Dental blog | Dental 1 Care a Sterling Heights MI Dentist

Tips for Healing After a Root Canal

November 27, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

After a root canal procedure is complete, your dentist will likely send you home with guidelines to follow for pain management and how to care for your tooth post-surgery until a follow-up appointment has been scheduled. Following the instructions given by your dentist is very important, especially in the case of temporary fillings or crown placements.

The medication to numb your mouth during the procedure will eventually wear off. As this happens, you may feel tenderness in that specific area, which might last for a couple of days. Since during the procedure, your mouth had to stay open for an extended period of time, some mild soreness will most likely follow.

Over-the-counter medication usually takes care of these symptoms. However, there is a possibility that your dentist might prescribe something stronger, like a strong narcotic medication. If this the case, then you have to follow the instructions as narcotics can make you drowsy carefully. You should take precautions when taking these, like not taking them while driving a car or using heavy machinery.

Problematic Symptoms Post Root Canal Therapy

Though you are feeling a slightly different sensation in your treated tooth compared to the other teeth for some time, you should contact your dentist immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

. Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth

. An allergic reaction to the prescribed medication (rash, hives or itching)

. Severe pain or pressure on the teeth lasting more than a few days

. Your bite feels uneven

. Symptoms you experienced before treatment return

. The crown or filling comes out if there was any.

Tips for Healing After a Root Canal

After the procedure has been completed, you must wait until the numbness passes before eating so you do not bite your tongue or cheek accidentally. You must also try to avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until it has fully recovered to avoid damaging it. To clean it properly and avoid infection, you must brush and floss daily.

Once the root canal and follow up inspections are complete, you will need to return to your dentist for a final crown to fully restore the tooth. It is necessary to schedule this appointment as soon as the dentist finishes working on your tooth. A properly treated tooth and restored tooth can last just as long as the other teeth. That is why choosing the best dentist is very crucial. If you live anywhere near Sterling, MI, you should consider visiting Dental One Care. Our team of medical experts includes dentists who are highly qualified and experienced to make sure the whole process of the root canal goes as smoothly as possible and that the client is satisfied because there is nothing more valuable to us than client satisfaction.

Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?

November 27, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

If you have kids at home, then you know that accidents happen! Dental emergencies can occur and cost your little one a tooth long before the permanent tooth grows in. When such a premature loss of a tooth occurs, dentists in Sterling Heights MI may recommend a space maintainer. In this article, you’ll discover if your child needs a space maintainer and why the orthodontic experts at Dental One Care may recommend one.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a custom-made dental appliance made from acrylic. Your orthodontist in Sterling Heights may make a removable or a permanent space maintainer for your child. Fixed dental space maintainers fall into several categories, such as the crown and loop, the distal shoe, unilateral, and the lingual space maintainers. The orthodontics professional at Dental One Care will discuss these different types with you during your consultation if your child ever loses their baby teeth prematurely and a space maintainer is deemed necessary.

Why Is a Space Maintainer Necessary?

Primary/baby teeth play an important role during the development of your child’s jawbone. They are also vital in how your child speaks, the child’s social skills and the overall alignment of their smile.

When the experts at Dental One Care give your child a space maintainer after that child has lost a primary tooth, the maintainer helps all those functional and developmental issues proceed without impediment.

Without this space maintainer, Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist at Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills CA, explains that the remaining teeth could move to cover the existing gap. The jawbone in the area of the gap could also fail to grow normally since there is no stimulation in that area.

How Do I Know My Child Needs This Device?

Each situation or patient is different. So, the best way to know whether your child needs a space maintainer is by visiting Dental One Care. The Sterling Heights orthodontist will assess your child and make the best recommendation based on the unique circumstances observed. For example, some kids who lose baby teeth around the time when permanent teeth have started growing may not need a space retainer since the permanent tooth will soon emerge and occupy the space.

How Space Maintainers Work

As already mentioned, space maintainers are usually made from acrylic (plastic) or sometimes metal. The appliance can be anchored to the nearby teeth either temporarily or permanently. So, the space left by the lost baby tooth remains.

If a space maintainer isn’t occupying this space, other teeth will shift and occupy that space. This will, cause other problems, such as misalignment of the remaining teeth and the permanent teeth could be impacted when they finally emerge.

Your child will have to be monitored at Dental One Care so that when the permanent tooth emerges or starts emerging, the space maintainer is removed by the orthodontist.

Dental x-rays are necessary to keep tabs on the development of permanent teeth in your child having a space maintainer. Our orthodontists use these captured images to determine the most appropriate time to remove the space maintainer.

Taking Care of a Space Maintainer

It’ll take a few days to get used to the space maintainer in their mouth. Support your child during this adjustment period until the child is no longer conscious that the device is even there.

During the time that the space maintainer is in place, watch what your child eats. Avoid giving him or her chewy foods, candy, and gum since these may damage the space maintainer.

It is also important to pay added attention to oral hygiene while your kid has a space maintainer. The area around the space maintainer is particularly susceptible to the formation of plaque. So, proper brushing and flossing are vital. Follow the cleaning instructions given to you by the orthodontist at Dental One Care.

You should also instruct your child not to use his or her fingers to push or tug at the space maintainer since doing so can damage the appliance or loosen it.

The experts at Dental One Care have extensive experience in orthodontic care around Sterling Heights, MI. If you have questions about orthodontic treatment, contact us at Dental One Care today.

Why Do I Need an Orthodontist?

November 21, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful smile, then you have your orthodontist to thank. Orthodontic treatment is a complicated process. It involves changing the facial, jawbones, and soft tissue as the teeth have to be moved into their new positions. Orthodontists go through several orthodontic programs and courses in a period of two to three years so that they can help they can create beautiful smiles for their patients. It is important that patients see their orthodontists regularly because the very foundations of their mouths are at stake.

About Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment does not show instant results. The process starts with the examination of your teeth and mouth, and the study of dental records, like X-rays and photos of your teeth.

From the information gathered in these examinations, the orthodontist develops a custom treatment plan. The details of the plan will be shared with you, details will include how long it will last and steps to be taken as a patient, such as scheduling appointments with the orthodontist regularly to ensure the effectiveness of the process.

A Few Orthodontic Treatment Tips

Our friend, Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist in Sacramento, CA, emphasizes the importance of maintaining regular appointments. If regular visits are made, then the orthodontist will be able to identify and deal with possible complications that come with the treatment, if there are any. Appointments are usually scheduled every several weeks to access tooth movement and oral health.

By working together with your orthodontist, the treatment can promise life-changing results. Once you’ve completed your orthodontic treatment, you will feel more confident showing off your smile.

To make sure you achieve your dental goals, you would need to take care of what you are eating and drinking. It is best to avoid sugary drinks like sodas, sweet tea, and energy drinks. It is also important to take care of the brushing and flossing of your teeth as instructed by your orthodontist. Once you start to see the results, you will realize that all the sacrifices and efforts were worth it.

Our team of orthodontists includes professionals who are one of the best in Sterling Heights, MI. When you decide to choose Dental One Care for your orthodontic treatment, you can be assured that your smile is safe with us.

Causes and Solutions for Jaw Pain

November 21, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Many adults experience chronic jaw pain. Some of the commonly known symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, headaches or pain when biting. Several things can cause facial pain when biting making it even harder to diagnose and treat. A detailed examination conducted by your Sterling Heights dentist can help determine the cause of the pain. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat discusses some of the causes and solutions for jaw pain.

Possible Causes of Jaw Pain or Facial Pain

Sinus problems
Infections
Arthritis
Toothache
Injury
Tooth grinding
Periodontal disease
Problems with your jaw or the temporary temporomandibular joint.

Treatment Plan for TMJ

Your dentist in Sterling Heights will set up a treatment plan. This will depend on the origin of your facial pain. However, recommendations could include:

Muscle relaxants
Exercises
Mouth protector
Antibiotics
Root canal therapy
Periodontal treatment
Extraction

It is recommended that you consult your dentist or physician for diagnosis or treatment if you are suffering from any jaw or facial pain.

So, to have the peace of mind that the dentist you are consulting is the best in his or her field you should visit Dental One Care, located in Sterling, MI. Our team of medical professionals contains dentists who have completed their education from the best medical universities in the country and other than that, they have taken several medical courses. If you decide to choose a dentist from our medical team, you would no longer need to worry about any of your dental problems as your dentist will be fully equipped to handle your situation by combining experience and skills to satisfy his patients.

Tips For Healing After a Root Canal

November 13, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

The medication used to numb your mouth during the procedure will eventually wear off. As this happens, you may feel tenderness in that specific area, which might last for a couple of days. Since during the procedure your mouth had to stay open for an extended period of time, some mild soreness will most likely follow.

Over-the-counter medication usually takes care of these symptoms. However, there is a possibility that your dentist might prescribe something stronger, like a strong narcotic medication as well. If this the case, you have to carefully follow the instructions as narcotics can make you drowsy. You should take necessary precautions when taking these, like not taking them while driving a car or using heavy machinery.

Problematic Symptoms

You should contact your dentist immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

. Visible swelling inside or outside your mouth

. An allergic reaction to the prescribed medication (rash, hives or itching)

. Severe pain or pressure on the teeth lasting more than a few days

. Your bite feels uneven

. Symptoms you experienced before treatment return

. The crown or filling comes out if there was any.

After the procedure has been completed you must wait until the numbness passes before eating so that you do not bite your tongue or cheek accidentally. You must also avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until it has fully recovered to avoid damaging it. To clean it properly and avoid infection, you must brush and floss daily.

Once the root canal and follow up inspections are complete you will need to return to your dentist for a final crown to fully restore the tooth. It is necessary to schedule this appointment as soon as the dentist finishes working on your tooth. A properly treated tooth and restored tooth can last just as long as the other teeth. That is why choosing the best dentist is very crucial. If you live anywhere near Sterling, MI, you should consider visiting Dental One Care. Our team of medical experts includes dentists who are highly qualified and experienced to make sure the whole process of the root canal goes as smoothly as possible and that the client is satisfied because there is nothing more valuable to us than client satisfaction.

Measures to Take When Your Crown Falls Out

November 7, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

Temporary dental crowns aren’t designed to last long since they are only needed for a week or two. Since temporary crowns aren’t made from very strong materials, it is possible for them to fall out prematurely. If your temporary crown ever pops out, our team at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights recommends the following.

Remove The Temporary Crown Completely

You risk swallowing the crown or aspirating it into your lungs if it is partially dislodged and you keep it in your mouth while you eat or speak. The first step that Dr. Christopher Green, an emergency dentist in Parker, CO, recommends is that you take out the temporary crown from your mouth. Removing it also prevents the germs that are on that crown from spreading to any damaged tissues at the site of the dislodged temporary crown.

Rinse Your Mouth

It is possible that the detached temporary crown may have left shards in your mouth. For this reason, the experts at Dental One Care recommend that you rinse your mouth so that you remove those shards if they are present.

Examine Your Tooth

If you can, look at the tooth from which the temporary crown has popped. See if you can locate any areas of the tooth that are damaged. If you can’t inspect it visually, you can gently run your tongue over the surface of the tooth. If there are jagged edges, make a mental note of the location of those sharp or jagged edges. This information will be vital in the next step that your Sterling Heights dentists recommend that you take.

Contact Your Sterling Heights Dentist

After examining your tooth, contact us immediately and explain your dental emergency to your Sterling Heights dentist. If you noticed jagged edges when you examined your tooth, let the dentist know. Dr. Fardi Farhat will get you in ASAP so he can fix the temporary crown before further damage occurs.

Clean the Dental Crown

After talking to an emergency dentist, proceed to the step of cleaning the popped temporary crown. Use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the crown. While at it, you should also ensure that you clean the place in your mouth from where the temporary crown popped out of.

While You Wait to See Dr. Farhat

Depending on the specific instructions that you were given when you called Dental One Care, you may need to reattach the temporary crown. This step is necessary because the preparations done on your tooth to get it ready for the permanent crown need to be protected from being compromised. Additionally, the tooth is weaker because of the enamel that was removed, so having the temporary crown in place shields that tooth from damage. To put it back, buy over-the-counter dental cream and first place the crown on the tooth to confirm that you have got the position of the crown right. You can then follow the usage instructions provided on the package of the dental cream to reattach the crown.

Gently bite down on the crown to be sure that you placed it back correctly. If it feels strange or uncomfortable, then you may have positioned it incorrectly.

Why Do Temporary Crowns Fall Out?

Sterling Heights dentists explain that temporary crowns can fall out for a variety of reasons that are connected to either the underlying tooth or the temporary crown itself. The retention of the temporary crown largely depends on the integrity of the tooth structure surrounding the crown. Dr. Fardi Farhat specifically singles out heavy teeth grinding, trauma and tooth decay as the most common reasons why temporary and permanent crowns will pop out.

If none of those factors are found responsible for the falling out of your temporary crown, then the adhesive used to attach that crown could have failed and left the temporary crown loose.

When you call Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat, he will assess the popped out temporary crown and determine if it can be repaired and reattached or a replacement one needs to be made. Follow all the temporary crown care instructions that our experts give you and you will have no problem until it is time to get the permanent crown.

Osteoporosis and Oral Health

November 5, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

Osteoporosis refers to a medical condition characterized by the brittleness of bones due to loss of bone density. The older one gets, the higher their risk of suffering from this condition. Research shows that dental x-rays are effective in identifying people with low bone density, which is one of the signs of osteoporosis. Since the majority of people visit their dentist more often than they see their doctor, your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may be in the best position to spot the possibility that you could be suffering from osteoporosis. For those who already know that they have this condition, there are many implications for your oral health.

Notify Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you are taking any medication for osteoporosis, inform our team at Dental One Care. This is vital because some of those drugs that you are taking could affect your dental health.

For example, the medicines that are given to strengthen bones (drugs called antiresorptive agents) have been linked to a rare complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition causes serious damage to the jaw and the jaw plays an important role in keeping your teeth firm.

Some antiresorptive agents are given to cancer patients to combat the tendency of high amounts of calcium to float in their blood. The more of these medications that you take, the higher your risk of developing dental problems.

How Antiresorptive Agents Affect Dental Treatment

The vast majority of patients who have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are cancer patients that have received repeat doses of antiresorptive agents. Only 10 percent of people develop ONJ while taking low doses of antiresorptive agents as a treatment for osteoporosis, so you can see how important it is for you to inform your Sterling Heights dentist if you have cancer, osteoporosis or any other condition for which you are taking antiresorptive agents.

If your doctor recommends antiresorptive agents as part of your treatment, let your dentist know. Have this discussion with an expert at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights as soon as you can after starting the treatment so that an appropriate plan can be made to maintain your dental health during your treatment.

Keep Visiting Your Dentist

Under normal circumstances, it isn’t necessary to put off undergoing dental treatment while on antiresorptive agents. The odds of getting ONJ are very low. However, leaving a dental condition untreated poses a bigger risk of serious complications. Dental One Care experts recommend that anyone undergoing cancer treatment using antiresorptive agents should postpone undergoing any invasive dental procedure, such as dental implant surgery.

If there is a chance, talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights before you begin taking antiresorptive agents as a treatment for cancer. Your dentist will examine you and treat any dental disease that you have before you commence cancer therapy.

In the same vein, it is advisable that you tell your doctor or oncologist if you recently underwent any dental treatment. They will assess the situation and design an appropriate treatment plan that will give you the best outcomes.

Symptoms of ONJ

There are many signs and symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). These include the following;

Infection, swelling or pain in the jaw or gum.
Recently treated or injured gums that aren’t healing as expected.
Loose teeth.
A feeling of heaviness or numbness of the jaw.
Exposed bone tissue.

When you observe any of those signs or any others, contact us at Dental One Care immediately. One of our experts will examine you and make an appropriate diagnosis or refer you to another specialist to start osteoporosis treatment.

As you can see, osteoporosis is a condition that can have serious implications for your dental health. It is therefore important for you to do everything possible to prevent this condition from developing. Our friend, Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, states that preventive measures include having a balanced diet (rich in vitamin D and calcium), exercising regularly, quitting smoking and consuming alcohol in moderation.

For more information on how your dental health can be safeguarded if you have osteoporosis, contact Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. We shall partner with you on your journey to maintain peak dental health.

Do I Need a Root Canal?

October 26, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

If your Sterling Heights dentist told you that you need to undergo root canal therapy, you’ll need to read this article so that you can make a more informed decision. Keep in mind that Dr. Fardi Farhat is always available to offer this second opinion and discuss the treatment options available.

Does a Root Canal Save the Tooth?

The experts at Dental One Care can only recommend a root canal if your tooth is infected, and it is either dead or dying. In this case, the procedure is geared at preserving that dead tooth so that you can continue using it to eat and speak normally. A dead tooth is already dead, so it cannot be saved.

Otherwise, if the dead tooth is extracted, the gap left can result in bone resorption and difficulty in eating and speaking until you replace the missing tooth with an implant or any other restoration.

How Dentists Determine the Necessity of a Root Canal

Determining whether a tooth is dead or dying and if a root canal is in order isn’t a clear cut process. The experience and skill of the dentist assessing you matters, because infected teeth could recover if the infection is caught early. The following considerations can help the Sterling Heights dentist make a determination about the necessity of a root canal.

Lingering Pain. Pain can be described as either lingering or non-lingering. Either of these types has implications regarding the necessity of a root canal. For instance, pain that goes away soon after the stimulus is removed (for example when you stop sipping on a hot beverage) is non-lingering pain because it goes away once the cause is removed. Such pain could indicate that the pulp inside your tooth is still alive and can recover from the infection, so a root canal may not be necessary. However, pain that lasts long after the stimulus is removed is called lingering pain, and it suggests that the infection is so advanced that there is no chance that the pulp will recover. In this situation, a root canal is necessary.

Positional Pain. Dr. Fardi Farhat will also pose several questions to you in order to ascertain whether the tooth pain you feel worsens when your body is in certain positions. For instance, does the pain begin or get worse when you lie down? If you experience worse pain when you bend or lie down, you may have a tooth abscess and the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may recommend a root canal since the tooth could already be dead.

Spontaneous Pain. Our dental care professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights will also need to know whether the tooth pain that you feel starts spontaneously or only when a stimulus, such as cold drink, triggers it. Tooth pain that just occurs out of the blue when you aren’t doing anything to trigger it leads us to believe the tooth is dead. In contrast, if the pain only comes when a stimulus is present, that could point to the possibility that the pulp can recover from the infection. A root canal is a possibility for spontaneous pain, but the procedure may not be required if the pain only comes when the tooth is stimulated by something hot or cold.

Referred Pain. Referred pain is pain that originates in one part of the body and is manifested in another part of the body. For example, the pain from an abscessed tooth can trigger a headache or an earache. Dr. Fardi Farhat skillfully questions patients in order to tease out information about any referred pain. If this type of pain is discovered, you may need a root canal because referred pain is an indicator of a tooth abscess.

Our dentists in Sterling Heights will assess the information gathered on the issues above, and then decide whether a root canal is called for or another treatment option will suffice.

Why Root Canals Aren’t 100% Clean

Basically, a root canal procedure involves cutting an opening at the top of a dead or dying tooth and then inserting instruments to clean out all the infected pulpal tissue from the tooth canals. The void left is then disinfected and sealed to prevent bacterial intrusion.

However, Dr. Fardi Farhat explains that things don’t always work out as planned because each tooth has multiple canals that intercross. Consequently, it can be hard to do a perfect job of removing all the infected tissues, so there is a chance that the root canal could fail and pain may develop later.

This possibility is the reason why you should ask your dentist about the likelihood of success with a root canal, and if there is a chance that the procedure will fail, then you could consider getting a dental implant immediately instead of taking chances with a root canal that has a small chance of working.

Some Things to Keep In Mind

Many times, a dentist will recommend that you undergo a root canal when you come in with intense pain from a tooth infection.

In most cases, the pain will drive you to accept any solution recommended by your dentist, but Dr. Fardi Farhat suggests that this is the time to go slow and be sure that a root canal is the best option. For example, the infection may not be so severe that the tooth cannot survive, in which case a root canal may not be justifiable. On the contrary, the tooth may be so severely decayed that extracting it may be the most feasible solution. We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky, about root canal therapy. Dr. Neda said that every person is different. So, you may need a root canal or you might not. The best way you can find out is by asking your doctor before things get worse.

Ask Your Sterling Heights Dentist

Undergoing a root canal is definitely something you should think about. It is helpful for you to ask as many questions as possible so that you are sure that the best alternative in the circumstances is to undergo a root canal procedure. If you have some doubts, contact Dental One Care, and Dr. Fardi Farhat will be more than glad to give you a second opinion about the status of your tooth.

While talking to Dr. Fardi Farhat about your concerns, remember to ask about what you should expect before, during, and after the root canal procedure. Dr. Farhart will give you all the information that you need so that the procedure is successful. Now knowing this information, don’t delay undergoing the procedure at Dental One Care because any delay could allow the infection to spread and affect not just the nearby teeth but also other organs in the body, such as your heart.

National Orthodontic Month

October 23, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

October is National Orthodontic Health Month! Dr. Fardi Farhat has been helping his patients for more than 15 years in Sterling, MI. He reminds his patients to approach Halloween treats with caution because they are harmful to your teeth.

Halloween Candy You Should Avoid

Dr. Fardi encourages patients to stay away from the types of foods that are sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy. Some examples of these are hard-shelled peanut candies, licorice sticks, gummy candies, caramel-filled candies, popcorn, peanuts, and hard candy. Whether you are undergoing dental treatment or not, Dr. Fardi always says no one should chew ice.

However, it is still possible to enjoy some traditional Halloween candies without causing problems for your teeth. Since it is mostly children who enjoy Halloween candy, parents are asked to remind them of potential cavities. Be sure to check if they brushed and flossed their teeth. Otherwise, there will be consequences. If you have braces, you are allowed to consume soft, nut-free candies, soft candy bars, peppermint patties, or chocolates that dissolve in the mouth.

Why Your Oral Health Care Routine Is Important

Our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, emphasizes the fact that dental patients should always brush their teeth after meals, snacks, and especially after consuming Halloween candies. The duration of the treatment for patients who are wearing braces or clear aligners can increase if they consume “off-limit” foods or snacks. Dental One Care observes National Orthodontic Health Month every October. Dentists throughout the country work to increase public awareness of the positive impact that dental care can have on both long-term dental health and self-esteem. Their efforts are intensified in this month because of its significance.

What is Gum Disease?

October 17, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Gum disease is an infection that affects the tissues that support and surround your teeth. This condition is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease is normally painless, so many people have gum disease but don’t realize it. Another name for gum disease is periodontal disease. In this article, the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights answer your question: what is gum disease?

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Gums That Bleed Easily. Are you one of those people whose gums bleed when you brush, floss, or even when you bite into crunchy food? These are all signs that suggest early stages of gum disease.
Tender, Swollen and Red Gums. These are signs of inflammation, and inflammation is the body’s way of dealing with an infection. You should therefore visit Dental One Care for a professional evaluation as soon as you notice these signs.
Large Gingival Pockets. Gingival pockets are the tiny gaps between your teeth and gums. If these gaps become large, that is a sign that you could be suffering from gum disease.
A Persistent Bad Taste in the Mouth or Bad Breath. You could be suffering from gum disease if you have bad breath despite all your efforts to maintain oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once each day. Gum disease can also leave a bad taste in your mouth, so consult our team in Sterling Heights dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Loose or Separating Teeth. As mentioned earlier, gum disease affects the tissues around the teeth. As the disease progresses, the support provided to the teeth will reduce and your teeth will start becoming loose in their sockets.
Changes to Your Bite. If your teeth no longer meet properly as you eat, that could be a sign that gum disease has affected the alignment of your teeth. By the time this happens, the condition may have progressed and you need to visit Dental One Care urgently so that your natural teeth can be saved, if possible.

Factors That Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease

Poor Oral Hygiene. When you aren’t diligent about maintaining oral hygiene through brushing and flossing as recommended by the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, you increase your risk of developing gum disease because plaque will form more rapidly on your teeth.
Using Tobacco. People who smoke or chew tobacco stand a high chance of getting gum disease. This is because these tobacco products interfere with the process of saliva production, leading to oral bacteria thriving in your mouth and causing gum disease.
Crooked Teeth. If you have crooked teeth, you may find it difficult to clean all surfaces of those teeth and that can give gum disease a chance to develop.
Pregnancy. The hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy increase the likelihood that a woman will develop gum disease. Dentists in Sterling Heights recommend that pregnant women be extra vigilant in taking care of their oral health to avert gum disease.
Diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing gum disease. This may be because the elevated blood sugar levels limit the ability of the immune system to respond quickly when gum disease sets in.
Medications. Some medications, such as oral contraceptives, cancer treatments and some epilepsy drugs have been associated with a higher risk of gum disease. It is therefore prudent for you to alert your Sterling Heights dentist about any medication that you are taking so that the right precautions can be taken to safeguard you from gum disease.
Gum disease usually manifests through three different stages. The first stage is called gingivitis. This stage of the disease is easily reversible if you go to Dental One Care for professional teeth cleaning services and you then become more vigilant about brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Gingivitis is characterized by bleeding gums that are swollen and red.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

The second stage of gum disease is called moderate periodontal disease. At this time, the gingival pockets get bigger and the characteristics of gingivitis get more pronounced. During this stage, some people develop bad breath as well. The professionals at Dental one Care can treat this stage of the disease through root planing and scaling. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to tame the infection and prevent it from spreading.

We asked our friends at Surfside Kids Dental, a pediatric dentist in Elk Grove, about gum diesase. They said that if moderate periodontal disease isn’t treated, it will progress and become advanced periodontal disease. At this time, your teeth may be noticeably loose. You may also find it hard to eat using the side of the most affected teeth. At this point, the treatment options available will depend on how far the disease has progressed. So, get to a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI as soon as possible.

The best way to prevent gum disease is by following an oral health routine. First, do your part in taking care of your oral health at home by brushing two times each day and flossing once a day. Secondly, visit Dental One Care every six months for a dental checkup and a professional cleaning of your teeth. Those dental visits will also help our professionals to detect any developing problems early so that timely treatment can be administered. In this way, you will retain your perfect smile for many decades to come!