What Soda Does to Your Teeth

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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?

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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

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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

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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.

5 Interesting Cavity Facts

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Cavities are some of the most common dental problems that can affect people of all ages. Cavities, also known as dental caries, are permanently damaged areas in the teeth that develop into tiny holes. If not treated immediately and properly, dental caries can cause serious tooth pain and other dental issues. It can also lead to more expensive and time-consuming dental treatments.

Since everyone is prone to getting dental caries, it can be useful to know some important ca. Here are some facts worth knowing about cavities:

  1. Cavities develop when acids attack your teeth.

When you consume foods and beverages high in sugar and starch, the acids eat the minerals from your teeth. Once the tooth loses too many natural minerals, the enamel becomes damaged and a cavity will develop.

  1. The development of cavities is made up of four stages.

A Sterling Heights dentist says that the initial stage refers to plaque formation. This is the phase wherein acid and bacteria from the foods you eat will eventually form plaque.

Under the First Stage, plaque and acids gradually wear away at your tooth enamel and start to create tiny holes in the protective covering of your teeth. With good oral hygiene, the tooth may be able to repair itself. If not, you will need a filling.

During the Second Stage, more of the enamel will be affected. The bacteria and acid will begin to attack the dentin as well. At this point, the dental caries are already painful and you certainly need to get a filling.

During the Third Stage, if you still did not get a filling, the bacteria and plaque will continue to compromise the layers of your teeth, eventually reaching the pulp. If the pulp becomes infected, you could face many problems including severe toothaches, tooth sensitivity, abscesses, and even bone loss. Extraction and root canal therapy are just the two recommended treatments.

  1. A well-balanced diet can help prevent cavities.

When you avoid sweets, especially in beverages like sodas and juices, you prevent an acid attack that causes cavities. Limit snacking since eating constantly prevents your saliva from naturally re-mineralizing teeth. If you need to munch on something, opt for fresh fruits and veggies. Eat more cheese as well since the pH balance in this dairy product can neutralize acids and help keep your teeth strong.

  1. Fluoride can prevent dental caries.

Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It protects your teeth by preventing mineral loss in tooth enamel. It also replaces lost minerals and reduces the ability of bacteria to make acid in your mouth.

  1. Good oral hygiene can also keep cavities at bay.

Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss before brushing your teeth. Make sure that you brush for at least two minutes and that you floss properly to get rid of plaque that can develop into dental caries.

7 possible reasons for tooth pain

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Why does my tooth hurt?

The average person will suffer from mild to extreme toothaches several times during his or her lifetime. The severity or pain level usually depends on the cause behind a toothache.

If you’re thinking “Why does my tooth hurt?” every now and then, a trusted Sterling Heights dentist shares some possible reasons below:

Tooth decay

The most common cause of toothaches is tooth decay. However, for the tooth and the surrounding area to really hurt, the decay in the tooth would have to be significant enough that it has already reached the inner layer of the tooth — the dentin. Once the dentin is damaged, the tooth becomes highly sensitive and a cavity has already developed.

Tooth abscess or infection

If a cavity has already affected the root beneath the visible tooth, the root and the surrounding tissue will soon become infected. This, in turn, can cause a pulsating and unbearable pain. This is a dental issue that needs to be dealt with professionally as soon as possible since not only is it extremely painful, but it can also result in bone and tissue loss.

Sensitive teeth

If you feel a sharp tooth pain during or after eating or drinking something cold or hot, the pain is usually connected to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity usually means that your tooth enamel has worn down and your tooth’s dentin (the layer where the tooth’s nerves are) is exposed. This dental issue can also be caused by a recent teeth whitening procedure. To reduce this level of sensitivity, you can try using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. You can also consult your dentist for other possible remedies.

Damaged fillings

Damaged or dislodged dental fillings or sealants which can expose the sensitive part of your tooth to temperatures, food and drinks can create sharp pains. Your dentist can immediately repair or replace the dental filling or sealant so that you can be free of pain quickly.

Dental trauma or fracture

If you injure, fracture, crack or chip a tooth because of a sports injury, accident, or from biting a really hard object, you will feel an intense toothache. If the pain is intolerable, this usually means that the fracture or damage has made its way to the middle of the tooth where the nerve endings are. Recommended treatments for this painful oral issue include dental fillings and dental crowns.

Growing wisdom teeth

When your wisdom teeth are starting to erupt or if they have already crowned, they can cause teeth misalignment and push against the other teeth. This typically places pressure on your jaws and gums which causes the pain. Extracting the wisdom teeth and other orthodontic treatments will provide you relief from the pain.

Sinus infection

Lastly, if you suffer from sinuses, regular nasal congestion and tenderness in your upper jaw can also cause toothaches. Your dentist and medical practitioner will have to work together to find the most suitable remedy for this problem.

Even if the pain you are feeling is bearable and often comes and goes, it is best to consult your dentist immediately. There may be some underlying and more severe dental issues behind the pain and your dentist is the best person to detect and treat them.

6 Symptoms and Signs of a Cavity

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Symptoms of a Cavity

For ages, tooth decay has been one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Dental cavities or caries affect all people of all ages, but they commonly develop in children and young adults.

A dental cavity is a hole that appears on the exterior of your tooth due to the breakdown of its outer covering or enamel. Enamel is dissolved when there is a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. With the absence of enamel, the acid from plaque and tartar will be able to slowly eat away at the tooth and cause decay or cavities.

There are certain symptoms and signs of a cavity.  In its early stages, the signs and symptoms may be unnoticeable but once the cavity has been present for a long time, you will begin to observe and experience them.

According to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist, the six usual signs and symptoms of a dental cavity are:

  1. Noticeable holes or pits in your teeth. This is the most obvious sign of a cavity. Once you have a cavity, there will be a hole in the decaying tooth due to the acid from the plaque and tartar which will become bigger when it is not filled or treated properly by a dentist.
  2. Pain when eating or chewing. When cavities form, the inner part of the tooth, including blood vessels and pulp or nerves become exposed. Because of this, you will always feel a sharp ache when you chew or bite on something. The innermost parts of your teeth are highly sensitive areas and as such, you will feel pain when food reaches or touches them.
  3. Increased teeth sensitivity. When hot or cold temperatures easily irritate your teeth, this is an obvious sign of the enamel breaking down. Most of the time, the specific area of sensitivity can indicate exactly where a cavity might be developing or is already present.
  4. Dark stains, opaque or chalky spots on the teeth. Although most dental caries appear on the surface as holes, others may look like some form of discoloration, spots or stains on the external area of the infected tooth. The change in color is caused by mineral loss happening on the surface of your teeth. In such instances, tooth decay will be accompanied by black, brown, or white spots that are soft or sticky. In certain cases, cavities can cause the entire tooth to darken and become brittle.
  5. Persistent bad breath. If you notice that your breath still smells bad even if you practice daily oral hygiene, you may already have a cavity. The bad breath is caused by food and bacteria collecting in the crevices of decaying teeth and cavities. Because of this, your breath will still be bad even after brushing, flossing, and gargling with a mouthwash.
  6. Swelling in the gums.  Once a cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, certain parts of your gums will start to swell and pus may form. Swelling is the most serious sign of a severe dental problem and you should immediately consult your dentist when you observe this.

Proper oral hygiene is highly effective in fighting cavities. It is also important to see your dentist at least twice annually so that the start of tooth decay can be detected and prevented immediately.

6 Bad Habits to Avoid Plaque

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A Dentist In Sterling Heights Shares 6 Bad Habits To Avoid To Prevent Plaque Formation.

Plaque is primarily composed of carbohydrates from decomposing food where bacterial colonies rapidly develop and flourish. These bacterial colonies can cause tooth decay and inflamed gums.

Everyone gets tooth plaque – this is a fact of life. Although you cannot evict bacteria from your mouth, a reputable dentist in Sterling Heights emphasizes that you can prevent plaque build-up.

Six Habits Leading to Plaque Build-Up

Not brushing – You must brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. To help remove plaque, brush your teeth in small circular movements. Brushing your tongue will also help freshen your breath and remove bacteria.

  1. Not flossing – Plaque reaches the spaces in between teeth that your brush cannot. Daily flossing between your teeth will clear plaque before it can cause damage. Aside from dental floss, there are other products that you can use like tape and interdental brushes. Talk to your dentist regarding which of these options best suits you.
  2. Neglecting mouthwash – Antibacterial mouthwashes were created to minimize plaque formation and prevent gingivitis. So aside from brushing and flossing daily, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash containing fluoride every night.
  3. Ignoring nature’s toothbrushes – Before the invention of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste, different food types played a crucial role in keeping plaque off the teeth. Your ancestors ate crunchy fruit or vegetables with the skin on. These include apples, cucumbers, and carrots-  despite the sugar they contain.
  4. Visiting the dentist only when you need to – People have the tendency to go to the dentist only when they feel any dental discomfort like toothaches and swelling. Know that even when you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, you will still miss some plaque. Teeth must be cleaned by a reputable dentist regularly to ensure plaque-free teeth. Apart from cleaning the spots you’ve missed, your dentist can also detect any dental issue that, if left untreated, can cause bigger problems.
  5. Consuming foods rich in sugar – Eating and drinking sugary food and drinks will let sugar stick to your teeth, which then encourages bacterial proliferation. Bacteria digest sugar into acid that can damage your teeth.

Other Bad Oral Habits to Avoid

  • Using your teeth as tools – Are you using your teeth to open containers, to rip through packages or to cut clothing tags? Doing any of these activities can result in chips and cracks, leaving your teeth exposed and unprotected against tooth decay.
  • Crunching on ice or candies – Your teeth are not designed for doing such. If you insist on crunching on ice cubes and candies, your teeth can crack and become very susceptible to decay.
  • Biting your nails – This habit can damage your teeth and expose your mouth to the bacteria living under your nails. In turn, this can increase the chance of contracting sickness and infection.
  • Bruxism – Otherwise known as teeth grinding, bruxism can leave your teeth exposed to decay. This habit can also erode enamel.

If you are doing any of these habits, speak to a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights now regarding the options that can help you avoid such to ensure good oral health. Call us today!

Other Uses For Listerine You Should Know About

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Listerine is the most popular brand of mouthwash. You see it in nearly all medicine cabinets or bathroom counters, from homes to hotels to hospitals and dental clinics. The small bottles are also quite handy; you can place them in your bag and use it to gargle with after a meal, allowing you to have instant fresh breath wherever you are.

But aside from giving you fresh breath and helping keep your teeth plaque-free and your gums healthy, there are other uses for Listerine that are quite surprising and you may not even know about. These include the following:

As an anti-dandruff solution.

In the past, Listerine was marketed as a product that can help you get rid of dandruff. This solution didn’t really gain popularity but various studies show that this is an effective solution. If you want to try this remedy, combine ¼ cup Listerine and 1 cup of water and rinse your hair and scalp with the mixture. Afterwards, rinse your hair thoroughly.

As a lice removal product.

Nothing can be more uncomfortable and embarrassing than having lice nesting on your hair. The good news is that you don’t have to buy shampoo that will help you get rid of them; you can use Listerine. Simply apply the mouthwash to your lice-infested hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least an hour and then rinse your hair thoroughly with water.

As a skincare product.

Because of its ingredients, you can use Listerine as an alternative to your usual toner or astringent. Its alcohol content, in particular, can clean your pores and help you get rid of bothersome, unsightly acne. Your skin will also smell fresh after every use, too.

As an anti-itch remedy.

If you’re feeling itchy on some parts of your body because of bug bites, rashes or poison ivy, dab some mouthwash on the affected area. You’ll get instant relief and experience its cooling and soothing effects immediately.

As a deodorant.

You don’t have to fret and run to the nearest supermarket or drugstore if you run out of deodorant. If you have a ready stock of Listerine, simply soak a cotton ball in the product and dab the cotton ball under your arms. You can also pour the mouthwash into an empty spray bottle and spray your armpits with the solution. Listerine helps prevent body odors since it kills the bacteria that produce these bad smells.

As an anti-fungal product.

Lastly, some people suffer from toenail fungus. If you have this problem, soak your feet in Listerine for at least 30 minutes every day. The ingredients in the mouthwash will help you get rid of toenail fungus. Your feet will smell better, too.

Listerine is known as an oral care product. But it can easily be a versatile healthcare product as long as you know how to use it properly. To learn more, contact your sterling heights dentist today!

Cavity Prevention – How Parents Can Help Their Kids

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Cavity Prevention Tips for Parents

Having cavities is one of the leading health problems faced by children, teens, and adults alike. Even infants can get cavities. When your child begins brushing, flossing and using fluoride, practice makes perfect. These tips are meant to help Parents create healthy habits with their kids. This will eventually lead to cavity prevention as well as avoid unnecessary dental bills.

But what exactly are cavities?

Cavities refer to the damaged areas on the hard surface of the teeth which have developed into tiny holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by several factors, including the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth, poor oral hygiene, frequent snapping, and drinking sugary beverages.

When cavities are left untreated, these can progress and get bigger. When this happens, the deeper layers of the teeth can be affected, resulting in a severe toothache, infection, and eventually, loss of teeth. 

As a parent, how can you help your children avoid developing cavities? Here are a few cavity prevention tips from a Sterling Heights dentist.

Dental Care for babies to preschoolers

Each time you feed your baby, make sure that you clean his gums using a wet washcloth or gauze pad. When the baby’s teeth begin to erupt, you can start brushing these using a toothbrush and plain water. Your dentist may also recommend the use of fluoride toothpaste for your child aged two and below. When two teeth begin touching each other, you can begin flossing your child’s teeth.

Dentists recommend scheduling a dental visit around the time of your child’s first birthday. Your child’s dentist will recommend regular visits. However, if your child is suffering from a dental problem, you might need to visit your dentist more frequently.

Once your child reaches the age of two, he can brush with a fluoride toothpaste. Ensure that his teeth are flossed daily. Because children tend to rush brushing their teeth, and to keep them from swallowing the toothpaste, it is highly recommended that parents supervise their children.

From school age to adolescence

Around the age of seven to eight, your child may have developed a good measure of independence. However, it is a good idea to continue to supervise your child while brushing his teeth and even help him in flossing his teeth. Once you are sure that your child is doing a good job of brushing his teeth on his own, your child may no longer require supervision.

Continue visiting your child’s dentist regularly. When your dentist sees warning signs of tooth decay, he may recommend the application of dental sealants on the chewing surfaces.

Upon reaching adolescence, talk to your child about the potential risks of tobacco use and oral piercings as well as the importance of making the right dietary choices in relation to oral health.

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