What Causes Sudden Dry Mouth

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Xerostomia or dry mouth syndrome can be caused by various conditions and factors. These include:

  • An autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjogren’s Syndrome)
  • Sinus problems
  • An infection
  • Dehydration
  • Certain medications (antihistamines, anti-depression and anxiety pills, etc.)
  • Smoking

However, according to Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, Owner of Dental 1 Care, there is another lesser known cause of xerostomia: salivary stones.

Salivary stones or sialolith are crystallized minerals that get lodged in your salivary gland ducts. They hinder or cause blockage to the discharge of your saliva, thereby causing the onset of sudden dry mouth syndrome.

Salivary stones are typically made up of salts contained in your saliva. These stones are often found and can cause blockage within your submandibular salivary gland, on the sides of your jaw in the back of your mouth.

Sometimes, the salivary stones may not cause symptoms because the blockage of saliva is minimal. Because of this, you won’t notice the dryness in your mouth.

When you do nothing to address this health problem, you will soon have difficulties swallowing and feel pain whenever you open your mouth. Your salivary gland will begin to swell painfully, too.

Most of the time, your pain and swelling symptoms from sialolith will worsen while you eat. These symptoms may slowly subside until your next meal. However, you will still feel that your mouth is dry.  

To naturally get rid of salivary stones, suck on a piece of lemon several times a day. The lemon will stimulate saliva production. Your saliva will then dislodge the crystals and free up the passageway. As a result, saliva will flow freely and resolve your dry mouth problem.

Other Risks of Dry Mouth Professionally Known as Xerostomia

Failing to address your xerostomia can cause certain dental issues. When your mouth is dry, your gums will not receive sufficient moisture to stay healthy. Tooth decay can then begin along the gum line.  If not treated immediately, your gums will reside and expose the dentine or layer of teeth below the gum line. This layer does not have the protective enamel and, as such, can be quickly attacked by dental caries.

Your lower front teeth, which are normally protected by saliva produced from underneath the tongue, will be prone to cavities, too, if you suffer from dry mouth.

In case chewing on lemon does not seem to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, consult your doctor immediately. If left untreated, saliva blockage by stones can cause an infection since bacteria can grow in a blocked duct filled with stagnant saliva. It can also cause the development of abscess and your salivary gland tissues being destroyed.

If you are suffering from chronic dry mouth we recommend visiting your Sterling Heights Dentist for regular dental exams and treatment.

 

What Are the 10 Benefits of Clean Teeth and Mouth?

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Your health plan is likely to include nutritious meals, exercise, and check-ups with your doctor. This plan, however, is lacking one crucial element: oral care. Visiting your Sterling Heights dentist regularly in addition to proper oral care will help you achieve the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth. 

The Link

Oral care is an essential part of your health because countless bacteria fill the mouth, some of which have a connection to gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this disease could lead to several other diseases in the body, from diabetes to cardiovascular problems.

Clearly, looking after your overall health needs to include oral care. This could be as simple as brushing and flossing to clean teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath.

Apart from preventing diseases, here are the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth:

  1. You can maintain your ideal weight or lose the excess pounds.

It turns out that when you brush your teeth three times a day, for two minutes each time, you could burn 3,500 calories annually. It may not seem like much of a loss, but every little bit helps when you struggle to keep your ideal weight.

Burning calories is not the only reason good oral hygiene can help with your weight loss goals. There is also psychology behind the routine; after you brush and floss, you’re not likely to give in to the urge to snack.

  1. You don’t have to spend as much money on dental care.

With healthy teeth and gums, you don’t need to worry about spending money on cosmetic treatment. You don’t need to undergo complex procedures and visit your dentist in Sterling Heights multiple times in a single month. At most, your dental care spending would be for the twice-a-year visit and professional teeth cleaning.

  1. You’ll smile more often, which opens up more opportunities.

A smile indicates confidence, and confidence, for many, indicates success. People naturally gravitate towards people who are ready to smile because it means warmth and trustworthiness. This attraction could open up opportunities that improve your professional and social life.

  1. You sustain an intimate relationship.

Having good, clean teeth means you also have fresher breath. This could mean more intimate moments with your loved one. For people in long-term relationships, greater intimacy can bolster deeper connections.

  1. You ensure cognitive function and health.

Researchers have linked long-term gum disease with Alzheimer’s. From an American Dental Association-released study to medical teams in Taiwan, various research groups have found a connection between periodontal inflammation and a higher risk of lower cognitive function.

  1. You’ll perform better in tests.

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reports that adults with gingivitis, in comparison to people with healthy gums, tend to do poorly on memory tests.

  1. You ensure a healthy baby.

Healthy teeth gums could help you carry a baby to term. There is a relationship between gum disease and the incidence of low-birth-weight infants.

  1. You prevent sexual problems.

A study shows that 79 percent of men who had erectile dysfunction also had gum disease. Oral bacteria and tartar could enter the bloodstream, which could interfere with blood flow.

  1. You maintain or develop self-confidence.

With healthy teeth and gums, you’re likely to have a better self-image.

  1. You retain your natural teeth even as you age.

Finally, losing teeth is part of life. But you don’t need to lose too much that you end up with no natural teeth when you retire.

Schedule a cleaning appointment with Dr. Farhat today.

Be sure to read more articles on our blog to learn more oral health tips.

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.

How Often Should You Get Professional Dental Cleanings?

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Getting professional teeth cleaning services is important because this will reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. But do you know how often you should schedule for professional dental cleanings?

Basically, you must have your teeth professionally cleaned as frequently as Dr. Farhat suggests. Oftentimes, this will depend on your commitment to maintaining a good oral hygiene and on the health of your teeth and gums.

Is Annual Teeth Cleaning Enough?

When determining how often you must have professional teeth cleaning, there are several factors that come into play. These include your routine oral hygiene, health history and lifestyle.

There are those who only need an annual dental cleaning, also known as periodontal maintenance, while others may need to undergo cleaning more often than that.

If your teeth and gums are healthy and you do not have risk factors for developing gingivitis or gum disease, you may only need professional dental cleanings once a year. But even if you only receive an annual dental cleaning, a Sterling Heights Dentists, emphasizes the importance of visiting Dr. Farhat once every six months.

During your visit, Dr. Farhat will use professional tools to remove plaque, bacteria and tartar from your teeth and gums to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. These tools are capable of removing any plaque buildup that proper brushing and flossing cannot remove.

Why You May Need More Dental Cleanings

If you commit to keeping your teeth healthy and strong, or if you have gum disease, you can benefit from frequent dental cleanings.

There are cases wherein Dr. Farhat may recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every month for a span of six months, then once every three months afterwards. The duration and frequency of this aggressive treatment varies. This usually depends on the level of your commitment to achieving a beautiful smile or on the severity of your gum disease.

But when you already have a history of gum disease, you may be advised to get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent its reoccurrence. Moreover, if you suffer from diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions, frequent professional dental cleanings might be necessary.

Aside from that, you might need dental cleanings more frequently if you smoke. Smoking will stain your teeth permanently as well as create tooth and gum problems.

Dr. Farhat will evaluate your gums and teeth. In addition, he as establish your risk factors for developing gingivitis in order to determine how often you should get your teeth professionally cleaned. From there, work out a schedule to visit Dental One Care for cleanings. You may also be provided with tips to maintain the benefits of a professional dental cleaning between your visits.

When Do I Get Dental X-Rays?

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Dental X-rays help dental professionals like Dr. Farhart, visualize the problems and diseases of the teeth and their surrounding tissues. Moreover, they help the dentist determine and treat any dental problem early in their development. As such, they help you save money and prevent any unnecessary discomfort.

Problems that dental X-rays can detect include tooth decay that is not visible with an oral exam, bone loss, abscess, and other developmental abnormalities like cysts and tumors. For children, dental X-rays are used to watch for decay, to determine if there is sufficient space in the mouth for all incoming teeth, and to check for impacted teeth.

How Often Should Your Teeth Be X-Rayed?

Most people ask, “When do I get dental X-rays? How often should my teeth be X-rayed?” Reputable dental professionals say that the frequency of getting dental X-rays will depend on your dental and medical history, along with your current condition. There are some people who need X-rays every six months while others may only need to get X-rays every two to three years.

If you are a new patient, our Dental One Care team might take X-rays as part of the initial dental exam. This will help establish a baseline record from which to compare the changes that might happen over time.

The American Dental Association or ADA provided X-Ray recommendations:

  • Before taking any X-rays, dentists must always perform a clinical examination as well as evaluate the oral and medical history of the patient.
  • If you have a history of periodontal problems or extensive decay, Dr. Farhat will take more X-rays of your teeth.
  • Children usually need more X-rays than adults because of their developing teeth and jaws.

Even if you do not need frequent dental X-rays, you should still see Farhat regularly for routine oral check-ups.

How to Keep X-Rays to a Minimum

  • Practice good oral care – Always maintain good dental health with a routine of proper brushing and flossing. Also, see Farhat on a regular basis for check-ups and cleaning.
  • Talk to Dr. Farhat – If you have concerns about how frequently X-rays should be taken, discuss all of them with Dr. Farhat. You can be provided with suggestions about how to go longer between radiation exposures without compromising your oral health.
  • Bring your most recent X-rays each time you change Dr. Farhat.

Dental X-rays are necessary because they can identify problems that can’t be detected through a simple dental examination. This way, these dental issues won’t become worse and more difficult to treat. But make sure that before having X-rays, Dr. Farhat provides you with a valid clinical reason.

Contact our office today to make an appointment.

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

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Drinking Tap Water May Help You At The Dentist

When tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause infections and pain that will hinder speaking, eating, learning, and playing.

With the controlled addition of fluoride compound to the public water supplies, a study published in the January/February 2010 issue of General Dentistry says that this is a cost-effective way to fight tooth decay and prevent cavities. Indeed, drinking tap water may help at the dentist.

Fluoride and Your Teeth

Fluoride will make your entire tooth surface more resistant to decay. Also, it promotes remineralization, which is crucial for repairing early decay. Water fluoridation is considered to be the best source of fluoride.

Tap water has been treated with fluoride in order to prevent cavities. Water fluoridation can prevent at least 25% of tooth decay both in children and adults. While teeth are erupting under the gums, the fluoride will strengthen tooth enamel. This way, it becomes stronger and more resistant to cavities. And when the teeth erupt, fluoride will rebuild weakened tooth enamel.

Also, it can reverse early signs of tooth decay. Whenever you use fluoride dental products, you are giving your mouth a topical benefit since the fluoride is directly applied to your teeth’s surface.

In the US, more than 144 million residents in over 10,000 communities are drinking fluoridated tap water. And this can provide an automatic defense against the unsafe ingredients causing preventable oral health disease.

Rather than drilling holes in order to fix cavities, dentists prefer educating the public about tips for preventing tooth decay. A Sterling Heights dentist further emphasized that drinking tap water is safe; it is the most effective way of receiving fluoride. Also, this is more affordable than going to your dentist for a filling.

Varnish is also an effective source of fluoride. Applied by your dentist, varnish is among the most concentrated products today. This product has sodium fluoride that will adhere to your tooth surfaces when there is saliva, thus giving an excellent fluoride treatment.

By keeping fluoride in your mouth, its ability to prevent demineralization will be enhanced. Varnishes are better choices for this purpose as opposed to fluoridated toothpaste or drinking water. Typically, fluoridated varnishes are for those who do not receive sufficient fluoride from tap water, toothpaste, and other sources.

Fluoride can be found in salt products, specialty milk, gum, mouthwash, and toothpaste. However, the fluoride that the fluoridated water and varnish methods have can help reduce cavities by over 30%. If you suspect that you have a cavity, you need to visit your dentist now to prevent further damage to your teeth and mouth.

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.

concerns you should talk to your dentist about

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5 Things You Should Mention When You Talk To Your Dentist

Most people just go to a dentist when they begin feeling pain or discomfort on their teeth and gums. In fact, some say they do not always enjoy going to their dentist, and many have some level of fear of going. However, dental professionals always highly emphasize that it is vital that you get a cleaning at least twice a year. This will prevent any dental issues from emerging or getting worse.
Each time you visit your dentist for a cleaning and a checkup, it is crucial that you mention any health-related information that you think might be good for them to know. A Sterling Heights dentist shares some of the important things you may not realize is valuable for your dentist to be informed of.

1. Oral Care Regimen

This might seem like an obvious one, but most patients aren’t getting their dentist’s opinion on which dental products are the best to use for taking care of their teeth and mouth. Today, there are plenty of products being sold in the market. Phrases like “silica blend” or “fluoride-free” can be confusing. Moreover, every individual has specific needs, depending on their health and dental history.
Ask your dentist about the right toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for your teeth and gums. Inquire also if there are other issues you must be addressing when practicing your oral hygiene.

2. Headaches

Most people suffer from headaches at least once a week. But many don’t realize that these pains might be a symptom of a cavity, an infected tooth, or a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. If you are having headaches constantly and don’t know its cause, you must discuss this with your dentist.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is also a common symptom felt by many people on a daily basis. Although excessive fatigue can be caused by different things, the major one is sleep apnea. Your dentist can actually recommend the right treatment. Furthermore, fatigue can also be a symptom of mercury poisoning due to your metal fillings.

4. Pregnancy

Aside from going on regular appointments with an obstetrician/gynecologist to ensure a healthy pregnancy, pregnant women must also visit their dentist. When you are pregnant, you must work with your dentist to make sure that you have good oral health. A healthy mouth will also mean a healthier baby. Women suffering from gum disease while pregnant might experience more complications.

5. Tingling sensations in extremities

Finally, just like headaches, tingling and a weak sensation in your limbs are symptoms of TMJ. This may also indicate diabetic neuropathy. Since this is related to gum disease, you must mention this each time you talk to your dentist. An overuse of denture adhesive can also result in nerve damage. So if you are using such and you suddenly experience this symptom, you need to discuss it with your dentist so she’ll recommend another option.

Toddler Tooth Care – Practical Tips for Parents

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Your child’s future growth and development depends heavily on the foundations that you build during his early years.

That also applies to his oral health.

Your child’s initial years are marked by rapid growth and development. And with the flurry of milestones and activities, parents sometimes overlook taking proper care of their little ones’ oral health.

This should not be the case.

Most of the habits that your child picks up as he grows start during his formative years. And as a parent, you would want to give your child a good head start, including in aspects related to his dental and overall health and well-being.

That means teaching your child, as early as possible, the importance of practicing good oral hygiene habits which he should take with him to adulthood. These include regular brushing and flossing, eating healthy and balanced meals, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year.

Ideally, your child should be able to schedule his first appointment with a Sterling Heights dentist at around the age of two.

This will provide you and your child the opportunity to take better care of your child’s teeth through solid advice from a trusted professional, as well as to monitor potential problems before these spiral out of control.

Furthermore, when a child is exposed to the environment of a dental clinic, he develops a sense of confidence and positivity, warding off the fear of the dentist which can undermine his oral health.

Taking care of a child’s teeth requires a solid partnership between parents and dentists.

But what exactly can you, as a parent, do to take better care of your little darling’s teeth? Here are a few practical toddler tooth care tips.

Helping your kid deal with the eruption of his first teeth

Your child’s first tooth will emerge at the age of six months. His first set of teeth will continue to come out until the age of three.

The eruption of teeth can bring discomfort in young children, making them irritable. In order to minimize the effects of teeth eruption, there are a few things that you can do. These include placing a cold spoon or a teething ring in your child’s mouth and using pain relief gels.

Brushing your young one’s teeth

Parents should closely monitor and supervise their child’s tooth brushing until their children reach the age of six.

For toddlers, parents should use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Remember that your child does not need too much toothpaste. A small amount, roughly the size of a pea, will do.

Invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child. In brushing your child’s teeth, make sure that you clean all surfaces using a soft, back and forth motion.

Dealing with thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a reflex action among babies and toddlers. Simply put, this is normal among children of this age. Ideally, your child should outgrow this habit before the emergence of his permanent teeth.

However, parents should take the necessary steps to wean their children off this habit when it persists upon the eruption of the permanent teeth. Otherwise, this can lead to a few dental health problems, including tooth decay and bite problems.

How To Floss Correctly

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FOCUS KEYWORD: How To Floss Correctly

Brushing and flossing are the two main pillars of good oral care. When you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily, you get rid of leftover food particles and plaque in your mouth that can cause cavities, bad breath and other dental problems.

But no matter how consistent you are with your brushing and flossing schedule, you won’t be able to remove all the food debris and plaque if you don’t go through the motions properly. Flossing, in particular, has to be done correctly since this practice ensures that the hard-to-brush areas in your mouth (in-between the teeth and gum line) remain clean and debris-free.

If you want to know how to floss correctly, below is a simple step-by-step guide:

  1. Get a piece of floss about 18 to 20 inches long or about the length between the tips of your fingers and your elbow. Wrap the floss around your index and middle fingers on both hands, leaving about one or two inches between your hands to work with.
  2. Gently slide the floss in between two teeth. Wrap it around one of the teeth into a ‘C’ shape around the base and carefully slide it under the gum line. Using the floss, wipe the tooth two to three times from base to tip.
  3. While flossing, do not snap or force the floss since this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue.
  4. Make sure you floss all the sides of each tooth. Always use a clean section of the floss for each tooth to avoid spreading debris and bacteria around your mouth.
  5. Remove the floss by using the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from your teeth.

A dentist in Sterling Heights, MI adds some additional tips below for better, more effective flossing:

  • As much as possible, floss in the evening, before going to sleep, so that the plaque between your teeth does not have all night to fester and spread.
  • It is best to brush your teeth after flossing. This is because brushing after flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Do not focus on removing any food stuck between your teeth only. To reap all the benefits of flossing, you have to remove plaque from your teeth as well. This means scraping the tooth’s surface up and down two or three times, moving gently below the gum line and on both sides of each tooth.
  • Although you need to floss gently, you still need to put sufficient pressure to remove plaque. You can do this by pressing firmly against the tooth while moving gently and slowly when guiding the floss under the gum line.

When you floss properly, you’ll always have cleaner, healthier teeth. As such, take the time to learn the correct steps. Also, ask your dentist for additional advice and tips to be sure you will gain the health benefits this oral hygiene practice has to offer.

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