What Happens If I Don’t Replace A Missing Tooth?

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What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth? A missing tooth is a very common problem among people due to bad eating habits, tooth damage, wear and tear and gum diseases. At Dental One Care, our dentist Dr. Farhat treats missing tooth problems on a regular basis. However, have you ever thought of the effects that a missing tooth can have on your appearance and overall personality?

The Effects of a Missing Tooth

A missing tooth makes you appear older than you actually are and gives you an unpleasant appearance. Additionally, it also places unnecessary pressure on the surrounding teeth and puts your oral health at risk. This makes it very important for you to consult a professional dentist in Sterling Heights to help you with the issue.

What Other Problems Can Occur Due To A Missing Tooth?

The most evident effect of a missing tooth is obviously reflected on your looks. But if you do not pay attention to it, severe problems can occur and pose a serious threat to your dental and oral health. Some of the common issues pertaining to a missing tooth that people seek treatment for at Sterling Heights dentists include the following:

Crooked Teeth

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, the question of what happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth? Dr. Cowen says that crooked teeth are one of the most common results. Your teeth provide support to each other. When there is a missing tooth, the neighboring teeth begin to shift towards the gap. With time, this leads to crooked teeth, issues in biting and pain in your jaw joint.

Tooth Decay and Gum Conditions

When your teeth shift as a result of missing tooth, you might not be able to properly brush the surface and in-between while brushing and flossing. Due to improper cleaning, plaque deposits on the surface and between your teeth. This condition increases the risk of various gum diseases as well as tooth decay, leading to the loss of another tooth.

At Dental One Care, our qualified and experienced dentist, Dr. Farhat, provides professional treatment for all kinds of teeth and gum diseases.

Loss of Bone

Your teeth provide support to your jaw bone by stimulating the growth of the jaw bone. When you have one or more missing teeth, this can lead to jaw shrinkage, which changes the structure of your jaw and ultimately the shape of your face.

TMJ Disorders

When you have a missing tooth, other teeth shift to take its place, gradually. This puts a strain on the Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of your jaw bone which is connected to your skull bone. Due to this strain, you are likely to experience headaches, pain, and discomfort in your TMJ joints.  

Dietary Changes

Missing teeth not only have adverse effects on your appearance and oral health but also affect your diet. A missing tooth makes it difficult for you to eat many healthy foods, such as raw vegetables, fruits, etc. This harms your health in the long run.

All these problems associated with a missing tooth cause health, social and professional problems. There are several treatment options available at Dental One Care for missing teeth, which include dental bridges, dental implants, and full or partial dentures. Our expert, trained and experienced dentist, Dr. Farhat is proficient in performing all dental procedures with proficiency and care at our Sterling Heights Dentist Clinic.

Tooth Sensitivity

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Do you feel a sharp and painful sensation when you eat or drink hot or cold or acidic foods or drinks? Does brushing your teeth or flossing cause occasional pain? If you experience these conditions, then you may suffer from teeth sensitivity.

At Dental One Care, we provide you with effective remedies and treatment options to treat tooth sensitivity.

What are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity is a common condition and nearly half of the global population experiences it at one time or another. Some of the common causes of tooth sensitivity are the following:

  • Decay of your tooth (or development of cavities)
  • Damaged tooth or teeth
  • Worn out fillings
  • Wear and tear
  • Worn teeth enamel
  • The exposed root of a tooth

There is an enamel layer on the surface of your teeth that protects the part of your teeth above the gums. Inside the gums, there is a thin layer known as ‘cementum’, which protects the roots of your teeth. Beneath the enamel and cementum lies dentin.  

Dentin has microscopic tubules. When the protective tooth covering the enamel and cementum is lost, hot or cold or acidic foods or drinks reach the nerves as well as cells inside your tooth through microscopic tubules. These exposed areas of the root trigger hypersensitivity in your tooth. This is often because of receding gums or some periodontal disease.

If you have sensitive teeth, it is important to consult your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, to prevent any further damage to your teeth and gums. Dr. Farhat recommends the best available treatment option for sensitive teeth.

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about treating tooth sensitivity. Dr. Kacos recommended the following treatment options. However, the choice of treatment depends mainly on the cause of sensitivity.

  • Use of Desensitizing Toothpaste: There are many types of desensitizing toothpaste available on the market. These have ingredients that block sensations from the surface of your tooth toward the nerves. However, several applications are needed before you experience a reduction in sensitivity.  
  • Fluoride Gel Treatment: It is an in-office treatment performed at Dental One Care which helps strengthen your tooth enamel and significantly decreases sensations to your nerves.
  • Bonding or Crown Inlay: These treatments are recommended when you have a decaying tooth or have a tooth flaw that causes sensitivity.
  • Root Canal Treatment: If you are experiencing severe tooth sensitivity persistently and all other treatments fail to reduce it, Dr. Farhat at Sterling Heights Dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. This helps treat tooth sensitivity issue.

Is it Possible to Prevent Tooth Sensitivity?

Yes, you can prevent tooth sensitivity by adopting regular oral hygiene to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. This prevents the risk of development of periodontal problems and receding gums. Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care recommends regularly brushing your teeth along with flossing after every meal and use of low corrosion toothpaste which helps reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity significantly.  

Myths About Dental Implants

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

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

Myth #1: Implants Don’t Look Natural

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

Myth #2: Dental Implants Require Special Care

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

Myth #3: Dental Implants Aren’t Safe

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

Myth #4: The Healing Time Lasts Forever

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

Myth #5: Dental Implants Are Very Expensive

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

Myth #6: The Surgery is Painful

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

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

How Smoking Affects Your Teeth

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

Dental Health Problems Resulting from Smoking

Smoking Causes Discolored Teeth

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

Smoking Causes Bad Breath

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

Smoking Causes Loss of Bone Mass in the Jaw

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

Smoking Delays Healing

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

Smoking Heightens the Risk of Oral Cancer

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

Smoking Causes Gum Disease

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

Are Pipes and Cigars Better Options?

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

What About Smokeless Tobacco Products?

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

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

How Can One Quit Smoking?

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

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

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

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

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

The Pros and Cons of an Electric Toothbrush

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You may be wondering whether it makes sense for you to switch to using an electric toothbrush or you should just stick it out with the good old manual toothbrush. Read on and discover some of the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes. Use this information to make an informed decision on whether you should start using these devices, or not.

The Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

More Thorough Brushing

One of the biggest benefits of electric toothbrushes is that they can brush the surfaces of your teeth more thoroughly and faster than if you were brushing with a manual toothbrush. For example, a person typically makes about 300 strokes each minute while brushing using a manual toothbrush. An electric toothbrush takes brushing to a whole new level because some models can make more than 10,000 strokes each minute. This higher number of strokes ensures that your teeth will be cleaner if you use an electric toothbrush.

Reduced Risk of Serious Health Complications

We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Farmington Hills, MI, about the benefits of electric toothbrushes. Dr. Dennis explained that the benefits of using an electric toothbrush go beyond just your oral health. Research has shown that using an electric toothbrush consistently can reduce plaque formation by at least 21 percent. Remember that plaque allows oral bacteria to breed rapidly and eventually leak into your bloodstream, causing serious health complications like stroke and heart disease. Using an electric toothbrush, therefore, reduces the likelihood that you will suffer from those potentially life-threatening conditions whose origins can be traced to oral bacteria.

Reduced Medical Bills

Imagine how you much you would spend if the valves of your heart were compromised by bacteria that has migrated from your mouth after gum disease was left untreated for long. With healthcare as expensive as it is in the U.S., you can be ruined financially if such an emergency finds you without medical insurance. Fortunately, using an electric toothbrush can forestall many of those costly health complications.

Ideal for the Infirm

Another benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they can take the hassle out of brushing for individuals who have various complications, such as arthritis, that prevent them from using their hands effectively. In fact, the experts at Dental One Care routinely advise the elderly and other people who can’t use their hands properly to switch to electric toothbrushes.

Suitable for Individuals with Braces

Electric toothbrushes are a godsend to people who wear orthodontic devices, such as braces. Dentists in Sterling Heights frequently encounter various oral diseases among people who wear braces because the wires of those devices prevent the individuals from brushing and flossing effectively. With an electric toothbrush, you can say bye to improper oral hygiene because the electric toothbrush will reach all those places behind and around the wires of your braces. Consequently, you will be less likely to suffer from the opportunistic oral infections that result from poor brushing.

The Drawbacks of Electric Toothbrushes

High Initial Cost

One of the most glaring drawbacks of electric toothbrushes is that they are quite pricy when compared to manual toothbrushes. For example, while you can easily buy a manual toothbrush for less than a dollar, the least expensive electric toothbrushes may cost a hundred dollars. You also need to budget for the regular electric brush head replacements that will further dent your finances.

They Are Less Portable

It is easy to slip a manual toothbrush into your purse or any other container, but electric toothbrushes are bigger and cannot be transported as easily. This can create serious inconveniences to you if you travel frequently.

They Aren’t Readily Available

Speaking of traveling, it may be hard for you to find electric toothbrush heads that are compatible with the model of electric toothbrush that you own. Similarly, you may not be able to find electric toothbrushes in any convenience store that you walk into when the need to buy one arises, such as when you realize that you forgot to pack your electric toothbrush before you traveled. This lack of easy access to the devices may deter many people from switching to electric toothbrushes.

As you can see, electric toothbrushes have pros and cons that you need to think about carefully before you make the decision to switch to using these devices. Contact Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care for some professional advice on your oral health.

How to Fix Crowded Teeth

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How to Fix Your Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth are a common occurrence, but that provides little comfort to someone who is living with this condition. Fortunately, many remedies exist, but you need to work with your dentist to understand your specific situation before selecting one of those remedies. Read on and learn more about this condition and what Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care can do about it.

The Causes of Crowded Teeth

According to Dr. Farhat, a  dentist in Sterling Heights, MI crowded teeth result when your jaw is too small to accommodate all your teeth, or the teeth can be too large to fit in your jaw. People who have a cleft palate or cleft lip can also suffer from crowded teeth.

Dentists in Sterling Heights have also handled cases of individuals who have crowded teeth resulting from the presence of extra teeth in the mouth or trauma to the jaw. Breathing through the mouth, allergies, asthma, thumb sucking and other similar habits have also been associated with crowded teeth.

Risks Associated With Crowded Teeth

Heightened Risk of Dental Trauma:

People who have crowded teeth are at a higher risk of suffering trauma to their teeth. This is because some of their teeth may protrude from the mouth. Any misaligned teeth can also suffer extensive damage in the event of trauma to the mouth.

Speech Problems:

Dr. Farhat explains that some people with crowded teeth can have difficulties with their speech. This is especially true for people whose crowded teeth prevent their tongues from moving freely during speech. These people may need to undergo speech therapy to correct the problems caused by the crowded teeth.

Potential for Compromised Overall Health:

Numerous studies have pointed to health complications in the rest of the body due to oral health problems. For example, oral bacteria can eventually migrate and cause heart disease if gum disease is left untreated for long. Crowded teeth create favorable conditions for such systemic problems to develop since it can be hard to maintain oral hygiene when you have crowded teeth.

Abnormal Tooth Wear:

Crowded teeth are also prone to wearing out prematurely, especially when bite issues result from that crowding. Many people with crowded teeth have some teeth that don’t align properly with the corresponding teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Consequently, there will be direct contact between the affected teeth as one is chewing. This causes the teeth to wear out sooner than they would have.

Periodontal Disease:

Gum disease or periodontal disease is more likely to exist among people with crowded teeth. As already mentioned, it is hard to clean your teeth properly when those teeth are crowded. Sterling Heights dentists say that many people with crowded teeth have bad breath for this very reason (inability to clean their teeth properly).

Treatment Options for Crowded Teeth

Cosmetic Recontouring:

One of the treatment options that Dr. Farhat considers for someone with crowded teeth is cosmetic recontouring. During this procedure, the crowded and misaligned teeth are reshaped so that they can fit properly again. This method is usually sufficient for people with a minor case of teeth crowding.

Braces:

Your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI can also recommend that you wear braces in order to deal with the problems associated with teeth crowding. This treatment option can last for several months or even years as the teeth are gradually shifted to better positions. Dental aligners are an alternative to braces for this approach. We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Livonia, MI, about treatment options for crowded teeth. Dr. Laurich says that braces are one of the most common options patients choose. Braces will not only help the crowded parts of your mouth but also enhance the overall look. 

Tooth Removal:

In some cases, dentists can opt to extract some teeth in order to deal with a severe case of overcrowding. Once this is done, the remaining teeth may have the space that they need to shift (through the use of aligners) to positions that will offer better esthetic and functional outcomes.

Dentists consider many factors before selecting a treatment plan to deal with crowded teeth. For example, the age at which you seek for help can influence the method that is selected for you. Similarly, the extent to which your teeth are crowded also has a bearing on the method selected to treat your condition. It is therefore advisable for you to contact Dental One Care so that Dr. Farhat or any of the other experts can examine you and recommend the best course of action.

Ways to Reverse Receding Gums Naturally

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Ways to Reverse Receding Gums Naturally

Gum recession is a condition where the gums start to pull away from the teeth, exposing the root of the tooth which is a very sensitive part. If you suffer from sensitivity from hot and cold food and drinks, feel your gums becoming red, swollen and sore, or get the feeling that your teeth have somehow grown longer, you probably suffer from gum recession.

It is important to know that recession does not happen overnight. It is a result of an accumulation of years and years of inflammation and gum disease, which directly affects the collagen fibers in the gums, causing the loss of their strength and tautness, and as a result, the gums start to sag and pull away from the teeth.

The causes of recession are numerous but mostly related to gum and periodontal disease, such as poor oral hygiene, smoking and plaque, and tartar build-up. Some causes are natural such as age, and some are related to your general health such as Diabetes and pregnancy.

Since this condition develops in stages, it is theoretically possible to stop and reverse it. Dr. Farhat, your Sterling Heights dentist at Dental One Care, explains some of the natural ways to reverse receding gums:

Reverse Receding Gums with Cloves

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about reverse receding gums. Dr. Taher recommends using cloves. He says cloves are a natural ingredient in most toothpastes and some pain killers. It is also a very common ingredient in most pastes and fillings. That is because clove oil is a natural analgesic and pain killer, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help in reducing inflammation and gum disease, and slow the recession process.

Reverse Receding Gums with Aloe Vera

We all probably know Aloe Vera as it is present in most skin creams that help the skin stay shiny, smooth and young. The same principle applies to using it on the gums, since Aloe Vera is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as strengthening the collagen that is responsible for keeping the gums tight and strong.

Reverse Receding Gums with Green Tea

The benefits of green tea for your health are numerous. It is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and using it regularly can burn fat, relieve stress as well as help with your gums and reduce their inflammation. In addition, it helps the gums stick to your teeth and keep them from receding away.

Reverse Receding Gums with Vitamin C

One of the main reasons for gums and skin disease is Vitamin C deficiency. Lack of Vitamin C causes inflammation and swelling, and cause the skin and gums to become weak and brittle. A healthy diet should contain an appropriate amount of Vitamin C, and foods rich in this Vitamin should be an integral part of our daily intakes, such as Oranges, Lemons, Tomatoes, and Broccoli.

Reverse Receding Gums with Sage

The use of Sage tea in treating dental problems and pains has a long history. In the old days, people used to chew the leaves and stems of the plant directly, but nowadays it is more commonly used in tea form. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are key to reducing gum inflammation and swelling.

Reverse Receding Gums with Lemon Oil

The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory traits of Lemon oil can also be tried. Of course, it is too sour to swallow directly, so mixing it with a cup of warm water and using it as a gargle or mouthwash is advised.

Causes of Receding Gums

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Gum recession is a very common problem, that many of us experience in varying degrees over the years. Sometimes it is so mild that it may go unnoticed, but frequently you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Inflammation and redness of the gums.
  • Your teeth becoming longer.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
  • Bleeding of the gums, especially the area just adjacent to the tooth
  • Mobility and looseness of teeth

These are all signs and symptoms of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). One of the key manifestations of gum disease is receding gums. This occurs due to the loss of collagen fibers in the gums, so they lose their support and start to fade and shrink away, the same way that the skin wrinkles with age.

So what are the causes of receding gums?

Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains the most common reasons for gum recession:

Bad oral hygiene Causes Receding Gums

Receding gums as explained is one of the features of gum and periodontal disease. With poor oral hygiene, plaque and tartar start to accumulate at the gum lining and apply pressure on the gums. With time and more lack of care, the gums start to give way and lose their strength, and they begin to shrink. In mild cases, a quick cleaning procedure may help to improve the situation, but if left untreated for a while, the effects may be irreversible.

Smoking Causes Receding Gums

We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI, about how smoking affects receding gums. Dr. Laurich says that the sworn enemy of the gums is smoking. While smoking does not cause recession of the gums directly, it contributes greatly to bad oral hygiene, and consequently could result in gum recession over time. Dr. Laurich highly recommends quitting the use of tobacco to save your gums and overall health.

Excessive or violent brushing Causes Receding Gums

This may come as a shock to most people, but excessive brushing may be just as bad as not brushing at all. If you violently scrub your teeth 5 or 6 times a day, thinking that this would prevent decay or gum disease, you need to stop immediately. Violent brushing not only causes grazing and cracking of the enamel which could lead to decay, but it also tears the collagen fibers of the gums and makes the recession proceed a lot faster.

Age 

Sometimes, recession is inevitable, such as that which happens with age. Unfortunately, you can’t control it, and it will happen sooner or later, but you can help delay the process by following a strict oral hygiene regimen and taking care of your teeth and mouth.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions could contribute to weakness in the gums and subsequent recession. Diabetic patients are the most common, where diabetes directly influences the amount and strength of the collagen fibers, and the gums are inherently weak and prone to recession. Pregnancy has a similar effect, where all the nutrients are sucked away to be given to the growing baby, and the gums take a hit, but usually, the effect is reversible once the baby is born.

Teeth Grinding

You might think “why does grinding the top of my teeth affect the gums which are far below?”. Well, this happens because the excessive pressure on the teeth wears the top, but generates micro cracks at the bottom where the gums meet the tooth. These cracks are invisible but they cause irritation of the gums, and they have no choice but to recede away or risk injury.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

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6 Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

Cosmetic dentistry refers to the professional dental care that specializes in improving the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile. These procedures are usually elective (optional), but some cosmetic dental procedures can improve the function of your dental structures. The range of cosmetic dental procedures varies from the simple to the complex procedures as the examples below.

Composite Bonding

Composite bonding is commonly referred to as just “bonding.” This cosmetic dentistry procedure is recommended for individuals who have suffered decay, damage or discoloration to their teeth. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will apply the composite material after drilling out the damaged or decayed sections of your teeth. He will sculpt that composite material so that it looks like a natural tooth. The tooth will then be cured using intense light so that it hardens and performs like your other teeth. Bonding is an inexpensive procedure suitable for people with decayed, cracked, chipped or worn down tooth edges.

Dental Veneers

These are fabricated from medical-grade ceramic materials, such as porcelain. They are customized for each patient and look realistic after the placement process. Dental veneers resolve a variety of cosmetic issues, such as gaps between teeth, chipped teeth, and crooked or damaged teeth. Dr. Farhat uses a strong dental adhesive to attach the veneer to the front surface of the affected tooth. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is relatively expensive.

Teeth Whitening

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the most common cosmetic dentistry treatment. Dr. Dhoon says that teeth whitening is by far the most common cosmetic dentistry procedure out there. Your smile can vastly improve just by a simple teeth whitening session. This procedure can be done at home or at the dentist’s office. The cosmetic dentistry procedure should be done once all the plaque and tartar has been removed from your teeth. The bleaching agent used can then act upon the teeth surfaces to get rid of the stains affecting the color of your teeth. The experts at Dental One Care always select the most appropriate teeth whitening products and methods so that you get the results you want. For example, a bride who has a wedding in a few days may require a different approach to another person who doesn’t have an urgent event for which they want whiter teeth.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are the “caps” placed on damaged or worn teeth to preserve their appearance and function. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI likes to call them a blend of cosmetic and restorative dental work because the crowns will make you look better while easing functionality in the affected teeth. However, these durable cosmetic or restorative devices may not be recommended for teeth in certain parts of the mouth. Such as areas where the bite force exerted is significant since the crowns will be damaged quickly under that pressure.

Dental Implants

This is one of the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is an invasive procedure through which a dental implant is placed in the jaw to serve as the root of a missing tooth. After a healing process of up to six months, a crown is placed on this implant so that you can use that restoration in the same way as you would use your natural tooth. The implant fuses with the bone to make the crown very firm. While the implant may last a lifetime, the crown placed on the implant will need to be replaced after ten or more years.

Dental Shaping

This is an exacting cosmetic procedure in which a Sterling Heights dentist files the misshapen tooth using an electric tool. This is so that what is left has a shape that is aesthetically pleasing and matches the rest of your teeth. The main downside of tooth reshaping is that the procedure removes enamel from your teeth. So, this can eventually trigger problems, such as sensitivity, later on.

Visit Dental One Care if you need cosmetic dentistry in Sterling Heights. Dr. Farhat and his team will discuss all the options available and recommend what’s best for you. Did you undergo a cosmetic dentistry procedure elsewhere and issues have developed? No problem, Dental One Care can help!

The 3 Distinct Stages of Gum Disease

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The 3 Distinct Stages of Gum Disease

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, believes that patients need to know the different stages of gum disease so that they can take the necessary steps to arrest the situation before it worsens. This article discusses the three distinct stages of gum disease that dentists at Dental One Care deal with among their patients.

Stage One of Gum Disease: Gingivitis

The first phase of gum disease is gingivitis. During this stage, your gums start to get irritated by the bacteria contained in the built-up plaque on your teeth. As a result of this irritation, your gums will start swelling and looking red. You may notice that your teeth bleed each time you floss or brush.

The best way to stop gingivitis is by stepping up your oral care routine at home. This includes brushing at least two times each day and flossing once a day. This oral care will remove plaque and stop tartar from forming on your teeth.

Stage Two of Gum Disease: Periodontitis

The second phase of gum disease is periodontitis. This second stage starts if you don’t treat gingivitis. Dr. Farhat explains that the bacteria growing in the plaque deposits start damaging the bone supporting your teeth as well as the connecting tissues surrounding your teeth. Consequently, your gums will begin detaching from the teeth and deep pockets will form between the teeth and gums. These pockets harbor even more bacteria, and your breath will develop an odor due to the effects of the toxic excreta of this bacteria. We asked our friend Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about periodontitis. Dr. Cowen says, “This stage is a make or breaking point for many patients. You can either take the matter into your own hand and treat your gum disease or you can pay the consequences later on.” Dr. Cowen highly recommends treating gum disease right away.

At this point, you will need to see a Sterling Heights dentist to treat the gum disease because your oral care at home may not be sufficient to reverse the condition. Dr. Farhat and his team at Dental One Care will clean out the bacteria in the dental pockets and also clean below the gum line so that all the plaque and tartar can be removed. This will leave the teeth surfaces smooth and less susceptible to the growth of bacteria. The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may also prescribe some antibiotics after the procedure to get rid of the bacteria. 

Stage Three of Gum Disease: Advanced Periodontitis

When periodontitis is left untreated, it progresses to advanced periodontitis. At this point, the gum disease is at its most devastating stage. The disease will have several characteristics, such as pus between your gums and teeth, bad breath, swollen and red gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth and loss of supporting bone mass around the teeth. 

You should never let gum disease progress to this level because once you start losing bone tissue, there is no turning back. Your teeth will also be exposed to other diseases and decay because they are exposed due to gum recession. Some of your teeth may also fall out as you eat or expose them to any impact.

Advanced periodontitis can be treated by conducting deep cleaning of your teeth. Dr. Farhat may also perform a root planing and scaling procedure to remove the bacteria lodged deep within your dental structures. The dentist will advise you about how many repeat cleaning sessions you should undergo at the dental office to tame the advanced periodontal disease.

As you can see, each stage of gum disease comes with its own symptoms and risks. Take prompt action once you suspect that you have gum disease. You can also visit Dental One Care for a thorough assessment by Dr. Farhat (Sterling Heights’ leading dentist) so that any dental problem you have is addressed immediately.

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