How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

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How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

One of the many questions people who are focused on maintaining good oral health always ask is “Do I have a cavity?”

Cavities are the leading causes of tooth loss; as such, it is important that you nip dental caries in the bud to prevent them from becoming full-blown dental problems.

A cavity can be reversed if tooth decay is discovered in its early stages. Tooth pain is often the most noticeable sign of decay, but it is not the only and first indication. There are other signs and symptoms that accompany the start of a cavity.

So how do I know if I have a cavity? Here are some other signs and symptoms you have to be aware of:

Black, brown, or gray spots on your teeth

 

 

A cavity eats its way into your tooth. Because of this, it creates a hole. However, this hole does not show up right away. You will first see a gray, brown, or black spot instead.

If you see a spot or stain with any of these colors that do not go away after brushing, you already have a bacterial problem working its way into your enamel. To avoid having a full-blown dental issue, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Tooth sensitivity

 

In addition to tooth pain, you will also often feel tooth sensitivity when you develop a cavity. This sensitivity manifests whenever you eat something hot, cold, sugary, or acidic. You may even feel an uncomfortable tingling on your teeth when you breathe in hot or cold air.

A Sterling Heights dentist says that your teeth become extra-sensitive because the bacteria make your tooth enamel weaker. The enamel protects the highly receptive nerves within a tooth. As that protective layer becomes thinner, the nerves receive more powerful signals.

If your tooth sensitivity is becoming more and more unbearable, visit your dentist immediately.

 

Bad breath

 

If you ignore any tooth decay, bacteria will proliferate in your tooth. This will lead to bad breath. When you notice that your breath still smells bad even if you brush your teeth and tongue regularly, schedule a checkup with your dentist.

 

Lingering bad taste in your mouth

 

Brushing and gargling with mouthwash will help you get rid of the bad taste in your mouth. But Shreveport’s dentist, Dr. Ben Kacos says that if you notice a chronic bad taste, have your teeth checked since this may be a sign that a cavity needs to be cleaned out and filled.

 

Cracked tooth

 

Although most cracked teeth are caused by accidents or really hard foods, they can also be triggered by cavities. Since cavities weaken your tooth enamel, your tooth becomes more vulnerable when you are chewing crunchy foods.

If you crack a tooth, schedule a dentist appointment immediately and avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth until after your checkup.

Your dentist will also pinpoint cavities in your teeth that you do not notice or that have not shown any symptoms yet. It is, therefore, important that you visit your dentist twice a year even if you are not experiencing any dental problems.

Drinking Tap Water May Help Your Teeth

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Drinking Tap Water May Help You At The Dentist

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

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

Fluoride and Your Teeth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

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I Think I Have A Cavity But It Doesn’t Hurt

Most people think that all dental cavities cause pain. Dr Fadi Farhat, a leading Sterling Heights dentist, says that there is no truth to this notion. You can have a dental cavity but not feel any pain or discomfort at all.

The Tooth Decay Process

A small cavity in the tooth indicates the early stages of tooth decay. At this point, your tooth will not hurt. This is because the cavity is only found on the enamel, the hardest portion of the tooth. Since this part is hard and it does not contain any nerve endings, decay in this area does not cause pain.

If nothing is done to treat the tooth, the cavity will affect the next layer, the dentin. The dentin is not as tough as the enamel but it does not contain any nerve endings as well. As such, dental caries found on the dentin will not cause any pain or discomfort either.

Dealing with Cavities

Your dentist is the best person who can ascertain if you have any cavities or not. Regardless of the size of the cavity and even if it still located on the enamel or dentin, you need to get the right dental treatment immediately.

Your dentist will be able to detect cavities through two ways:

  • X-ray. Small cavities and some medium-sized ones, which are often painless, may only be visible through an X-ray or under high magnification.
  • Physical or clinical check-up. Your dentist will place a pointed dental instrument (an explorer) into the suspected area. If the explorer sticks in or penetrates the area, there is a cavity already present.

Keep in mind that if a cavity is left untreated, it will grow bigger and make its way to the nerve inside the tooth. At this point, you will start suffering from a severe, recurring toothache. If you don’t get the appropriate treatment, it can cause other dental issues and even tooth loss.

The bottom line is, if your dentist tells you that you have a cavity, don’t wait until it becomes painful before you have it treated. The best time to have a cavity removed or treated is when it is still in its early stages.

If you wait until you start feeling pain, you will end up getting a surgical procedure such as root canal therapy or tooth extraction as treatment. To avoid suffering from severe toothaches and the hassles of undergoing an invasive and expensive dental procedure, have your cavities treated immediately as soon as they appear.

5 Interesting Cavity Facts

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Cavities are some of the most common dental problems that can affect people of all ages. Cavities, also known as dental caries, are permanently damaged areas in the teeth that develop into tiny holes. If not treated immediately and properly, dental caries can cause serious tooth pain and other dental issues. It can also lead to more expensive and time-consuming dental treatments.

Since everyone is prone to getting dental caries, it can be useful to know some important ca. Here are some facts worth knowing about cavities:

  1. Cavities develop when acids attack your teeth.

When you consume foods and beverages high in sugar and starch, the acids eat the minerals from your teeth. Once the tooth loses too many natural minerals, the enamel becomes damaged and a cavity will develop.

  1. The development of cavities is made up of four stages.

A Sterling Heights dentist says that the initial stage refers to plaque formation. This is the phase wherein acid and bacteria from the foods you eat will eventually form plaque.

Under the First Stage, plaque and acids gradually wear away at your tooth enamel and start to create tiny holes in the protective covering of your teeth. With good oral hygiene, the tooth may be able to repair itself. If not, you will need a filling.

During the Second Stage, more of the enamel will be affected. The bacteria and acid will begin to attack the dentin as well. At this point, the dental caries are already painful and you certainly need to get a filling.

During the Third Stage, if you still did not get a filling, the bacteria and plaque will continue to compromise the layers of your teeth, eventually reaching the pulp. If the pulp becomes infected, you could face many problems including severe toothaches, tooth sensitivity, abscesses, and even bone loss. Extraction and root canal therapy are just the two recommended treatments.

  1. A well-balanced diet can help prevent cavities.

When you avoid sweets, especially in beverages like sodas and juices, you prevent an acid attack that causes cavities. Limit snacking since eating constantly prevents your saliva from naturally re-mineralizing teeth. If you need to munch on something, opt for fresh fruits and veggies. Eat more cheese as well since the pH balance in this dairy product can neutralize acids and help keep your teeth strong.

  1. Fluoride can prevent dental caries.

Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It protects your teeth by preventing mineral loss in tooth enamel. It also replaces lost minerals and reduces the ability of bacteria to make acid in your mouth.

  1. Good oral hygiene can also keep cavities at bay.

Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss before brushing your teeth. Make sure that you brush for at least two minutes and that you floss properly to get rid of plaque that can develop into dental caries.

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.

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

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Does the Type Of dental Floss I use Matter?

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

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

5 Types of Dental Floss

Tape or Ribbon Floss

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

1. Waxed Floss

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

2. Unwaxed Floss

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

3. Woven Floss

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

4. Water Flosser

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

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

Finding a Reliable Sterling Heights Dentist

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Looking for a new Sterling Heights Dentist

If you have just recently moved into Sterling Heights, one of the most important tasks that you need to undertake is finding a reputable dentist.

Starting your search

There are three basic approaches you can use in your search for a Sterling Heights dentist.

If you have relatives and/or friends in the area, you can ask for their recommendations. However, if you know very few people in the area, you can solicit recommendations from your co-workers, family physician, local pharmacists, or even the parents of your child’s schoolmates.

Alternatively, you can contact the local or state dental association and inquire about dentists practicing near the neighborhood.

Finally, you can conduct an online search.

Ideally, you should create a shortlist of potential dental clinics you can visit and check out before settling for one.

Factors to consider

What are the factors you should consider in selecting a dentist in Sterling Heights?

In order to find a dental professional you are going to be comfortable working with, there are a few important questions you need to ask.

First, ask each dentist on your shortlist about their operating hours. Quite simply, your choice of dentist should have operating hours that match your schedule.

Next, check out the location of the dental clinic. Will it be accessible from your residence or place of work?

Be sure to check out the education, training, and philosophy of each dentist on your shortlist. Reputable dentists invest in continuing education and upgrade their skills by attending conferences relevant to their fields of expertise.

Ask about the type of anesthesia each dentist administers. Somewhere down the road, you or a loved one may need to undergo a procedure that requires one and, as such, you would want to feel comfortable with the choice of anesthesia your dentist uses.

Dental emergencies can occur when you least expect these, especially if you have young ones in your household. As such, be sure to ask about emergency services beyond the normal operating hours.

Next, ask about the cost of all treatments and procedures you and your family might need. This will give you an opportunity to compare each dentist on your shortlist. If you currently have a dental plan, remember to ask if the dentist participates in it.

Sometimes, due to your busy schedule or other unforeseen circumstances, you might miss some appointments. Ask each dentist about their policies regarding these.

Visiting a Sterling Heights dental office

Once you have narrowed down your shortlist, the next thing that you need to do is to visit each dental clinic on your shortlist. A visit to a dental clinic will give you the information that may not be provided during your interview or visit to a dentist’s website.

What exactly should you check?

The first thing that you would want to see is cleanliness. The dental clinic may be busy but reputable dentists understand the value of keeping their clinics neat and orderly.

During your visit, take note of how the clinic staff interacts with you. Are they helpful and courteous?

Finally, check if the dentist and the staff are wearing proper protective gear while treating patients.

Top 5 causes of a toothache

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Sterling Height Dentist shares the Top 5 Cause of a Toothache

A toothache can cause you so much discomfort and agony that often, you will put all your activities on hold when it strikes. Taking medication can provide you some temporary relief from the pain, but to avoid prolonged suffering, you will have to get to the root of the problem which you can do with the help of your dentist.

There are different possible causes of a sudden or persistent toothache and there will be times when there will be more than one reason behind it. A leading Sterling Heights dentist shares the five most common causes of a toothache:

  1. Tooth decay. This is the most common cause of a toothache. When cavities penetrate the enamel and get into the dentin or the inner layer of the tooth, your tooth becomes extremely sensitive. When the cavity is not filled, the decay will progress deeper into the innermost layer or pulp of the tooth which will result in intense, sharp pain. A more severe form of toothache will also be experienced when there is already an infection in the decayed tooth which can cause the death of the pulp tissue and the formation of abscess underneath the root of the tooth.
  2. Dental trauma. A fall, injury, or accident can cause fractured or broken teeth which you may or may not immediately notice or feel. However, it is highly likely that when a tooth gets hit hard (trauma), it will cause a severe toothache especially when the fracture line runs through the pulp of a tooth. And even if the fracture line is shallow, plaque and bacteria can still accumulate in the crack, causing tooth decay and a toothache.
  3. Advanced gum disease. The usual symptoms of gingivitis include swelling, redness, and bleeding gums. It can sometimes be accompanied by gum pain and tooth pain as well. A severe infection can also cause the bone tissues to become inflamed which can lead to further swelling, loss of bone around the teeth, and a dull throbbing pain. Periodontitis, or the advanced stages of gum disease, may also cause a persistent toothache.
  4. Bruxism. Grinding your teeth (purposely or not, which usually happens while you are sleeping) can wear down or chip your teeth. This, in turn, will put additional force on the tissues supporting them. This causes pain in the affected teeth and in the jaw joints and muscles as well.
  5. Other health or medical conditions. Lastly, there are certain conditions or diseases that can cause you to suffer from a toothache. For instance, if you have a sinus infection, you will feel a dull ache in your upper back teeth which is caused by the pressure from your sinuses. There have also been cases wherein the sudden onset of pain in the teeth and jaws was a symptom of a heart disease or heart attack.

With the use of the right tools, equipment, and techniques for assessing your oral condition, your dentist will be able to pinpoint the exact cause or reasons behind a lingering toothache. As such, if you notice that your toothache never seems to go away, see your dentist immediately.

6 Symptoms and Signs of a Cavity

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Symptoms of a Cavity

For ages, tooth decay has been one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Dental cavities or caries affect all people of all ages, but they commonly develop in children and young adults.

A dental cavity is a hole that appears on the exterior of your tooth due to the breakdown of its outer covering or enamel. Enamel is dissolved when there is a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. With the absence of enamel, the acid from plaque and tartar will be able to slowly eat away at the tooth and cause decay or cavities.

There are certain symptoms and signs of a cavity.  In its early stages, the signs and symptoms may be unnoticeable but once the cavity has been present for a long time, you will begin to observe and experience them.

According to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist, the six usual signs and symptoms of a dental cavity are:

  1. Noticeable holes or pits in your teeth. This is the most obvious sign of a cavity. Once you have a cavity, there will be a hole in the decaying tooth due to the acid from the plaque and tartar which will become bigger when it is not filled or treated properly by a dentist.
  2. Pain when eating or chewing. When cavities form, the inner part of the tooth, including blood vessels and pulp or nerves become exposed. Because of this, you will always feel a sharp ache when you chew or bite on something. The innermost parts of your teeth are highly sensitive areas and as such, you will feel pain when food reaches or touches them.
  3. Increased teeth sensitivity. When hot or cold temperatures easily irritate your teeth, this is an obvious sign of the enamel breaking down. Most of the time, the specific area of sensitivity can indicate exactly where a cavity might be developing or is already present.
  4. Dark stains, opaque or chalky spots on the teeth. Although most dental caries appear on the surface as holes, others may look like some form of discoloration, spots or stains on the external area of the infected tooth. The change in color is caused by mineral loss happening on the surface of your teeth. In such instances, tooth decay will be accompanied by black, brown, or white spots that are soft or sticky. In certain cases, cavities can cause the entire tooth to darken and become brittle.
  5. Persistent bad breath. If you notice that your breath still smells bad even if you practice daily oral hygiene, you may already have a cavity. The bad breath is caused by food and bacteria collecting in the crevices of decaying teeth and cavities. Because of this, your breath will still be bad even after brushing, flossing, and gargling with a mouthwash.
  6. Swelling in the gums.  Once a cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, certain parts of your gums will start to swell and pus may form. Swelling is the most serious sign of a severe dental problem and you should immediately consult your dentist when you observe this.

Proper oral hygiene is highly effective in fighting cavities. It is also important to see your dentist at least twice annually so that the start of tooth decay can be detected and prevented immediately.

6 Bad Habits to Avoid Plaque

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A Dentist In Sterling Heights Shares 6 Bad Habits To Avoid To Prevent Plaque Formation.

Plaque is primarily composed of carbohydrates from decomposing food where bacterial colonies rapidly develop and flourish. These bacterial colonies can cause tooth decay and inflamed gums.

Everyone gets tooth plaque – this is a fact of life. Although you cannot evict bacteria from your mouth, a reputable dentist in Sterling Heights emphasizes that you can prevent plaque build-up.

Six Habits Leading to Plaque Build-Up

Not brushing – You must brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. To help remove plaque, brush your teeth in small circular movements. Brushing your tongue will also help freshen your breath and remove bacteria.

  1. Not flossing – Plaque reaches the spaces in between teeth that your brush cannot. Daily flossing between your teeth will clear plaque before it can cause damage. Aside from dental floss, there are other products that you can use like tape and interdental brushes. Talk to your dentist regarding which of these options best suits you.
  2. Neglecting mouthwash – Antibacterial mouthwashes were created to minimize plaque formation and prevent gingivitis. So aside from brushing and flossing daily, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash containing fluoride every night.
  3. Ignoring nature’s toothbrushes – Before the invention of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste, different food types played a crucial role in keeping plaque off the teeth. Your ancestors ate crunchy fruit or vegetables with the skin on. These include apples, cucumbers, and carrots-  despite the sugar they contain.
  4. Visiting the dentist only when you need to – People have the tendency to go to the dentist only when they feel any dental discomfort like toothaches and swelling. Know that even when you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, you will still miss some plaque. Teeth must be cleaned by a reputable dentist regularly to ensure plaque-free teeth. Apart from cleaning the spots you’ve missed, your dentist can also detect any dental issue that, if left untreated, can cause bigger problems.
  5. Consuming foods rich in sugar – Eating and drinking sugary food and drinks will let sugar stick to your teeth, which then encourages bacterial proliferation. Bacteria digest sugar into acid that can damage your teeth.

Other Bad Oral Habits to Avoid

  • Using your teeth as tools – Are you using your teeth to open containers, to rip through packages or to cut clothing tags? Doing any of these activities can result in chips and cracks, leaving your teeth exposed and unprotected against tooth decay.
  • Crunching on ice or candies – Your teeth are not designed for doing such. If you insist on crunching on ice cubes and candies, your teeth can crack and become very susceptible to decay.
  • Biting your nails – This habit can damage your teeth and expose your mouth to the bacteria living under your nails. In turn, this can increase the chance of contracting sickness and infection.
  • Bruxism – Otherwise known as teeth grinding, bruxism can leave your teeth exposed to decay. This habit can also erode enamel.

If you are doing any of these habits, speak to a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights now regarding the options that can help you avoid such to ensure good oral health. Call us today!

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

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