Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

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Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

Every now and then, a product or ingredient catches the attention of consumers, and it causes a buzz in different areas of people’s lives. Today, the buzz is activated charcoal and its purported benefits in dentistry. Many brands of toothpaste now contain activated charcoal. These companies claim that such toothpaste can combat bad breath and whiten your teeth. Is charcoal toothpaste safe? This article discusses what dental care professionals like Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, say about this new trend.

Why the Activated Charcoal Buzz is Spreading

Activated charcoal has some uses in the medical field due to its porous nature. For example, it is often used to manage some forms of poisoning since it can absorb the unwanted substances in the gastrointestinal tract before those toxic substances are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Such medical uses have prompted some people to stretch the purposes for which activated charcoal can be used for. For example, those people reason that a substance which can suck the poison from the GIT can also absorb toxins or stains from your teeth. And that is how the use of this substance on teeth started.

Can Activated Charcoal Be Used on Teeth?

Dr. Farhat reveals that some patients admit that they have seen results by using activated charcoal for teeth whitening. However, the dentist in Sterling Heights recommends caution when using activated charcoal to whiten your teeth because there isn’t any scientific proof about the long-term effects of using activated charcoal in this way.

For example, the Sterling Heights dentist says that no research has been done to establish how activated charcoal will affect the population of good bacteria in the mouth, or how any medication will be affected by the ingestion of activated charcoal.

We asked our friends, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA about his thoughts on the use of activated charcoal on teeth. Dr. Cowen advises those who insist on using activated charcoal to use it sparingly. For example, use it just once every fortnight. Why this precaution? Dr. Cowen explains that activated charcoal is abrasive, so you risk eroding your enamel each time you brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing it.

Additionally, the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, advises people with receding gums to avoid toothpaste containing activated charcoal. This is because the toothpaste will accelerate the gum recession and trigger sensitivity in the roots of your teeth.

It is also worthy to note that dental stains are of different types. Activated charcoal cannot whiten teeth that have deep stains. So it would be futile to keep brushing in the hope that your teeth will become whiter. Activated charcoal cannot penetrate the teeth to reach those types of stains.

Experts at Dental One Care also ask people who brush using activated charcoal toothpaste to be observant regarding any changes in their dental health. For example, stop using the toothpaste if your gums bleed as you brush.

The specific product that one selects may also have a role to play in the outcomes registered. Users should, therefore, restrict themselves to products from reputable manufacturers, so that any side-effects resulting from poor-quality materials are avoided.

What Safer Ways Are Available?

Is charcoal toothpaste safe? The jury is  In the meantime, Sterling Heights dentists recommend that you buy an at-home teeth whitening kit, or ask Dr. Farhat to conduct in-office teeth whitening treatment. This method will reduce the risks that you are likely to expose yourself to.

Alternatively, those who want a natural, inexpensive home remedy can take an orange peel and rub its inner surface against the teeth. This method is safe, although results may take longer to show.

I guess you now have the answers (and more) to the question “Is charcoal toothpaste safe?” Use the information above to make an informed decision if you ever wish to whiten your teeth using charcoal toothpaste. Better still, talk to a professional at Dental One Care so that you can get the help you need without taking unnecessary risks with your dental health.

How Often Should I Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

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How often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Many people know how important it is to get an oral cancer screening done on a regular basis. When you visit a dentist in Sterling Heights, you’re usually worried about cavities. What you may not know is that cavities are not the most harmful issue your dentist can diagnose. Actually, many people start developing oral cancer without realizing it until their dentist detects it during a routine oral examination. So, how often should I get an oral cancer screening?

Detection of Oral Cancer

Unfortunately, oral cancer is not like other dental problems, which reveal their symptoms right away. Oral cancer is a condition which does not display any symptoms until the issue has progressed. If the disease is detected at an early stage, it is possible to treat it. So, going for routine oral checkups and screening is highly recommended to detect oral cancer at an early stage.

Now the question arises how often should I get oral cancer screening?

The frequency of Oral Cancer Screening

There are different opinions regarding the frequency of oral cancer screening. On average it is recommended that you should undergo screening for oral cancer at least once a year. This exclusive examination for oral cancer will help the dentist in early detection of oral cancer symptoms if any. The sooner oral cancer is detected, the better are your chances of treating it. Additionally, you can also benefit from routine visits to Sterling Heights, MI Dentist.

Cancer Risk Factors

While it is essential that you take the screening for oral cancer at least once a year, this duration varies from person to person depending upon certain risk factors. For people who have a family history of cancer, or use tobacco or smoke, they need more frequent oral screening sessions at Dental One Care. Other examples of cancer risk factors include the use of alcohol, exposure to HPV, sun rays, diet, and gender as well as age.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about his protocol for oral cancer screenings. He said that you should get oral cancer screening even if these risk factors are not present. Dr. Cowen says that the real danger lies in those symptoms of oral cancer which do not manifest at an early stage or are difficult to detect without proper oral screening.

Quick Screening Procedure

The check-up procedure for cancer oral screening is quick and easy. In a typical cancer screening procedure, Dr. Fadi Farhat will have you swish a special fluid in your mouth. Then he’ll use a flashlight to examine the inside of your mouth. The dentist might also feel along your mouth and throat to identify any symptoms. The results of the procedure are quickly provided. So, there is nothing to be afraid of if you go for an oral cancer screening.

Who Should Undergo Oral Cancer Screening?

Regardless of your age, family history, gender, and other risk factors, oral cancer screening are essential for everyone at least once a year. There’s still a chance of being diagnosed with oral cancer, so don’t take the risk and get your oral cancer screening!

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

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2019 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

Every year we tend to make one or more New Year’s resolutions. A few of those typically surround your health and may include losing weight, eating less junk food, and exercising more, etc. Many people don’t realize that your oral health affects your overall health, which is why it’s important to include good oral health habits in your daily routine. 

So, why not try to make New Year’s resolutions for your smile and stick with it! This will not just help improve your confidence, but your quality of life as well. In the article below, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will explore the different New Year’s Resolutions for your smile.

Make New Year’s Resolution for Enhanced Smile

Beautiful, white and shining teeth are a pleasurable sight. A lovely white smile instantly grabs peoples’ attention and boosts your self-confidence. It gives you a healthier social, emotional and personal life. To help enhance your smile, brush twice a day and stay away from foods and drinks that will stain your teeth. If you make this transition, your aging process will go a lot smoother.

Make Daily Brushing and Flossing Your New Year Resolution

At the moment, your health is primarily a result of choices that you have been making up till now. When you develop a habit for something, it becomes part of your routine. Ultimately, you shouldn’t have to think twice about doing it every day. Focusing and developing healthy habits promotes your overall health and prevents various diseases.

Developing a habit of regular brushing and flossing can have a powerful impact on your smile! Consider it just like cleaning your room. When you start your day by making your bed, you feel happy that you’ve already accomplished a task so early in your day. 

You may compare this task to brushing your teeth in the morning. Properly brushing and flossing your teeth first thing in the morning gives a boost to your body and mind. Brushing your teeth and gums in the morning will also help with bad breath, prevent gum disease, and enhance your smile. Also, this habit sets a base for the rest of healthy habits. Once you stick to this habit of properly cleaning your mouth, you will gain confidence that you can develop other healthy habits as well. So, if you don’t already brush your teeth twice a day, add that to your New Year’s Resolution list.

Smile More for a Longer Life

We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI for his 2019 New Year’s Resolutions. He said that research has proved that smiling wider improves your happiness, and your economic, personal and social life as well as self-confidence. So, one of Dr. Matt Laurich’s 2019 goals is to smile more each day!

We 100% support his New Year’s Resolution. Some of you may be cringing at the thought of smiling more because you’re embarrassed by your smile. This should motivate you to take your dental health seriously this coming year.

So, if you also wish to smile more to improve the quality of your life, take care of your teeth. Follow the basic oral care routine and get regular oral checkups all year through to keep serious dental problems at bay. Book your appointment with Dental One Care, a Sterling Heights dentist office.

Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

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Tips to Protect Your Smile During the Holidays

The holiday bells have started to ring. It is a calling to indulge in sweet treats and pleasures. We all love to eat lots of irresistible sweet delights during the holiday season. But have you ever thought about how it could affect your beautiful smile?

Eating too many sweet, decadent desserts, sticky and crunchy snacks can affect your oral health if you do not take appropriate precautionary measures to protect them.

Here are some easy tips to protect your smile during the holidays. Follow these tips from Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, and you will surely have healthy teeth to show off this holiday season.

Keep Desserts Simple and Single

It is a wonderful time for candies and mouth-watering desserts when you get to have all sorts of candies around you. Dr. Farhat from Dental One Care that nonstop sweets buffet can wreak havoc on your teeth. Take a single sweet at a time and brush immediate to keep your teeth sparkling and free of harmful bacteria.

Avoid Unnecessary Snacking for Good Oral Health

Avoid taking junk, crunchy and sticky snacks when you are outside shopping or relaxing on your couch. These stick to your teeth and become a cause of bacterial growth in your mouth if you don’t brush properly afterward.

Follow Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Do not compromise your brushing routine during the holidays. Your holiday schedule can upset your brushing routine, but try to ardently stick to it. Keep a brush and small-sized toothpaste in your purse or car wherever you go. If it’s not possible to brush your teeth after every meal, take sugarless chewing gums which increase the production of saliva in your mouth. This helps remove the food bits and more.

Stick to your Dental Appointment with Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you have your dental examination due during the holidays with a Sterling Heights, MI Dentist, stick to it. It will help detect any problems before they aggravate due to the excessive consumption of sweets and junk food in the holiday season. Give yourself a motivational boost to attend the appointment by considering it as a celebration of your good oral regime.

Use Baking Soda to Brush Your Teeth

Keep a small jar beside your toothpaste filled with baking soda. Sprinkle a pinch of baking soda on your toothpaste when you apply it on your brush. Regular use of soda will help dissolve any remaining particles and teeth stains. Use it once a week otherwise, it can dissolve your tooth enamel.

Try to Eat Calcium and Fiber-rich Foods

We asked our friend Dr. Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO for his diet recommendations during the holidays. Dr. Dhoon said to try and include calcium and fiber-rich foods in your holiday diet. Make different salads with green leafy vegetables, apples, bananas, beans, and other fruits and vegetables. This will not just make your holiday meal table colorful, but will also help keep your teeth healthy.

Be Prepared

If you plan to travel during the holidays, keep a dental floss, teeth gauze and some pain-relieving medications in your bag. This will help you deal effectively with any minor dental issues if any arise.

What is TMJ Disorder?

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There can be different reasons for tooth pain, such as a cavity in your tooth or gum pain or gum disease. It can also be due to some other medical condition, such as a sinus infection. You may also experience dental problems due to stress. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains everything you need to know about TMJ disorder.

What is TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder?

If you remain under too much stress or experience anxiety to the extent that you frequently clench or grind your teeth hard, you are highly likely to develop TMJ disorder, also known as Temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ is a condition caused by the tension in the Temporomandibular joint that joins your lower jaw to your skull and allows you to open and close your mouth.

TMJ disorder leads to conditions which are responsible for causing pain in, around the jaw and its nearby muscles. When you clench or grind your teeth with force, it exerts additional pressure on the jaw muscles and causes inflammation. The problems with TMJ can adversely affect your speaking, eating, chewing and swallowing capabilities. It can even affect your abilities to make expressions.

TMJ Disorder Symptoms

One of the most commonly experienced symptoms of TMJ disorder is a pain in the jaw and mouth. It is a dull pain felt in the joint of your jaw or by your ears. Some people do not experience pain but have jaw dysfunction. Other commonly experienced symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Pain and strain in the neck and shoulders
  • Migraines or chronic headaches
  • Stiffness of jaw muscles
  • Limited jaw movement or jaw locking
  • Painful jaw joint clicking or popping when you close or open the mouth
  • Pain in the ear or ringing/pressure  in the ears
  • Decreased hearing
  • Dizziness and vision problems
  • Sensitive teeth

Causes of TMJ disorder

In addition to stressful teeth clenching and grinding, TMJ disorder can be caused by other issues, such as injury to the jaw area, arthritis, some type of dental treatments, your hormones or genes, and infection in the TMJ etc.

Treatment for TMJ disorder

Most of the common problems related to jaw joints and muscles are temporary. They last for just a few weeks or months if you follow simple care guidelines. Try using hot and cold compresses, over-the-counter medicines etc. Usually, these remedies provide some relief.

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA to share helpful tips for TMJ treatment. Dr. Cowen recommended that anyone suffering from TMJ disorder should try jaw strengthening exercises and physiotherapy. He says that strengthening the jaw muscles will make everyday tasks like eating, talking and laughing less painful.

You should be cautious while undergoing TMJ treatment and make sure it is irreversible. It should not cause permanent transformations in your biting, jaw or teeth. Some examples of these reversible treatments are the following:

  • Over-the-counter medicines
  • Jaw exercises and physiotherapy
  • Prescription medicines
  • Use of splints for stabilization, such as mouthguard or nightguard. These are the most commonly used treatments that give effective relief from excruciating jaw pain.

There are also irreversible TMJ treatments which can make the problem worse for example:

  • Adjusting your bite by teeth grinding
  • Extensive dental treatment
  • Use of splint for mandibular repositioning
  • Use of orthodontics
  • Surgical treatment, including jaw joints part replacement

Ask the Dentist: Waterpik vs. Flossing

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The Differences Between Waterpik and Flossing

A healthy smile is important for more than just cosmetic reasons. Yes, it looks good but ensuring you keep good oral hygiene is important so you don’t develop cavities or gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to heart problems so oral hygiene is vital for your overall health.

Most people think that just brushing their teeth gets the job done. While it is good practice to brush your teeth twice a day, the process doesn’t completely remove all food particles from the mouth. Food particles and plaque build up in the little gap between your teeth and under the gum, a brush isn’t enough to target these areas. That is why all dentists in Sterling Heights, MI and the American Dental Association recommend flossing every day.

When it comes to flossing, you have two options either use a floss or Waterpik. But how can you decide without knowing the pros and cons of each? We have you covered, we have the insights from Sterling Heights dentists that will help you choose which is a better option for you.

Waterpik vs Flossing, Which is Better for You?

Waterpik

Waterpik uses water to rid plaque and food particle between teeth and under the gum. Also, known as oral irrigators or dental water, the process uses pressurized water stream to get the job done.

Who is Waterpik recommended for?

Flossing may be hard if individuals:

Waterpik may also be recommended for those individuals with arthritis or anyone that finds it difficult to use a string floss.

Benefits of Waterpik

Waterpik makes it easier to reach tightly packed spaces between your teeth. Spaces where you may have trouble squeezing in a floss. Flosses are thin but at times a lot of effort is needed to squeeze them in tighter spaces which results in the application of a lot of force. Due to the force, the floss may be jammed into your gum and it starts to bleed. With a water pick, the stream of water can easily maneuver through the tight space and clean it.

The process is much easier than flossing. It may take a little time for you to fiddle with the settings and get that right but the application of Waterpik is easy. You just need to make sure that you clean all sides of each tooth with it and do it slowly. There are no risks to using Waterpik.

Disadvantages of Waterpik

While the process is easy to use, it may not be as effective at getting plaque out as compared to flossing. It can loosen plaque but the pressure isn’t enough to completely get the plaque out. That is why some use a floss to get rid of loosened plaque after using a Waterpik. The technology is also a lot more expensive than dental floss.

Flossing

Dental floss has been a practice to clean teeth since prehistoric times while it wasn’t patented until the 1870s. Floss was initially made out of silk until the second World War when nylon replaced silk. You can find floss pre-cut, long strands, flavored, and in different varieties.

Who is floss recommended for?

Floss is recommended for everyone, it should be a part of your daily oral hygiene.

Benefits of floss

Floss is a great way to target food particle, plaque, and bacteria between the teeth. It allows you to target the plaque and get rid of it before it turns into tartar. Using a floss gives you more control over the cleaning process. You can exert more force and maneuver the floss in the direction that you want to get the right angle for cleaning.

Disadvantages of floss

It may be difficult at times to reach areas that are too tightly packed with the floss. If you go too far down in your gum with the floss it can result in your gums bleeding. So you need to be careful and do the process slowly.

Once you are done flossing, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water to get any loose particle of plaque out.

When it comes to picking between the two, it all depends on which of the two you are more comfortable with. Many find it easier to just floss their teeth after they brush, it requires a bit more effort but you have complete control over the process. Dr. Dhoon at Greeley Dental Care agrees that floss is also more effective at getting rid of plaque. If you are too lazy to floss on your and need something easier to use then Waterpik is the next best option. Either way, one of the two should be a part of your oral hygiene regimen to ensure your smile stays healthy.

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.

What is a Dead Tooth?

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What is a Dead Tooth?

What is a dead tooth and what can you do about it?

A tooth is considered dead when there is no more blood flowing into its most vital parts: the nerves and blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves that make up its pulp.

A dead tooth won’t necessarily rest in peace. In some cases, it can haunt you – as it can cause the following issues:

  • Pain: The site can still harbor bacteria, causing pus buildup. This buildup, coupled with the remaining dead nerves, can place pressure on the periodontal membrane.
  • Infection: The situation above can lead to infection and inflammation. Left untreated, the bacterial infection can spread to nearby teeth. It can also penetrate deeper into the root and jawbone.
  • Abscess: Our friends at Laurich Dentistry said that the infection can turn into an abscess, causing swelling, immense pain, bad taste and bad odor in the mouth. Pimples on the gums and side of the mouth can also most likely occur.   
  • Complications: Infection in the teeth, especially when left unattended, leads to other dental problems. Complications can affect not just the mouth but also other parts of the body.
  • Discoloration: The enamel of a dead tooth can darken, turning yellow, gray and eventually black over time.

What to do if a tooth dies

If you suspect your tooth is dying or dead, go to your dentist in Sterling Heights immediately. Pay the visit even if you are not experiencing pain. Immediate detection and treatment are important as these will protect the site from further infection.

Your dentist will check the site and may use an X-ray to further investigate its current state. Depending on the extent of the damage, your dentist may recommend either root canal or extraction.

Root canal therapy is often the first option as its objective is to save the tooth. The procedure will allow your dentist to remove all decaying and remaining pulp and clear all infection within and around the tooth.

After the tooth’s interior has been cleaned and disinfected, the site will be filled and sealed. To improve the tooth’s aesthetics, whitening treatment, crowns or veneers are usually recommended.

Meanwhile, if the entire tooth structure cannot be saved, then tooth extraction will be the only solution. The extracted tooth can be replaced with a fixed bridge, implant or denture.

Preventing the death of a tooth

The most common causes of tooth death are tooth decay and physical trauma.

To prevent tooth decay, establishing good dental habits is of utmost importance. Commit to lifelong dental care including practicing proper brushing and flossing, avoiding smoking, alcohol and too many sweets, and visiting your dentist regularly.  

To prevent injuries in the mouth, the use of mouthguards when playing highly active sports is a must. If the trauma is a result of an accident or an unexpected incident, then make sure to call your trusted Sterling Heights dentist immediately to increase the chances of saving the tooth.  

4 Tips For Kid’s Dental Health

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4 Tips for Kid’s Dental Health

For most parents, getting their children to practice proper oral care is a challenge. You may even try to skip it altogether.

But as a responsible parent, you should ask for help from your trusted dentist in terms of teaching your children how to properly care for their dental health. After all, dentists are your best source of advice and recommendations for teaching children about oral health. We spoke to our friends at Laurich Dentistry about kid’s dental health. From here, you can then take on the role of guiding your children in caring for their teeth and gums.

Bear in mind that it is possible for your child to develop the habit of brushing and flossing their teeth regularly and to actually have fun observing the ideal dental practices.

To help you further in this endeavor, here are 4 tips for kid’s dental health:

1. Begin at an early age

Your child can easily develop the habit of regular brushing and daily flossing if you start teaching them early. Eventually, this can become second nature instead of a chore that their parents force them to do. By starting early, you also help them maintain good oral health to avoid plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum infections.

2. Be a role model

Being your child’s role model is the key to get them to properly brush their teeth. Forcing a brush in their mouth will not help them enjoy this activity. But when you show them that you are performing and enjoying the task yourself, there is a greater chance that you can instill such enjoyment in your kids. Remember that children pick up cues from adults.

Most children wish to become independent. Thus, they learn how to explore their surroundings on their own. If you can teach them through your actions and inform them that responsible grownups practice proper oral care, they will most likely want to do it as well.

3. Offer encouragement

Encouragement can help in letting them practice a daily dental routine. As you teach them how to properly brush their teeth, gently teach and correct them. Do not threaten them with frightening consequences of bad brushing. Be patient because it will take a while for them to know the proper way of brushing their teeth.

4. Make dental visits exciting

Dental visits do not have to be boring or stressful. A dentist in Sterling Heights, for instance, offers educational visits to help children learn about proper dental care. This is indeed a great way to introduce kids to the dentist and educate them that it can be a fun experience and not a scary one.

Finding the right dentist is crucial to making the experience exciting. So make sure to find a dentist who works well with children. How your child perceives dental visits will play a huge role in how easy or difficult it will be for you to get him in the dental chair.

Educating your child about proper oral care can be a challenging process. But a Sterling Heights Dentist shares that these tips can help make the process a lot easier. With encouragement and patience, you can help create a good daily habit.

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

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

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

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

Avoiding the Unhealthy Effects of Sugar on Your Teeth

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

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

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

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.