Best and Worst Halloween Candy for Your Teeth

October 15, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

What would Halloween be like without all the festive treats? Halloween is great because of all the fun that comes with dressing up and filling up bags of candy with your friends. Of course, all that fun comes with a big risk of getting cavities. Our team at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, wants you to have as much fun as you can on this day without compromising your dental health. So, we have created the following guide to help you choose between the best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth.

Chocolate

Orthodontists in Sterling Heights have good news for all you chocolate lovers. Chocolate is one of the best candies to choose from because of its minimal adverse effects on your teeth. The reason why chocolate is a better choice is because of how soft it is. So, your teeth are unlikely to be damaged as you bite into it. Additionally, chocolate melts in your mouth and doesn’t stick on your teeth. When you choose chocolate, you’re less likely to get cavities compared to other candies.

As an additional tip, the experts at Dental One Care recommend that you pick dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate since dark chocolate contains less sugar than what is contained in milk chocolate. Don’t forget to brush and floss after eating these yummy treats!

Gummy and Sticky Candy

Here’s a rhym to remember: Be very picky if the candy before you is gummy or sticky. This is because gummy and sticky candy is one of the worst candies for your dental health, especially for people with braces. Sugar in these types of candy will stay on your teeth longer because. Therefore, you’re likely to get cavities. You won’t regret it if you mnimize your consumption of these sweets on Halloween.

Hard Candy

We asked our friend, Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about the best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth. Dr. Green says you should also steer clear of hard candy on Halloween because it poses several risks to your dental health. When you eat this candy, you take the risk of cracking or breaking your teeth. If you just started your orthodontic treatment, then you have to have even more caution because the wires and brackets of your braces are susceptible to damage due to the effect of this hard candy.

Sour Candy

You might think that sour candy is better for your teeth because it seems to contain less sugar than the other types of Halloween Candy. However, dentists in Sterling Heights, MI explain that sour candy is bad due to the acids that give it that sour taste. Those acids will damage your teeth and cause cavities, so you will be doing yourself a favor by staying away from these Halloween candies.

Sugarless Gum

This is another great treat to hand out on Halloween because bacteria cannot feed on the xylitol that is used to sweeten this gum. Sugar-free gum is also a good choice because it helps to clean out the residues of the other candy that one has eaten.

As Halloween approaches be mindful of the sugary treats you eat. Also, be sure to follow your oral dental care routine so that you keep the cavities away. Remember to brush and floss half an hour after eating any candy, and seek professional help at Dental One Care if anything is amiss with your dental health. Now that you’ve know the best and worst Halloween candy for your teeth, you can go into Halloween feeling more confident about your oral health. For questions about our dental services in Sterling Heights, MI, contact Dental One Care!

How Do I Know If My Filling Is Too High?

September 24, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Do you have the perfect bite even after your fillings? Well, If you may recall, your dentist may have asked you to bite down on paper post completion of the filling. This is primarily done because of the need to check if the teeth bite is together correctly. Our Sterling Heights dentist gradually adjusts wherever the filling is too high, making it the perfect bite and you the happiest client.

Dental Filling Adjustments at Dental One Care

Since the procedure of a filling involves numbness, it may be a tough task to give apt feedback on how high the filling actually is. In fact, we may just respond with contentment on how it is until we reach home and regain the feel, realizing it may actually need correction.

If this is the case, then you may find it worth your time to return to Dr. Fadi Farhart to have the necessary adjustments made. If you avoid a visit back, apart from an uneven bite, you may experience pain in the future. This is because our teeth are attached to bony sockets by ligaments and these tissues are sensitive to a change in the pressure.

Problems that a High Filling Can Cause

Our friend, Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, Colorado, explains that our periodontal ligaments may get struck by inflammation and tenderness as a consequence of a high filling. This happens in instances where we bite down too hard on a filling that is already too high, which adds more pressure causing tenderness and pain. Another issue that can surface with a filling that is too high is extensive pressure on another tooth. This may lead to that tooth cracking, and so, we may need a dental crown.

Misaligned bites can even cause issues with jaw joints leading them to become inflamed, painful, and tender.

How to Fix a Filling That is Too High

Our team at Dental One Care, in Sterling Heights, MI, would be more than happy to adjust a filling for you. This will take only a few moments to free you from the pain you may be experiencing. After the necessary adjustments are made, you will definitely feel more comfortable and confident in your bite.

However, in the case of inflamed periodontal ligaments, healing time may take a few days or up to a week for the swelling to come down. If the pain persists, schedule an appointment with Dr. Farhat as we would hate for any of our patients to face any sort of discomfort. The sooner your dental appointment is booked, the quicker our Dental One Care team, can cater to your dental needs. For questions about your filling or other dental services, please contact our office.

Ways to Prevent Cavities

August 26, 2019 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

While no one deliberately sets out to develop a cavity in their teeth, millions are diagnosed and treated for cavities each year. The problem is that some people seek help when the cavities have become very deep and caused additional dental problems, such as gum disease and dental abscesses. It is therefore apparent that the best course of action to take is to follow a preventive path so that you reduce your likelihood of damaging your teeth. Here are some measures that the dental professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights recommend to ward off cavities.

Regular Brushing

The easiest and arguably most effective way to prevent cavities is by brushing your teeth as recommended by Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. Brushing your teeth twice a day will prevent plaque from forming on the teeth. In turn, this will reduce the chance that oral bacteria will breed on and damage your teeth (resulting in cavities). To ensure that you never miss to brush your teeth, develop a habit of keeping a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush in your bag.

Use the Right Toothpaste

Look at the different types and brands of toothpaste offered at your local convenience store. To get the best toothpaste, narrow down your requirements to the basics. For example, look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride since fluoride has been documented to have cavity-fighting abilities. Secondly, check for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. Such a quality mark is an indicator that the toothpaste has been tested and was found to help maintain your dental health.

Floss Daily and Use Mouthwash

We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI, about ways to prevent cavities. Dr. Laurich says flossing daily and using mouthwash is just as important as brushing your teeth. Brushing your teeth may, on its own, not be sufficient to keep your teeth safe from cavities. This is because you may not reach all parts of your teeth as you brush. Those hard-to-reach areas of your teeth, such as within the space between two teeth. This is where using mouthwash and flossing comes in. Dental floss and mouthwash complement brushing beautifully because they clean where the toothbrush hasn’t reached. So, make sure that you use mouthwash daily, and also floss once each day to keep your teeth clean and free from cavities.

Don’t Miss Regular Dental Visits

Seeing a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI regularly is one of the ways through which you can prevent cavities. Generally speaking, it is advisable to see a dentist every six months for a dental cleaning, a checkup, and possibly dental polishing. However, Dr. Fardi Farhat hastens to add that the recommended interval between routine dental visits will be tweaked based on your specific circumstances. For instance, a person with a higher risk of cavities (someone suffering from dry mouth, for example) may be advised to visit a dentist once every three or four months. Visit Dental One Care you will stand a higher chance of preventing cavities or getting prompt treatment when cavities are discovered during a dental exam.

Consider Dental Sealants

You may not be aware of it, but the surface of your teeth isn’t exactly smooth. Teeth have tiny pores that can trap food particles and harbor bacteria. As this bacteria feeds, it secretes acids that corrode tooth surfaces and create cavities.

One way that dentists recommend to prevent cavities is by applying dental sealants to the teeth, so that food particles and bacteria are prevented from accessing the tiny holes on the teeth. When dental sealants are well cared for, they can work effectively for even ten years, and this added protection will shield you from cavities as well as preserve your teeth from discoloration.

Stay Hydrated

Taking enough water each day is good for your dental health in several ways. First, you will be able to produce enough saliva to keep your mouth free from the bacteria that can cause cavities. Secondly, as you take the water, any food particles and bacteria present in the oral cavity will be flushed down your stomach. Most municipalities add fluoride to the water supply, and this helps to kill oral bacteria while also strengthening the enamel on your teeth. In short, take as much water as you can and your overall health, including your dental health, will be better.

Keep Sugar-Free Gum Close

The experts at Dental One Care also recommend that you chew sugar-free gum if you like chewing gum. This gum will stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth and will also dislodge any food particles that may be stuck on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. The increased saliva production and the removal of food particles aids your fight in keeping cavities at bay.

Quit Smoking

Smoking interferes with the chemical balance in the mouth. This habit also makes it harder for blood to flow through the vessels in your gums. Meaning, that your defenses against cavity-causing bacteria are compromised. Smoking also predisposes people to different forms of cancer, such as oral cancer and lung cancer. Dentists in Sterling Heights reveal that when you stop smoking, you significantly reduce your chance of not only cavities but other dental health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and infections.

Adjust Your Diet

You can also prevent cavities by minimizing the amount of sugary foods and drinks that you consume. Dr. Fardi Farhat singles out fizzy drinks, cakes, fruit juice, alcohol, and other processed foods as examples of food items which will increase your risk of cavities.

You should increase your intake of dental-friendly food items like fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, unsweetened tea, and unsweetened coffee so that your body can get the nutrients that it needs to fight oral bacteria and keep your teeth strong.

You can never let your guard down during the fight against cavities because any mistake you make will set the cavity-forming process in motion. With Dental One Care as your ally in this fight, you can be sure that everything possible will be done to protect you against this threat. If you suspect that you have cavities, call Dr. Fardi Farhat today, and the dentist in Sterling Heights will provide the necessary treatment.

Ask the Dentist: Waterpik vs. Flossing

November 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Differences Between Waterpik and Flossing

A healthy smile is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. Yes, it looks good but ensuring you keep good oral hygiene is important so you don’t develop cavities or gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to heart problems so oral hygiene is vital for your overall health.

Most people think that just brushing their teeth gets the job done. While it is good practice to brush your teeth twice a day, the process doesn’t completely remove all food particles from the mouth. Food particles and plaque build up in the little gap between your teeth and under the gum, a brush isn’t enough to target these areas. That is why all dentists in Sterling Heights, MI and the American Dental Association recommend flossing every day.

When it comes to flossing, you have two options either use a floss or Waterpik. But how can you decide without knowing the pros and cons of each? We have you covered, we have the insights from Sterling Heights dentists that will help you choose which is a better option for you.

Waterpik vs Flossing, Which is Better for You?

Waterpik

Waterpik uses water to rid plaque and food particle between teeth and under the gum. Also, known as oral irrigators or dental water, the process uses pressurized water stream to get the job done.

Who is Waterpik recommended for?

Flossing may be hard if individuals:

have braces
have crowns
have bridgework done
have dental implants

Waterpik may also be recommended for those individuals with arthritis or anyone that finds it difficult to use a string floss.

Benefits of Waterpik

Waterpik makes it easier to reach tightly packed spaces between your teeth. Spaces where you may have trouble squeezing in a floss. Flosses are thin but at times a lot of effort is needed to squeeze them in tighter spaces which results in the application of a lot of force. Due to the force, the floss may be jammed into your gum and it starts to bleed. With a water pick, the stream of water can easily maneuver through the tight space and clean it.

The process is much easier than flossing. It may take a little time for you to fiddle with the settings and get that right but the application of Waterpik is easy. You just need to make sure that you clean all sides of each tooth with it and do it slowly. There are no risks to using Waterpik.

Disadvantages of Waterpik

While the process is easy to use, it may not be as effective at getting plaque out as compared to flossing. It can loosen plaque but the pressure isn’t enough to completely get the plaque out. That is why some use a floss to get rid of loosened plaque after using a Waterpik. The technology is also a lot more expensive than dental floss.

Flossing

Dental floss has been a practice to clean teeth since prehistoric times while it wasn’t patented until the 1870s. Floss was initially made out of silk until the second World War when nylon replaced silk. You can find floss pre-cut, long strands, flavored, and in different varieties.

Who is floss recommended for?

Floss is recommended for everyone, it should be a part of your daily oral hygiene.

Benefits of floss

Floss is a great way to target food particle, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth. It allows you to target the plaque and get rid of it before it turns into tartar. Using a floss gives you more control over the cleaning process. You can exert more force and maneuver the floss in the direction that you want to get the right angle for cleaning.

Disadvantages of floss

It may be difficult at times to reach areas that are too tightly packed with the floss. If you go too far down in your gum with the floss it can result in your gums bleeding. So you need to be careful and do the process slowly.

Once you are done flossing, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water to get any loose particle of plaque out.

When it comes to picking between the two, it all depends on which of the two you are more comfortable with. Many find it easier to just floss their teeth after they brush, it requires a bit more effort but you have complete control over the process. Dr. Dhoon at Greeley Dental Care agrees that floss is also more effective at getting rid of plaque. If you are too lazy to floss on your and need something easier to use then Waterpik is the next best option. Either way, one of the two should be a part of your oral hygiene regimen to ensure your smile stays healthy.

How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

September 13, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

One of the many questions people who are focused on maintaining good oral health always ask is “Do I have a cavity?”

Cavities are the leading causes of tooth loss; as such, it is important that you nip dental caries in the bud to prevent them from becoming full-blown dental problems.

A cavity can be reversed if tooth decay is discovered in its early stages. Tooth pain is often the most noticeable sign of decay, but it is not the only and first indication. There are other signs and symptoms that accompany the start of a cavity.

So how do I know if I have a cavity? Here are some other signs and symptoms you have to be aware of:

Black, brown, or gray spots on your teeth

A cavity eats its way into your tooth. Because of this, it creates a hole. However, this hole does not show up right away. You will first see a gray, brown, or black spot instead.

If you see a spot or stain with any of these colors that do not go away after brushing, you already have a bacterial problem working its way into your enamel. To avoid having a full-blown dental issue, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Tooth sensitivity

In addition to tooth pain, you will also often feel tooth sensitivity when you develop a cavity. This sensitivity manifests whenever you eat something hot, cold, sugary, or acidic. You may even feel an uncomfortable tingling on your teeth when you breathe in hot or cold air.

A Sterling Heights dentist says that your teeth become extra-sensitive because the bacteria make your tooth enamel weaker. The enamel protects the highly receptive nerves within a tooth. As that protective layer becomes thinner, the nerves receive more powerful signals.

If your tooth sensitivity is becoming more and more unbearable, visit your dentist immediately.

Bad breath

If you ignore any tooth decay, bacteria will proliferate in your tooth. This will lead to bad breath. When you notice that your breath still smells bad even if you brush your teeth and tongue regularly, schedule a checkup with your dentist.

Lingering bad taste in your mouth

Brushing and gargling with mouthwash will help you get rid of the bad taste in your mouth. But Shreveport’s dentist, Dr. Ben Kacos says that if you notice a chronic bad taste, have your teeth checked since this may be a sign that a cavity needs to be cleaned out and filled.

Cracked tooth

Although most cracked teeth are caused by accidents or really hard foods, they can also be triggered by cavities. Since cavities weaken your tooth enamel, your tooth becomes more vulnerable when you are chewing crunchy foods.

If you crack a tooth, schedule a dentist appointment immediately and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth until after your checkup.

Your dentist will also pinpoint cavities in your teeth that you do not notice or that have not shown any symptoms yet. It is, therefore, important that you visit your dentist twice a year even if you are not experiencing any dental problems.

7 Best and Worst Breakfast Foods for Your Teeth

May 24, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The food and drinks you consume will have a crucial role in keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Just like the different parts of your body, your teeth will require certain nutrients to thrive.

For instance, foods rich in vitamins A and D, calcium, fiber, and phosphorous will protect and strengthen your teeth. Also, those that require some crunching and generate saliva will help prevent decay and eliminate stains.

However, not all food and drinks can benefit your teeth. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist says that there are certain food products that are dangerous for your oral health because they promote tooth decay and erode teeth enamel.

Before deciding which food to prepare each morning, you must know what you should eat and avoid. Dr. Farhat shares some of the best and worst breakfast foods for your teeth.

Best Breakfast Foods

Yogurt

Yogurt is a tooth-friendly breakfast food because it is low in sugar. Also, it has healthy bacteria that maintain the right bacterial balance in your mouth.

Dairy Products

Milk and cheese are some of the best breakfast foods for your mouth because of the calcium they contain. Remember that calcium will prevent tooth decay.

What is unique about cheese is that it contains casein. This is a type of protein that repairs and strengthens tooth enamel.

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries and other berries contain minerals and nutrients the will benefit both your oral and overall health. These non-citrus fruits are also great for your metabolism. Since they are slow carbohydrates that gradually break down, they will keep you fuller longer. Don’t forget though that these fruits also contain sugar, so you have to brush soon afterward.

Fatty Fish

Fish like sardines and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also, they are full of vitamin D, which is essential in calcium absorption.

Worst Breakfast Foods

Cereal

Eating cereal early in the morning is probably the most common breakfast mistake people commit. Even the healthiest cereals contain plenty of sugar, causing cavities and late-morning energy crashes.

Pancakes and Waffles with Syrup

It is okay to occasionally indulge in foods with syrup. But this should not be a part of your morning routine. Instead, you must save waffles and pancakes for special occasions. Also, limit the amount of syrup. If not, skip the syrup and use sugar-free jam.

White Bread

White bread is awful for your teeth because it can stick into the crevices of your teeth. After chewing, the enzymes of the bread are converted to sugar, which can wreak more havoc on your oral health.

Eating foods that can damage your teeth is unavoidable. Thus, a dentist in Sterling Heights recommends visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and teeth cleaning.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

April 16, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Soda is an American favorite. Six in 10 kids and five in 10 adults consume sugary drinks every day. The childhood favorite and sometimes go-to adult drink, however, is getting expensive as cities impose a tax. As of 2017, six cities have collected soda tax, making a 12-pack Coke $2 pricier. Why the duty?

Bad for Your Health, Worse for Your Teeth

Cities aim to steer families away from unhealthy food and beverage choices, and it begins with getting them off sugary drinks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that soda is the leading source of added sugar in the American diet. There is a connection, it seems, between drinking soda and weight gain, heart disease, kidney disease, gout, and tooth decay and cavities.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

Every sip of a sugary drink starts a damaging reaction on your teeth that lasts for about 20 minutes. It makes sense given that soda contains more sugar than food; every 20 ounces of soda is the same as consuming 22 packets of sugar.

But it’s not just the sugar that destroys your teeth; the acid in soda can also damage the tooth enamel, reducing its surface hardness. A damaged enamel will mean more cavities.

Soda can also destroy the next layer, the dentin. Cavities develop quickly if you drink too much soda and even further if you have poor oral hygiene.

Manage the Damage

There are two things you can do to counteract the effects of soda: Stop or reduce your consumption and visit your Sterling Heights dentist regularly. It’s reasonable to think that you might not be able to instantly get rid of soda from your diet, especially if you’ve been used to drinking it.

You can start weaning off of the sugary drink by taking it in moderation. You can also sip through a straw and rinse your mouth after drinking. You’ll also want to avoid grabbing a can of soda off the fridge before you sleep.

Then make sure to go to your dental appointments. Your dentist in Sterling Heights may prescribe regular cleanings because this essential oral hygiene practice can prevent cavities. Dental cleaning also freshens your breath, keeping your mouth odor-free as well as healthy.

When you do drink soda, don’t brush right after; wait for 30 minutes before you brush. Brushing after drinking sugary drinks with their harmful acid will only weaken the tooth enamel.

Soda may taste delightful, especially on a hot day. And you may enjoy it less now what with the tax. But the experts, from dentists to the CDC, are clear. Soda consumption can damage your teeth through erosion and cavities. So think before you grab another can, and consider your oral health.

To learn more interesting facts about your oral health, visit our blog.

What Happens During A Teeth Cleaning?

April 11, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Most people are afraid of teeth cleanings because of the strange noises, prodding, and occasional jaw discomfort. But despite this, a teeth cleaning process is painless and simple.

Being aware of what happens during a teeth cleaning process will help ease your stress. Also, this will allow you to enjoy the results better.

Here’s is a step-by-step guide to the teeth cleaning process:

Step 1: A Physical Exam of the Mouth

Before the cleaning process begins, a dentist in Sterling Heights will perform a physical examination of your entire mouth. Your teeth and gums will be checked for any signs of potential concerns like gingivitis. Once a problem is detected, it will be evaluated to ensure that it is okay to proceed.

Step 2: Plaque and Tartar Removal

Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar between your teeth and around your gum line using a scaler. It is normal for you to hear scraping when this is being performed. If you have more tartar in your mouth, more time will be spent to scrape it all.

Remember that tartar can only be removed through professional teeth cleanings at the dental office. Thus, if this step is your least favorite part of this dental procedure, you need to brush and floss often to prevent the buildup of tartar.

Step 3: Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning

Once your teeth are tartar-free, it will be brushed with a high-powered electric brush. Although the grinding noise that this brush emits is scary, Dr. Farhat says that this is the best way to get a deep clean. Also, this will eradicate the remaining tartar.

The toothpaste your dentist uses is like your regular toothpaste, but this has a gritty consistency. When done by a professional, this teeth polishing procedure can be done safely for at least twice a year. Avoid brushing your teeth too harshly at home because it will wear down your enamel.

Step 4: Flossing

Flossing on a daily basis is highly recommended, but nothing beats a professional flossing session. A Sterling Heights dentist can get deep between your teeth and figure out any trouble spots where you may bleed at the gums. Also, this will remove any leftover plaque from earlier during the plaque and tartar removal step.

Step 5: Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment

Rinsing is important to remove any debris. So your dentist will give a rinse that has liquid fluoride.

After that, a protectant will be applied to your teeth to help fight against cavities. A foamy gel or a sticky paste will be placed in a mouthpiece that fits perfectly on your teeth, which will be left on your teeth for a minute. Apart from that, a fluoride varnish will also be painted on your teeth. This will harden once it comes in contact with your saliva so you can drink and eat immediately after.

Regular teeth cleanings are crucial to prevent any dental problem. By being aware of what is happening during this process, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable. In fact, this might even cause you to look forward to these dental appointments.

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.

I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

December 7, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

Most people think that all dental cavities cause pain. Dr Fadi Farhat, a leading Sterling Heights dentist, says that there is no truth to this notion. You can have a dental cavity but not feel any pain or discomfort at all.

The Tooth Decay Process

A small cavity in the tooth indicates the early stages of tooth decay. At this point, your tooth will not hurt. This is because the cavity is only found on the enamel, the hardest portion of the tooth. Since this part is hard and it does not contain any nerve endings, decay in this area does not cause pain.

If nothing is done to treat the tooth, the cavity will affect the next layer, the dentin. The dentin is not as tough as the enamel but it does not contain any nerve endings as well. As such, dental caries found on the dentin will not cause any pain or discomfort either.

Dealing with Cavities

Your dentist is the best person who can ascertain if you have any cavities or not. Regardless of the size of the cavity and even if it still located on the enamel or dentin, you need to get the right dental treatment immediately.

Your dentist will be able to detect cavities through two ways:

X-ray. Small cavities and some medium-sized ones, which are often painless, may only be visible through an X-ray or under high magnification.
Physical or clinical check-up. Your dentist will place a pointed dental instrument (an explorer) into the suspected area. If the explorer sticks in or penetrates the area, there is a cavity already present.

Keep in mind that if a cavity is left untreated, it will grow bigger and make its way to the nerve inside the tooth. At this point, you will start suffering from a severe, recurring toothache. If you don’t get the appropriate treatment, it can cause other dental issues and even tooth loss.

The bottom line is, if your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, don’t wait until it becomes painful before you have it treated. The best time to have a cavity removed or treated is when it is still in its early stages.

If you wait until you start feeling pain, you will end up getting a surgical procedure such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction as treatment. To avoid suffering from severe toothaches and the hassles of undergoing an invasive and expensive dental procedure, have your cavities treated immediately as soon as they appear.