How To Enjoy The Holidays Without Destroying Your Teeth

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If there is one thing synonymous with the holidays, it’s sweets and tasty treats. From cookies and chocolates to fudge, toffee, pies and more, it can seem like there is no end to sweet treats passing in front of you when the holiday season arrives. As we all know, the naturally-occurring bacteria in our mouths thrives off of sugar. The combination of added sugary treats and bacteria is recipe for cavities and a host of other oral health concerns.

The good news is that you don’t need to allow cavities and dental damage to gain a foothold during your holiday season. With a few simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite treats and keep your teeth and gums healthy well into the new year.

The Concerns with Sugary Food and Drink

Spending extended periods of time enjoying sugary foods and drinks can increase your risks of developing tooth decay and gum disease. For some of us, that is the definition of the holiday season. While it might be easy to just say that you’ll avoid certain foods and drinks entirely, it’s not a realistic way to get through the holidays. And it certainly won’t be very enjoyable for you.

The better solution is to simply plan well, and keep the health of your mouth in mind when you’re out enjoying and indulging.

Tips for Enjoying your Favorites

According to your favorite dentist in Sterling Heights MI, following these handy tips could help you keep your teeth healthy when faced with copious amounts of sweet desserts and other delicious treats.

  • Be sure that you drink plenty of water, as water will help to rinse your mouth out. It’ll wash food debris away from your teeth and keep your gums hydrated.
  • Ensure that you are staying well-rested during the holidays. It can be all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and the bustle and neglect something as simple as getting a good night of sleep. Getting adequate sleep can contribute to your overall health, which includes your dental health.
  • Don’t skip the fruit when you have the opportunity to enjoy it. Foods that are fibrous, such as apples and kiwis, combine with the saliva in your mouth and help rinse away food particles and excessive bacteria that could otherwise lead to cavities.
  • Don’t skip the vegetables, like cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots, as they can also help to keep your teeth and gums clean. Vegetables scrub food particles from your teeth.
  • Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker CO, says patients can keep fresh breath, by adding parsley, cilantro and mint to your meals or salads.

Foods to Consider Taking it Easy With

Certainly, you don’t want to skip out on some of your favorites, but there are some foods and drinks that you may wish to take it easy on enjoying.

  • Candy canes and lollipops
  • Peppermint bark
  • Christmas cookies and gingerbread men with too much crunch
  • Fudge, toffees, and caramels; especially if you have braces.
  • Popcorn
  • Fruitcake

Just be aware of how these foods impact the health of your gums and your teeth when you’re enjoying them. Those with braces will know all about what foods to avoid, thanks to the best orthodontist Sterling Heights MI patients could have.

Maintaining your Oral Hygiene 

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is ensure you are maintaining good oral hygiene at home. This can go a long way towards protecting your teeth against decay and disease.

The other step you can take is scheduling your routine checkups, and taking the time to meet with your dentist to discuss any areas of concern in your mouth. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?

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If you have kids at home, then you know that accidents happen! Dental emergencies can occur and cost your little one a tooth long before the permanent tooth grows in. When such a premature loss of a tooth occurs, dentists in Sterling Heights MI may recommend a space maintainer. In this article, you’ll discover if your child needs a space maintainer and why the orthodontic experts at Dental One Care may recommend one.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is a custom-made dental appliance made from acrylic. Your orthodontist in Sterling Heights may make a removable or a permanent space maintainer for your child. Fixed dental space maintainers fall into several categories, such as the crown and loop, the distal shoe, unilateral, and the lingual space maintainers. The orthodontics professional at Dental One Care will discuss these different types with you during your consultation if your child ever loses their baby teeth prematurely and a space maintainer is deemed necessary.

Why Is a Space Maintainer Necessary?

Primary/baby teeth play an important role during the development of your child’s jawbone. They are also vital in how your child speaks, the child’s social skills and the overall alignment of their smile.

When the experts at Dental One Care give your child a space maintainer after that child has lost a primary tooth, the maintainer helps all those functional and developmental issues proceed without impediment.

Without this space maintainer, Dr. Tim Lyons, an orthodontist at Lyons Orthodontics in El Dorado Hills CA, explains that the remaining teeth could move to cover the existing gap. The jawbone in the area of the gap could also fail to grow normally since there is no stimulation in that area.

How Do I Know My Child Needs This Device?

Each situation or patient is different. So, the best way to know whether your child needs a space maintainer is by visiting Dental One Care. The Sterling Heights orthodontist will assess your child and make the best recommendation based on the unique circumstances observed. For example, some kids who lose baby teeth around the time when permanent teeth have started growing may not need a space retainer since the permanent tooth will soon emerge and occupy the space.

How Space Maintainers Work

As already mentioned, space maintainers are usually made from acrylic (plastic) or sometimes metal. The appliance can be anchored to the nearby teeth either temporarily or permanently. So, the space left by the lost baby tooth remains.

If a space maintainer isn’t occupying this space, other teeth will shift and occupy that space. This will, cause other problems, such as misalignment of the remaining teeth and the permanent teeth could be impacted when they finally emerge.

Your child will have to be monitored at Dental One Care so that when the permanent tooth emerges or starts emerging, the space maintainer is removed by the orthodontist.

Dental x-rays are necessary to keep tabs on the development of permanent teeth in your child having a space maintainer. Our orthodontists use these captured images to determine the most appropriate time to remove the space maintainer.

Taking Care of a Space Maintainer

It’ll take a few days to get used to the space maintainer in their mouth. Support your child during this adjustment period until the child is no longer conscious that the device is even there.

During the time that the space maintainer is in place, watch what your child eats. Avoid giving him or her chewy foods, candy, and gum since these may damage the space maintainer. 

It is also important to pay added attention to oral hygiene while your kid has a space maintainer. The area around the space maintainer is particularly susceptible to the formation of plaque. So, proper brushing and flossing are vital. Follow the cleaning instructions given to you by the orthodontist at Dental One Care.

You should also instruct your child not to use his or her fingers to push or tug at the space maintainer since doing so can damage the appliance or loosen it.

The experts at Dental One Care have extensive experience in orthodontic care around Sterling Heights, MI. If you have questions about orthodontic treatment, contact us at Dental One Care today.

How is In-Office Teeth Whitening Done?

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 As you grow older, your teeth naturally lose their brightness due to the effects of the foods and drinks that you consume, medication, genetics, and many other factors. However, you don’t have to live with stained or discolored teeth because there are several options that you can select from to whiten your teeth. One option, whose popularity is growing rapidly, is the in-office teeth whitening. Results from in-office teeth whitening show sooner than the results of whitening your teeth using a DIY kit bought over-the-counter. Here are the steps that the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI will follow as they whiten your teeth professionally.

Step #1: Taking Records

The first step that Dr. Fardi Farhat, a Sterling Heights dentist, will take is to record the baseline shade of your teeth. This baseline is the current shade of your teeth when you come to the office.

Your dentist will then show you a shade guide as you discuss how bright you would like your smile to be. Note that experienced dentists like Dr. Fardi Farhat will recommend the most appropriate level of brightening that would bring out the best from your smile without making your teeth look too unnatural. Once the goal of how bright your teeth should be is agreed upon, the next steps follow in rapid succession.

Step #2: Thorough Cleaning

The teeth whitening compound will not be effective if the surfaces of your teeth are coated by plaque and tartar. Dr. Fardi Farhat or any other dental care professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI will, therefore, polish your teeth using pumice so that all the plaque is removed.

Step #3: Mouth Isolation

A piece of gauze will then be placed in your mouth to keep the teeth that have just been polished dry. Additionally, retractors may also be used to keep your lips, cheeks, and tongue out of the way for the teeth whitening solution. A barrier is also placed along the gum line to protect your gums from being damaged by the teeth whitening solution.

Step #4: Application of the Whitening Solution

The next step is to apply the teeth whitening solution on the front surfaces of your teeth. The most commonly used solution is hydrogen peroxide, but the professionals at Dental One Care can also use carbamide peroxide as a bleaching agent.

Step #5: Curing

Laser light is often needed to cure or activate the whitening compound applied on your teeth. However, some bleaching agents don’t require this special light. Instead, the bleaching agent is reapplied several times. Once the curing light has been applied, the bleaching solution is left on the teeth for about 30 minutes before it is rinsed off.

Step #6: Fluoride Treatment

This step isn’t necessary for everyone. However, for some patients, such as those who have a history of teeth sensitivity, a fluoride treatment is provided to deal with any sensitivity that could result after the teeth whitening procedure. For most people, this is the final step and they leave with a brighter smile.

However, some professional teeth whitening techniques require you to make an additional visit or visits to the Dental One Care office for additional treatments before your teeth can reach the desired shade of white. In such a case, Dr. Fardi Farhat will schedule out all those visits so that when you leave, you will know when each visit is scheduled.

Before you leave the dental office, our dentists in Sterling Heights will advise you about what you should or shouldn’t eat or drink within the first 24 hours after your teeth whitening procedure. The things to avoid are especially pigmented foods and drinks, such as coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, beets, yellow mustard and tobacco products. These substances can stain your recently-whitened teeth, so avoiding them in that timeframe allows the whitening products to cure on the teeth.

Professional DIY Teeth Whitening Kits

If you find the in-office teeth whitening procedure to be very expensive since your insurance doesn’t cover it, the next best option is to get a professional teeth whitening kit that you use at home. We asked our friend, Dr. Christopher Green, a cosmetic dentist in Parker, Colorado, about his opinion about DIY teeth whitening kits. Dr. Green says that teeth whitening kits will get the job done but in-office teeth whitening gives you instant results and it last longer. 

This kit can be custom-made for you at Dental One Care. Dr. Fardi Farhat starts by taking an impression of your teeth and then sending this mold to a dental lab. In about two weeks, the teeth whitening trays will be ready.

Once you receive the tray from the Sterling Heights dentist, all you have to do is to put drops of the specially formulated whitening agent in the tray before placing the tray on your teeth for about an hour each day. This is repeated daily for two weeks as your teeth gradually whiten to the desired shade.

Professional at-home teeth whitening kits offer better results when compared to over-the-counter teeth whitening products available on the market. So, take your pick between having your teeth whitened at Dental One Care by an experienced professional or having a custom tray made so that you can whiten your teeth at home. Regardless of the option that you choose, Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire Dental One Care team in Sterling Heights will be available to help you in any way possible so that you retain your bright smile for years to come.

 

7 Fastest Ways to Heal After Tooth Extraction

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The professionals at Dental One Care will do everything in their power to save your natural tooth, but extracting that tooth may be inevitable in some situations. If there is ever a need to extract one or more of your natural teeth, implement the following suggestions so that you can heal quickly from the procedure. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat shares the fastest ways to heal after tooth extraction.

Allow a Clot to Form

Clots are the body’s natural way of stopping bleeding, and this same mechanism is helpful when you have just had a tooth extracted. The dentist who performs the extraction at Laurich Dentistry will ask you to bite gently on a piece of gauze once the tooth is out. That gauze can be removed and replaced with another, but whatever you do, don’t remove the gauze until at least four hours after your tooth extraction surgery. In that time, a clot will form inside the socket of the tooth that was just removed, and the healing process will start.

Manage Your Pain

Once the dentists in Sterling Heights, MI Dental One Care extracts your tooth, you will be given some pain medication. Make sure that you follow the instructions given by Dr. Fadi Farhart so that the pain is managed effectively.

If you still feel some pain even while on the medication, dentists in Sterling Heights, MI, recommend that you use an ice pack placed outside your mouth on the side with the pain. Don’t leave this ice pack in place for more than ten minutes, but you can repeat the process of using it as many times as you want throughout the day.

Minimize Physical Activity

Any physically demanding activity, such as exercising or lifting heavy objects, can open the wound at the tooth extraction site and cause fresh bleeding. For this reason, Dr. Fadi Farhart recommends that you avoid strenuous physical activity for a few days so that you can heal quickly.

Be Careful What You Eat

Nutrition plays a key role in your recovery after a tooth extraction, but you have to be selective with what you eat, at least during the first few days. For example, hot food and drinks are a no-go because these can melt the clot in the socket. Also, opt for softer foods that will not require a lot of chewing. As you chew, use the other side of your mouth, furthest from the extraction site. Some foods that Dr. Fadi Farhart recommends are mashed potatoes, soup, and applesauce. Keep in touch with your dentist in Sterling Heights so that he or she can recommend when you can eat normally again.

Adjust Your Sleeping Position

If you aren’t careful with how you sleep, you have a higher chance of bleeding at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Farhart advises patients who have just had teeth extractions to elevate their heads on pillows while they sleep. This will help prevent bleeding at the extraction site.

Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene deserves extra attention after tooth extraction surgery because, at this time, you face a higher risk of developing infections. Dentists at Thorough Dent Smiles in Georgetown, KY, recommend the perfect oral health care routine, including brushing and flossing but avoiding the tooth extraction site. A warm, saltwater solution is also useful when rinsing your mouth because it will kill bacteria. While you heal, resist from using mouthwash because it may be too harsh on the tooth extraction site.

Be Keen on Infections

As already mentioned, you face a higher risk of developing an infection in your mouth when healing after tooth extraction. Therefore, you need to be alert for any signs of infection so that prompt action can be taken before the healing process is compromised. Some of the warning signs that Dr. Fadi Farhart says you should be on the lookout for are fever, excessive swelling, a discharge from the extraction site, and nausea. Contact Dental One Care immediately if you experience any of those signs.

The extraction site should heal in less than a week, and the gum tissue will take a few weeks to heal fully if nothing interferes with the healing process. To increase the chance of a smooth recovery, implement all the tips above and any recommendations given to you by the experts at Dental One Care. 

Overcoming Your Fear of the Dentist

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Have you ever been too scared to go to your dentist? Understanding where your fear comes from can help you overcome your fear. Experiencing a phobia for absolutely anything can hinder your functionality. In the case of oral care, our dental health can immensely suffer at the cost of your fears. 

Undesired experiences and troublesome results can be some of the few reasons as to why you may be afraid of going back to your dentist. Try not to panic and worry. You will not benefit you in any way and may lead to severe pain instead. No one wants to inflict upon themselves irreversible damage and so, seeking dental help is our best and only option. 

Dental Advances

Over the years, dental technology and dental treatments have evolved. At Dental One Care, we are increasingly aware and are equipped to cater to our patients’ anxiety.  We’ve designed our offices to be a welcoming and calm environment. Additionally, the technology we use will help you feel calm and at ease. Rest assured, you will feel right at home. 

Coping With and Easing Your Fear of the Dentist

We asked our friend Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, Kentucky, for tips on overcoming your dental phobia. Together, Dr. Fardi Farhat and Dr. Neda recommend the following tips:

  • Have a discussion with your Sterling Height dentist and share your concerns. Working together in easing your worries can make you feel more relaxed at Dental One Care. 
  • Consider taking upon the approach of relaxation techniques that help soothe the nerves.
  • Try music for distraction as well as blocking out sounds that may cause you to panic 
  • Come up with a signal for your Sterling Heights dentist to stop or resume in the case of worry, panic or discomfort.

Talk to Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you are a patient in Sterling Heights, MI, and you are feeling overwhelmed or a sense of panic at the dentist, let our Dental One Care team know. Your comfort and safety is always our number one priority. For more information about our dental services or overcoming your fear of the dentist, contact Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care today. 

The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

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What are the pros and cons of dental veneers? Well, dental veneers are an excellent way to enhance your smile, especially if you have chipped, cracked, misaligned, malformed or discolored teeth. For any of these problems, porcelain veneers offer a perfect solution.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made from porcelain, which is the same color as your tooth. These veneers resemble thin shell that work as a covering for the surface of your teeth. It is one of the most demanded cosmetic dentistry treatment which gives you a bright smile with renewed confidence.

At Dental One Care, our dentist is experienced in providing highly-effective porcelain veneer treatment to help you restore your confidence and smile.

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Just like any other treatment, it is essential that you know the pros and cons of porcelain dental veneers before you undergo the treatment. For your convenience, Sterling Heights dentist has put together some common pros and cons. These will help you determine whether porcelain veneers are right for you or not.

Benefits of Porcelain Dental Veneers

Give You an Enhanced Smile

As already mentioned, dental veneers offer an easy and quick way to improve your smile. Due to years of smoking, drinking caffeinated drinks or taking pigmented foods, eventually, turns your teeth yellowish.

Dental veneers are generally resistant to stains, so you won’t have to worry about whitening your teeth or whitening your veneers for a long time. These give you a naturally enhanced and picture-perfect smile, improving your overall appearance.

Minimally Invasive Dental Treatment than Crowns

In the case of dental crowns, your natural tooth needs to undergo extensive grinding to prepare it for the treatment. Porcelain dental veneers, on the other hand, are minimally invasive options as they don’t require removal of your tooth enamel and have stronger bonds than conventional crowns.

Helps Fix Minor Cosmetic Dental Issues

Minor tooth problems, such as mildly gapped or crooked teeth, are usually treated with braces, but in some cases, dental veneers can also help. These veneers can cover minor dental issues once they are attached to your teeth.

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental veneers. Dr. Kacos says veneers are one of the most common cosmetic treatments in dentistry because of the results. Your actual teeth may remain crooked or gapped, but others won’t know about it. However, it would be best if you remember that dental veneers cannot always treat all orthodontic issues and Dental One Care may recommend some other orthodontic treatment for your dental problems.

Drawbacks of Porcelain Dental Veneers

Irreversible/Permanent Treatment

Dental veneer treatment is considered permanent because your tooth surface enamel is removed to place the veneers on your natural teeth. Once porcelain dental veneers are placed on your teeth, they can’t be removed. If you take proper care, dental veneers can last for about 15-20 years.

Increased Sensitivity

After you get dental veneers, you may feel uncomfortable and more sensitive to hot or cold food. However, this condition may last for just a few days following the treatment because your tooth enamel is slightly exposed before placing the veneer, which causes mild sensitivity.

Veneers Are Not Unbreakable

It’s true that dental veneers are highly durable, but they are not unbreakable. If you eat hard-to-chew foods or have a habit of teeth grinding, then your veneers can chip, damage or fall off. You should follow a regular and proper dental and oral care routine to protect your veneers and smile.

At Dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, Dr. Farhat provides you an in-depth consultation regarding the available cosmetic dental treatment options. As a professional and experienced dentist, Dr. Farhat spends ample time to understand your concerns and suggest the right treatment for you!

Myths About Dental Implants

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6 Myths That Shouldn’t Stop You from Getting Dental Implants

You may be hesitant to ask your dentist to recommend dental implants because of some of the rumors you could have heard about these implants. In this article, Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care, shares some myths and the truth about dental implants.

Myth #1: Implants Don’t Look Natural

Many people refrain from getting dental implants because they believe that the implants will look fake once they are placed in their mouth. Nothing could be further from the truth. Before implants are placed, a lot of time is devoted to matching the top visible part of those implants (the crowns) to your natural teeth so that it will be hard for a casual observer to realize that you have implants. In fact, many patients at Dental One Care admit that it takes longer for other people to accept that they have implants even when they reveal this information to them.

Myth #2: Dental Implants Require Special Care

Another common misconception about dental implants is that you will be required to care for them in a special way once they are installed. This isn’t true. People with dental implants engage in the same oral care practices like brushing twice a day and flossing once each day just like those without implants. You don’t have to do anything out of the ordinary to maintain oral hygiene when you have dental implants.

Myth #3: Dental Implants Aren’t Safe

This myth may be propagated by those who think that any foreign material in the body or mouth is dangerous. However, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, explains that dental implants are made from titanium. This material was selected because it is stable, long lasting and is rarely rejected by the body. Consequently, anyone who complains about jaw pain or any other issue may be suffering from another problem rather than having those symptoms attributed to the dental implants. The best approach to take in that case is to visit Dental One Care or any other Sterling Heights dentist so that the cause of the problem you are facing can be identified and resolved before it compromises your dental implants.

Myth #4: The Healing Time Lasts Forever

It is not true that you will take “forever” to recover after undergoing dental implant surgery. In fact, most people are back to work within three days after undergoing this surgery. Nevertheless, care must be taken in the first six months after the surgery as the implants are fusing with your jawbone. During this time, your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may advise you to refrain from biting or chewing hard substances, such as hard nuts, so that the implants can have a chance to form a strong bond with the jawbone. Thereafter, you can use your new teeth as you would use the natural ones.

Myth #5: Dental Implants Are Very Expensive

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental implants. Dr. Kacos says that while it is true that the initial cost of dental implants is higher than the cost of other options, such as dental bridges and dentures, the long-term cost of the implants is relatively low. This is because the dental implants often last a lifetime (at least 30 years), so when you spread out their cost across all those years then the cost pales dramatically. This is unlike options like dentures that may break and be replaced in a few years in addition to requiring to be relined each year. Those routine maintenance costs add up over time and these other alternatives start becoming less attractive when you factor in the cost and inconveniences of the repeat treatments.

Myth #6: The Surgery is Painful

This myth has spread and taken on an air of truth simply because most laypeople cannot comprehend how a surgical procedure to place “metals” in your jaw can be painless. Contrary to this misconception, dental implant surgery is painless. Dr. Farhat explains that dental surgery has advanced so much that the pain that people used to feel during simple procedures like deep cleanings can now be eliminated through sedation dentistry. You should, therefore, avoid worrying that you will experience excruciating pain during or after the dental implant surgery. The Sterling Heights dentist can also prescribe some painkillers to alleviate the mild discomfort that you may feel after the surgery.

As you can see, it may at times be hard for you to separate truth from myth. The best way to be certain that the information you have is accurate is by talking to an expert, such as Dr. Farhat so that you can make an informed decision. Visit us at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI for all your concerns about dental implants or anything else connected to your dental health. Our experts are waiting to serve you and ensure that you enjoy excellent oral health all the days of your life.

How Smoking Affects Your Teeth

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While the statistics for the people who smoke have been on the downward trend over the decades, America is still home to millions of smokers, and that habit is putting their oral health (and overall health) in jeopardy. In this article, we discuss some of the dental health problems that are linked to smoking. It also provides answers to some of the other tobacco use questions that you may have with regard to your oral health.

Dental Health Problems Resulting from Smoking

Smoking Causes Discolored Teeth

People who smoke often develop teeth discoloration due to the different chemicals and substances contained in the cigarettes they smoke. This discoloration can become so pronounced that the individual will become self-conscious and will be unwilling to smile. Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI also say that teeth whitening treatments don’t have lasting results for people who smoke since those individuals are still avoiding the root of the problem.

Smoking Causes Bad Breath

Bad breath is also common among people who smoke. This is partly because smoking leads to the faster formation of plaque and tartar, something that gives oral bacteria a chance to multiply rapidly. The production of saliva is also compromised, so your mouth is unable to clean itself, hence the development of bad breath.

Smoking Causes Loss of Bone Mass in the Jaw

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about affects of smoking. Dr. Dhoon says that people who have been smoking for years are at a higher risk of losing bone mass around the jaw. This bone loss may be a result of gum recession as the chemicals in the cigarettes irritate the gums and cause them to recede, thereby giving oral bacteria a chance to attack the bone surrounding the teeth.

Smoking Delays Healing

Experts at Dental One Care usually encourage patients to quit smoking (or at least temporarily) before they undergo a procedure (installation of dental implants, for example) because smoking can delay the healing process after the procedure has been completed. Smoking compromises the flow of blood, and this prevents the body from healing itself naturally. This delayed healing can also result in the failure of the procedure that was conducted.

Smoking Heightens the Risk of Oral Cancer

Dr. Farhat is particularly concerned about long-term smokers because the odds of developing oral cancer are higher in this group of people. Several factors, such as the prolonged inflammation of their gums and salivary glands, creates a chance for oral cancer to develop.

Smoking Causes Gum Disease

It is also common for people who smoke to suffer from gum disease. Gums are irritated by the chemicals in the cigarettes, so they start receding. Once this happens, the deep pockets left harbor bacteria, and gum disease soon develops. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes accelerate the rate at which tartar and plaque form on your teeth. As you may know, gum disease quickly follows when you have plaque and tartar on your teeth.

Are Pipes and Cigars Better Options?

In terms of oral health, pipes and cigars aren’t any different from cigarettes. Both contain tobacco, and the chemicals in that tobacco lead to the same set of dental health problems as those experienced by smokers.

What About Smokeless Tobacco Products?

Unfortunately, smokeless tobacco products are no safer for your oral and overall health when compared to cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Dr. Farhat reveals that the concentration of nicotine in chewing tobacco is higher than that in cigarettes, so one will find it harder to quit consuming chewing tobacco.

Furthermore, most forms of chewing tobacco have sugar added to them in order to improve their taste. That sugar provides food for oral bacteria, so dental problems will develop sooner for individuals who use these products.

How Can One Quit Smoking?

Several methods are available to help you to stop smoking if you would like to improve your overall health.

For example, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, may recommend alternatives like nicotine patches so that you still get your nicotine fix without exposing yourself to the risks of combustible cigarettes. You can then wean yourself off the nicotine gradually.

You can also join support groups of like-minded people who are taking steps to quit smoking. These support groups will arm you with the different ways through which people stay away from cigarettes, and how they cope when the urge to smoke strikes.

Acupuncture, hypnosis and herbal remedies help people quit tobacco use also.

Each person is different, so what may have worked for someone may not work for you in your attempt to quit smoking. It is therefore advisable for you to partner with a professional, such as Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care, so that you can be helped to go through this process of weaning yourself off cigarettes. The Sterling Heights dentist will also address any dental health problem that you may have as a result of smoking or using other tobacco products.

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.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

Take a moment and browse our website and you will find valuable and informative material about the dental services we offer.

Our website also provides you with information about our dental professional team, office hours, insurance plans, appointment procedures, directions to our office and other valuable information.