Dental blog | Dental 1 Care a Sterling Heights MI Dentist

When Can I Eat After a Tooth Filling?

September 4, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When Can I Eat After a Tooth Filling?

Tooth fillings are generally not welcomed with open arms by patients once their dentist makes such a recommendation.

Aside from the seemingly primal fear of the sound of the dental drill, the pain expected once the anesthesia wears off makes people wonder if they can eat at all after the filling session is done.

So if you’re wont to ask: “When can I eat after a filling?” Dr. Farhat, a trusted orthodontist in Sterling Heights, MI, has the following answer and tips to ensure minimal discomfort after getting a filling:

Tooth Filling Tips

The anesthetic administered prior to the filling procedure normally wears off after about one to three hours. Once this happens, you may start eating soft foods such as soup or porridge (nothing too sticky, though).
After the filling work is done, some discomfort, tooth sensitivity, and soreness may be experienced for a couple of hours, days or even weeks.
What you can eat after getting your teeth filled is dependent on the material used. Silver may require you to avoid hard foods and no direct chewing for up to 24 hours. Teeth with composite (white) fillings which harden right away can be used for chewing as soon as the anesthesia wears off. Softer filling material like amalgam may require you to wait longer before you can bite or chew on solid foods.
Take note of whether or not you feel the recently filled teeth hitting first when you bite, as this should not be the case. A quick visit to your dentist would be necessary.
Be sure to bite and chew gently, and try to avoid using the filled teeth for these right away.
Since cold air can trigger tooth sensitivity in some people, always make it a point to chew with your mouth closed to prevent tooth pain.
Our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, says to avoid getting any of your fillings dislodged because of food, try not to eat sticky food at first, and wait for the filling to completely set.
Extreme heat and cold can trigger tooth sensitivity, so choose to consume moderately warm or cool food items and beverages.
Lay off the sweets! Consuming sugary drinks and foods can lead to bacterial growth in the areas around the new filling.
Keep away from tough, hard food items like hard candies, nuts, and ice. Aside from possibly causing pain and discomfort, biting hard can dislodge any unset fillings.

With the above expert advice, you should know by now that getting tooth fillings do not equate to starving afterward. Additionally, pain management is quite possible if you follow your dentist’s instructions. So, happy filling!

How To Maintain Healthy Gums

August 29, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How To Maintain Healthy Gums

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, many make the mistake of focusing only on taking care of their teeth. But to have healthy teeth, you need to have healthy gums, too.

Aside from being the foundation of having healthy teeth, your gums also play an important role in your overall health. The condition of your gums impacts your cardiovascular system. Your gum health affects your bones as well.

As such, if you want to avoid developing cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases, it is important that you take care of your gums, too.

Taking Care of Your Gums

If you want to know how to maintain healthy gums, here are five useful tips for doing so:

Brush properly twice a day

Brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Make sure you brush 30 minutes after eating your meal. Ensure you brush for at least two minutes and that you cover all areas, especially the back teeth which are most susceptible to cavity formation.

Consider getting a battery-powered or electric toothbrush. They are more effective in reducing gingivitis and plaque more than a manual toothbrush.

Lastly, change your toothbrush or toothbrush heads every three to four months or when the bristles start to fray.

Floss once daily

Flossing will remove the food particles stuck in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach or get rid of.

However, always be careful when flossing. A dentist in Sterling Heights says that applying too much force can cause gum bleeding. A cut in the gums can also increase the risk of bacterial infection.

Stop smoking

Studies show that smoking is linked to the onset of gum disease. Tobacco also weakens the immune system which makes it more difficult to fight off a gum infection. Lastly, smoking makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they are damaged.

If you want to have healthy gums and better overall health, start by quitting smoking now.

Rinse with antiseptic mouthwash daily

Gargling with an antibacterial and anti-gingivitis mouthwash can help reduce plaque, remove bacteria from your mouth, and prevent gingivitis. Our friends in Shreveport, said rinsing with mouthwash also removes food debris from your mouth, thereby making it cleaner.

When choosing your mouthwash, pick one that is alcohol-free. Dr. Farhat explains that a mouthwash that contains alcohol can cause an initial burning sensation and leave an unpleasant taste and bouts of dryness in your mouth.

Get professional cleaning twice a year

There will be instances wherein brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are not enough to stop harmful bacteria from accumulating. A professional cleaning twice a year will remove plaque and tartar on your teeth and near the gum line. Because of this, your gums and teeth will be healthier.

Before your dentist cleans your teeth, he or she will also check the health of your gums. Your dentist will see if you have any gum disease and recommend the necessary steps to prevent it from worsening.

Visiting your Sterling Heights dentist regularly will help you keep periodontal diseases at bay and maintain healthy gums. If you want to be sure your gums are in peak health, schedule an appointment at Dental 1 Care as soon as possible.

Does Smoking Marijuana Lead To Gum Disease?

August 22, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Does Smoking Marijuana Lead To Gum Disease?

A survey conducted last year showed that around 78 million Americans smoke or have tried marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Although smoking weed is legal in some states and it has certain benefits including relief for chronic pain and muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis, frequent use and abuse can lead to different health issues. One of these is poor dental health. We spoke to our friends at Laurich Dentistry about this topic.

Frequent use of marijuana (especially for recreational purposes) can cause teeth stains, bad breath, cottonmouth (dry mouth), and mouth cancers. It can also cause gum disease.

But how does smoking marijuana lead to gum disease?

A study showed that both tobacco and recreational marijuana users are at risk of periodontal disease. Although there is still no clear evidence as to how weed specifically causes periodontitis, scientists speculate that the chemicals from the marijuana affect the immune system, the inflammation process, and bacterial flora in the mouth. This is similar to the effects of smoking on a person’s gum health.

It is also worth mentioning that marijuana usually has 430 to 460 different compounds in it – more than what a cigarette contains. This increases the risk of gum disease for frequent marijuana users.

Periodontitis can lead to serious dental issues such as:

Bleeding gums
Swollen or puffy gums
Receding gums
The development of space between teeth
Bad breath
Teeth sensitivity
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Loss of teeth

Gum Disease Prevention

If you smoke marijuana for recreational reasons, you can improve and maintain the good conditions of your gums by quitting. Once you do, you will see an improvement in gum health. You will also slow the painful wear on enamel which causes tooth sensitivity. Lastly, you will have better chances of retaining your natural teeth now and in the future.

You can get healthier gums and teeth by following the additional tips below:

Practice good oral hygiene habits every day. Brush at least twice daily and floss once a day.
Improve your diet. Boost your consumption of dairy, fresh vegetables and fruits, and foods rich in probiotics every day. These foods will fight off the effects of plaque acids on your teeth. They will also boost your immune system to help fight gum disease.
Drink plenty of water. A hydrated mouth is a healthy mouth.
Use an alcohol-free mouthwash with antibacterial properties.
Visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning.

If you use marijuana for medical purposes, consult with your Sterling Heights dentist on how you can minimize the effects of this drug on your oral health.

5 common myths about oral care

August 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

5 Common Myths And Misconceptions About Oral Care

Maintaining good dental health is as simple as brushing and flossing properly two to three times each day, along with scheduling professional dental cleanings. However, there are several misconceptions regarding oral health that came out over the years that may be leading you astray.

Here are 5 common myths and misconceptions about oral care that you must know.

1. If your teeth feel fine, you don’t have to visit your dentist.

If you are doing a good job taking care of your teeth at home, they will definitely feel fine. But regular checkups and cleanings every six months are also vital to ensure healthy teeth and gums.

Letting a dentist in Sterling Heights examine your teeth and gums on a regular basis will ensure that they are healthy, especially since gum disease is often symptomless. And if you have tooth decay, it is most cost-effective and easiest to treat it at its earliest stage. Remember that your checkup will also include an oral cancer screening.

2. Toothbrushes with hard bristles clean better.

Most people think that hard-bristled toothbrushes will clean better than those with soft bristles. But these brushes can be hard on your gums and enamel. So opt for soft-bristled toothbrushes to gently care for your teeth and gums.

Dr. Farhat further emphasized that you should look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance because these are deemed effective and safe by the American Dental Association.

3. You should not see your dentist when you’re pregnant.

Visiting your dentist while you’re pregnant is in fact highly recommended because pregnant women are most like to develop tooth decay and gum disease, and this can lead to complications.

Inform your dentist about your pregnancy so you’ll be provided with the care you need and so that the necessary precautions will be implemented to protect your unborn child.

4. Bleeding gums are normal.

We asked our friends in Shreveport for their thoughts on this myth. There is nothing normal about bleeding gums because this is a sign of gum disease. This means thatyou have not visited your dentist for a long time. A lot of hard deposits got stuck in your teeth, which makes your gums swell and bleed. Remember that when gum disease is left untreated, it can cause tooth loss.

5. Flossing is not necessary.

Even if you are brushing your teeth properly on regular basis, it only cleans 65% of your teeth. The other percentages are the surfaces that your toothbrush can’t reach and only a dental floss can clean those. Neglecting to floss will lead to cavities that only dental x-rays can detect. Thus, a Sterling Heights dentist recommends integrating daily flossing into your dental cleaning routine.

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.