Dental blog | Dental 1 Care a Sterling Heights MI Dentist

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

January 16, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

Every now and then, a product or ingredient catches the attention of consumers, and it causes a buzz in different areas of people’s lives. Today, the buzz is activated charcoal and its purported benefits in dentistry. Many brands of toothpaste now contain activated charcoal. These companies claim that such toothpaste can combat bad breath and whiten your teeth. Is charcoal toothpaste safe? This article discusses what dental care professionals like Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, say about this new trend.

Why the Activated Charcoal Buzz is Spreading

Activated charcoal has some uses in the medical field due to its porous nature. For example, it is often used to manage some forms of poisoning since it can absorb the unwanted substances in the gastrointestinal tract before those toxic substances are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Such medical uses have prompted some people to stretch the purposes for which activated charcoal can be used for. For example, those people reason that a substance which can suck the poison from the GIT can also absorb toxins or stains from your teeth. And that is how the use of this substance on teeth started.

Can Activated Charcoal Be Used on Teeth?

Dr. Farhat reveals that some patients admit that they have seen results by using activated charcoal for teeth whitening. However, the dentist in Sterling Heights recommends caution when using activated charcoal to whiten your teeth because there isn’t any scientific proof about the long-term effects of using activated charcoal in this way.

For example, the Sterling Heights dentist says that no research has been done to establish how activated charcoal will affect the population of good bacteria in the mouth, or how any medication will be affected by the ingestion of activated charcoal.

We asked our friends, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA about his thoughts on the use of activated charcoal on teeth. Dr. Cowen advises those who insist on using activated charcoal to use it sparingly. For example, use it just once every fortnight. Why this precaution? Dr. Cowen explains that activated charcoal is abrasive, so you risk eroding your enamel each time you brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing it.

Additionally, the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, advises people with receding gums to avoid toothpaste containing activated charcoal. This is because the toothpaste will accelerate the gum recession and trigger sensitivity in the roots of your teeth.

It is also worthy to note that dental stains are of different types. Activated charcoal cannot whiten teeth that have deep stains. So it would be futile to keep brushing in the hope that your teeth will become whiter. Activated charcoal cannot penetrate the teeth to reach those types of stains.

Experts at Dental One Care also ask people who brush using activated charcoal toothpaste to be observant regarding any changes in their dental health. For example, stop using the toothpaste if your gums bleed as you brush.

The specific product that one selects may also have a role to play in the outcomes registered. Users should, therefore, restrict themselves to products from reputable manufacturers, so that any side-effects resulting from poor-quality materials are avoided.

What Safer Ways Are Available?

Is charcoal toothpaste safe? The jury is In the meantime, Sterling Heights dentists recommend that you buy an at-home teeth whitening kit, or ask Dr. Farhat to conduct in-office teeth whitening treatment. This method will reduce the risks that you are likely to expose yourself to.

Alternatively, those who want a natural, inexpensive home remedy can take an orange peel and rub its inner surface against the teeth. This method is safe, although results may take longer to show.

I guess you now have the answers (and more) to the question “Is charcoal toothpaste safe?” Use the information above to make an informed decision if you ever wish to whiten your teeth using charcoal toothpaste. Better still, talk to a professional at Dental One Care so that you can get the help you need without taking unnecessary risks with your dental health.

Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

January 9, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Benefits of chewing sugar-free gum

Everybody thinks that oral hygiene is achieved by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. While these actions can maintain excellent hygiene, there is one key component missing, that is your diet.

Decay and periodontal disease are a result of bacteria acting on specific types of food, releasing acids and causing all kinds of problems. So, to put it simply, if you don’t eat these foods, your chances of decay and gum disease are minimalized.

These kinds of harmful foods are mostly sugars, especially artificial sugars. And of course, gum. In general, gum is one of the most harmful types of food that you can consume. This is because it contains a great amount of sugar, in addition to being sticky, so its effect lasts much longer on the teeth and gums.

This is true for sugar-containing gum, but sugar-free gum is a whole different matter. Some studies suggest that chewing sugar-free gum frequently is not harmful, but beneficial.

Dr. Farhat of Dental One Care, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains the numerous benefits of chewing sugar-free gum.

Sugar-Free Gum Washes Away Bacteria

A number of studies state that chewing sugar-free gum can wash away harmful bacteria, which lead to a decrease in decay and periodontal disease. This is true because of the stickiness of the gum, so the bacteria sticks to it and is removed when the gum is disposed of.

Sugar-Free Gum Increases the Production of Saliva:

We all produce saliva on a regular basis. It’s actually a key role in our oral hygiene. Eating anything would cause an increase in saliva production. We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the benefits of sugar-free gum. Dr. Dhoon says that an important benefit of chewing gum is that it increases saliva. Increased production of saliva has many benefits which include:

Saliva Treats Dry Mouth:

Dry mouth is a condition when saliva production is reduced, causing your mouth to feel prickly and dry. Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production and in turn, decreases dry mouth effects.

Saliva Reduces Decay:

As explained, saliva has a key role in preventing decay. This is due to the watery nature of the saliva that tends to wash away the bacteria causing the decay.

Saliva Strengthens Tooth Enamel:

Saliva is loaded with minerals, either from the diet or from drinking water. When saliva production is increased, these minerals stay in contact with the tooth enamel longer, strengthening it and protecting it from decay.

Sugar-Free Gum Reduces Tooth Sensitivity

In addition to being alkaline in nature, saliva acts as a buffer, shielding the tooth from harmful acids that could cause sensitivity.

Does this mean that sugarless gum is a substitute for normal brushing and flossing regimens?

Dr. Farhat says absolutely not! There is simply no substitute for the good ole brush and floss and toothpaste. Sugar-free gum certainly helps their job become easier, but in no way should be considered sufficient alone.

A Dentist’s Perspective on Oil Pulling

January 4, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

A Dentist’s Perspective on Oil Pulling

The advent of social media and celebrity worship has resurrected the ancient Ayurvedic tradition of oil pulling. So, what is oil pulling and why is everyone talking about it, are the claims of its benefits valid, and what do dentists think about it? Read on and get answers from your local Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Fardi Farhat.

What is Oil Pulling

Oil pulling refers to the act of swishing some oil in your mouth for 5-20 minutes. This is done once each day. Proponents recommend the use of coconut oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil for this exercise.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

Natural remedies are a hit among individuals who prefer an earth-based solution. Some people claim that oil pulling can whiten their teeth, prevent or cure inflammation, remove toxins from the mouth (hence the name “oil pulling”, meaning that the oil pulls toxins and germs from the mouth and teeth), cure bad breath, arthritis, and gingivitis.

However, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, advises patients to take these claims with a grain of salt since there is hardly any credible scientific research to back it up. In fact, the reports from practitioners also vary widely. Some report oil pulling with a host of benefits while others say no benefit was seen after they did it over several weeks.

Are the Effects of Oil Pulling Unique to That Practice?

It is reasonable to expect that oil pulling can prevent plaque from forming on your teeth or reduce the population of bad bacteria in your mouth. However, those very effects can be attained using a variety of methods.

For example, chewing sugar-free gum after you’ve had a meal will remove any food particles left in your mouth. So, bacteria will have less to feed on and thrive. Similarly, dentists in Sterling Heights recommend that people use mouthwash in order to keep their mouth smelling fresh and free from the buildup of bacteria. Rinsing with water and can also do the same.

Compared to these options, oil pulling loses some of its appeal. Especially when one considers the appearance of the mixture of oil and saliva after the swishing. Also, many people can’t keep the oil in their mouth for that long (20 minutes).

Are There Better Ways to a Healthy Smile?

Most, if not all of the purported dental health benefits of oil pulling can be attained by brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once a day. We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about his thoughts on oil pulling. Dr. Cowen says that effective brushing and flossing doesn’t require as much time as oil pulling, yet its benefits have been documented for decades.

He says the best way to ensure that your dental health is protected is by maintaining oral hygiene on a daily basis as well as seeing your Sterling Heights dentist at least twice each year. This will ensure that any developing issues are identified and resolved early.

What Does the ADA Think?

The American Dental Association (ADA) took note of the oil pulling fad so seriously that they published some information about the practice. Their view is that it is untested and they recommend the oral care measures stated earlier.

In case you have any other query about oil pulling, or about any other dental concern, don’t hesitate to contact Dental One Care. Our professionals are waiting to respond to your concern and give you the treatment you need in order to regain or maintain your dental health.

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

December 28, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

People who’ve had a tooth extracted may have heard of dry socket before. Dry socket is a common complication that occurs after a tooth is extracted. So what is dry socket and why should you do everything possible to prevent it after a tooth extraction? Read on and learn how to prevent dry socket after wisdom tooth removal.

What Dry Socket Is

Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, describes a painful condition that results when the blood clot covering a tooth extraction site is dislodged before the underlying nerve tissues and bone have healed. The premature loss of this protective clot lengthens the healing time and results in a lot of discomfort and pain.

How Do Know You Have Dry Socket?

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains that it ’s normal to feel some pain after having your wisdom teeth removed surgically. However, this pain is transient and ends a few days after the extraction.

So, patients can suspect that they have dry socket if they experience intense pain that spreads to the face and head days after the surgery. Bad breath may also indicate that one has dry socket, especially if they don’t have a history of halitosis.

The professionals at Dental One Care also advise that patients observe the surgical site in a mirror. Dry socket should be suspected if the surgical site is fully or partially empty (lacking the blood clot which formed after the surgery).

How to Prevent Dry Socket

Don’t use drinking straws. The suction force created as one is using a straw can easily dislodge the blood clot at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Farhat, therefore, recommends that you refrain from using a straw for at least one week after you have had a tooth extracted. That abstinence will allow the site to heal under the protection provided by the blood clot.

Opt for softer foods. It is also wise to opt for soft foods during the days following tooth extraction. The soft foods will cause less stress on the surgical site as you eat. For example, eat mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup in the first two or so days after the surgery. Try harder foods later and revert to the soft ones if you feel pain.

Refrain from tobacco use or smoking. We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI about how to prevent dry socket. Dr. Laurich says that the risk of dry socket increased threefold for smokers when compared to non-smokers. He says this is because the act of smoking entails a sucking force that can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site. Additionally, the chemicals in the tobacco and any other substance that one may smoke can also interfere with the body’s healing processes, such as causing the clot to dissolve prematurely. You should work with your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, to find a way to reduce or abstain from smoking and the use of tobacco until you have healed after wisdom tooth extraction.

Be meticulous in your oral hygiene. Another tip for those who want to learn how to prevent dry socket is that they should be particular about their oral hygiene during this healing period. Oral germs can prevent a blood clot from forming, or they can break it down once it forms. Talk to your Sterling Heights dentist about how you should brush your teeth, as well as the use of antibacterial mouthwash that may be helpful in preventing infection while you heal.

Talk to the dentist about other medications. Discuss any medications that you are currently taking as you prepare for surgery to remove wisdom teeth. You should also consult your dentist in case any medication is prescribed for another condition within the time that you are healing after undergoing tooth extraction surgery. For example, oral contraceptives have been linked to causing dry socket.

Call a dentist in Sterling Heights, such as Dr. Farhat, if you suspect that you have a dry socket. The Dental One Care team will advise you about what you should do next. Otherwise, do everything you can to implement the advice given above on how to prevent dry socket.

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

December 26, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

It is a common perception that fluoride treatments are only for children. So, when the dentist recommends fluoride treatment to adult patients, a common reaction is, “Do I need to take the fluoride treatment?” This is because most insurance plans cover the cost of fluoride treatments for people up to the age of 18. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI answers, “Do adults need fluoride treatments?”

Is Fluoride Treatment Really Effective for Adults?

Research studies have shown that the topical application of fluoride by a dentist has a significant and positive impact. This is especially the case for adults who have a moderate to high risk of developing cavities.

Benefits of Fluoride Treatment in Different Conditions

Consider these circumstances when you’re debating a fluoride treatment from your dentist in Sterling Heights.

There are many prescription medications that reduce the production of saliva in your mouth or create dryness in your mouth. This puts you at the risk of developing cavities. In such an instance, a fluoride treatment can help keep your teeth fight off cavities.
Many adults have gum recession, which leads to the exposure of your teeth’s roots. These softer areas are more susceptible to tooth decay. Through professional fluoride treatment, the protective layer of your teeth can be restored, saving your smile from decay.
Adults often undergo restorative dental treatments, such as crowns, and bridges etc. The fluoride treatments help protect and fill the restoration margins.
We asked out friend Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO about fluoride treatments for adults undergoing orthodontic treatments, such as braces. Dr. Dhoon says that the application of braces makes it difficult to maintain a healthy oral state. He recommended fluoride treatments so your teeth remain strong and free of cavities.
Having tooth restoration treatment places you at the higher risk of developing cavities. The fluoride treatments, in contrast, help prevent cavities in patients who are already vulnerable to cavities.
If you are not flossing your teeth daily, then you are unlikely to have optimal oral hygiene. With fluoride treatment that lack of flossing can be compensated and save your teeth from cavities and decay.
Fluoride is also helpful for people with sensitive teeth. It helps to re-mineralize the tooth enamel, thus reducing sensitivity.
Cancer patients who undertake radiation treatment can also take advantage of fluoride treatments offered at Dental One Care. Radiation treatment damages saliva glands, which significantly reduces the production of saliva in the mouth. This places patients at a higher risk of developing cavities. Fluoride treatments can rescue cancer patients from cavities.

If you too feel that you are suffering from any of those conditions, consider a fluoride treatment from Dental One Care. Dr. Farhat is an expert and professional dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. He will advise you after an oral examination whether or not you are the right candidate for fluoride treatment.

How Often Should I Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

December 24, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Many people know how important it is to get an oral cancer screening done on a regular basis. When you visit a dentist in Sterling Heights, you’re usually worried about cavities. What you may not know is that cavities are not the most harmful issue your dentist can diagnose. Actually, many people start developing oral cancer without realizing it until their dentist detects it during a routine oral examination. So, how often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Detection of Oral Cancer

Unfortunately, oral cancer is not like other dental problems, which reveal their symptoms right away. Oral cancer is a condition which does not display any symptoms until the issue has progressed. If the disease is detected at an early stage, it is possible to treat it. So, going for routine oral checkups and screening is highly recommended to detect oral cancer at an early stage.

Now the question arises how often should I get oral cancer screening?

The frequency of Oral Cancer Screening

There are different opinions regarding the frequency of oral cancer screening. On average it is recommended that you should undergo screening for oral cancer at least once a year. This exclusive examination for oral cancer will help the dentist in early detection of oral cancer symptoms if any. The sooner oral cancer is detected, the better are your chances of treating it. Additionally, you can also benefit from routine visits to Sterling Heights, MI Dentist.

Cancer Risk Factors

While it is essential that you take the screening for oral cancer at least once a year, this duration varies from person to person depending upon certain risk factors. For people who have a family history of cancer, or use tobacco or smoke, they need more frequent oral screening sessions at Dental One Care. Other examples of cancer risk factors include the use of alcohol, exposure to HPV, sun rays, diet, and gender as well as age.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about his protocol for oral cancer screenings. He said that you should get oral cancer screening even if these risk factors are not present. Dr. Cowen says that the real danger lies in those symptoms of oral cancer which do not manifest at an early stage or are difficult to detect without proper oral screening.

Quick Screening Procedure

The check-up procedure for cancer oral screening is quick and easy. In a typical cancer screening procedure, Dr. Fadi Farhat will have you swish a special fluid in your mouth. Then he’ll use a flashlight to examine the inside of your mouth. The dentist might also feel along your mouth and throat to identify any symptoms. The results of the procedure are quickly provided. So, there is nothing to be afraid of if you go for an oral cancer screening.

Who Should Undergo Oral Cancer Screening?

Regardless of your age, family history, gender, and other risk factors, oral cancer screening are essential for everyone at least once a year. There’s still a chance of being diagnosed with oral cancer, so don’t take the risk and get your oral cancer screening!

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

December 21, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

2019 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

Every year we tend to make one or more New Year’s resolutions. A few of those typically surround your health and may include losing weight, eating less junk food, and exercising more, etc. Many people don’t realize that your oral health affects your overall health, which is why it’s important to include good oral health habits in your daily routine.

So, why not try to make New Year’s resolutions for your smile and stick with it! This will not just help improve your confidence, but your quality of life as well. In the article below, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will explore the different New Year’s Resolutions for your smile.

Make New Year’s Resolution for Enhanced Smile

Beautiful, white and shining teeth are a pleasurable sight. A lovely white smile instantly grabs peoples’ attention and boosts your self-confidence. It gives you a healthier social, emotional and personal life. To help enhance your smile, brush twice a day and stay away from foods and drinks that will stain your teeth. If you make this transition, your aging process will go a lot smoother.

Make Daily Brushing and Flossing Your New Year Resolution

At the moment, your health is primarily a result of choices that you have been making up till now. When you develop a habit for something, it becomes part of your routine. Ultimately, you shouldn’t have to think twice about doing it every day. Focusing and developing healthy habits promotes your overall health and prevents various diseases.

Developing a habit of regular brushing and flossing can have a powerful impact on your smile! Consider it just like cleaning your room. When you start your day by making your bed, you feel happy that you’ve already accomplished a task so early in your day.

You may compare this task to brushing your teeth in the morning. Properly brushing and flossing your teeth first thing in the morning gives a boost to your body and mind. Brushing your teeth and gums in the morning will also help with bad breath, prevent gum disease, and enhance your smile. Also, this habit sets a base for the rest of healthy habits. Once you stick to this habit of properly cleaning your mouth, you will gain confidence that you can develop other healthy habits as well. So, if you don’t already brush your teeth twice a day, add that to your New Year’s Resolution list.

Smile More for a Longer Life

We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI for his 2019 New Year’s Resolutions. He said that research has proved that smiling wider improves your happiness, and your economic, personal and social life as well as self-confidence. So, one of Dr. Matt Laurich’s 2019 goals is to smile more each day!

We 100% support his New Year’s Resolution. Some of you may be cringing at the thought of smiling more because you’re embarrassed by your smile. This should motivate you to take your dental health seriously this coming year.

So, if you also wish to smile more to improve the quality of your life, take care of your teeth. Follow the basic oral care routine and get regular oral checkups all year through to keep serious dental problems at bay. Book your appointment with Dental One Care, a Sterling Heights dentist office.

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

December 19, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

The holiday bells have started to ring. It is a calling to indulge in sweet treats and pleasures. We all love to eat lots of irresistible sweet delights during the holiday season. But have you ever thought about how it could affect your beautiful smile?

Eating too many sweet, decadent desserts, sticky and crunchy snacks can affect your oral health if you do not take appropriate precautionary measures to protect them.

Here are some easy tips to protect your smile during the holidays. Follow these tips from Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, and you will surely have healthy teeth to show off this holiday season.

Keep Desserts Simple and Single

It is a wonderful time for candies and mouth-watering desserts when you get to have all sorts of candies around you. Dr. Farhat from Dental One Care that nonstop sweets buffet can wreak havoc on your teeth. Take a single sweet at a time and brush immediate to keep your teeth sparkling and free of harmful bacteria.

Avoid Unnecessary Snacking for Good Oral Health

Avoid taking junk, crunchy and sticky snacks when you are outside shopping or relaxing on your couch. These stick to your teeth and become a cause of bacterial growth in your mouth if you don’t brush properly afterward.

Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Do not compromise your brushing routine during the holidays. Your holiday schedule can upset your brushing routine, but try to ardently stick to it. Keep a brush and small-sized toothpaste in your purse or car wherever you go. If it’s not possible to brush your teeth after every meal, take sugarless chewing gums which increase the production of saliva in your mouth. This helps remove the food bits and more.

Stick to your Dental Appointment with Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you have your dental examination due during the holidays with a Sterling Heights, MI Dentist, stick to it. It will help detect any problems before they aggravate due to the excessive consumption of sweets and junk food in the holiday season. Give yourself a motivational boost to attend the appointment by considering it as a celebration of your good oral regime.

Use Baking Soda to Brush Your Teeth

Keep a small jar beside your toothpaste filled with baking soda. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on your toothpaste when you apply it on your brush. Regular use of soda will help dissolve any remaining particles and teeth stains. Use it once a week otherwise, it can dissolve your tooth enamel.

Try to Eat Calcium and Fiber-rich Foods

We asked our friend Dr. Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO for his diet recommendations during the holidays. Dr. Dhoon said to try and include calcium and fiber-rich foods in your holiday diet. Make different salads with green leafy vegetables, apples, bananas, beans, and other fruits and vegetables. This will not just make your holiday meal table colorful, but will also help keep your teeth healthy.

Be Prepared

If you plan to travel during the holidays, keep a dental floss, teeth gauze and some pain-relieving medications in your bag. This will help you deal effectively with any minor dental issues if any arise.

What is TMJ Disorder?

December 17, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

There can be different reasons for tooth pain, such as a cavity in your tooth or gum pain or gum disease. It can also be due to some other medical condition, such as a sinus infection. You may also experience dental problems due to stress. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains everything you need to know about TMJ disorder.

What is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder?

If you remain under too much stress or experience anxiety to the extent that you frequently clench or grind your teeth hard, you are highly likely to develop TMJ disorder, also known as Temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is a condition caused by the tension in the Temporomandibular joint that joins your lower jaw to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth.

TMJ disorder leads to conditions which are responsible for causing pain in, around the jaw and its nearby muscles. When you clench or grind your teeth with force, it exerts additional pressure on the jaw muscles and causes inflammation. The problems with TMJ can adversely affect your speaking, eating, chewing and swallowing capabilities. It can even affect your abilities to make expressions.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of TMJ disorder is a pain in the jaw and mouth. It is a dull pain felt in the joint of your jaw or by your ears. Some people do not experience pain but have jaw dysfunction. Other commonly experienced symptoms may include any of the following:

Pain and strain in the neck and shoulders
Migraines or chronic headaches
Stiffness of jaw muscles
Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
Painful jaw joint clicking or popping when you close or open the mouth
Pain in the ear or ringing/pressure in the ears
Decreased hearing
Dizziness and vision problems
Sensitive teeth

Causes of TMJ disorder

In addition to stressful teeth clenching and grinding, TMJ disorder can be caused by other issues, such as injury to the jaw area, arthritis, some type of dental treatments, your hormones or genes, and infection in the TMJ etc.

Treatment for TMJ disorder

Most of the common problems related to jaw joints and muscles are temporary. They last for just a few weeks or months if you follow simple care guidelines. Try using hot and cold compresses, over-the-counter medicines etc. Usually, these remedies provide some relief.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA to share helpful tips for TMJ treatment. Dr. Cowen recommended that anyone suffering from TMJ disorder should try jaw strengthening exercises and physiotherapy. He says that strengthening the jaw muscles will make everyday tasks like eating, talking and laughing less painful.

You should be cautious while undergoing TMJ treatment and make sure it is irreversible. It should not cause permanent transformations in your biting, jaw or teeth. Some examples of these reversible treatments are the following:

Over-the-counter medicines
Jaw exercises and physiotherapy
Prescription medicines
Use of splints for stabilization, such as mouthguard or nightguard. These are the most commonly used treatments that give effective relief from excruciating jaw pain.

There are also irreversible TMJ treatments which can make the problem worse for example:

Adjusting your bite by teeth grinding
Extensive dental treatment
Use of splint for mandibular repositioning
Use of orthodontics
Surgical treatment, including jaw joints part replacement

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

November 29, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When Should My Child Start Seeing a Dentist?

When a child is born, there are numerous questions that parents ponder about. When should my child start seeing a dentist? Is definitely one of the most important questions parents ask.

It is recommended that the first visit should be a little after the first tooth starts to show, generally six months after. You may think that it doesn’t make sense to go this early. However, for your child to have the proper checkup and good oral hygiene throughout, the sooner you take them the better. Taking them from an early age will also get your child accustomed to going to the dentist and slowly rid any anxiety they may have about visits to the dentist.

Preparing Your Child For The Visit

Taking a child to the dentist isn’t an easy task. Especially, when it comes to toddlers. It may be hard to explain to them exactly where you are taking them or what is going on. Which results in them usually being fussy throughout the visit and possibly afterward also. However, you can be prepared at your end beforehand. Speak to a family dentist in Sterling Heights, MI and discuss with them what to expect. Be sure to take with you all your child’s medical record.

What Typically Happens During The First Visit at Sterling Heights, MI Dentist?

The first visit to the dentist is usually an introductory session in which Dr. Farhat will examine your child and gets acquainted with them. This allows your child to get comfortable with the environment. If the child is non-cooperative or too fussy then the dentist may recommend rescheduling the session. The last thing they want is for your child to associate their practice with the feeling of discomfort in any way.

The initial few visits are short, usually lasting 15-30 minutes. If your child is old enough to understand what is going on then visits can be smoother. You can discuss with them beforehand what is going to happen so they are more comfortable. Usually for toddlers, one of the parents is asked to hold the child while they are being examined.

Family dentists say that the first visit varies depending on the age of the child, but generally consists of:

A complete oral examination which includes the examination of teeth, gums, jaw, and oral tissues
If any plaque is present at the time then a gentle cleaning is performed to remove plaque and polish the teeth
An X-ray
A demonstration for the parents on how to properly brush their child’s teeth
An assessment of the amount of fluoride that the child may need

If you have any questions or concerns then you can ask the dentist at any point during the visit.

How Often Should My Child Visit The Dentist?

For both children and adults, it is recommended that they visit a dentist every 6 months. This will help them maintain a good oral hygiene regimen.

What Can I Do At Home For Good Oral Health Of My Child?

It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child gets the proper oral care when they are young. Since the child can’t take care of it by themselves. A parent should do the following:

After feeding, clean their gum with a soft, damp cloth.
As their teeth start to develop and come, make sure to brush them. You can find brushes designed for toddlers that use soft bristles. You can start brushing with just water at first and then consult a doctor as they turn 2 to see if you can use toothpaste or not.
The action of sucking tends to lead to misalignment of the teeth and can even cause decay especially if your child is constantly sucking on a baby bottle. It is recommended that you closely monitor your child and don’t allow them to excessively suck on bottles and pacifiers. Also, don’t give them any bottles to drink from as they are going to sleep at any point of the day.
It is important to brush their teeth at night, as the flow of saliva is high at that time of the day. If not cleaned there is a higher chance that the child may develop a cavity in their teeth.
Brush with your child, the best way to show them the importance of brushing their teeth is to do it with them.