What is Gum Disease?

by Leave a Comment

Gum disease is an infection that affects the tissues that support and surround your teeth. This condition is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease is normally painless, so many people have gum disease but don’t realize it. Another name for gum disease is periodontal disease. In this article, the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights answer your question: what is gum disease?

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

  • Gums That Bleed Easily. Are you one of those people whose gums bleed when you brush, floss, or even when you bite into crunchy food? These are all signs that suggest early stages of gum disease.
  • Tender, Swollen and Red Gums. These are signs of inflammation, and inflammation is the body’s way of dealing with an infection. You should therefore visit Dental One Care for a professional evaluation as soon as you notice these signs.
  • Large Gingival Pockets. Gingival pockets are the tiny gaps between your teeth and gums. If these gaps become large, that is a sign that you could be suffering from gum disease.
  • A Persistent Bad Taste in the Mouth or Bad Breath. You could be suffering from gum disease if you have bad breath despite all your efforts to maintain oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once each day. Gum disease can also leave a bad taste in your mouth, so consult our team in Sterling Heights dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Loose or Separating Teeth. As mentioned earlier, gum disease affects the tissues around the teeth. As the disease progresses, the support provided to the teeth will reduce and your teeth will start becoming loose in their sockets.
  • Changes to Your Bite. If your teeth no longer meet properly as you eat, that could be a sign that gum disease has affected the alignment of your teeth. By the time this happens, the condition may have progressed and you need to visit Dental One Care urgently so that your natural teeth can be saved, if possible.

Factors That Increase Your Risk for Gum Disease

  • Poor Oral Hygiene. When you aren’t diligent about maintaining oral hygiene through brushing and flossing as recommended by the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, you increase your risk of developing gum disease because plaque will form more rapidly on your teeth.
  • Using Tobacco. People who smoke or chew tobacco stand a high chance of getting gum disease. This is because these tobacco products interfere with the process of saliva production, leading to oral bacteria thriving in your mouth and causing gum disease.
  • Crooked Teeth. If you have crooked teeth, you may find it difficult to clean all surfaces of those teeth and that can give gum disease a chance to develop.
  • Pregnancy. The hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy increase the likelihood that a woman will develop gum disease. Dentists in Sterling Heights recommend that pregnant women be extra vigilant in taking care of their oral health to avert gum disease.
  • Diabetes. People who suffer from diabetes are also at a higher risk of developing gum disease. This may be because the elevated blood sugar levels limit the ability of the immune system to respond quickly when gum disease sets in.
  • Medications. Some medications, such as oral contraceptives, cancer treatments and some epilepsy drugs have been associated with a higher risk of gum disease. It is therefore prudent for you to alert your Sterling Heights dentist about any medication that you are taking so that the right precautions can be taken to safeguard you from gum disease.
  • Gum disease usually manifests through three different stages. The first stage is called gingivitis. This stage of the disease is easily reversible if you go to Dental One Care for professional teeth cleaning services and you then become more vigilant about brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Gingivitis is characterized by bleeding gums that are swollen and red.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

The second stage of gum disease is called moderate periodontal disease. At this time, the gingival pockets get bigger and the characteristics of gingivitis get more pronounced. During this stage, some people develop bad breath as well. The professionals at Dental one Care can treat this stage of the disease through root planing and scaling. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to tame the infection and prevent it from spreading.

We asked our friends at Surfside Kids Dental, a pediatric dentist in Elk Grove, about gum diesase. They said that if moderate periodontal disease isn’t treated, it will progress and become advanced periodontal disease. At this time, your teeth may be noticeably loose. You may also find it hard to eat using the side of the most affected teeth. At this point, the treatment options available will depend on how far the disease has progressed. So, get to a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI as soon as possible.

The best way to prevent gum disease is by following an oral health routine. First, do your part in taking care of your oral health at home by brushing two times each day and flossing once a day. Secondly, visit Dental One Care every six months for a dental checkup and a professional cleaning of your teeth. Those dental visits will also help our professionals to detect any developing problems early so that timely treatment can be administered. In this way, you will retain your perfect smile for many decades to come!

8 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

by Leave a Comment

Some dental pains and aches can be treated using home remedies or OTC drugs, but others point to a bigger problem and even call for urgent professional attention. The question is, how do you know if you need to see a dentist immediately in order to get treatment for your pain or aches or use home remedies? Dentists at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights share the following signs which should prompt you to see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately.

Sign #1: Your Tooth is Loose

Adults should never have loose teeth, so emergency dental care is in order once you notice that one or more of your teeth is/are loose. Your local dentist in Sterling Heights explains that teeth can become loose for a variety of reasons, such as advanced periodontal disease or impact trauma to the teeth and gums. Prompt treatment for the loose tooth, in this case, will save that tooth from deteriorating and falling out.

Sign #2: Severe Toothache

Minor toothaches can be managed at home, but a severe toothache requires immediate dental care. The severe toothache could be an indicator that the tooth root is infected, or other factors have triggered that severe toothache. The only way to be certain that the exact root cause of the pain has been identified and treated is by visiting Dental One Care for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Sign #3: Aching and Bleeding Gums

Some bleeding is normal when you brush and floss, especially if you are flossing for the first time. However, you should be concerned if the bleeding is chronic and excessive. Aching gums are also a red flag you should not ignore. The expert hands and eye of Dr. Fardi Farhat are required to find out what exactly is causing the aches and bleeding. Gum disease is often the culprit, and it is important to treat it promptly so that it doesn’t cause irreversible damage to your dental health.

Sign #4: Your Jaw is Swollen

When your jaw swells, rush for emergency dental care at Dental One Care. The swelling points to a serious infection, most likely an infection of your salivary gland. The salivary gland is very important because the saliva it secretes helps to clean your mouth and prevent the proliferation of oral bacteria. Saliva also facilitates the digestion process because it contains enzymes that kick-start the process of breaking down the food you eat. The dentist in Sterling Heights will examine you and identify the exact infection you have so that the right treatment is administered.

Sign #5: Dental Abscesses

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about dental emergencies. Dr. Dhoon says dental abscesses are one of the most common dental problems patients have. An abscessed tooth presents with a lot of pain, fever, pus, a foul taste in your mouth and swollen glands. These signs suggest that the root of your tooth may have become infected due to trauma, advanced gum disease or an untreated cavity. See a dentist in Sterling Heights immediately so that a surgical procedure to drain the abscess can be done.

Sign #6: A Numb Tooth

Teeth are full of living tissues, so they should never be numb. When your tooth becomes numb, one of several things could have happened. For example, an infection could have spread to the root of that tooth and compromised the functioning of the nerves in there. The loss of sensation is a reminder that you need to see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately so that a root canal or any other treatment can be performed. Otherwise, you may lose that tooth and others as the infection spreads.

Sign #7: A Metallic Taste in the Mouth

When dental fillings are damaged, they tend to leave a metallic taste in the mouth. Rush to Dental One Care as soon as you get this metallic taste because your filling is most likely leaking. The old filling will be replaced and the root of your tooth will be saved from infections that can necessitate root canal therapy.

Sign #8: Constant Headaches

The body is a complex system of interconnected parts. A problem that affects one part can therefore easily affect or manifest in other parts. For example, people who grind their teeth can wake up with a headache because the abnormal amounts of energy used to grind the teeth strains the jaw muscles and the surrounding areas. See a dental expert at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that a comprehensive exam can be done to establish what is causing your chronic headaches. Remember, headaches are signs that something is wrong, so you shouldn’t try to treat the headache on its own without finding out what is triggering it.

It is wise to have the contact information of Dental One Care with you at all times so that you can contact Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire team when the need arises. Don’t brush off some dental issues as minor, give us a call and we will advise you on what to do to resolve the problem. If the situation calls for emergency dental care, we will do what is required to protect your dental health.

The 3 Distinct Stages of Gum Disease

by Leave a Comment

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.

Does Smoking Marijuana Lead To Gum Disease?

by Leave a Comment

Does Smoking Marijuana Lead To Gum Disease?

A survey conducted last year showed that around 78 million Americans smoke or have tried marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes.

Although smoking weed is legal in some states and it has certain benefits including relief for chronic pain and muscle spasms related to multiple sclerosis, frequent use and abuse can lead to different health issues. One of these is poor dental health. We spoke to our friends at Laurich Dentistry about this topic.

Frequent use of marijuana (especially for recreational purposes) can cause teeth stains, bad breath, cottonmouth (dry mouth), and mouth cancers. It can also cause gum disease.

But how does smoking marijuana lead to gum disease?

A study showed that both tobacco and recreational marijuana users are at risk of periodontal disease. Although there is still no clear evidence as to how weed specifically causes periodontitis, scientists speculate that the chemicals from the marijuana affect the immune system, the inflammation process, and bacterial flora in the mouth. This is similar to the effects of smoking on a person’s gum health.

It is also worth mentioning that marijuana usually has 430 to 460 different compounds in it – more than what a cigarette contains. This increases the risk of gum disease for frequent marijuana users.

Periodontitis can lead to serious dental issues such as:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen or puffy gums
  • Receding gums
  • The development of space between teeth
  • Bad breath
  • Teeth sensitivity
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Loss of teeth

Gum Disease Prevention

If you smoke marijuana for recreational reasons, you can improve and maintain the good conditions of your gums by quitting. Once you do, you will see an improvement in gum health. You will also slow the painful wear on enamel which causes tooth sensitivity. Lastly, you will have better chances of retaining your natural teeth now and in the future.  

You can get healthier gums and teeth by following the additional tips below:

  • Practice good oral hygiene habits every day. Brush at least twice daily and floss once a day.
  • Improve your diet. Boost your consumption of dairy, fresh vegetables and fruits, and foods rich in probiotics every day. These foods will fight off the effects of plaque acids on your teeth. They will also boost your immune system to help fight gum disease.
  • Drink plenty of water. A hydrated mouth is a healthy mouth.
  • Use an alcohol-free mouthwash with antibacterial properties.
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleaning.

If you use marijuana for medical purposes, consult with your Sterling Heights dentist on how you can minimize the effects of this drug on your oral health. 

How Often Should You Get Professional Dental Cleanings?

by Leave a Comment

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

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

Is Annual Teeth Cleaning Enough?

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

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

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

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

Why You May Need More Dental Cleanings

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

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

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

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

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

National Gum Care Month: 5 Tips To Prevent Gum Disease

by Leave a Comment

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.

5 Types of Dental Floss: Does Type Of Dental Floss Matter?

by Leave a Comment

Does the Type Of dental Floss I use Matter?

Even when you brush your teeth thoroughly, it is impossible to reach the food debris and plaque under the gum line between your teeth. So each time you brush, you must use dental floss. This will make your teeth cleaner. Also, it will stimulate the gums, prevent plaque build-up, polish tooth surfaces, and reduce gum bleeding. Most importantly, flossing will prevent gum disease.

But does type of floss matter? Based on various studies, it does not matter. Some are just preferred over the others depending on the user’s dental condition or preference. Some have a fluoride coating to prevent dental caries; however, its efficacy hasn’t been proven.

5 Types of Dental Floss

Tape or Ribbon Floss

This is wide, thin and smooth. Most people use this because it easily slips through the teeth. Also, it doesn’t shred. However, because it is very smooth, it doesn’t completely remove plaque. And when it is pushed too hard, it can cut into the gum.

1. Waxed Floss

This is made up of fibers and comes in various sizes, colors, and flavors. It can shred if pushed between the teeth. Easing the floss back and forth between the teeth is the trick to reduce shredding instead of popping it through. This is slightly tacky, allowing the floss to grab food debris and plaque between the teeth.

2. Unwaxed Floss

This is harder to get between the teeth as compared to waxed floss. Some prefer using unwaxed floss because it doesn’t leave a wax residue on the teeth. Some people believe that this residue collects plaque faster. When using this type of floss, be careful when getting it through your teeth. Snapping it down rapidly can injure your gums.

3. Woven Floss

This is made of white and blue yarn-like strands woven together. It may appear bulky, but it can be stretched into a thin string if placed in between the teeth. This type of floss is gentle on gums and easy to grip. Also, it absorbs plaque. However, it tends to shred easier than other floss types. Those with rough crowns, tight teeth, and jagged restorations have trouble using it.

4. Water Flosser

This is a device that shoots streams of water to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria. This is more comfortable, effective and easier than traditional string floss. It has a pulsating action that can stimulate gum tissue for additional health benefits. This is beneficial for cleaning orthodontics like braces. This is also the best option for those with dexterity problems.

Choosing the right floss is not easy. A reputable Sterling Heights dentist can guide you through the process. As conditions change in your mouth, you might need to change the type of floss you use.

Do I Really Need To See The Dentist Every Six Months?

by Leave a Comment

Why Do I Need To See The Dentist Every Six Months?

Most people ask: Do I really need to see the dentist every six months? Well, most dental professionals answer yes, and this applies to everyone. Of course, people with lots of problems must visit their dentist more often.

In 2000, more than half of dentists surveyed in New York recommended six monthly check-ups, even though there were no studies indicating whether the frequency of visits made a significant difference to patients at low risk of gum disease or tooth decay. Today, plenty of organizations like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend six monthly check-ups.

Permanent teeth are most susceptible to decay after they have erupted. So as soon as the first permanent tooth comes through, regular check-ups are recommended. For teens, their teeth are less vulnerable until their wisdom teeth erupt. Dental risks vary at different ages.

Plaque and tartar can form in the mouth at alarming rates. Some can have tartar in their teeth two weeks after a cleaning visit. If dentists polish the teeth, the skin of the tooth (known as pellicle) is removed. However, this will reappear in three days. The plaque will then stick to it.

Therefore, home care is important. Gum disease is 100% preventable, but it is not 100% curable. So you need to arm yourself with tips and methods that will properly address this degree of infection.

Tips on Preventing Gum Disease

Brush twice a day

Brushing your teeth after every meal will help remove plaque and food debris that were trapped between your teeth and gums. Brush your tongue as well because bacteria love to hide there.

Floss every day

Flossing is the only way you can remove the food debris and plaque below the gum line. Your braces should not hinder you from flossing. A water flosser can be of great help. This device shoots up water between your teeth to dislodge food particles and remove plaque. This is also beneficial to people with arthritis and dexterity problems.

Swish with mouthwash

A mouthwash can help minimize plaque build-up. It can also remove food debris that flossing and brushing missed.

Know your Family Dental History

Genetics, diet, smoking, and age can increase your risk of developing gum disease. Be sure to speak with your dental professional if you are at increased risk. Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhat can teach you what food should be included in your diet to keep your teeth clean and strong.

Periodontal Exam

An annual comprehensive periodontal evaluation or CPE is important. This will assess the condition of your teeth, gums, bite, bone structure, and plaque level. Identifying the early signs and symptoms of gum disease early is the key to keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy.

6 Bad Habits to Avoid Plaque

by Leave a Comment

A Dentist In Sterling Heights Shares 6 Bad Habits To Avoid To Prevent Plaque Formation.

Plaque is primarily composed of carbohydrates from decomposing food where bacterial colonies rapidly develop and flourish. These bacterial colonies can cause tooth decay and inflamed gums.

Everyone gets tooth plaque – this is a fact of life. Although you cannot evict bacteria from your mouth, a reputable dentist in Sterling Heights emphasizes that you can prevent plaque build-up.

Six Habits Leading to Plaque Build-Up

Not brushing – You must brush your teeth at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. To help remove plaque, brush your teeth in small circular movements. Brushing your tongue will also help freshen your breath and remove bacteria.

  1. Not flossing – Plaque reaches the spaces in between teeth that your brush cannot. Daily flossing between your teeth will clear plaque before it can cause damage. Aside from dental floss, there are other products that you can use like tape and interdental brushes. Talk to your dentist regarding which of these options best suits you.
  2. Neglecting mouthwash – Antibacterial mouthwashes were created to minimize plaque formation and prevent gingivitis. So aside from brushing and flossing daily, rinse your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash containing fluoride every night.
  3. Ignoring nature’s toothbrushes – Before the invention of toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste, different food types played a crucial role in keeping plaque off the teeth. Your ancestors ate crunchy fruit or vegetables with the skin on. These include apples, cucumbers, and carrots-  despite the sugar they contain.
  4. Visiting the dentist only when you need to – People have the tendency to go to the dentist only when they feel any dental discomfort like toothaches and swelling. Know that even when you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis, you will still miss some plaque. Teeth must be cleaned by a reputable dentist regularly to ensure plaque-free teeth. Apart from cleaning the spots you’ve missed, your dentist can also detect any dental issue that, if left untreated, can cause bigger problems.
  5. Consuming foods rich in sugar – Eating and drinking sugary food and drinks will let sugar stick to your teeth, which then encourages bacterial proliferation. Bacteria digest sugar into acid that can damage your teeth.

Other Bad Oral Habits to Avoid

  • Using your teeth as tools – Are you using your teeth to open containers, to rip through packages or to cut clothing tags? Doing any of these activities can result in chips and cracks, leaving your teeth exposed and unprotected against tooth decay.
  • Crunching on ice or candies – Your teeth are not designed for doing such. If you insist on crunching on ice cubes and candies, your teeth can crack and become very susceptible to decay.
  • Biting your nails – This habit can damage your teeth and expose your mouth to the bacteria living under your nails. In turn, this can increase the chance of contracting sickness and infection.
  • Bruxism – Otherwise known as teeth grinding, bruxism can leave your teeth exposed to decay. This habit can also erode enamel.

If you are doing any of these habits, speak to a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights now regarding the options that can help you avoid such to ensure good oral health. Call us today!

What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

by Leave a Comment

What’s the Difference Between Plaque and Tartar?

Do you ever wonder what exactly is the difference between plaque and tartar? A lot of people use them interchangeably, but a dentist in Sterling Heights says they are rather different from each other (although they are related).

Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

Appearance

Plaque is colorless, while tartar is yellow brown. Most folks don’t even see that they have plaque because apart from the fact that it’s colorless, it usually builds up along the gum line.

Texture

Plaque is sticky and soft, which is why it’s so much easier to treat. Tartar, on the other hand, is hard and porous.

What they’re made of

Plaque is a film of bacteria made up of food debris and saliva. Tartar, meanwhile, is made of the same thing, but with more mineral deposits from saliva. The mineral deposits make tartar hard.

Impact

Plaque can cause cavities because it contains acids that break down the teeth’s enamel. It can also lead to gingivitis and other types of periodontal disease. As for tartar, it can lead to the same types of damage and worse dental issues, such as tooth loss.

How quickly they form

A Sterling Heights dentist says it only takes eight hours for plaque to form. Tartar takes much longer because it’s the result of continuous neglect of proper oral care. Plaque actually needs to be neglected in order to turn into tartar.

How they’re treated

Plaque can be removed with daily brushing, flossing and rinsing. Spending more time on daily oral care can do wonders in ridding your teeth of plaque. Tartar, however, requires the attention of a dentist. Oral prophylaxis or deep dental cleaning may be required to chip away the hardened deposits. If tartar has formed underneath the gum line, surgery may be necessary to prevent periodontal disease.

While these two issues have many differences, one thing’s for certain about them: They both need to be treated right away for good oral health.

Brushing is something you definitely need to do, but it is not enough. Make sure you floss daily as well because it can target the gum line and better get rid of the debris that settles there and forms into plaque. Rinsing can also help significantly in further dislodging deposits between teeth and the gum line.

However, if you’re worried that your daily oral care routine is not doing the most effective job, visit your Sterling Heights dentist and set an appointment for a more thorough cleaning to get rid of both plaque and tartar.

 

 

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.