Causes of Receding Gums

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Gum recession is a very common problem, that many of us experience in varying degrees over the years. Sometimes it is so mild that it may go unnoticed, but frequently you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Inflammation and redness of the gums.
  • Your teeth becoming longer.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
  • Bleeding of the gums, especially the area just adjacent to the tooth
  • Mobility and looseness of teeth

These are all signs and symptoms of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). One of the key manifestations of gum disease is receding gums. This occurs due to the loss of collagen fibers in the gums, so they lose their support and start to fade and shrink away, the same way that the skin wrinkles with age.

So what are the causes of receding gums?

Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains the most common reasons for gum recession:

Bad oral hygiene Causes Receding Gums

Receding gums as explained is one of the features of gum and periodontal disease. With poor oral hygiene, plaque and tartar start to accumulate at the gum lining and apply pressure on the gums. With time and more lack of care, the gums start to give way and lose their strength, and they begin to shrink. In mild cases, a quick cleaning procedure may help to improve the situation, but if left untreated for a while, the effects may be irreversible.

Smoking Causes Receding Gums

We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI, about how smoking affects receding gums. Dr. Laurich says that the sworn enemy of the gums is smoking. While smoking does not cause recession of the gums directly, it contributes greatly to bad oral hygiene, and consequently could result in gum recession over time. Dr. Laurich highly recommends quitting the use of tobacco to save your gums and overall health.

Excessive or violent brushing Causes Receding Gums

This may come as a shock to most people, but excessive brushing may be just as bad as not brushing at all. If you violently scrub your teeth 5 or 6 times a day, thinking that this would prevent decay or gum disease, you need to stop immediately. Violent brushing not only causes grazing and cracking of the enamel which could lead to decay, but it also tears the collagen fibers of the gums and makes the recession proceed a lot faster.

Age 

Sometimes, recession is inevitable, such as that which happens with age. Unfortunately, you can’t control it, and it will happen sooner or later, but you can help delay the process by following a strict oral hygiene regimen and taking care of your teeth and mouth.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions could contribute to weakness in the gums and subsequent recession. Diabetic patients are the most common, where diabetes directly influences the amount and strength of the collagen fibers, and the gums are inherently weak and prone to recession. Pregnancy has a similar effect, where all the nutrients are sucked away to be given to the growing baby, and the gums take a hit, but usually, the effect is reversible once the baby is born.

Teeth Grinding

You might think “why does grinding the top of my teeth affect the gums which are far below?”. Well, this happens because the excessive pressure on the teeth wears the top, but generates micro cracks at the bottom where the gums meet the tooth. These cracks are invisible but they cause irritation of the gums, and they have no choice but to recede away or risk injury.

Why You Should Get Invisalign Aligners

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Why You Should Get Invisalign Aligners

Metal braces are slowly becoming outdated. While they help align your teeth to give you that perfect smile, braces just don’t look right cosmetically. You also have to keep them on for a long period of time, which can be tasking and painful. Which is exactly why the Invisalign aligner has garnered so much support. It is the hassle-free way to perfect your smile.

All You Need to Know About Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign is a “clear” way to straighten teeth. The aligners are of thermoplastic, which is a translucent material so it almost looks as if they aren’t even on. The treatment has been around for over two decades now but in recent years you find that more orthodontists are recommending it to their patients.

The aligners are custom designed to help straighten your teeth. Your mouth is scanned from which the aligners are designed. The process is slow and there are numerous different aligners you will receive throughout. In fact, you get a new aligner every two weeks. Every time you get a new aligner it is slightly different than the last. Each time the aligner works on making your teeth straighter, moving it just slightly. This happens throughout the treatment, which generally lasts about a year or so.

4 Reasons Why Invisalign Aligners Are Right For You in Sterling Heights, WI

1. It’s a clear solution

Metal braces can be a pain to deal with and they aren’t appealing at all. Aesthetically Invisalign is clearly the better solution, as it almost appears as if they aren’t even on. So you don’t have to hide your smile anymore or avoid the things you love to eat because of braces, Invisalign provides you with the same benefits without the hassle.

2. Easier to maintain your oral hygiene

When compared to braces, Invisalign experts in Livonia, MI agree that it is much easier maintaining a good oral hygiene with Invisalign. With braces, you find it difficult to brush and floss, having to work around the wires and buying special equipment to get the basics done. That is not the case with Invisalign, when you need to brush and floss, you can remove the aligners and take care of your oral hygiene.

Just be sure to brush and floss after every meal or snack you have so it doesn’t get stuck in the aligner, which can allow bacteria and plaque to build up.

3. Continue to eat what you love

We’ve touched upon this point before. You will not have any restrictions to what you can eat with these aligners. The reason for that is because when you eat, you can simply take the aligners out and then put them back on after brushing your teeth. There’s no way of doing that with braces and there are a few limitations to what you can eat. You can’t eat anything that is too crunchy or would stick to the metal, which deprives you of food you may love.

4. No emergencies related to your aligners

A reason why dentists in Sterling Heights recommend this treatment is due to the fact that you won’t encounter any emergencies related to Invisalign. Metal braces are delicate and the wires can break causing you a lot of discomfort. When this happens you have to rush to the orthodontist to have it repaired in an emergency. There are no such issues as Invisalign is a two-piece aligner, one for the top half of the mouth and another for the bottom, that has no wiring or complicated components attached.

Don’t wait any longer to get that perfect smile. With such a simple solution, contact Sterling Heights dentist and be on your way to a more confident, happy you.

Are Oral Health Issues Genetic?

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Are oral health issues genetic?

Should you thank (or blame) your parents for the state of your dental health? In other words, are oral health issues genetic?

Patterns and behaviors in the family, while you were growing up, can influence your dental health for life.

For one, studies have shown that children who were taught good dental hygiene early will most likely be diligent in their adulthood. As such, they get to enjoy stronger, better-looking teeth and gums than their peers who were not as meticulous about dental care.     

Aside from family habits, genetics also play a key role in determining oral health.  

Dental experts at Laurich Dentistry agree that you can be prone to certain teeth and gum conditions if these are in your genes. Add environmental risk factors in the mix, and you can most likely catch the dental problem that most of the people in your family also have.

The following are some of the dental conditions that have been associated with genetics:

Tooth decay  

What to do: Go to your dentist for professional cleaning on a regular basis. Your dentist may also recommend dental sealants and fluoride treatment (especially for teens) and may prescribe the use of toothpaste and mouthwash with strong anti-cavity formulation.

Periodontal disease

What to do: If there is gum disease in your family, make sure to share the information with your dentist when talking about your medical history. This way, your dentist can focus on preventive measures and early detection. As such, regular dental checkups are a must.

Bad bite

What to do: Misaligned, crooked, crowded or missing teeth can cause a bad bite. If this is common in your family, tell your dentist about it for orthodontic checkup and treatment as early as possible.

Oral cancer

What to do: Know that oral cancer is largely associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. But genetics also play a role, especially if combined with those lifestyle risk factors.

Going to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist that offers oral cancer screening services is an important self-care procedure. Regular oral cancer screening is recommended even if you don’t have a family history of the condition.

Talk to your dentist

The best dentist in Sterling Heights, MI dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will not only treat your dental problems as they come. Instead, they will be proactive about knowing more about you, your dental health background and your goals about your dental health.

Go to a dentist who can provide the care and help that suits your unique needs. This way, you prevent serious dental problems – whether they’re genetic or not.

Sterling Heights Dentist Discusses Dental Bridges

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Sterling Heights Dentist Discusses Dental Bridges.

The Truth About Dental Bridges – Pros and Cons

There are a number of restorative dental options in less-than-ideal scenarios involving tooth loss. If you are currently considering getting dental bridges, it would be ideal to weigh what this option entails.

So, here’s a quick rundown of the essential facts about dental bridges – pros and cons:

PROS

  • Dental bridges are a highly functional dental appliance in the replacement of missing teeth. Once they are securely in place, the patient can immediately start using them for normal biting and chewing functions without pain or discomfort. There is also little to no effect on speech as the fixed dental appliance functions like the natural tooth it is supposed to replace.
  • They are low maintenance as there is no need to periodically remove them for cleaning. This is the main reason why some patients prefer them to removable dentures.
  • So, they are aesthetically pleasing as a restorative dental solution for missing or lost teeth. Materials used can be matched to the color of adjacent teeth. Ultimately, there is no way others can tell apart the artificial tooth from the natural teeth.
  • They reduce the possibility of teeth movement and bone loss in the jaw. Thereby, substantially reducing the risks posed by tooth loss.
  • Installing the dental bridge requires only about two sessions to complete.
  • Patients get used to the comfortable feel of a dental bridge

CONS

  • The health of the abutment teeth on either side of the lost/missing tooth may be compromised as they need to be prepared to support and keep the pontic (replacement tooth) in place. Preparation entails shaving off or removing substantial amounts of tooth tissue whether or not decay is present in the abutment teeth. This makes the adjacent teeth vulnerable to decay if the crowns and bridges are not properly and securely fitted.
  • The abutment teeth become more sensitive to external stimuli, so there may be a need to create temporary crowns to protect them until the bridge procedure is completed.
  • If it happens that the abutment teeth turn out to be not strong enough to support the pontic, they may collapse and eventually lead the patient to require dental implants instead. They also need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

To determine which dental appliance will work best for your current dental condition, contact your dentist in Sterling Heights. 

In the end, your decision should be something that wouldn’t further compromise your dental health down the line.

Water Flossing vs Flossing: What is Recommended?

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Controversy is erupting over dental floss.

An AP report reveals that flossing isn’t as beneficial as you think, despite what dentists say about it. The claim that its good practice for your oral health is supposedly weak. But the American Dental Association and the Department of Health and Services have reaffirmed the importance of interdental cleaning.

Meanwhile, other studies show the stark contrast between people who floss and people who don’t; those who flossed regularly maintained good oral health.

And here’s further confusion to throw you off, just a bit: Which dental floss product would your dentist in Sterling Heights recommend? Here’s a look at water flossing vs flossing.

The String Floss

Traditional flossing lets you scrape those bits and pieces that get stuck between your teeth. Whereas brushing allows you to get rid of plaque on the surface, flossing with a piece of string enables you to remove food particles in those hard-to-reach places (i.e., below the gum line).

You can choose from among a variety of interdental products:

  • Unwaxed floss — The traditional, disposable string from nylon; it can fit into tight spaces, but can give way to shredding.
  • Waxed floss — The wax coating may make it more challenging to clean between tight spaces, but it’s less prone to damage.
  • Super flosses — Ideal for those with braces as it has stiffer sections.
  • Dental tape — Comes in waxed and unwaxed versions, and suitable for people with wider spaces between teeth.

You’ll also find flavored string floss, which could be more appealing to use since it promotes fresh breath.

Traditional flossing works for some people because it’s quick and affordable. You don’t need to make a lot of room in your personal kit. String floss also makes it easy to floss after lunch at work or even after a date at a restaurant because you can discreetly duck into the bathroom.

But recent findings show that not many people do it; about 10 percent to 30 percent of people follow the practice. When introduced to water flossing though, some people ended up following through with the oral hygiene habit.

The Water Flosser

Water flossing involves using a handheld device that gets rid of food particles through a stream of water. Instead of scraping, the device uses the force of the water to “massage” the gums, forcing the bits and pieces away from your teeth.

This alternative, and somewhat novel way, to flossing, works mostly for people with braces or temporary or permanent bridges. It’s effective in cleaning those hard-to-reach places.

The downside to this approach is that it will cost more in comparison to traditional flossing. Additionally, you would need more room to store the device. You also need access to electricity and water to floss. And unlike most interdental products, you’ll need to clean this device.

Experts still debate the legitimacy of flossing as a way to curb dental problems. While both sides gather evidence to substantiate their claims, it’s wise to follow your Sterling Heights dentist’s advice when it comes to this oral hygiene practice.

Read our blog to learn more interesting facts about your oral health.

The Best Way to Clean Your Retainers

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The last yet most important step in an orthodontic treatment is to wear a retainer. Contrary to what everyone thinks, your teeth are not fixed in place in your jaw. This means they can slowly move around, regardless of your age. In fact, this is how a dentist in Sterling Heights can get your teeth into a better position.

Wearing a retainer will prevent your teeth from staying out of the alignment you just spent money and time moving them into.

It is for this reason that you should keep your retainer undamaged and clean. This way, it will function properly and won’t cause any oral problem. Also, a fresh-smelling, clean retainer is more pleasant to place in your mouth.

It may seem like your retainer will only need a quick daily rinse, but Dr. Farhat emphasizes that this is not enough to keep it bacteria-free. Here is a guide to cleaning your retainers effectively.

Get the Right Tools

You will need a toothbrush apart from the one you use on your teeth because you have to use soap to clean your retainers, not toothpaste. You can opt for a brush designed to clean dentures, which is quite bigger.

Also, you must have a liquid soap – you can use antibacterial hand soap or a dishwashing liquid. Denture cleaners work great as well, but they are costly.

Use the Right Technique

Here is the best way to clean your retainers:

Step 1: Put a bit of soap on your toothbrush and add water (preferably lukewarm) to make lather.

Step 2: Place your retainer in your hand. Gently scrub its surfaces using the soapy brush.

Step 3: Rinse your retainer thoroughly to remove all the soap film. This ensures that you won’t have a soapy taste once you put back your retainer.  

The fresh-smelling, clean retainer can either be placed back into your mouth or stored in its case. When storing your dental appliance, make sure to place it away from your pets and even from heat.

What not to do?

When it comes to cleaning or disinfecting a retainer, a Sterling Heights dentist says it is possible that you go overboard. For instance, you may think that using boiled water is a better option. But this can distort your retainer. Remember that your retainer was specifically made to perfectly fit your teeth; thus, maintaining its shape is vital.

Using bleach is not advisable as well. This can give your retainer an unpleasant odor and degrade its plastic base. You should not even use the regular toothpaste since this contains abrasive particles that will create tiny nooks where bacteria can hide and thrive.

Keeping your retainer clean and fresh with the right tools and technique is crucial to staying on the path toward a pearly white, healthy smile.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office!

Ways of Controlling Toothache Pain

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We’ve all experienced some form of toothache pain. Whether it’s because of a broken tooth, a loose filling, a tooth infection, or worse, a tooth abscess, it’s something that is virtually intolerable and requires immediate relief.

To show you some methods of controlling toothache pain, we’ve consulted Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, Michigan. But wait, this advice is mainly for immediate pain relief and is not meant to take the place of getting a dental appointment as soon as possible, and having your dentist examine you to identify the root cause of your pain.

Hot Water + Salt

Mix one tablespoon of salt into a glass or mug of hot or warm water. Ensure the salt is dissolved before using the solution to rinse or gargle in your mouth.

How does this solution help alleviate the pain? It works by drawing out the fluids responsible for your toothache pain from the gums, thereby helping reduce the irritation and inflammation you are experiencing.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This type of vinegar has been known for its beneficial health effects, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar also makes it an effective antibiotic – killing bacteria that may be causing your toothache. To use apple cider vinegar, wet a piece of cotton or a cotton ball with the vinegar and gently press it on the affected tooth.

Ice or Cold Compress

An obvious method for numbing the pain you are experiencing, you may apply the ice or cold compress externally, on the affected area, or inside your mouth directly on the affected tooth.

Alcohol

A well-known antibacterial and antiseptic substance, you can use alcohol like vodka, whiskey, brandy or scotch as a mouth gargle that will also help numb you from the toothache pain. However, using alcohol, even for medical reasons, is prohibited for people below 21 years of age.

Various Types of Oil

Pain relief and inflammation are among the two things natural oils can alleviate. Unsurprisingly, you may also use them to help reduce your toothache pain. These therapeutic oils include sunflower oil, almond oil, tea tree oil, sesame oil, oregano oil, nutmeg oil and clove oil.

All you need to do is combine a little oil with water and use it to rinse your mouth. Alternatively, you can use a cotton ball to apply the oil directly to the affected area.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Easily accessible, you can directly use hydrogen peroxide as a mouth gargle or rinse. You may also opt to mix it with some water and use it the same way. Just make sure to spit it all out after gargling or rinsing.

A Final Word

There are other materials and methods you can use in controlling toothache pain such as peppermint, vanilla, almond and lemon extract, potatoes, certain leaves and roots, onions, cucumber, turmeric, citrus fruits and even acupressure!

However, be sure to visit Dr. Farhat as soon as the pain subsides so you can get the treatment you need.

Let’s Celebrate National Dentist Day!

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Having read the title may have caused you to do a double take – “National Dentist Day,” for real? Yes, there is such a thing as National Dentist Day, and guess what? It happens to fall on March 6.

So if you’re still wondering why there’s a day meant to celebrate the field of dentistry, and all the dentists in the world, wonder no more. After all, why would you even have your pearly whites intact without the expert help of a seasoned dentist?

The Roots of Dentistry

Scholars say that the incidence of tooth decay was quite low in pre-agricultural societies. But would you believe that just last year, it was discovered that Neanderthals practiced a form of dentistry using what can only be considered their own versions of dental tools?

There is also evidence about the Indus Valley Civilization practiced as early as 7000 BC!

Unearthed tools included bow drills which were hypothesized to have been operated by skilled bead craftsmen. Whatever tools, materials and methods these early dental experts used would have been “reliable and effective.”

These discoveries, among other things, all prove that human beings have always been concerned about their dental health. It’s no mystery, then, that at least one day in a year is devoted to the celebration of dentistry, and all the knowledge, expertise and care that people like you receive from their own dentist.

How to Celebrate National Dentist Day

Well, there really is nothing more important to your dentist than seeing how well you take care of your teeth. After all, it’s your dentist’s job to ensure you practice good oral hygiene.

Add extra sparkle to your teeth by getting a whitening treatment – just to show your dentist what a great job he or she has done through the years.

One thing you can do is set an appointment with your dentist on National Dentist Day this March 6. If you already have a tooth cleaning session scheduled, then be sure to keep it so you can also personally greet your dentist.

Flowers, a card, and a bottle of wine are all optional. You just need to turn up and be there to show your appreciation with a pearly white smile.

How Do Different Types Of Water Affect Your Teeth?

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It is imperative for a person to maintain good dental health. Aside from seeing your dentist regularly, you must also know the different foods and beverages that can harm your teeth.

For instance, you surely already know that soda can cause dental problems. But did you know that not all types of water are good for your teeth?

Here is an overview of how different types of water affect your teeth.

Straight Tap Water

There are vitamins, minerals, and chemicals that are essential to tap water because they help maintain its quality and the health of those who consume it. Some tap water types also contain chlorine to kill bacteria and fluoride to enhance dental health.

If you are among those who don’t drink tap water thinking that it is contaminated or has negative health effects, think twice! Most cities and towns in the country are now offering tasty, safe tap water that will give you essential vitamins and minerals.

Filtered Tap Water

Most Americans are drinking filtered tap water. But using a filter, attaching it directly to the tap, or a pitcher filter is not always the best option because the filtration process removes important compounds like fluoride from the water.

But Dr. Farhat, a reputable Sterling Heights dentist, says that this depends on the filter you use. Make sure to choose the right one to ensure that you are getting the essential compounds from your tap water.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is the purest type of water because it lacks all vitamins, minerals, and chemicals. Although this is not harmful to your overall health, it is not great for your teeth, either. You need to do some extra work to protect your dental health if you drink distilled water. For instance, eat foods rich in fluoride or add it as a supplement. Otherwise, you are increasing your risk of tooth decay and cavities.

Bottled Water

While bottled water is a food product by the Food and Drug Administration, the organization’s standards for such a product are not strict. Also, bottled water is highly susceptible to bacteria once the seal is broken, most especially when you allow it to get warm up to room temperature.  

What’s more, most bottled water does not contain fluoride, so if you are drinking bottled water frequently, consider adding a fluoride as a dietary supplement. This way, you can keep up with your dental health while still consuming the type of water you want.

If you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, you must drink water that contains fluoride. Having good dental health is a multi-step process, and most people do not realize that choosing which water to drink is a crucial part of it. A dentist in Sterling Heights emphasizes that making informed decisions will help keep your body and mind at its peak performance.

5 Ways To Have Healthy Teeth While Living In A Sugar Culture

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According to an article published by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the average American consumes 152 pounds of sugar in a year, or three pounds or six cups of every week. This is a clear (and alarming) indication that we are now living in a sugar culture.

Dr. Farhat explains that too much sugar is not only bad for your waistline; it is also harmful to your teeth. Whenever you eat sugary foods and drink sweet beverages, some of the sugars linger on your teeth. Dental plaque bacteria combine with these sugars, producing plaque acids that attack the enamel. When the enamel continues to lose minerals, a hole or cavity eventually forms.

If this cavity is not treated immediately, it can progress deeper into the tooth which will cause pain when the damage hits your nerves.  It can also lead to tooth loss.

Avoiding the Unhealthy Effects of Sugar on Your Teeth

To minimize the harmful effects of sugar on your teeth, here are five helpful tips to follow:

  1. Limit your sugar intake. If you want to reduce the chances of getting cavities, reduce your consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Some of the sweet foods you should avoid are candies (all types), dried fruits, cookies, cakes, muffins and other sugary and sticky snacks. Start limiting your consumption of sodas, fruit juices, and other sugary drinks as well.
  2. Eat foods and drink beverages that will remineralize your tooth enamel. Cheese, unsweetened yogurt, low-fat milk and other healthy sugar-free foods and drinks are rich in calcium and phosphates. When you consume more of these products, your saliva will use these nutrients to strengthen and remineralize your teeth. Green and black tea also contain substances that can suppress harmful bacteria in your mouth. As such, consider drinking more tea instead of coffee.
  3. Minimize snacking in between meals. Going a few hours without eating will give your saliva a chance to wash away the acid from your mouth. This will also help repair your teeth before your next meal. If you’re really hungry, eat some fresh crunchy vegetables and fruit such as broccoli, carrots, cucumbers, apples, and pears.
  4. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. Fluoride is a crucial mineral that prevents and even reverses tooth decay in its early stages. As such, when brushing, use fluoride toothpaste. Floss properly every day as well, preferably at night, to get rid of plaque, sugar and food debris or leftovers from your teeth.
  5. Satisfy your sweet tooth with xylitol. Lastly, if you’re craving something really sweet, pop a xylitol gum or candy in your mouth. Eating xylitol frequently reduces the bacteria and acid in your mouth that damage your teeth.

Make sure you visit Dental One Care regularly as well. Routine checkups and dental cleanings can help you keep a healthy, beautiful smile even if you give in to your sweet cravings every now and then.

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