6 Signs of Dental Cavities

May 5, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Watch Out for These Signs of Dental Cavities

If you have not visited your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI lately, chances are that you have cavities. This is because nearly everyone develops a cavity at some point in their lives, and some people have a higher susceptibility to this dental problem more than others do. Cavities may or may not cause noticeable signs and symptoms, so the best way to know for sure if you have cavities is by visiting your Sterling Heights dentist. Here are some of the possible signs that could alert you to the presence of a cavity.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of cavities. This is because cavities are caused by the activity of bacteria in your mouth, and the metabolic activities of the bacteria may cause you to have bad breath. Dr. Fardi Farhat, the best dentist in Sterling Heights, cautions that you visit a professional if you are finding yourself with chronic bad breath.

An Unpleasant Taste in Your Mouth

Dental cavities may be the culprit if you are noticing an unpleasant taste that lingers in your mouth. No amount of brushing or using mouthwash can eliminate this bad taste completely since the problem is entrenched in your mouth. Our friend Dr. Leeson, a St. Pete dentist says deep cavities are particularly notorious for causing this bad taste since the cavity will have reached the nerves and caused those nerves to start dying.

Tooth Pain

Not all cavities will cause you to feel tooth pain, so don’t imagine that you don’t have dental caries if you aren’t experiencing any pain. Cavities can cause pain when they get deep enough to irritate the nerves in your teeth. Tooth pain due to cavities can also be triggered when you eat or drink something hot or cold. It is, therefore, best to see a Sterling Heights dentist if you experience tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.

Dark Spots on Teeth

If you notice a dark spot on your tooth that you hadn’t seen before, it is possible that what you are seeing has been caused by a cavity. However, not everyone is lucky enough to develop that dark spot in a location that can be visible when they look in a mirror, so this observable sign could remain hidden out of sight. If you are one of those who see this dark spot, contact Dental One Care immediately so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can confirm or rule out a cavity, and then offer the appropriate treatment.

Holes in Teeth

As cavities remain untreated for long, they deepen to the extent that you will notice holes in your teeth when you move your tongue over the surface of your teeth. However, not all holes are caused by cavities. Some holes may result from other dental defects, such as a chipped tooth. So, the only way to be certain is to search for a dentist near me online.

The Presence of Pus

If you ever notice pus in your mouth, see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately. Just to clarify, pus is a yellowish or whitish substance that accumulates around areas where inflammation has occurred. Pus has two major constituents, the first being dead white blood cells that had been sent to deal with the bacteria causing the infection at the site of inflammation. The other constituent is liquor puris, a liquid that is protein-rich. Because pus is often linked to an infection, you are likely to experience other signs of infection, including chills and fevers.

By the time pus forms in a cavity, the decay has progressed so much that an abscess has formed, and you are at risk of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Prompt medical attention is vital to safeguard you from the grave risk you face, so don’t wait to get in touch with Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

Cavities start in a simple enough way, but they can quickly progress to a level at which not just your teeth but your life is at risk as well. A preventive approach is, therefore, the best way to keep on top of the situation, and our team at Dental One Care is waiting to give you the preventive or any other care that you need to restore your dental health if you are found to have a cavity. Give us a call today!

Tips for Brushing Habits

February 20, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

It’s a common fact that every person should brush their teeth every morning and night, but there are a few more things that must be done in order to keep your mouth healthy. As a matter of fact, you might have some bad habits that you think is beneficial for your mouth.

It’s never too late to start taking good care of your oral health. To start, check out the list below of common habits that might be causing harm to your teeth and gums.

You Brush Too Hard

Of course, you put a little force when you brush your teeth; how else are you supposed to get the plaque and food residue off your teeth? However, applying excessive force when you brush can irritate your gums and damage your teeth. Too much force can even lead to scratches and infections if done often.

It may come as a surprise but plaque is loose and soft which makes it easy to remove from your teeth. It only becomes harder to remove when it turns into tartar. Even if you put excessive force into brushing, it still won’t be removed. The only way to remove would be to get a teeth cleaning service by a dentist. And besides plaque wouldn’t even form on your teeth if you brush two times a day every day.

You Share Your Toothbrush

If you are willing to use your partner’s toothbrush when you cannot find yours then you are not alone. Most couples do not think there is anything wrong with it. All in all, it’s almost disgusting to share your toothbrush with someone else. Even though at first it may not seem that bad but sharing your toothbrush can result in different types of germs transferring into another person’s mouth which can become a serious problem.

You might notice yourself getting sick more frequently than normal since the flu virus can stay on a surface for several hours, which is, in this case, the toothbrush. The bacteria can even lead to cavities which are also very contagious. Your partner might not even know they have a cavity; hence you are putting the health of your mouth at risk.

You Keep Using the Same Toothbrush For Too Long

Here is a fact that not too many people know about; your toothbrush needs to be changed every three to four months

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you change your toothbrush at the start of every season. That is because your toothbrush accumulates germs over time and the bristles of your toothbrush also start to fray or break with extended use. These older bristles will not clean your teeth the way they are meant to, which will allow plaque to form. This can harm your teeth and gums if the plaque turns into tartar, which will then require a professional orthodontist to perform a dental cleaning session. If you are wondering where to go to do that if in case tartar has formed on the surface your teeth or you just want to get your teeth shining white, then you should visit Dr. Fardi Farhat. In Sterling Heights, MI. Dr. Fardi Farhat combines his years of experience with his skills to guarantee that the client is fully satisfied.

At Home Toothache Remedies

February 12, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Your head pounds, your gums hurt, and your mouth is sore and tender. All these things are due to your toothache. To get rid of it once and for all, a visit to the dentist would be highly recommended. Until then you can take the help of these home remedies to get short-term relief.

OTC Pain Relievers

For children, our Sterling Heights MI dentists recommend acetaminophen. However, for adults, just pick anyone of the over-the-counter medicines like ibuprofen. If you decide to go with aspirin, just swallow it rather than keeping on the tooth or the gums because that causes some serious harm inside your mouth.

Cold Compress

If you look in the mirror and notice your face is swollen, place an icepack on your cheek. That can help ease the pain. The swelling of your face could also indicate that you might have an abscess, a sac of pus and gunk embedded deep into the roots of your tooth. If this is really the case, then it can result in a serious infection in your jaw and other teeth. Symptoms include fever and red gums.

Ice

Take some ice in your hand on the same side of your body in which you have a sore tooth. Rub the ice in the space between your forefinger and thumb for 17 minutes or until you start to feel numbness in the area. Wondering what rubbing ice between your thumb and forefinger has to do with the pain in your mouth? Research has discovered that ice stops pain signals to your brain.

Garlic

When you crush one of these cloves in your mouth, an oily liquid known as allicin is released which is a natural disease fighter. Will it affect the ache? That is not certain but you can try chewing a piece of garlic in your mouth or even placing chopped bits on your tooth. It’s safe and effective to some extent but comes at a price which is bad breath.

Clove Oil

As talked about before, it is a natural remedy that numbs the pain. Dr. Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport LA, says that for it to work you must rub it directly onto the sore area or soak a cotton ball and dab it against the tooth and gums. Some argue that its effectiveness might equal to the effectiveness of benzocaine which is the numbing agent used in over-the-counter toothache gels.

Toothache Plant

By reading the name you might have had a thought in mind that this would for sure work wonders for your toothache. Unfortunately, that is not quite true because there has not come forth any evidence that proves that this plant which grows all over the world actually works to ease your pain.

If you are one of the many people out there who don’t believe in these remedies or who don’t want to prolong this problem and have it dealt with by a professional then contact us at Dental One Care to schedule a visit with Dr. Farhat Fardi.

Signs You Need a Dental Filling

January 14, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Dental fillings have been used for centuries and these simple restorations have saved lots of teeth. You, too, can benefit from dental fillings if they are provided before it is too late to save your tooth. Read on and learn about dental fillings from our team of professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

Dental Fillings Defined

Simply put, a dental filling is a material that is used to plug a hole in your tooth. This puts a halt to the progression of a cavity that could degenerate into tooth decay and additional problems down the road. A dental filling promotes dental health by keeping a tooth functional and healthy.

Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI explain that the dental fillings used today are made from a variety of materials, such as silver amalgams, porcelain ceramic and composites (glass and resin, for example). They can also be made to match the color of your teeth. This way an observer cannot tell that you have these restorations on your teeth.

Signs You Need a Filling

The only way to know for certain that you need a dental filling is by visiting Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights. An assessment by a professional will reveal which teeth have cavities needing immediate attention.

However, there are some signs and symptoms that can also alert you to the possibility that you may have cavities needing to be checked out. These include;

Pain (severe, mild, sharp, throbbing or any other variant of tooth pain)
Sensitivity in one or more teeth when they are being used to eat, drink or speak.
A visible mark or hole in your tooth.
When dental floss keeps fraying while you clean between a given set of teeth.
A feeling of roughness or jaggedness each time you run your tongue over a given tooth.

Orthodontists in Sterling Heights MI warn that by the time you experience the signs above, a cavity may have progressed to a level where the deeper structures of your tooth are affected. Most cavities don’t cause any pain. This painless stage is the best time to catch them and get a filling. Therefore, you should visit Dental One Care once every six months so that your teeth can be checked and cleaned by a professional. Any cavities discovered during these routine visits will be addressed long before they become bigger problems.

Possible Complications When Cavities Are Ignored for Long

If you leave your cavities unresolved for long, you risk the following;

Tooth decay can result when a cavity is allowed to get deeper. Tooth decay can cost you your tooth, among other problems.
Your tooth pain could worsen as the cavity deepens. This worsening pain can make it hard for you to eat, speak or function normally.
If cavities aren’t treated with a filling in time, dental infections, like periodontal disease, can result since the holes in your tooth harbor bacteria. This allows the bacteria to attack the more delicate parts of your tooth, such as the dentin and pulp.
You could also lose the tooth once decay sets in and invasive procedures like root canals aren’t capable of saving the affected tooth.

Common Questions About Dental Fillings

The experts at Dental One Care are frequently asked a number of questions about dental fillings. Those questions include;

Does the Procedure Hurt? Dentists assure you that getting a dental filling isn’t painful because your dentist will first administer a local anesthetic before starting the treatment. In contrast, the pain that you are likely to experience if you don’t get a filling when you should is likely to be much worse than any discomfort you feel while getting a filling.

How Long Does the Procedure Take? It typically takes the professionals at Dental One Care 30-60 minutes to place a dental filling. However, this time could increase if the cavity is large or multiple teeth need fillings. If you are concerned about the duration of the procedure, talk to the dentist and get clarification about how long you should expect the dental filling procedure to last.

Are Dental Fillings Expensive? Fillings are generally affordable. If you have dental insurance, your insurer could even cover the entire cost or most of it. If you don’t have insurance, talk to our staff.

Do Teeth Feel Different After the Procedure? Your teeth may feel somewhat different right after you receive the dental filling, but this typically subsides within a day or two. Your teeth should feel normal soon after the procedure.

If you still have questions about dental fillings or if you have pain in a particular tooth, contact us to schedule an appointment. We will address your queries and fix whatever problem is found to be responsible for the discomfort or pain that you are feeling in your tooth.

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.