Toddler Tooth Care – Practical Tips for Parents

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Your child’s future growth and development depends heavily on the foundations that you build during his early years.

That also applies to his oral health.

Your child’s initial years are marked by rapid growth and development. And with the flurry of milestones and activities, parents sometimes overlook taking proper care of their little ones’ oral health.

This should not be the case.

Most of the habits that your child picks up as he grows start during his formative years. And as a parent, you would want to give your child a good head start, including in aspects related to his dental and overall health and well-being.

That means teaching your child, as early as possible, the importance of practicing good oral hygiene habits which he should take with him to adulthood. These include regular brushing and flossing, eating healthy and balanced meals, and visiting the dentist at least twice a year.

Ideally, your child should be able to schedule his first appointment with a Sterling Heights dentist at around the age of two.

This will provide you and your child the opportunity to take better care of your child’s teeth through solid advice from a trusted professional, as well as to monitor potential problems before these spiral out of control.

Furthermore, when a child is exposed to the environment of a dental clinic, he develops a sense of confidence and positivity, warding off the fear of the dentist which can undermine his oral health.

Taking care of a child’s teeth requires a solid partnership between parents and dentists.

But what exactly can you, as a parent, do to take better care of your little darling’s teeth? Here are a few practical toddler tooth care tips.

Helping your kid deal with the eruption of his first teeth

Your child’s first tooth will emerge at the age of six months. His first set of teeth will continue to come out until the age of three.

The eruption of teeth can bring discomfort in young children, making them irritable. In order to minimize the effects of teeth eruption, there are a few things that you can do. These include placing a cold spoon or a teething ring in your child’s mouth and using pain relief gels.

Brushing your young one’s teeth

Parents should closely monitor and supervise their child’s tooth brushing until their children reach the age of six.

For toddlers, parents should use an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Remember that your child does not need too much toothpaste. A small amount, roughly the size of a pea, will do.

Invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush for your child. In brushing your child’s teeth, make sure that you clean all surfaces using a soft, back and forth motion.

Dealing with thumb sucking

Thumb sucking is a reflex action among babies and toddlers. Simply put, this is normal among children of this age. Ideally, your child should outgrow this habit before the emergence of his permanent teeth.

However, parents should take the necessary steps to wean their children off this habit when it persists upon the eruption of the permanent teeth. Otherwise, this can lead to a few dental health problems, including tooth decay and bite problems.

The Science Of Smiling

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Smiling can give you the opportunity to flash your bright pearly whites. You will certainly find joy in being able to show off your perfect teeth – something that you (and your dentist) worked hard to maintain and enhance.

Smiling, however, isn’t just a simple activity that will allow you to be proud of your teeth. A smile is also an expression of emotion that captures and conveys a variety of feelings: happiness, joy, excitement and satisfaction. Smiling has also been scientifically proven to change your mood and boost your feelings of happiness.

Smiling and Your Body

Although smiling is such a natural act, there is still a science behind this.

When you think of a memory that gives you joy or remember an experience that makes you feel happy, that information gets processed by the brain. This, in turn, triggers certain facial muscles. These include the zygomaticus major around the mouth, which will be drawn upwards into a smile, and the orbicularis oculi muscle, which will contract and raise the cheek, giving the appearance of a genuine smile. This is an involuntary response that happens when you think of something happy. This is a simple explanation of the science of smiling.

To make a conscious or voluntary smile, the only muscle at work would be the zygomaticus major. Although it isn’t a full, genuine smile, this grin can still make you feel better.

But what can a smile do for your body? According to a trusted Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat, whenever you smile, the facial muscles and bones become lightly distorted, and as a result, there is a healthy increase in the brains’ frontal lobe’s blood flow. This, in turn, leads to the release of more dopamine which mingles with the brain chemicals known as opioids. This interaction causes you to feel happy and elated.

So whether you smile consciously or unconsciously, your brain can’t tell the difference, and the smile can have the same stimulating effect on your levels of happiness as exercise.

In addition, according to various studies, the feeling of happiness that a smile can bring can automatically cause you to think more positive thoughts. This can also enable you to think more creatively and bring about fresh, unique ideas.

Finally, smiling at others and seeing others smiling back builds connections and increases positive feelings. Your happy moods can uplift others. When you share in the joy of others, you can’t help but feel happy as well.

As such, whether you have the perfect teeth or not, smile! It’s a great way to feel better about yourself and to simply be happier. You get to spread some good cheer to others as well.

The Advantages Of Invisalign For Teens

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The Advantages Of Invisalign For Teens

Physical appearance is very important for teens. It’s during these tender years that their self-worth is mostly rooted in the way they look. They tend to magnify every little thing they think is a flaw; this is perhaps the reason why many dread getting braces despite the positive results these will eventually provide.

Here’s the thing: Gone are the days when braces look rather funky. People are no longer limited to getting the traditional metal braces. In fact, other options for orthodontic braces are designed to make teeth correction a rather discreet process. You have ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear plastic braces, and the most discreet of all, Invisalign. With these options, nobody has to automatically know that work is getting done on the teeth.

Invisalign for teens is perfect; nobody really has to know that they’re having their teeth fixed. Also, they’re just a more convenient option. According to a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, it’s not just the convenience that teens will love this option for; there are many other advantages to consider.

1.    They’re more comfortable to have on than traditional braces.

While there will still be some lisping, what teens won’t have to deal with is how the braces cause the mouth to protrude. The very thin aligners hug the teeth snugly and they’re smooth. Plus, they don’t have wires and brackets that lips and the inner cheeks can get caught in.

2.    Invisalign works like magic.

Since many won’t even know that orthodontic treatment is being carried out, it will just amaze people how teeth keep on looking better over time.

3.    They’re better for the teeth.

One of the issues teens have with traditional braces is how brushing can be a pain because it’s just tricky to work with those wires and brackets. With Invisalign, they can brush and floss their teeth like they always have because these invisible braces are removable.

4.    And lastly, the treatment period can be much shorter.

A complete set of aligners is provided from the early stage of treatment. Teens already have everything they need for the successful correction of their teeth alignment and bite. They don’t have to deal with metal brackets coming off (which they are quite prone to do), as well as the emergence of new dental issues as the process goes along due to the difficulty of maintaining proper oral care.

Invisalign is just slightly more expensive than conventional metal braces, but they’re definitely worth it. If you have teens that have issues about wearing traditional braces to correct their teeth, consider Invisalign — it’s quite likely they won’t gripe about this particular option. Schedule your appointment with us today!

How Much Do Braces Cost?

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Do You Need Braces? Payment Plan Options To Suit Your Budget

The reasons for getting orthodontic treatment like braces can vary from patient to patient. Upon reaching the age of seven, children are recommended to go for their first orthodontic consultation. Although this age might seem very early to consider braces, this will give the orthodontist an opportunity to correct situations that might lead to braces later on.

Adults, on the other hand, can seek dental advice any time from their Sterling Heights dentist since it’s never too late to correct any dental problem. Parents will also be advised about the different braces payment plan options and future orthodontic treatment planning.

Reasons for Getting Braces

Malocclusion – This refers to the misalignment of teeth between the lower and upper dental arches.

Crowding – This is a condition that causes the teeth to rotate, overlap, and grow into the wrong position in the mouth. In extreme cases, the tooth can be trapped in the bone. Crowding may be caused by a small dental arch or big adult teeth.

Other conditions that can be corrected by orthodontics include teeth grinding, speech impediments, jaw pain, difficulty eating and chewing, tooth decay, gum disease, and sleep apnea.

4 Ways to Pay for Your Braces

Insurance – Check your insurance policy if it covers braces. But when you are still looking for a new plan, consider focusing on the orthodontic coverage offered. Usually, the plans that cover braces will only pay 50% of the total cost. When dental insurance is not an option, you can still save up to 20% on your braces by opting for dental discount programs.

Credit Card – There are some orthodontic offices that offer discounts if you pay the total cost upfront. You can even save more by using a credit card that offers cash back or points for purchases.

Payment Plans – Most orthodontist offices today are already offering financing options. Make sure though to determine the interest rate. There are instances wherein this option helps you to save more money on interest as compared to using your credit card.

University’s Dental Program – If you are currently living near a university offering a dental program, check if they are accepting orthodontic patients. There are some academic institutions that offer orthodontic treatment at discounted rates in exchange for letting the students perform the necessary dental work. The students will be supervised by licensed orthodontists.

Caring for Your Braces

If you wear braces, brushing must be done after every meal. So even after indulging in late-night munchies or enjoying a mid-afternoon snack, you must brush your teeth. To loosen food particles stuck in and around your braces, you must first rinse your mouth with water.

When flossing, make sure to floss in between the braces and under the wires. Use a floss threader when flossing under the wires as this make flossing a lot easier.

Be aware of what you eat because eating too many starchy and sugary foods will lead to plaque buildup. Also, avoid those that can easily get stuck on your braces, such as chewing gum, dried fruits, caramel and corn on the cob.

Taking good care of your braces is very important to prevent any complications while wearing them. Regardless of how much money and time you have invested in your braces, a seasoned dentist in Sterling Heights will assure you that good dental hygiene is still the key to achieving a gorgeous, healthy smile.

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.

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!

What to Expect After Braces

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

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

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

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

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

Most Common Types Of Dental Phobia And Tips For Dealing With Them

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Many people have the misconception that dental phobia only refers to the issue of being afraid of a dentist. The truth, however, is that this is just one of the usual types of dental phobia.

Dental phobia actually encompasses a variety of dental-related fears and anxieties. Aside from the dentist, there are other things and ideas about or related to getting a dental treatment that people who suffer from this type of phobia are afraid of.

A dentist in Sterling Heights shares below the most common types of dental phobia and tips for managing them:

Fear of the dentist.

This is the most well-known type of dental phobia. Many people are afraid to get dental treatments because they fear the actual dentist. This fear usually stems from having a bad experience with a dentist in the past or with the notion that dentists don’t care about the pain the patient feels when they are undergoing a treatment.

To overcome this fear, the best way to start is to familiarize yourself with the dentist. Before going to a dentist for treatment, speak with him or her and explain your problem. A good dentist should be able to allay your fears, gain your trust, and help you understand that he or she only wants to help you.

Fear of pain.

Some people who suffer from dental anxiety or phobia may have undergone a painful dental experience in the past which caused their fear of pain. Although certain dental procedures may be painful, there are a number of solutions that can help reduce the pain or discomfort. Ask your dentist about them and find out which one would be the best for you. You can also do some research about these options so that you can gain a better understanding of them.

Fear of the needle.

Patients who have this fear usually had a bad experience with a needle as well. Unfortunately, a bad dentist can be blamed for this. If a dentist used a dull needle or administered the anesthetic too quickly, the patient will feel some pain before and during a dental procedure.

You can overcome this fear by choosing a dentist who truly believes in maintaining patient comfort. These dentists will have developed techniques that make dental injections as comfortable as possible. Ask your potential dentist outright if he or she can give painless injections and if he or she uses a numbing gel.

Fear of the drill.

Lastly, many people are afraid of the dental drill and other dental tools. Even the mere sound of the drill could result in a serious anxiety spell for some people.

The best way to handle this issue is through distraction and exposure. Have an honest discussion with your dentist and ask him or her to help you become more familiar with the drill or the dental tool you are afraid of. During the procedure, listen to your favorite music so that you can drown out the drilling sound.

To have a healthy and great set of teeth, you have to overcome your fears of going to the dentist. With some personal effort and the help of your dentist, you will be able to handle your anxieties and get the treatment you need. Call us today to set up your appointment!

Other Uses For Listerine You Should Know About

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Listerine is the most popular brand of mouthwash. You see it in nearly all medicine cabinets or bathroom counters, from homes to hotels to hospitals and dental clinics. The small bottles are also quite handy; you can place them in your bag and use it to gargle with after a meal, allowing you to have instant fresh breath wherever you are.

But aside from giving you fresh breath and helping keep your teeth plaque-free and your gums healthy, there are other uses for Listerine that are quite surprising and you may not even know about. These include the following:

As an anti-dandruff solution.

In the past, Listerine was marketed as a product that can help you get rid of dandruff. This solution didn’t really gain popularity but various studies show that this is an effective solution. If you want to try this remedy, combine ¼ cup Listerine and 1 cup of water and rinse your hair and scalp with the mixture. Afterwards, rinse your hair thoroughly.

As a lice removal product.

Nothing can be more uncomfortable and embarrassing than having lice nesting on your hair. The good news is that you don’t have to buy shampoo that will help you get rid of them; you can use Listerine. Simply apply the mouthwash to your lice-infested hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least an hour and then rinse your hair thoroughly with water.

As a skincare product.

Because of its ingredients, you can use Listerine as an alternative to your usual toner or astringent. Its alcohol content, in particular, can clean your pores and help you get rid of bothersome, unsightly acne. Your skin will also smell fresh after every use, too.

As an anti-itch remedy.

If you’re feeling itchy on some parts of your body because of bug bites, rashes or poison ivy, dab some mouthwash on the affected area. You’ll get instant relief and experience its cooling and soothing effects immediately.

As a deodorant.

You don’t have to fret and run to the nearest supermarket or drugstore if you run out of deodorant. If you have a ready stock of Listerine, simply soak a cotton ball in the product and dab the cotton ball under your arms. You can also pour the mouthwash into an empty spray bottle and spray your armpits with the solution. Listerine helps prevent body odors since it kills the bacteria that produce these bad smells.

As an anti-fungal product.

Lastly, some people suffer from toenail fungus. If you have this problem, soak your feet in Listerine for at least 30 minutes every day. The ingredients in the mouthwash will help you get rid of toenail fungus. Your feet will smell better, too.

Listerine is known as an oral care product. But it can easily be a versatile healthcare product as long as you know how to use it properly. To learn more, contact your sterling heights dentist today!

Should I Get Invisalign? Factors You Should Consider First

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Gapped and crooked teeth are one of the common dental issues that many people of different ages struggle with. Because of these dental flaws, affected individuals don’t feel confident about their smile and their self-esteem can take a nosedive.

The two most recommended dental solution to resolve these issues are braces and Invisalign. Traditional metal braces have helped thousands correct and improve the look of their smile; however, there are several negative issues associated with this dental solution such as pain, discomfort and a drastic change in diet. Invisalign, on the other hand, can offer the same amazing results as metal braces but without the different discomfort or aesthetic challenges.

Opting for Invisalign

A leading Sterling Heights dentist explains that Invisalign, also known as invisible braces, is a series of transparent, removable trays that are custom-made to fit over your upper and lower teeth. They work by slowly shifting or aligning your teeth into proper position.

Compared to braces, Invisalign are comfortable and convenient to wear. You can take them off before eating; hence, your diet won’t be limited. Maintaining them and sustaining good oral hygiene is also easy since they are removable. Lastly, since they are practically invisible, you don’t have to feel uncomfortable talking or opening your mouth while wearing them.

Is It the Ideal Aesthetic Dental Solution for You?

If you’re asking yourself, “should I get Invisalign,” you can answer this question correctly by considering these following important factors:

Your particular dental issue or requirement.

Invisalign is effective in fixing bite problems such as an overbite, underbite and crossbite that isn’t too severe. It can also fix spaces between teeth, crowded teeth and misaligned teeth. However, for large or severe dental issues such as large overbites, more advanced orthodontic procedures are necessary to shift the jaw and hence, Invisalign won’t be recommended.

Your age.

Invisible aligners are ideal for adults and teenagers. Since the aligners are transparent and removable, you won’t have to worry about something so chunky attached to their teeth or having something they ate stuck to the braces or brackets. This dental solution though is not recommended for kids and those in their early teens since they may have some teeth that are growing.

Your dedication to fixing your smile.

Lastly, wearing Invisalign is quite easy, simple, and straightforward. However, you have to remove them when eating and drinking (except for water) and make sure they are on your teeth for no less than 22 hours per day. For your smile to be corrected, you have to be committed to following the treatment guidelines given to you and with wearing the Invisalign trays as directed by your dentist.

If you’re still not sure if Invisalign is right for you, you can always consult your dentist to find out if this is the best treatment modality to help you have a better, healthier smile.

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