Sterling Heights Dentist Discusses Dental Bridges

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Sterling Heights Dentist Discusses Dental Bridges.

The Truth About Dental Bridges – Pros and Cons

There are a number of restorative dental options in less-than-ideal scenarios involving tooth loss. If you are currently considering getting dental bridges, it would be ideal to weigh what this option entails.

So, here’s a quick rundown of the essential facts about dental bridges – pros and cons:

PROS

  • Dental bridges are a highly functional dental appliance in the replacement of missing teeth. Once they are securely in place, the patient can immediately start using them for normal biting and chewing functions without pain or discomfort. There is also little to no effect on speech as the fixed dental appliance functions like the natural tooth it is supposed to replace.
  • They are low maintenance as there is no need to periodically remove them for cleaning. This is the main reason why some patients prefer them to removable dentures.
  • So, they are aesthetically pleasing as a restorative dental solution for missing or lost teeth. Materials used can be matched to the color of adjacent teeth. Ultimately, there is no way others can tell apart the artificial tooth from the natural teeth.
  • They reduce the possibility of teeth movement and bone loss in the jaw. Thereby, substantially reducing the risks posed by tooth loss.
  • Installing the dental bridge requires only about two sessions to complete.
  • Patients get used to the comfortable feel of a dental bridge

CONS

  • The health of the abutment teeth on either side of the lost/missing tooth may be compromised as they need to be prepared to support and keep the pontic (replacement tooth) in place. Preparation entails shaving off or removing substantial amounts of tooth tissue whether or not decay is present in the abutment teeth. This makes the adjacent teeth vulnerable to decay if the crowns and bridges are not properly and securely fitted.
  • The abutment teeth become more sensitive to external stimuli, so there may be a need to create temporary crowns to protect them until the bridge procedure is completed.
  • If it happens that the abutment teeth turn out to be not strong enough to support the pontic, they may collapse and eventually lead the patient to require dental implants instead. They also need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

To determine which dental appliance will work best for your current dental condition, contact your dentist in Sterling Heights. 

In the end, your decision should be something that wouldn’t further compromise your dental health down the line.

7 Best and Worst Breakfast Foods for Your Teeth

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The food and drinks you consume will have a crucial role in keeping your teeth and gums in tip-top shape. Just like the different parts of your body, your teeth will require certain nutrients to thrive.

For instance, foods rich in vitamins A and D, calcium, fiber, and phosphorous will protect and strengthen your teeth. Also, those that require some crunching and generate saliva will help prevent decay and eliminate stains.

However, not all food and drinks can benefit your teeth. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist says that there are certain food products that are dangerous for your oral health because they promote tooth decay and erode teeth enamel.

Before deciding which food to prepare each morning, you must know what you should eat and avoid. Dr. Farhat shares some of the best and worst breakfast foods for your teeth.

Best Breakfast Foods

  1. Yogurt

Yogurt is a tooth-friendly breakfast food because it is low in sugar. Also, it has healthy bacteria that maintain the right bacterial balance in your mouth.

  1. Dairy Products

Milk and cheese are some of the best breakfast foods for your mouth because of the calcium they contain. Remember that calcium will prevent tooth decay.

What is unique about cheese is that it contains casein. This is a type of protein that repairs and strengthens tooth enamel.

  1. Berries

Blueberries, strawberries and other berries contain minerals and nutrients the will benefit both your oral and overall health. These non-citrus fruits are also great for your metabolism. Since they are slow carbohydrates that gradually break down, they will keep you fuller longer. Don’t forget though that these fruits also contain sugar, so you have to brush soon afterward.

  1. Fatty Fish

Fish like sardines and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can keep your teeth and gums healthy. Also, they are full of vitamin D, which is essential in calcium absorption.

Worst Breakfast Foods

  1. Cereal

Eating cereal early in the morning is probably the most common breakfast mistake people commit. Even the healthiest cereals contain plenty of sugar, causing cavities and late-morning energy crashes.

  1. Pancakes and Waffles with Syrup

It is okay to occasionally indulge in foods with syrup. But this should not be a part of your morning routine. Instead, you must save waffles and pancakes for special occasions. Also, limit the amount of syrup. If not, skip the syrup and use sugar-free jam.

  1. White Bread

White bread is awful for your teeth because it can stick into the crevices of your teeth. After chewing, the enzymes of the bread are converted to sugar, which can wreak more havoc on your oral health.

Eating foods that can damage your teeth is unavoidable. Thus, a dentist in Sterling Heights recommends visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and teeth cleaning.

Should I Get Dental Implants?

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When you lose a tooth, the remaining teeth will move into space where your lost tooth previously was. This can create a host of problems.

This is why it is crucial for you to find the right tooth replacement option. One such option you might want to seriously consider would be dental implants. You’re probably wondering “Should I get dental implants?” or “Are dental implants worth it?”

Anatomy of dental implants

In order to better answer that question, it is worthwhile to have some understanding of what implants are.

An implant is comprised of three main parts: the post, abutment, and the tooth restoration.

The implant looks and functions like a screw. It is usually made of titanium and is implanted beneath the jawbone.

Once the implant is installed by Dr. Farhat, the abutment is then installed. This will be followed by the installation of the tooth restoration.

Advantages of dental implants

One of the key advantages of dental implants over other tooth replacement options is that these can help prevent the deterioration of your jawbone.

Dental implants help ensure that your jawbone is stimulated despite the lack of a tooth root. In turn, keeping your jawbone healthy can prevent your face from looking sunken and your lips from looking too thin.

Dental implants can also prevent some of the problems associated with wearing dentures. These include mouth sores, poor fit, and dietary restrictions.

Finally, dental implants have been around and have been modernized with the advent of new technologies.

Today, dentists like Dr. Farhat can show their patients the outcome they can expect from the procedure. But apart from that, regarding longevity and overall value, implants are considered by many experts as superior over other tooth replacement options.

Should I get dental implants?

Wel, if there is one major caveat that you should know about dental implants, it is the fact that it may not be suitable for everyone.

In order to be considered an ideal candidate for dental implants, your Sterling Heights dentist will need to take a few crucial factors into consideration.

First, you should have healthy gums. That means that if you have gum disease, you might need to consider other tooth replacement options.

Patients who want to get dental implants should also possess good bone density. Remember, the implants will be anchored to the jawbone.

The whole process of installing dental implants can take several months or even up to a year. If you do not have the patience to go through such a long process, then dental implants may not be for you.

Finally, there are some patients that are ruled out from getting implants due to their conditions. These include smokers and people who are suffering from diseases that affect their bodies’ ability to heal.

What Are the 10 Benefits of Clean Teeth and Mouth?

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Your health plan is likely to include nutritious meals, exercise, and check-ups with your doctor. This plan, however, is lacking one crucial element: oral care. Visiting your Sterling Heights dentist regularly in addition to proper oral care will help you achieve the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth. 

The Link

Oral care is an essential part of your health because countless bacteria fill the mouth, some of which have a connection to gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, this disease could lead to several other diseases in the body, from diabetes to cardiovascular problems.

Clearly, looking after your overall health needs to include oral care. This could be as simple as brushing and flossing to clean teeth, and rinsing with mouthwash for fresh breath.

Apart from preventing diseases, here are the 10 benefits of clean teeth and mouth:

  1. You can maintain your ideal weight or lose the excess pounds.

It turns out that when you brush your teeth three times a day, for two minutes each time, you could burn 3,500 calories annually. It may not seem like much of a loss, but every little bit helps when you struggle to keep your ideal weight.

Burning calories is not the only reason good oral hygiene can help with your weight loss goals. There is also psychology behind the routine; after you brush and floss, you’re not likely to give in to the urge to snack.

  1. You don’t have to spend as much money on dental care.

With healthy teeth and gums, you don’t need to worry about spending money on cosmetic treatment. You don’t need to undergo complex procedures and visit your dentist in Sterling Heights multiple times in a single month. At most, your dental care spending would be for the twice-a-year visit and professional teeth cleaning.

  1. You’ll smile more often, which opens up more opportunities.

A smile indicates confidence, and confidence, for many, indicates success. People naturally gravitate towards people who are ready to smile because it means warmth and trustworthiness. This attraction could open up opportunities that improve your professional and social life.

  1. You sustain an intimate relationship.

Having good, clean teeth means you also have fresher breath. This could mean more intimate moments with your loved one. For people in long-term relationships, greater intimacy can bolster deeper connections.

  1. You ensure cognitive function and health.

Researchers have linked long-term gum disease with Alzheimer’s. From an American Dental Association-released study to medical teams in Taiwan, various research groups have found a connection between periodontal inflammation and a higher risk of lower cognitive function.

  1. You’ll perform better in tests.

The Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry reports that adults with gingivitis, in comparison to people with healthy gums, tend to do poorly on memory tests.

  1. You ensure a healthy baby.

Healthy teeth gums could help you carry a baby to term. There is a relationship between gum disease and the incidence of low-birth-weight infants.

  1. You prevent sexual problems.

A study shows that 79 percent of men who had erectile dysfunction also had gum disease. Oral bacteria and tartar could enter the bloodstream, which could interfere with blood flow.

  1. You maintain or develop self-confidence.

With healthy teeth and gums, you’re likely to have a better self-image.

  1. You retain your natural teeth even as you age.

Finally, losing teeth is part of life. But you don’t need to lose too much that you end up with no natural teeth when you retire.

Schedule a cleaning appointment with Dr. Farhat today.

Be sure to read more articles on our blog to learn more oral health tips.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

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Soda is an American favorite. Six in 10 kids and five in 10 adults consume sugary drinks every day. The childhood favorite and sometimes go-to adult drink, however, is getting expensive as cities impose a tax. As of 2017, six cities have collected soda tax, making a 12-pack Coke $2 pricier. Why the duty?

Bad for Your Health, Worse for Your Teeth

Cities aim to steer families away from unhealthy food and beverage choices, and it begins with getting them off sugary drinks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that soda is the leading source of added sugar in the American diet. There is a connection, it seems, between drinking soda and weight gain, heart disease, kidney disease, gout, and tooth decay and cavities.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

Every sip of a sugary drink starts a damaging reaction on your teeth that lasts for about 20 minutes. It makes sense given that soda contains more sugar than food; every 20 ounces of soda is the same as consuming 22 packets of sugar.

But it’s not just the sugar that destroys your teeth; the acid in soda can also damage the tooth enamel, reducing its surface hardness. A damaged enamel will mean more cavities.

Soda can also destroy the next layer, the dentin. Cavities develop quickly if you drink too much soda and even further if you have poor oral hygiene.

Manage the Damage

There are two things you can do to counteract the effects of soda: Stop or reduce your consumption and visit your Sterling Heights dentist regularly. It’s reasonable to think that you might not be able to instantly get rid of soda from your diet, especially if you’ve been used to drinking it.

You can start weaning off of the sugary drink by taking it in moderation. You can also sip through a straw and rinse your mouth after drinking. You’ll also want to avoid grabbing a can of soda off the fridge before you sleep.

Then make sure to go to your dental appointments. Your dentist in Sterling Heights may prescribe regular cleanings because this essential oral hygiene practice can prevent cavities. Dental cleaning also freshens your breath, keeping your mouth odor-free as well as healthy.

When you do drink soda, don’t brush right after; wait for 30 minutes before you brush. Brushing after drinking sugary drinks with their harmful acid will only weaken the tooth enamel.

Soda may taste delightful, especially on a hot day. And you may enjoy it less now what with the tax. But the experts, from dentists to the CDC, are clear. Soda consumption can damage your teeth through erosion and cavities. So think before you grab another can, and consider your oral health.

To learn more interesting facts about your oral health, visit our blog. 

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.

National Gum Care Month: 5 Tips To Prevent Gum Disease

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September is the National Gum Care Month!

Now is the time to educate yourself about the early signs of gum disease and review the different habits that can help keep your mouth clean and healthy.

Early Signs of Gum Disease

  • Gums are swollen and red in certain places
  • Gums bleed easily when brushing
  • Gums feel tender
  • Gums have begun to pull away from the edges of the teeth

Gingivitis is initially painless. It takes time to develop into a noticeable problem. You can prevent gum disease with basic and simple oral hygiene measures.

5 Ways to Prevent Gum Disease

1. Brush at least twice a day

The sticky plaque will build up on your teeth continuously. If it is left there for hours, it will develop into tartar. Both plaque and tartar can contribute to gum disease.

2. Don’t forget to floss

Floss every day. Although brushing can prevent plaque from building up on your teeth, flossing will keep the area below the gum line clean and healthy.

You can use a water irrigator or a dental water jet. This is a device that can shoot streams of water between your teeth in order to completely remove bacteria and plaque.

3. Use mouthwash

Mouthwash should not be a substitute for brushing and flossing. However, if this is used along with other healthy oral care habits, it can eliminate bacteria. Also, it can keep your breath fresh and your teeth strong.

4. Eat nutritious meals

A healthy and balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and vitamins but low in sugar will boost your immune system. Also, this will help your body fight against harmful bacteria, infection, and inflammation. Eat greens to keep your teeth white.

5. Visit your dentist regularly

You must see your dentist twice a year for a good cleaning. During your visit, your dentist will also assess the health of your gums and teeth. If you are experiencing any problems, he will refer you to a reputable periodontist.

Early prevention and treatment of gum disease are crucial. When left unchecked and untreated, it can destroy your gums, teeth, connective tissues, and bones. Most importantly, this can greatly contribute to various health problems. So make sure to keep all of these activities as part of your day-to-day oral care regimen to keep gum diseases at bay.

If you are concerned about your oral health, schedule an appointment with a reputable Sterling Heights dentist now.

The Advantages Of Invisalign For Teens

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The Advantages Of Invisalign For Teens

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

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

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

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

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

2.    Invisalign works like magic.

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

3.    They’re better for the teeth.

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

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

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

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

Top 5 causes of a toothache

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Sterling Height Dentist shares the Top 5 Cause of a Toothache

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

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

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

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

6 Symptoms and Signs of a Cavity

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Symptoms of a Cavity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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