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.

Benefits of Flossing Examined

August 8, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Medical Benefit Of Flossing Is Being Questioned: Findings

According to the American Dental Association, people must clean between their teeth at least once a day. This further means that they must engage in “mechanical interdental cleaning” on a daily basis.

Research

Recently, the medical benefit of flossing has been questioned. Most people are asking about any solid evidence showing the impacts of flossing on dental health. When it comes to managing gingivitis, the evidence is of low. This is due to the small number of studies, sample sizes, as well as the interpretation of the results.

Although the Cochrane Systematic Review on this topic in 2011 showed a reduction in the measures of gingivitis when flossing was added to tooth brushing, a meta-analysis by Berchier et al failed to find a significant improvement. The meta-analysis concluded that an initial consideration must be whether high-quality flossing is an attainable goal.

Furthermore, a meta-analysis of different studies that examined the impact of flossing on interproximal caries has revealed that regular professional flossing caused a statistically significant reduction in interproximal caries. This result was not seen with intermittent professional flossing or self-flossing.

Medical Benefits

Evaluating the medical benefit of flossing is somewhat complicated because this is a technique-sensitive intervention. Recently, data revealed that people are not always honest when it comes to reporting their flossing behavior. Indeed, understanding the success of significant behavior change can be thought-provoking. In terms of communicating messages regarding oral hygiene, one message might not cover all situations.

Ultimately, most people want to know if flossing is necessary. Professionals like our dental friends in Shreveport, Louisianna recognize that even with the absence of solid evidence, you must still seek guidance from the experts, like a reputable dentist Sterling Heights. There may be only a small benefit to flossing, and the quality of evidence is too low, but even such a small benefit is significant given the fact that most people around the world are suffering from tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Overall

Many dental professionals are still recommending floss because of the minimal costs to patients and the absence of documented harms. Considering this along with your specific issues, a Sterling Heights dentist would be able to provide the right recommendation for you.

Do Adults Need Fluoride Treatments?

April 25, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Professional associations, like the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the use of toothpaste with fluoride as soon as a child’s first tooth erupts.

Fluoride helps fortify the teeth of young children which can be vulnerable to tooth decay brought about by bacteria, acids and sugars in their teeth.

The use of this mineral can minimize damage on the teeth of children and even reverse some of the damage brought about by the onset of tooth decay.

But do adults need fluoride treatments?

What the pros say

According to Dr. Farhat, a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, some adults can benefit from fluoride treatments.

Ideally, you should get your fluoride from a variety of sources, including your diet, your water, and dental products like toothpastes and rinses. However, your dentist may recommend products with stronger concentrations or a fluoride treatment, depending on your needs.

Who can benefit from fluoride treatments?

An example of people who can immensely benefit from fluoride treatments would be those who have a moderate to high risk of getting dental cavities.

You may also need to get a fluoride treatment if you are taking medications which alter the flow of saliva in your mouth. When the flow of saliva in your mouth is substantially reduced, your mouth becomes drier and puts you at a higher risk of getting cavities.

If you have not been taking good care of your teeth, getting a fluoride treatment can help undo some of the damage caused by poor oral hygiene practices like irregular toothbrushing and flossing.

Finally, if you are about to undergo radiation treatment for cancer, ask your Sterling Heights dentist about the benefits of fluoride treatments and whether they would be good for you. Radiation can wreak havoc on your salivary glands, adversely affecting the flow of saliva in your mouth.

If you are planning on getting braces or restorations like dental crowns, your dentist may also recommend that you undergo fluoride treatments. Fluoride can help strengthen your teeth, thus ensuring that you get more value out of the specific dental treatment you are planning on getting.

Patients suffering from gum recession should also seriously consider getting fluoride treatments. Gum recessions create gaps between the teeth and gum, exposing the teeth’s root surface. This can leave the teeth more vulnerable to decay.

Not sure if you need a fluoride treatment? Dr. Farhat will gladly answer your questions and determine if you need one.

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

What Happens During A Teeth Cleaning?

April 11, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

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

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

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

Step 1: A Physical Exam of the Mouth

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

Step 2: Plaque and Tartar Removal

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

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

Step 3: Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning

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

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

Step 4: Flossing

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

Step 5: Rinsing and Fluoride Treatment

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

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

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

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

December 22, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

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.

How To Floss Correctly

October 17, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

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:

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.
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.
While flossing, do not snap or force the floss since this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue.
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.
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.

5 Types of Dental Floss: Does Type Of Dental Floss Matter?

September 16, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Does the Type Of dental Floss I use Matter?

Even when you brush your teeth thoroughly, it is impossible to reach the food debris and plaque under the gum line between your teeth. So each time you brush, you must use dental floss. This will make your teeth cleaner. Also, it will stimulate the gums, prevent plaque build-up, polish tooth surfaces, and reduce gum bleeding. Most importantly, flossing will prevent gum disease.

But does type of floss matter? Based on various studies, it does not matter. Some are just preferred over the others depending on the user’s dental condition or preference. Some have a fluoride coating to prevent dental caries; however, its efficacy hasn’t been proven.

5 Types of Dental Floss

Tape or Ribbon Floss

This is wide, thin and smooth. Most people use this because it easily slips through the teeth. Also, it doesn’t shred. However, because it is very smooth, it doesn’t completely remove plaque. And when it is pushed too hard, it can cut into the gum.

1. Waxed Floss

This is made up of fibers and comes in various sizes, colors, and flavors. It can shred if pushed between the teeth. Easing the floss back and forth between the teeth is the trick to reduce shredding instead of popping it through. This is slightly tacky, allowing the floss to grab food debris and plaque between the teeth.

2. Unwaxed Floss

This is harder to get between the teeth as compared to waxed floss. Some prefer using unwaxed floss because it doesn’t leave a wax residue on the teeth. Some people believe that this residue collects plaque faster. When using this type of floss, be careful when getting it through your teeth. Snapping it down rapidly can injure your gums.

3. Woven Floss

This is made of white and blue yarn-like strands woven together. It may appear bulky, but it can be stretched into a thin string if placed in between the teeth. This type of floss is gentle on gums and easy to grip. Also, it absorbs plaque. However, it tends to shred easier than other floss types. Those with rough crowns, tight teeth, and jagged restorations have trouble using it.

4. Water Flosser

This is a device that shoots streams of water to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. This is more comfortable, effective and easier than traditional string floss. It has a pulsating action that can stimulate gum tissue for additional health benefits. This is beneficial for cleaning orthodontics like braces. This is also the best option for those with dexterity problems.

Choosing the right floss is not easy. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist can guide you through the process. As conditions change in your mouth, you might need to change the type of floss you use.

8 Fun Facts About Digital Dental X Rays

September 11, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare 1 Comment

8 Fun Facts About the History of Digital Dental X Rays

Growing up, you may have been taught that exposure to any form of radiation is harmful for human beings. In history books and on the news, you have likely seen its horrifying effects on people. Radiation can affect the body in a number of ways, but this also depends on the amount you are exposed to. In small doses, radiation has been used in medicine to detect and treat a host of ailments, from hyperthyroidism to cancer.

Radiation can be found in a wide range of medical and dental tools, and X-rays are one of them. Learn more about x-rays and the good side of radiation with these interesting facts about digital dental x rays.

Radiation can be found all us — in the air we breathe as well as on the walls, floors and ceilings made of cement, stone or bricks. It is also emitted by a number of devices including watches, TV sets and computers. Human beings have been exposed to radiation since before they were born. When talking about exposure, the amount of radiation should also be considered.
People are exposed to radiation on a daily basis. Even the amount of radiation you are exposed to when going about your day is several times higher than what you would get during a typical x-ray session. To put it into perspective, the amount of radiation a person is exposed to on a daily basis is the equivalent of taking 950 digital x-rays.
Using natural gas to cook food produces more radiation than making a dental x-ray.
X-rays have been around for more than a century. They were first discovered in 1895, the same year the first dental x-ray images were produced.
Machines have evolved over the years. Today’s machines are smaller, faster, more efficient and safer to use. Newer sensor-based machines use about a tenth the amount of radiation that the traditional film-based machines did.
X-ray images show what your teeth, bone and supporting tissues look like on the inside. Dentists use them to find cavities, look at the roots of each tooth, and see if you have any oral health issues.
Radiation safety measures emphasize the importance of using ALARA — As Low As Reasonably Achievable levels when taking dental x-rays.
Because images are now in digital form, it has become easier for medical and dental personnel to share images and collaborate on what treatment to use.

You can learn more about radiation and its benefits from your Sterling Heights dentist.

Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.

10 Important Oral Care Tips For Seniors

August 13, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Aging diminishes one’s physical health in so many ways; this is why it’s essential for seniors to be more conscientious of their lifestyle and habits.

To ensure good health even in old age, one of the most important components is proper oral care. With proper oral care, periodontal disease — which is often linked to flare-ups of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and cancer (illnesses that commonly plague the elderly) — can be prevented.

Here are 10 important oral care tips for seniors that a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, MI strongly recommends:

Daily brushing is a must – even for those who wear full dentures. Brush twice a day to keep the mouth free from bacteria.
Floss once a day. For those who still have most of their original teeth, flossing is imperative in preventing calcular deposits from resulting in tooth decay.
Switch to “sensitive teeth and gums” products. Stop using those hard bristle toothbrushes and switch to soft bristle ones. Also, if flossing is proving to be tricky, switch from traditional dental floss to air floss. This air floss is better for people with compromised fine motor skills; it releases jet streams of water to dislodge food particles between teeth without hurting the gums.
Use the right toothpaste formula. For those with dry mouth, it’s better to use a toothpaste that is specifically formulated for it.
Visit the dentist regularly. Older folks are more prone to oral cancer, so it’s imperative to go to the dentist on a regular schedule for oral screening, cleaning, and other necessary treatments. It’s important to make dental visits regularly as well to make sure that gum recession is addressed. Gum recession is highly likely for older people and this can expose teeth roots, making teeth hyper sensitive.
Use special mouth rinse products to maintain the healthy pH balance of the mouth, as well as keep breath fresh.
Quit smoking. For those who still can’t kick the habit, it’s crucial to do so as soon as possible. Smoking not only dehydrates the mouth, which makes it the perfect environment for bacteria growth, but it can create other health issues as well.
Improve diet. Bread is an enemy because it can contribute to the fast development of plaque and tartar. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals to keep gums and teeth healthy.
Drink water often. This will do the body a lot of good and it can help flush out bacteria from the mouth and maintain healthy pH levels.
Chew a freshening, sugar-free gum after eating. This will stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva to maintain the mouth’s appropriate pH level, and at the same time, more saliva in the mouth will help dislodge food debris between teeth and gums.

There you have it — 10 oral care tips for a healthy mouth. Seniors are advised to follow them all consistently in order to effectively prevent oral health woes.

What to Expect After Braces

April 28, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

A dentist will take an hour or two to properly put on or install your new braces. At that time, you may have felt like you had your mouth open for an eternity and you probably felt uncomfortable the whole time.

Unfortunately, that was just the beginning. After all, wearing metal braces isn’t one of the most pleasing experiences you will have in your lifetime. But if you want to have a straighter and healthier set of teeth as well as a more beautiful smile, you will have to grin and bear it.

If you will be having your braces fitted soon, a Sterling Heights dentist shares an overview below of what to expect after braces:

Once your braces are set, your teeth will begin to move. Because of this, your bite will start feeling different. You might also get bite bumps due to the little braces or bonding buttons on the inside or on the biting surfaces of some teeth where your lower braces are. They help prevent you from biting hard against your braces and it may take you three to five days to adjust to them.
Since the braces apply a gentle, even pressure on the teeth, you will feel some discomfort and a dull aching sensation. After getting your braces, it is best to eat soft foods at first and take over-the-counter painkillers if you feel some pain. Mashed potatoes, Jell-O, soup, oatmeal, and smoothies should comprise your main diet for the first several days.
Your new braces can rub sore spots on the inside of the mouth. However, the skin will toughen up after a little while, but until then, you can ask your dentist to recommend an orthodontic wax that you can apply which will keep the rough brackets from poking your skin.
Once you stop feeling some discomfort, you can resume eating most of the foods you normally enjoy. However, with your braces on, you may want to change your eating habits. This is because the shape of your braces will prevent you from biting down firmly on hard or crunchy foods. You will also have to start tearing or cutting your food into smaller pieces so they will fit more easily into your mouth. In addition, you’ll have to start avoiding sticky, gooey foods such as gum, caramel and taffy because it will be very hard to remove them from the brackets.
Lastly, continue practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice every day, or if possible, after every meal to quickly remove bits of food that get trapped in your mouth and braces. If you don’t get rid of these bits, you might end up with little white spots (called decalcification) where the brackets used to be once they are removed. Floss properly using the right type of floss and technique daily as well.

It may take you a week or two to get used to the feeling of having braces in your mouth. However, after that, it should not feel too uncomfortable or unpleasant all the time. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist if you still feel some pain or discomfort days after your braces have been fitted. Contact us today!