired positions and closing the gap with the help of controlled movement. Eventually, the braces will stabilize the teeth to prevent relapse or unwanted drifting.

Aside from metal, you can also opt for ceramic braces which look better and are less of an inconvenience.

Although this is the most effective treatment, you have to be prepared to wear braces for quite a long time. Depending on the size of the gap and other orthodontic problems you may have, you might need to wear them for at least a year or two. You will also have to wear retainers once the braces have been removed.

Invisible aligners

Orthopedic treatments are the most recommended solutions for serious diastema. But if you don’t want to wear conventional braces, you can opt for Invisalign.

Invisalign are invisible aligners that are designed to move the teeth just like braces. However, they are “invisible” and are thus not easily seen like metal braces. They are also removable which means you can take them off when eating, speaking in public, or brushing and flossing. They are more comfortable to wear, too.

To allow the invisible aligners to do their magic, you have to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day for at least 10 months or as recommended by your Sterling Heights dentist.

Dental Veneers

If you want a quick fix for your gapped teeth, you can choose veneers. Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin. They are custom-made based on the color, size, and shape of a patient’s natural teeth.

When ready, the veneers will be placed on the teeth with gaps and the diastema will be covered. With veneers, you will have more attractive gap-free pearly whites that function and look like natural teeth.

Bonding

In case you want something quicker since veneers can take several days to be made, you can opt for dental bonding.

Dental bonding is where tooth-colored composite resin is placed to the surface of the tooth, molded into the desired shape, and then hardened. It is highly effective in fixing small gaps. It is also an affordable solution and treatment can be done within one hour.

When choosing the best treatment for your diastema, consider your Sterling Heights dentist’s recommendation. It is the only way you can be certain you will safely and effectively close unsightly and annoying gaps between your teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

6 Fixes for a Dental Emergency

July 2, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

6 Fixes for a Dental Emergency

You’ve got your day mapped out. A meeting with a VIP client. A visit to the dentist. And a date with a hottie. But life has its way of throwing a monkey wrench into your well-laid plans. Dental emergencies can crop up when you least expect these but fret not. With these 6 fixes for a dental emergency from your favorite Sterling Heights Dentist, you may have a fighting chance to emerge victorious with sparkling teeth to boot.

Teeth stained by berries

Adding fruits, including berries, into your diet, is a good way to boost your oral and overall health.

But the sugars and acids found in some fruits, notably berries, can immediately stain your teeth.

What can you do?

The first thing you can do is to brush and floss your teeth. But what if you don’t have access to both? You can either grab a sugar-free gum or simply rinse your mouth with good old tap water.

Instant white teeth

Want to impress your clients or a hot date with a sparkling smile?

In the past, if you wanted to whiten your teeth, you had to wait several days for a teeth whitening solution to take effect.

But today, there are some products now available in the market that can produce instant results.

If you opt for this quick fix, you can get better results by avoiding food and drinks that can stain your teeth.

Broken tooth at the cinema

You’ve been too engrossed with the action at the silver screen that you unknowingly shoved a popcorn kernel into your mouth. And now, one of your teeth is broken.

What can you do?

You don’t need to leave the cinema in a hurry. Finish the movie but avoid chewing on the side where your broken tooth is located. Once you get out, clean the affected area and then book an appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist. In the meantime, if you are bothered by pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication.

Toothaches

If a toothache has been bothering you before your scheduled appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist, you can do a few things to ease your pain. First, make sure that you continue to clean your mouth. Next, you may take an over-the-counter pain medication.

You’re too shy to show your teeth to the dentist

If you think there is a way to hide your poor oral hygiene from your Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, you’re wrong. Your Sterling Heights dentist knows whether you are taking good care of your teeth and gums. But that does not mean that you can’t make a good impression. Here are a few things that you can do.

First, consider investing in an electric toothbrush which can do a better job of cleaning your teeth. Next, chew on sugar-free gums to help facilitate the flow of saliva in your mouth. Third, avoid drinking sugary drinks like soda. If you can’t, use a straw.

A few key takeaways

Dental emergencies can happen anytime. In order to respond promptly and correctly, it is a good idea to have a dental emergency kit within easy reach.

This kit should include a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss (or dental picks), pain relief medication, and a few sugar-free gums.

The Top 10 Ideas to Make Brushing Teeth Fun for Children

June 28, 2018 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Kids tend to defy what it is you want them to do. “Put away your toys.” “Stop giving the dog your food.” “Brush your teeth.” The last one is not something you want to give up on because kids need to learn about oral hygiene early on, so they maintain dental health throughout their life.

What happens when your kids are just too stubborn to pick up a toothbrush, let alone floss?

Tooth Brushing Doesn’t Have to be a Chore

What you need is to get creative with how you present the idea of brushing. Clearly, the old “time to brush your teeth now” isn’t going to persuade your toddler or 10-year-old to march right into the bathroom. Just as dentists follow a guideline on treating children with dental anxiety, you should also follow a standard for getting your kids to practice oral hygiene. At the heart of this standard should be changing your kids’ perception of brushing as a chore.

Here are 10 ideas to make brushing teeth fun for your kids.

Offer the freedom of choice

Take your kids out for toothbrush shopping. Give them the freedom to choose their brushes. It’s a good introduction to a certain degree of dependence for your children.

Involve everyone in the family when brushing teeth

Use the time to bond as a family. It’s only two minutes, twice a day; even with hectic schedules, surely everyone has four minutes to spare every day.

Use music your kids will love

Most kids love to dance. Why not use that to your advantage and add a bit of music while you teach your kids how to brush their teeth?

Create a story

Who says bedtime stories have to start when the kids are in bed? Create excitement for oral hygiene by weaving a story out of the habit; the tooth fairy could figure into this story. Then, continue the tale as you tuck the kids in bed.

Turn it into a game

Games eliminate the idea of brushing as a chore. Consider a cavity-fighting battle and introduce a bit of competition between your kids.

Offer rewards

What do your kids like? More time on the computer? Books? Stickers? The rewards system is a good way to reinforce positive behavior.

Use their favorite characters

Cartoons and children’s TV shows not only teach kids how to do certain things, including basic hygiene. But good shows also encourage kids to love those tasks. Take your cue from your kids’ favorite characters and incorporate them when it’s time to brush.

Get different toothpaste flavors

If your kids love quirky, fun toothbrushes, then they’ll love to try new toothpaste flavors, like apricot, peach, or strawberry. Whatever flavor you pick, make sure it has cavity-fighting ingredients that are safe for your kids.

Download an app

An app can make brushing fun because some feature cartoon characters that brush their teeth right along with your kids.

Set a good example

Finally, practice the habit regularly. When your kids see you tooth brushing and flossing consistently, they’ll follow your lead.

At Dental 1 Care in Sterling Heights we offer dental services for the whole family. Coming to our Sterling Heights Dental Office will be a fun experience for your kids so that they will leave feeling motivated to brush and floss correctly.