Dental blog | Dental 1 Care a Sterling Heights MI Dentist

Closing Teeth Gap With Invisalign®

March 29, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

So who doesn’t want a perfect set of teeth? Unfortunately, though, not all of us are naturally gifted with a TV commercial-ready set of pearly whites. People who suffer from diastema or a tooth gap, for example, may feel extra self-conscious because the apparent imperfection of their teeth is too apparent to hide.

Good things there are ways to work around tooth gaps. There are braces, retainers and then there’s Invisalign®. While most people are already familiar with braces and retainers, many are still unsure about Invisalign®.

For more information about teeth gaps and Invisalign® as well as the advantages of going for one if you do have diastema, we’ve asked a Sterling Heights dentist to explain why closing teeth gap with Invisalign® makes good sense.

What causes people to have teeth gap?

There are various possible underlying causes as to why some people suffer from diastema or a tooth gap. The most common ones involve physiological or congenital birth conditions causes such as having teeth that are too small to fill the jaw bone. Some people are born with missing teeth or even an oversized labial frenum which leads to gaps in between teeth.

Acquired causes leading to tooth gaps include thumb sucking, an incorrect swallowing reflex (people who suffer from “tongue thrust”), and gum problems that can result in bone loss.

Closing Teeth Gap with Invisalign®

Just like braces, Invisalign® is designed to close gaps in between teeth. By using dental X-rays, images and some impressions, your dentist can create a precise 3D image to come up with an accurate configuration for your Invisalign® aligner trays.

While cost is always a factor, consider the following advantages that come with closing teeth gap with Invisalign®:

Clear, so they are virtually undetectable.

Removable so you don’t have to be concerned about getting food trapped in them while you eat.

Does not affect eating, which you can do relatively pain-free.

You do not suffer from sores, pain or discomfort, unlike in the case of braces.

Treatment time is significantly much shorter – about 6-18 months, depending on the patient’s case.

If you suffer from diastema, be sure to check with Dr. Farhat so he can give you a treatment plan.

Ways of Controlling Toothache Pain

March 27, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

We’ve all experienced some form of toothache pain. Whether it’s because of a broken tooth, a loose filling, a tooth infection, or worse, a tooth abscess, it’s something that is virtually intolerable and requires immediate relief.

To show you some methods of controlling toothache pain, we’ve consulted Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan. But wait, this advice is mainly for immediate pain relief and is not meant to take the place of getting a dental appointment as soon as possible, and having your dentist examine you to identify the root cause of your pain.

Hot Water + Salt

Mix one tablespoon of salt into a glass or mug of hot or warm water. Ensure the salt is dissolved before using the solution to rinse or gargle in your mouth.

How does this solution help alleviate the pain? It works by drawing out the fluids responsible for your toothache pain from the gums, thereby helping reduce the irritation and inflammation you are experiencing.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This type of vinegar has been known for its beneficial health effects, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar also makes it an effective antibiotic – killing bacteria that may be causing your toothache. To use apple cider vinegar, wet a piece of cotton or a cotton ball with the vinegar and gently press it on the affected tooth.

Ice or Cold Compress

An obvious method for numbing the pain you are experiencing, you may apply the ice or cold compress externally, on the affected area, or inside your mouth directly on the affected tooth.

Alcohol

A well-known antibacterial and antiseptic substance, you can use alcohol like vodka, whiskey, brandy or scotch as a mouth gargle that will also help numb you from the toothache pain. However, using alcohol, even for medical reasons, is prohibited for people below 21 years of age.

Various Types of Oil

Pain relief and inflammation are among the two things natural oils can alleviate. Unsurprisingly, you may also use them to help reduce your toothache pain. These therapeutic oils include sunflower oil, almond oil, tea tree oil, sesame oil, oregano oil, nutmeg oil and clove oil.

All you need to do is combine a little oil with water and use it to rinse your mouth. Alternatively, you can use a cotton ball to apply the oil directly to the affected area.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Easily accessible, you can directly use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth gargle or rinse. You may also opt to mix it with some water and use it the same way. Just make sure to spit it all out after gargling or rinsing.

A Final Word

There are other materials and methods you can use in controlling toothache pain such as peppermint, vanilla, almond and lemon extract, potatoes, certain leaves and roots, onions, cucumber, turmeric, citrus fruits and even acupressure!

However, be sure to visit Dr. Farhat as soon as the pain subsides so you can get the treatment you need.

Tooth Infection and Potential Complications

March 22, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Most people know that when there is swelling in a tissue or body part, it usually indicates an infection that the body is trying hard to manage and get rid of. So if you ever experience suffering from a dental abscess, you know what to do. Get to your dentist ASAP!

A dental abscess is a facial swelling that usually indicates where you have an infected tooth. It is quite painful and intolerable for most and may be accompanied by fever. And while you may gargle warm water with salt to slightly disinfect your mouth and place a wet tea bag on the affected tooth to alleviate pain, it’s not enough to make the pain go away permanently.

A tooth infection is not something to be taken lightly and should always involve the diagnosis of the infection and treatment recommendations of your dentist. To help us talk about tooth infection and potential complications, we’ve enlisted the expertise of a Sterling Heights dentist.

Signs of tooth infection

Aside from getting a dental abscess and fever, be on the lookout for the following symptoms of tooth infection:

Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks or temperatures in general
Swelling in the cheeks, face or neck area
Throbbing pain in your teeth that never seems to go away, and which seems to radiate to your jawbone, neck or ears
Difficulty or pain when biting or chewing
Warm, swollen and tender lymph nodes located in your neck or under the jaw area
The taste of bad-smelling, salty (and foul) fluid in your mouth possibly caused by the rupture of an abscess in your mouth

When these signs show you need to visit your dentist.

Complications of untreated tooth infections

If the fear of losing your tooth is not enough, then you should know that a tooth abscess, if left untreated, can worsen even if the fistula has ruptured. It can spread to the neck, jaw or rest of your head if the infection is not taken care of properly.

The bacteria will find their way around your bodily systems, and you become at risk for sepsis – an infection that spreads throughout the human body, and which can have fatal results. So do not ever attempt to “take care” of a tooth abscess on your own; go to your dentist right away.

How to prevent tooth infection

The best way to protect your teeth is pretty basic: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, avoid sugary food and drinks, have a tooth-friendly diet, and always keep your dental appointments.

Can the Dentist Save My Tooth?

March 20, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

So you’ve always enjoyed eating nuts — almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts and more. But, horror of horrors! One day, while biting into one particularly tough but delicious honey-coated almond, you hear a tiny cracking sound from your mouth and realize, oops! That’s not the almond; it’s your tooth.

You look in the mirror and check all your molars (at least, the ones you can clearly see), and here it is: A tiny crack in one of your tooth. You’ve always taken very good care of your teeth, and now this. The first question to haunt you, then, is “Can the dentist save my tooth?”

We’ve asked Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan, to help shed light on this and answer your troubling question.

Can my tooth be saved?

If the injury is minor and affects only the enamel (the hardened external layer of your teeth), it is usually referred to by dentists as a “craze line.” This type of tooth injury is pretty easy to manage. All your dentist has to do is buff or polish the affected tooth to ensure it appears normal, just like the others, and you can keep using it normally as well without any further treatments. You need to give your teeth extra TLC, of course.

But if the injury goes deeper than the enamel, it has to be treated to prevent it from getting infected and to not worsen the fracture. So your affected tooth will require some form of endodontic therapy and, depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist (or endodontist) can recommend a particular mode of treatment.

What procedures or treatments are required to save my tooth?

Some cases, the crack is still minor but also requires filling to ensure the injury doesn’t get any worse. Other types of tooth injury such as the following may require very specific treatments:

Fractured cusp

This usually happens when part of the chewing surface of the tooth breaks off. Since this rarely affects the pulp, your dentist may use a filling or dental crown to save your tooth.

Cracked tooth

When you have a cracked tooth, it implies the crack line has vertically extended below the chewing surface. If it has reached the tooth root, a root canal will be recommended. Additionally, the application of a crown to ensure the crack doesn’t get any worse. However, if the crack has reached that part below the gum line, treatment is no longer an option, so the dentist will have to perform a tooth extraction.

Split tooth

This type is usually the result of the progressive worsening of an untreated tooth crack whereby the fissure has extended vertically to the rest of the tooth, effectively splitting the tooth into two segments. In this case, saving the tooth may no longer be an option, and a tooth extraction would be recommended. However, if a portion of the tooth can still be saved, your dentist may recommend some form of endodontic therapy.

Vertical root fracture

These cracks start the opposite way and grow from the tooth root. Usually, a tooth extraction is recommended. However, your dentist determines that it is still possible to save a portion of your tooth.

Whatever type of injury your tooth is afflicted with, if you experience any type of tooth pain, just be sure to schedule an appointment get your teeth checked by Dr. Farhat.

How Long Does Invisalign Take?

March 13, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

If you are advised by a trustworthy Sterling Heights dentist to get an Invisalign treatment, it is crucial for you to ask, how long does Invisalign take?

Also, you should find out about the factors that could shorten or lengthen your treatment. This way, you know what to expect.

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, emphasizes that the length of time that you will need your Invisalign treatment will depend on several factors, such as how complex your specific case is and how often you will be wearing your aligners. But generally, teenagers may need to wear their aligners for a year while adults might be prescribed to wear it for up to two years.

Teenagers do not need to wear their aligners as long as adults do because their teeth are more responsive to the treatment and are easier to move. On the other hand, adults have less responsive jaws and teeth and suffer from more complex cases.

How to Shorten Your Invisalign Treatment

There are things you can do that could shorten your treatment duration. These include the following:

Following all instructions provided by your orthodontist
Informing your orthodontist when the aligners become cracked so a replacement will be prepared for you
Brushing out food particles or plaque
Deep cleaning the aligners weekly
Changing out your aligners on the proper date
Taking your aligners with you each time you travel

The shorter your treatment will be, the closer you are to getting the brilliant smile you want.

Things That Can Lengthen Your Treatment

There are also a few things that can lengthen your treatment time. These include not wearing your aligners for the prescribed 22 hours a day. Although you have to remove your aligners each time you eat and brush your teeth, you should always wear them at other times of the day.

Another factor that can lengthen your treatment is if you have a complex case. If your teeth must be moved or have a complicated tooth alignment, your treatment time will be longer than someone who just needs to move two or three teeth. Due to the fact that this dental treatment can’t move the teeth as significantly as metal braces can, dental conditions that can easily be solved by metal braces are challenging for Invisalign.

How soon your treatment is completed will greatly depend on how quickly you can move from one aligner to another. If you follow your dentist’s advice and properly take care of your aligners, these will be changed every two weeks. Remember that the aligners are used in tandem because they are designed to work efficiently in sequence.

Let’s Celebrate National Dentist Day!

March 6, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Having read the title may have caused you to do a double take – “National Dentist Day,” for real? Yes, there is such a thing as National Dentist Day, and guess what? It happens to fall on March 6.

So if you’re still wondering why there’s a day meant to celebrate the field of dentistry, and all the dentists in the world, wonder no more. After all, why would you even have your pearly whites intact without the expert help of a seasoned dentist?

The Roots of Dentistry

Scholars say that the incidence of tooth decay was quite low in pre-agricultural societies. But would you believe that just last year, it was discovered that Neanderthals practiced a form of dentistry using what can only be considered their own versions of dental tools?

There is also evidence about the Indus Valley Civilization practiced as early as 7000 BC!

Unearthed tools included bow drills which were hypothesized to have been operated by skilled bead craftsmen. Whatever tools, materials and methods these early dental experts used would have been “reliable and effective.”

These discoveries, among other things, all prove that human beings have always been concerned about their dental health. It’s no mystery, then, that at least one day in a year is devoted to the celebration of dentistry, and all the knowledge, expertise and care that people like you receive from their own dentist.

How to Celebrate National Dentist Day

Well, there really is nothing more important to your dentist than seeing how well you take care of your teeth. After all, it’s your dentist’s job to ensure you practice good oral hygiene.

Add extra sparkle to your teeth by getting a whitening treatment – just to show your dentist what a great job he or she has done through the years.

One thing you can do is set an appointment with your dentist on National Dentist Day this March 6. If you already have a tooth cleaning session scheduled, then be sure to keep it so you can also personally greet your dentist.

Flowers, a card, and a bottle of wine are all optional. You just need to turn up and be there to show your appreciation with a pearly white smile.

How Do Different Types Of Water Affect Your Teeth?

March 5, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

It is imperative for a person to maintain good dental health. Aside from seeing your dentist regularly, you must also know the different foods and beverages that can harm your teeth.

For instance, you surely already know that soda can cause dental problems. But did you know that not all types of water are good for your teeth?

Here is an overview of how different types of water affect your teeth.

Straight Tap Water

There are vitamins, minerals, and chemicals that are essential to tap water because they help maintain its quality and the health of those who consume it. Some tap water types also contain chlorine to kill bacteria and fluoride to enhance dental health.

If you are among those who don’t drink tap water thinking that it is contaminated or has negative health effects, think twice! Most cities and towns in the country are now offering tasty, safe tap water that will give you essential vitamins and minerals.

Filtered Tap Water

Most Americans are drinking filtered tap water. But using a filter, attaching it directly to the tap, or a pitcher filter is not always the best option because the filtration process removes important compounds like fluoride from the water.

But Dr. Farhat, a reputable Sterling Heights dentist, says that this depends on the filter you use. Make sure to choose the right one to ensure that you are getting the essential compounds from your tap water.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is the purest type of water because it lacks all vitamins, minerals, and chemicals. Although this is not harmful to your overall health, it is not great for your teeth, either. You need to do some extra work to protect your dental health if you drink distilled water. For instance, eat foods rich in fluoride or add it as a supplement. Otherwise, you are increasing your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Bottled Water

While bottled water is a food product by the Food and Drug Administration, the organization’s standards for such a product are not strict. Also, bottled water is highly susceptible to bacteria once the seal is broken, most especially when you allow it to get warm up to room temperature.

What’s more, most bottled water does not contain fluoride, so if you are drinking bottled water frequently, consider adding a fluoride as a dietary supplement. This way, you can keep up with your dental health while still consuming the type of water you want.

If you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, you must drink water that contains fluoride. Having good dental health is a multi-step process, and most people do not realize that choosing which water to drink is a crucial part of it. A dentist in Sterling Heights emphasizes that making informed decisions will help keep your body and mind at its peak performance.

5 Ways To Have Healthy Teeth While Living In A Sugar Culture

February 27, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

According to an article published by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the average American consumes 152 pounds of sugar in a year, or three pounds or six cups of every week. This is a clear (and alarming) indication that we are now living in a sugar culture.

Dr. Farhat explains that too much sugar is not only bad for your waistline; it is also harmful to your teeth. Whenever you eat sugary foods and drink sweet beverages, some of the sugars linger on your teeth. Dental plaque bacteria combine with these sugars, producing plaque acids that attack the enamel. When the enamel continues to lose minerals, a hole or cavity eventually forms.

If this cavity is not treated immediately, it can progress deeper into the tooth which will cause pain when the damage hits your nerves. It can also lead to tooth loss.

Avoiding the Unhealthy Effects of Sugar on Your Teeth

To minimize the harmful effects of sugar on your teeth, here are five helpful tips to follow:

Limit your sugar intake. If you want to reduce the chances of getting cavities, reduce your consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Some of the sweet foods you should avoid are candies (all types), dried fruits, cookies, cakes, muffins and other sugary and sticky snacks. Start limiting your consumption of sodas, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks as well.
Eat foods and drink beverages that will remineralize your tooth enamel. Cheese, unsweetened yogurt, low-fat milk and other healthy sugar-free foods and drinks are rich in calcium and phosphates. When you consume more of these products, your saliva will use these nutrients to strengthen and remineralize your teeth. Green and black tea also contain substances that can suppress harmful bacteria in your mouth. As such, consider drinking more tea instead of coffee.
Minimize snacking in between meals. Going a few hours without eating will give your saliva a chance to wash away the acid from your mouth. This will also help repair your teeth before your next meal. If you’re really hungry, eat some fresh crunchy vegetables and fruit such as broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, apples, and pears.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. Fluoride is a crucial mineral that prevents and even reverses tooth decay in its early stages. As such, when brushing, use fluoride toothpaste. Floss properly every day as well, preferably at night, to get rid of plaque, sugar and food debris or leftovers from your teeth.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with xylitol. Lastly, if you’re craving something really sweet, pop a xylitol gum or candy in your mouth. Eating xylitol frequently reduces the bacteria and acid in your mouth that damage your teeth.

Make sure you visit Dental One Care regularly as well. Routine checkups and dental cleanings can help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile even if you give in to your sweet cravings every now and then.

Scaling and Root Cleaning: All You Need to Know

February 21, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Not a lot of people are aware of it, but about 85% of the population suffers from some form of gum disease. Food debris stuck in the gum line helps harmful bacteria to proliferate and eventually lead to plaque buildup. This condition, if not properly treated, can lead to serious gum problems and even tooth loss.

Everything, of course, begins with good oral hygiene and some form of conscientiousness on your part. Examine your teeth and gums before or after brushing. Are your gums swollen, tender and red? Have you noticed that they have begun receding? Instead of trying some sort of self-treatment — or worse, ignoring these signs — it’s probably time to call Dental One Care.

Dr. Farhat talks about dental scaling and root cleaning (among other things), a highly effective method of getting rid of plaque so your gums get a new lease on life.

What’s the difference between plaque and tartar?

Plaque is a term used in the dental practice to refer to that sticky substance usually found along the gum line. It contains gum disease and cavity-causing bacteria. If plaque is not effectively removed, it can harden and turn into a calcified substance called “tartar” or “calculus.”

How does dental scaling and tooth cleaning figure in all this?

In order to get rid of plaque or tartar, whichever the case, it is important to immediately go to your dentist so he or she can give your teeth and especially the gums the kind of deep cleaning required to immediately address the problem.

If you are diagnosed to be suffering from periodontitis or gum disease, dental scaling, and root cleaning are absolutely necessary to ensure that the serious effects of tartar do not worsen and lead to tooth loss.

Why can’t patients with gum disease benefit from standard tooth cleaning?

Patients who want to maintain oral health can and do benefit from regular dental cleaning. The main thing about dental scaling is that even the areas below the gum line are given a thorough cleaning. This way, all the plaque, tartar and any food debris caught below the patient’s gum line are eliminated.

The patient may also be required to take an antibiotic to help the body fight the infection. After the treatment, the patient should see healthy and pink gums with no tartar buildup.

Does dental scaling hurt?

If you’re already familiar with tooth cleaning procedures, there’s no reason to feel nervous about scaling at all. During a scaling appointment, Dr. Farhat will administer local anesthesia, which is normally used to numb the gums and tooth roots, so the procedure should cause you only a little discomfort.

Dental scaling and root cleaning are complementary procedures, and they can be done together in one session. However, depending on the severity of the case, patients are sometimes advised to get a quadrant (1/4) or half of their mouth done per session.

Dental Implants vs. Bridges

February 19, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

There are different restorative solutions available to address missing teeth, but when it comes to durability and cost-effectiveness, the top two contenders are dental implants versus bridges.

If you’re aiming to figure out which restorative dental solution to get, here is a dental implants-vs-bridges comparison that you can work with.

Dental Bridges

They are quite affordable — definitely cheaper than dental implants.
They don’t require a lot of preparation. Surrounding teeth just need shape and size alteration to accommodate the bridge but other than that, there really is no other work required. Dental implants, meanwhile, are a long process and can take over a year to complete. Preparing for implants can take even longer especially if you have a chronic illness or if you have periodontal disease.
These can last you anywhere between seven and 15 years.
They are removable, so they could never feel like your real teeth.
Dental bridges can become loose over time. They can slip and move around, and this may cause you great discomfort especially when eating certain foods.
They can decrease jawbone quality and alter your facial structure.

Dental Implants

You need to save up for them because they are a complex procedure and require exceptional skills to successfully perform.
The entire implant procedure can take up to two years to complete. It involves several weeks purely for recovery and preparation for the next stage of the procedure.
The final outcome feels like you never lost your teeth in the first place. The teeth look and feel like original teeth. Plus, they function like your natural teeth.
You don’t have to worry about your implants coming loose.
It takes about 25 years before a refitting is required.
You don’t have to regularly purchase special adhesives to keep these in place.
They are easier to take care of because you can take care of your implants the same way you take care of your original teeth.
You can eat anything and not worry about the implants coming off.
You don’t get the sensitivity that a lot of people who wear bridges experience because implants feel like your own teeth and are rooted to your jawbone.

Now that you’ve compared dental implants versus bridges you can decide which is best for you. When it comes to oral health benefits, function, appearance, and feel, clearly, dental implants outperform dental bridges. However, when it comes to initial cost, dental bridges appear to be the better choice because they are much easier to accommodate in your budget.