Tooth Infection and Potential Complications

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

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

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

Signs of tooth infection

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

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

When these signs show you need to visit your dentist.

Complications of untreated tooth infections

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

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

How to prevent tooth infection

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

 

How Often Should You Get Professional Dental Cleanings?

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Getting professional teeth cleaning services is important because this will reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities. But do you know how often you should schedule for professional dental cleanings?

Basically, you must have your teeth professionally cleaned as frequently as Dr. Farhat suggests. Oftentimes, this will depend on your commitment to maintaining a good oral hygiene and on the health of your teeth and gums.

Is Annual Teeth Cleaning Enough?

When determining how often you must have professional teeth cleaning, there are several factors that come into play. These include your routine oral hygiene, health history and lifestyle.

There are those who only need an annual dental cleaning, also known as periodontal maintenance, while others may need to undergo cleaning more often than that.

If your teeth and gums are healthy and you do not have risk factors for developing gingivitis or gum disease, you may only need professional dental cleanings once a year. But even if you only receive an annual dental cleaning, a Sterling Heights Dentists, emphasizes the importance of visiting Dr. Farhat once every six months.

During your visit, Dr. Farhat will use professional tools to remove plaque, bacteria and tartar from your teeth and gums to prevent tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. These tools are capable of removing any plaque buildup that proper brushing and flossing cannot remove.

Why You May Need More Dental Cleanings

If you commit to keeping your teeth healthy and strong, or if you have gum disease, you can benefit from frequent dental cleanings.

There are cases wherein Dr. Farhat may recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned every month for a span of six months, then once every three months afterwards. The duration and frequency of this aggressive treatment varies. This usually depends on the level of your commitment to achieving a beautiful smile or on the severity of your gum disease.

But when you already have a history of gum disease, you may be advised to get your teeth cleaned more often in order to prevent its reoccurrence. Moreover, if you suffer from diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions, frequent professional dental cleanings might be necessary.

Aside from that, you might need dental cleanings more frequently if you smoke. Smoking will stain your teeth permanently as well as create tooth and gum problems.

Dr. Farhat will evaluate your gums and teeth. In addition, he as establish your risk factors for developing gingivitis in order to determine how often you should get your teeth professionally cleaned. From there, work out a schedule to visit Dental One Care for cleanings. You may also be provided with tips to maintain the benefits of a professional dental cleaning between your visits.

What Floss is Best for Me?

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Flossing isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Although flossing is a crucial part of oral hygiene, floss can sometimes get stuck in between your teeth. This can be painful and difficult to remove. It can also be exasperating to have the floss suddenly break or snap while flossing as well. Because of these, many people do not like flossing and neglect to practice this important oral hygiene habit.

Choosing the right type of floss can help you have an easier time flossing. But dental flosses come in different types, size, and materials. 

Dr. Farhat shares the most widely used types of dental floss:

Multifilament floss

This is the most popular and commonly used type of dental floss. This fabric floss is made of silk or nylon that consists of many thin strands wound together. Also, this type of floss comes in waxed or un-waxed varieties.

Additionally, the waxed variety makes it easier for you to slide or glide the floss between your teeth. However, both waxed and un-waxed types are effective in removing debris from your teeth if used properly.

Multifilament floss is typically recommended for people who have gaps between their teeth that are not too tight.

Dental tape or puffy floss

Dental tape is a wider type of floss. It is a flat nylon ribbon which people with severe gum disease or large spaces between their teeth can safely use for flossing.  Most people find dental tape easier to use because of its flat shape.

Monofilament floss

Monofilament floss is a newer type of floss which is made of rubber, plastic or polytetrafluoroethylene. This type of floss is un-waxed and is stronger than multifilament floss. Therefore, it will hold out when it is being pulled between tight teeth.

This type of floss is highly recommended for people who have small spaces between their teeth and those who always seem to have difficulties using multifilament floss without breaking it.

Floss picks

A floss or flosser pick is a cross between a toothpick and dental floss. It has a pointed plastic pick on one end and a length of floss between two plastic prongs on the other.

Flossers are useful for kids and adults with limited dexterity or small mouths. In addition, they often have difficulties fitting their fingers in their mouth or maneuvering regular floss between their teeth.

Super Floss

This type of multifilament floss has stiff ends which can be used to thread the floss between braces or other dental appliances.

According to Dental One Care, the best type of floss to choose will depend on your personal preference. If you find using dental tape easier, use this type of floss. You can also start teaching your child how to use a floss pick so that even at an early age, your little one will know the importance of flossing.

To learn more about oral health, check out our blogs.

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.

Are You Ready To Invisalign Your Smile?

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Teeth with gaps or are misaligned can easily make anyone feel embarrassed about flashing their smile.

The good news is that there is an easy and simple way to correct your smile without the inconveniences and other side effects of wearing conventional retainers. You can finally have the perfect smile through an invisible aligner called Invisalign.

But are you ready for Invisalign? Here’s what you can expect when you wear these clear aligners:

You will start to see results from Invisalign within several weeks.

Sterling Heights dentist Dr. Fadi Farhat explains that advanced 3-D computer imaging technology will be used to create your personalized treatment plan. Based on this plan, a series of clear aligners will be custom-made for your teeth. The aligners are designed to gradually move your teeth into the proper position.

Many patients say they see results on their teeth in as short as six weeks. Generally, results will either show up more quickly or require more time depending on the nature of your bite. This will also depend on your customized plan since your teeth will be moved systematically based on the program.

You will be wearing braces that are barely noticeable.

Many people put off getting treatment for straighter teeth because traditional metal braces are bulky and are often thought as visually unappealing. Meanwhile, Invisalign aligners are made of clear, transparent material.

As such, they are not easily noticeable and can only be seen by others up close. Speaking and eating is also easier thanks to Invisalign’s flexibility and comfortable wear.

You will improve your smile without any discomfort and inconvenience.

People who choose to get metal braces to align their teeth often complain about problems with speaking and eating. Even brushing and flossing can be difficult too, since the metal wires can make maneuvering through the teeth’s nooks and crannies difficult. These are problems you won’t encounter if you opt for an Invisalign treatment.

With Invisalign, you can quickly remove your aligners when you have to talk in public or eat. Maintaining your oral hygiene is also easy since you also simply take out your aligners before brushing and flossing your teeth. In addition, invisible aligners do not have metal brackets or wires that can sometimes cause irritate your mouth.

Having a more beautiful and healthier smile is a goal worth achieving regardless of your age. If you want to have straighter teeth and get rid of any unsightly gaps, Invisalign aligners are a great option, thanks to the convenience, comfort and quick results they offer.

concerns you should talk to your dentist about

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5 Things You Should Mention When You Talk To Your Dentist

Most people just go to a dentist when they begin feeling pain or discomfort on their teeth and gums. In fact, some say they do not always enjoy going to their dentist, and many have some level of fear of going. However, dental professionals always highly emphasize that it is vital that you get a cleaning at least twice a year. This will prevent any dental issues from emerging or getting worse.
Each time you visit your dentist for a cleaning and a checkup, it is crucial that you mention any health-related information that you think might be good for them to know. A Sterling Heights dentist shares some of the important things you may not realize is valuable for your dentist to be informed of.

1. Oral Care Regimen

This might seem like an obvious one, but most patients aren’t getting their dentist’s opinion on which dental products are the best to use for taking care of their teeth and mouth. Today, there are plenty of products being sold in the market. Phrases like “silica blend” or “fluoride-free” can be confusing. Moreover, every individual has specific needs, depending on their health and dental history.
Ask your dentist about the right toothbrush and toothpaste suitable for your teeth and gums. Inquire also if there are other issues you must be addressing when practicing your oral hygiene.

2. Headaches

Most people suffer from headaches at least once a week. But many don’t realize that these pains might be a symptom of a cavity, an infected tooth, or a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. If you are having headaches constantly and don’t know its cause, you must discuss this with your dentist.

3. Fatigue

Fatigue is also a common symptom felt by many people on a daily basis. Although excessive fatigue can be caused by different things, the major one is sleep apnea. Your dentist can actually recommend the right treatment. Furthermore, fatigue can also be a symptom of mercury poisoning due to your metal fillings.

4. Pregnancy

Aside from going on regular appointments with an obstetrician/gynecologist to ensure a healthy pregnancy, pregnant women must also visit their dentist. When you are pregnant, you must work with your dentist to make sure that you have good oral health. A healthy mouth will also mean a healthier baby. Women suffering from gum disease while pregnant might experience more complications.

5. Tingling sensations in extremities

Finally, just like headaches, tingling and a weak sensation in your limbs are symptoms of TMJ. This may also indicate diabetic neuropathy. Since this is related to gum disease, you must mention this each time you talk to your dentist. An overuse of denture adhesive can also result in nerve damage. So if you are using such and you suddenly experience this symptom, you need to discuss it with your dentist so she’ll recommend another option.

Does Charcoal teeth whitening work?

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The Truth About Charcoal Teeth Whitening

Traditionally, activated charcoal is found in air filters. Also, poison control centers and hospitals use it as a form of treatment for a drug overdose or accidental poisoning.

Today, people claim that using this powdery black substance will whiten your teeth.

Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Effective?

Medical professionals gave warning against subscribing to this charcoal teeth whitening trend. This method involves smearing a charcoal-derived black mixture on your teeth. In fact, this became an online sensation after some vloggers posted videos detailing its execution on YouTube. But dental professionals say that this method might lead to tooth erosion and enamel deterioration.

Hospitals are using activated charcoal to treat patients suffering from accidental poisoning since it absorbs the harmful chemical ingested and safely removes it from the body. However, this does not necessarily mean that the same reasoning works for your teeth. There is no evidence proving that it can absorb toxins, bacteria, and staining, thus making your teeth whiter.

Some users might say that the use of a charcoal-derived whitening product is effective, but the long-term internal effect might harm other people’s teeth. The American Dental Association haven’t evaluated nor approved any charcoal teeth whitening products. The product’s abrasiveness is not known. Furthermore, activated charcoal does not deliver fluoride.

Dental professionals further emphasized that teeth are part of the ectoderm that doesn’t heal itself or replenish. On the other hand, you can shave your eyebrows, you can color your hair, or even pierce your skin — and all of these will heal, grow back or return almost entirely to their original state.

There is a huge difference between using approved dental tools and a DIY remedy like charcoal teeth whitening. Approved products will seep through the enamel and the tooth’s inner layer (dentin), thus influencing the color of your tooth. On the other hand, the charcoal-derived product might leave your teeth blotchy or stained. Moreover, it might lead to tooth erosion and deterioration, resulting in cavities and sensitivity. Once you lose enamel, it can’t grow back, so the only solution is to cover it up with a dental restoration.

To avoid these risks, a reputable Sterling Heights dentist recommends opting for tested teeth whitening solutions. You can schedule a regular teeth whitening appointment at your dentist’s office. Also, you can purchase at-home teeth whitening trays recommended by your dentist.

There are better and proven options to whiten your teeth. Instead of wasting your money on DIY charcoal teeth whitening, consult your dentist about the teeth whitening option that works best for you.

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.

Protecting Your Kids’ Teeth With Dental Sealants

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Preventing cavities is a must for young children because tooth decay can result in the worst pain they can experience in their early life.

However, reminding the little ones constantly to brush their teeth doesn’t always work. You have to deal with their laziness and their dislike for the oral care activity, which are pretty much the reasons why four million preschoolers these days suffer from tooth decay.

If you wish to preserve your children’s teeth better, there are dental solutions that can do the trick. Among them are dental sealants, which are made of a thin, plastic material that is painted on the chewing surface of the back teeth – the premolars and molars – in order to prevent cavities from developing.

Dental sealants adhere quickly to the depressions and grooves of teeth. They serve as a shield for the teeth’s enamel from the germs, bacteria, and acids that cause tooth decay. They are a fantastic way to give your children an advantage in maintaining a healthy mouth.

Are Your Kids Good Candidates for Dental Sealants?

If your children eat a lot of sugary food and their oral hygiene practices are not as fine-honed as you want them to be, dental sealants are a must, according to a Sterling Heights dentist. This solution is even more important after permanent teeth have emerged because when children lose their permanent teeth, they’re lost for good.

It’s important to point out, however, that dental sealants can also be used on really young children and adults.

How Effective are Dental Sealants?

Very.

A report published by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that children between the ages 6 to 11 who have sealants are three times less prone to getting cavities on their first molars that those who don’t.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants can last up to a decade with proper maintenance. During regular dental checkups, the dentist will inspect how the sealants are holding up to make sure that they are protecting the teeth as they should. If the quality of the sealants has been compromised, the dentist will recommend a reapplication, which is a quick and painless process.

It is rather important to teach kids how to make their dental sealants last, though. Some highly recommended tips are to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and to avoid using teeth as tools (such as for tearing open a bag of chips) — while dental sealants are durable, they are not completely impervious to the scratches caused by such friction.

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