Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

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Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion refers to the wearing away of the enamel on your teeth by the acids in the foods and drinks that you consume. The symptoms and signs of enamel erosion depend on how advanced that enamel loss is. This article discusses some of those signs and symptoms of tooth erosion that dentists in Sterling Heights frequently observe in their patients.

The Early Symptoms of Enamel Loss

  • Teeth Discoloration

The erosion of the enamel of your teeth brings the dentin closer to the surface. Dentin is naturally yellowish. Your teeth will, therefore, become discolored once this substance is exposed or brought nearer to the surface of the teeth. However, you should avoid making a premature conclusion that your discolored teeth are caused by enamel loss because other factors, such as poor dental hygiene and cigarette smoking, can cause teeth to become discolored.

  • Tooth Sensitivity

You can also suspect that you are suffering from enamel loss in case your teeth are sensitive. The sensitivity is usually caused by the exposure of dentin once the enamel is eroded. Dentin is softer and more sensitive to temperature variations. Consequently, your teeth will become increasingly sensitive as more dentin is exposed.

  • Rounded Teeth

Enamel loss occurs gradually and in small amounts. The sharper edges of your teeth are the first to lose their enamel coating since they are instrumental in chewing the foods responsible for causing the tooth erosion. Those sharp edges, such as the ridges on your molars, will therefore start becoming rounded. This will spread until all your teeth take on a rounded appearance.

  • A Sandblasted or Transparent Appearance

The tips of your teeth can also look sandblasted or transparent during the initial stages of enamel loss. The sandblasted appearance is a result of the pitting that is occurring on the surface of the teeth exposed to acidic foods and drinks on a regular basis. Those teeth start becoming transparent because the enamel is getting thinner.

The Advanced Symptoms of Enamel Loss

  • Cracked Teeth

As enamel loss worsens into an advanced form, the teeth will start cracking in the areas where pitting occurred. Those cracked segments will feel rough when you pass your tongue over them. The cracks will allow acids, bacteria and food particles to get into the deeper sections of your teeth. This will trigger other dental problems, such as cavities and extensive tooth decay. Dental experts in Livonia, MI agree that your dentist in Sterling Heights may then have to perform complex dental procedures like root canals or install dental crowns. Some of the affected teeth may also need to be extracted.

  • Dents

Dents (also called cupping) will develop on the biting surfaces of your teeth. The dents are an indicator that enamel loss isn’t occurring uniformly on the affected surfaces of the teeth. The problem with such dents is that they will cause bite forces to be distributed unevenly across the teeth surfaces. This uneven distribution of bite forces accelerates the rate at which the teeth wear out since some sections will be subjected to greater stresses than others are.

  • Extreme Sensitivity

Extreme teeth sensitivity results when enamel loss is advanced. At this stage, you will feel a sharp or stabbing pain each time anything hot or cold touches your teeth. Many people try to avoid eating since the pain is too much to bear.

It is important for you to visit a dentist in Sterling Heights for a comprehensive examination when you notice any of the signs and symptoms discussed above. That professional will take the necessary steps to address the root cause of the symptoms you are experiencing. This may save you from losing your teeth to the advanced form of enamel loss.

Are Adult Fluoride Treatments Necessary?

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Most people falsely assume that only kids require fluoride treatments, especially since dental insurance usually covers such treatments up until age 18. However, you should know that there are certain conditions that put you at a moderate to high risk for cavities.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking if fluoride treatments are necessary for adults, below your Sterling Heights Dentist dives in:

When you take medications or have an affliction which has led you to suffer dry mouth conditions – Medications usually prescribed for hypertension and heart disease lead to dry mouth conditions, thereby reducing your natural ability to produce saliva and cleanse your mouth of food debris and plaque-causing bacteria.

You’ve suffered from cavities through the years – If you have a history of struggling against dental carries even with consistent oral care, then you can benefit from fluoride treatments.

Periodontal disease and gum recession – If you have gingivitis, it means you may already suffer from receding gums which put you at a higher risk for dental problems that can be alleviated by fluoride treatments.

Your teeth have deep grooves or pits – This characteristic means you are prone to suffering from dental cavities as well.

You are a compulsive snacker – If you find yourself eating all the time or grazing, especially on sweet or sugary snacks, then you are putting yourself at a higher risk for dental carries.

You’ve had some dental work done such as crowns, bridges or braces – Teeth that have been subjected to dental procedures and treatments are susceptible to dental cavities, especially at certain vulnerable spots your dentist can point out for you.

Adult Fluoride Treatment FAQs

Sterling Heights MI Dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhat has helped us put together this FAQ which you may find especially useful in your quest to avail of fluoride treatments.

How does fluoride help your teeth?

Fluoride is an important component of the tooth enamel and helps protect your teeth from mineral loss due to food acids activated after eating. Food acids are produced by plaque-causing bacteria and sugars in your mouth.

What forms does fluoride take?

Aside from being a primary component in toothpaste and mouth washes, fluoride is also found in small amounts in food, and can be applied to your teeth in the form of a varnish, foam or gel for added protection.

Are adult fluoride treatments necessary?

Fluoride is a known necessary component for growing teeth. But topical fluoride treatments are also necessary for dental protection, especially if you have any or all of the conditions described above.

So don’t hesitate — make a dental appointment and check with your doctor if fluoride treatments are for you.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

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

Bad for Your Health, Worse for Your Teeth

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

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

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

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

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

Manage the Damage

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tooth Infection and Potential Complications

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Most people know that when there is swelling in a tissue or body part, it usually indicates an infection that the body is trying hard to manage and get rid of. So if you ever experience suffering from a dental abscess, you know what to do. Get to your dentist ASAP!

A dental abscess is a facial swelling that usually indicates where you have an infected tooth. It is quite painful and intolerable for most and may be accompanied by fever. And while you may gargle warm water with salt to slightly disinfect your mouth and place a wet tea bag on the affected tooth to alleviate pain, it’s not enough to make the pain go away permanently.

A tooth infection is not something to be taken lightly and should always involve the diagnosis of the infection and treatment recommendations of your dentist. To help us talk about tooth infection and potential complications, we’ve enlisted the expertise of a Sterling Heights dentist.

Signs of tooth infection

Aside from getting a dental abscess and fever, be on the lookout for the following symptoms of tooth infection:

  • Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks or temperatures in general
  • Swelling in the cheeks, face or neck area
  • Throbbing pain in your teeth that never seems to go away, and which seems to radiate to your jawbone, neck or ears
  • Difficulty or pain when biting or chewing
  • Warm, swollen and tender lymph nodes located in your neck or under the jaw area
  • The taste of bad-smelling, salty (and foul) fluid in your mouth possibly caused by the rupture of an abscess in your mouth

When these signs show you need to visit your dentist.

Complications of untreated tooth infections

If the fear of losing your tooth is not enough, then you should know that a tooth abscess, if left untreated, can worsen even if the fistula has ruptured. It can spread to the neck, jaw or rest of your head if the infection is not taken care of properly.

The bacteria will find their way around your bodily systems, and you become at risk for sepsis – an infection that spreads throughout the human body, and which can have fatal results. So do not ever attempt to “take care” of a tooth abscess on your own; go to your dentist right away.

How to prevent tooth infection

The best way to protect your teeth is pretty basic: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, avoid sugary food and drinks, have a tooth-friendly diet, and always keep your dental appointments.

 

The Truth About Fighting Tooth Decay With Sugar

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Dr. Fadi Farhat regularly sees children with tooth decay. About 42% of children aged 2-11 years old have had decay in their permanent teeth, whereas about 32% of children aged 9-11 experienced decay in their permanent teeth. It is important to help your child fight tooth decay. So, what is the truth abought fighting tooth decay with sugar?

How Sugar Plays a Role in Oral Health

It is quite difficult for your little ones to resist sticky candies and sugary foods. But these foods can lead to tooth decay, especially when they get stuck in between your kids’ teeth. Moreover, most children love drinking sports drinks and sodas, which are known to have high sugar content and a highly acidic pH. The combination of these dietary factors, and drinking more unfluoridated bottled or tap water, explains why the incidences of tooth decay are increasing.

Brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and paying regular dental visits at Dental 1 Care is vital for good oral health. But aside from these, an article published in the July 2010 issue of AGD Impact revealed that children can also enhance their oral health by adding xylitol to their day-to-day oral hygiene routine.

How Xylitol Helps Prevent Tooth Decay

Reputable dentists like Dr. Fadi Farhat, say fighting tooth decay with sugar is possible. And xylitol is a great weapon against tooth decay. It provides the simplest solution for tooth decay in children because this is a natural sugar that does not cause cavities. In fact, it helps prevent a cavity.

Apart from naturally occurring in fruits, trees, and vegetables, xylitol is also found in the human liver. Thus, it is safe for you and your children to consume. Table sugar breaks down in your mouth and creates a cavity-promoting pH while xylitol won’t break down. This further means that it does not create any harmful acid.

Furthermore, xylitol is found in different products like all-purpose sweeteners, lemonades, candies, mints and other brands of chewing gum.

As per research, you should consume 6-10 grams or 3-5 servings of xylitol per day. Also, it is vital that you consume xylitol throughout the day, but not all at once. This makes sure that xylitol interacts with bacteria in your mouth often to fight cavities.

Although there is no fast solution for eliminating tooth decay, xylitol might provide a realistic way to solve the problem, especially for children. As a parent, you should know why our Sterling Heights dentist recommends consuming a sugar-like substance. With more education, you will realize that xylitol is the best natural product that will help prevent cavities and tooth decay. Remember though that xylitol can be deadly to canines so you should not give any xylitol-containing products to your dogs. Check out our other blogs to learn more about how nutrition impacts your oral health. 

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.

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.

7 possible reasons for tooth pain

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Why does my tooth hurt?

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

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

Tooth decay

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

Tooth abscess or infection

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

Sensitive teeth

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

Damaged fillings

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

Dental trauma or fracture

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

Growing wisdom teeth

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

Sinus infection

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

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

National Gum Care Month: 5 Tips To Prevent Gum Disease

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September is the National Gum Care Month!

Now is the time to educate yourself about the early signs of gum disease and review the different habits that can help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Early Signs of Gum Disease

  • Gums are swollen and red in certain places
  • Gums bleed easily when brushing
  • Gums feel tender
  • Gums have begun to pull away from the edges of the teeth

Gingivitis is initially painless. It takes time to develop into a noticeable problem. You can prevent gum disease with basic and simple oral hygiene measures.

5 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

1. Brush at least twice a day

The sticky plaque will build up on your teeth continuously. If it is left there for hours, it will develop into tartar. Both plaque and tartar can contribute to gum disease.

2. Don’t forget to floss

Floss every day. Although brushing can prevent plaque from building up on your teeth, flossing will keep the area below the gum line clean and healthy.

You can use a water irrigator or a dental water jet. This is a device that can shoot streams of water between your teeth in order to completely remove bacteria and plaque.

3. Use mouthwash

Mouthwash should not be a substitute for brushing and flossing. However, if this is used along with other healthy oral care habits, it can eliminate bacteria. Also, it can keep your breath fresh and your teeth strong.

4. Eat nutritious meals

A healthy and balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins but low in sugar will boost your immune system. Also, this will help your body fight against harmful bacteria, infection, and inflammation. Eat greens to keep your teeth white.

5. Visit your dentist regularly

You must see your dentist twice a year for a good cleaning. During your visit, your dentist will also assess the health of your gums and teeth. If you are experiencing any problems, he will refer you to a reputable periodontist.

Early prevention and treatment of gum disease are crucial. When left unchecked and untreated, it can destroy your gums, teeth, connective tissues, and bones. Most importantly, this can greatly contribute to various health problems. So make sure to keep all of these activities as part of your day-to-day oral care regimen to keep gum diseases at bay.

If you are concerned about your oral health, schedule an appointment with a reputable Sterling Heights dentist now.

8 Fun Facts About Digital Dental X Rays

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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Using natural gas to cook food produces more radiation than making a dental x-ray.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Radiation safety measures emphasize the importance of using ALARA — As Low As Reasonably Achievable levels when taking dental x-rays.
  8. 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.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

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