oral health Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

Tonsil Stones: Everything You Need to Know

May 27, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Everything You Need to Know About Tonsil Stones

A tonsil stone is a hard mass that is yellowish or white. It can vary in size from very small to very large. These stones are a combination of food debris, bacteria, dead cells, as well as other substances trapped in the cavities in your tonsils. Read on and learn everything that you need to know about these hard masses.

What Are Tonsils?

Dr. Fadi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights MI, explains that tonsils are two small mounds of tissue that lie at the back of your throat. Each side of your throat has one tonsil. Their role is to help in fending off the infections that enter the body through the throat. The tonsils do this by trapping foreign bodies, such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and then “training” the immune system to deal with the infection-causing agents.

Causes of Tonsil Stones

As already mentioned, tonsil stones are the masses that form when bacteria and other debris are trapped and hardens within the tonsils. In the past, surgery to remove the tonsils used to be common, but this is no longer the case since surgery is now regarded as a last-resort remedy for tonsil stones.

Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, points out that since more people now retain their tonsils, the occurrence of tonsil stones is also relatively high due to the large population that could develop these relatively harmless masses.

Symptoms of Tonsil Stones

The oral health professionals at Dental One Care assert that many of the individuals who have tonsil stones don’t exhibit any symptoms. If you develop symptoms, they may include the following:

An unpleasant smell due to the sulfides produced by the anaerobic bacteria harbored in the tonsil cavities and in the tonsil stones.
A feeling that something is stuck inside the back of your throat or in your mouth.
Pain or pressure in your ears.

Tonsil stones can grow so large that they may be visible jutting out of your tonsils. Others remain hidden within the tonsils.

Can Tonsil Stones Cause Complications?

While tonsil stones may cause some discomfort, they are usually harmless. However, Dr. Fadi Farhat explains that the presence of tonsil stones may indicate that something is missing in your oral care routine. This is because the people who don’t floss or brush properly are more susceptible to the development of tonsil stones, and the bacteria found in tonsil stones are often the same species involved in the onset of tooth decay, oral infections, and gum disease.

Treatment for Tonsil Stones

In most cases, tonsils stones may not require you to take a trip to Dental One Care or to your doctor since you may be able to remove them at home. For example, vigorous gargling is, in most cases, enough to dislodge the tonsil stones from inside your tonsils.

You can also use a cotton swab to push against the tissues around the tonsils. Dr. Farhat recommends that you push the tonsil stone towards the opening or front of your mouth and not towards the back of your throat, so you don’t cause additional problems, like a blocked airway.

If the tonsil stones make it hard for you to swallow or you feel some pain, then gargling with salty water may help.

Consult Dr. Fadi Farhat or your GP if:

You experience the symptoms of tonsil stones, but you are unable to see those stones.
You’re unable to remove the tonsil stones or only a portion of the tonsil stones comes out.
Your tonsils become swollen, red, or painful.
You experience pain while removing the tonsil stones at home.

Your doctor or dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may treat those tonsil stones by using a technique called laser resurfacing. The tonsils may also be reshaped so that there are fewer cavities in which tonsil stones can form. Even after this procedure has been performed, you can still regrow tonsil stones.

Tonsil Removal

The only way to avoid ever having to deal with tonsil stones is by having your tonsils removed through a surgical process. This surgery is called a tonsillectomy. However, there is a slim chance that your tonsils can grow back.

The procedure is safe, but Dr. Fadi Farhat cautions that you are likely to experience some pain in the throat for a few days after the surgery.

Also, since it is a surgical procedure, some risks also exist, as is the case with any surgery. These include the risk of infection, bleeding, swelling, or even adverse reactions to anesthesia.

You need not conclude that you have tonsil stones if you experience the symptoms mentioned above because several other conditions, such as periodontal disease, tonsillitis, and strep throat, may all cause those symptoms. It is therefore helpful to talk to a professional at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights, MI, and you will be properly diagnosed and given the next steps to take. Call and make an appointment today!

Do’s and Don’ts After a Dental Cleaning

May 13, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Getting dental fillings is quite common, but some patients may not know what they should or should not do after they leave the dental office with a new filling. In this blog post, our experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, share some do’s and don’ts after a dental cleaning to help you achieve optimal oral health.

Pain After Getting a Filling

Dr. Fadi Farhat, the best dentist in Sterling Heights MI, has found that many people who experience pain after getting a filling do so because that filling was placed too high. If you notice that the filling isn’t at the same level as your other teeth when you speak, chew or move your jaw, contact Dental One Care so that the filling can be reshaped or filed down. Otherwise, high fillings don’t only cause pain but also have a higher risk of cracking.

Pain in Nearby Teeth

After getting a dental filling, you may feel some pain in the nearby teeth. This is normal and doesn’t in any way indicate that those nearby teeth have a problem. In most cases, Dr. Fadi Farhat says that such pain is the result of signals being sent by the tooth with the filling. This pain subsides typically overnight, so you should only be concerned if it exceeds this duration.

Sensitivity After Getting a Dental Filling

You are also likely to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold within the first three weeks after getting a dental filling at Dental One Care. This sensitivity is especially likely if the cavity was deep. To deal with the sensitivity, Dr. Fadi Farhat may recommend that you use a desensitizing toothpaste. It is also helpful for you to avoid consuming very hot or cold substances within those first couple of weeks until you get used to the filling.

Toothache After the Procedure

It isn’t normal to experience a toothache after getting a dental filling. If you do, contact Dr. Fadi Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our friend Dr. Beth Herko, a dentist in New Providence, NJ, says that the toothache may indicate that the decay was so pronounced that it had reached the dental pulp, so a root canal may be necessary to address the issue.

Dealing with Future Cavities

It is possible to develop other cavities on the same tooth that has a filling or on the other teeth in your mouth. If you ever develop signs, such as tooth sensitivity, contact Dr. Fadi Farhat so that he can assess your condition and determine whether dental fillings are the best option for you, or other dental filling alternatives would be a better choice in the circumstances.

What to Eat After Getting a Filling

Depending on what type of filling you got, Dr. Fadi Farhat will recommend what or when to eat after the procedure. For example, you may eat immediately if a composite filling was used. This is because such fillings are cured using a special light, so there is no risk if you eat shortly after getting the filling.

However, metal fillings don’t harden as fast, so you may have to wait for about 24 hours before you can safely eat solid food. Regardless of the filling you get, wait until the anesthetic wears off before you eat. Otherwise, you could hurt yourself if you try to eat before the local anesthetic has worn off.

Foods to Avoid After the Procedure

Dental One Care strongly recommends that you avoid eating any chewy, hard, or sticky foods for 24 hours. Staying away from cold and hot foods may also be advisable if you experience tooth sensitivity after the dental filling procedure.

OTC Painkillers

You may also have to use an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen if you experience slight discomfort or pain after getting a dental filling. However, if the pain is severe or persists, bring it to the attention of Dr. Fafdi Farhat for an appropriate remedy.

Do you suspect that you have dental cavities or you were recently diagnosed with this problem? Contact Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights, MI. Our highly skilled and experienced professionals will recommend the best remedy to fix the problem before it gets worse and requires more invasive treatment.

6 Signs of Dental Cavities

May 5, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Watch Out for These Signs of Dental Cavities

If you have not visited your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI lately, chances are that you have cavities. This is because nearly everyone develops a cavity at some point in their lives, and some people have a higher susceptibility to this dental problem more than others do. Cavities may or may not cause noticeable signs and symptoms, so the best way to know for sure if you have cavities is by visiting your Sterling Heights dentist. Here are some of the possible signs that could alert you to the presence of a cavity.

Bad Breath

Bad breath is one of the most common signs of cavities. This is because cavities are caused by the activity of bacteria in your mouth, and the metabolic activities of the bacteria may cause you to have bad breath. Dr. Fardi Farhat, the best dentist in Sterling Heights, cautions that you visit a professional if you are finding yourself with chronic bad breath.

An Unpleasant Taste in Your Mouth

Dental cavities may be the culprit if you are noticing an unpleasant taste that lingers in your mouth. No amount of brushing or using mouthwash can eliminate this bad taste completely since the problem is entrenched in your mouth. Our friend Dr. Leeson, a St. Pete dentist says deep cavities are particularly notorious for causing this bad taste since the cavity will have reached the nerves and caused those nerves to start dying.

Tooth Pain

Not all cavities will cause you to feel tooth pain, so don’t imagine that you don’t have dental caries if you aren’t experiencing any pain. Cavities can cause pain when they get deep enough to irritate the nerves in your teeth. Tooth pain due to cavities can also be triggered when you eat or drink something hot or cold. It is, therefore, best to see a Sterling Heights dentist if you experience tooth pain or tooth sensitivity.

Dark Spots on Teeth

If you notice a dark spot on your tooth that you hadn’t seen before, it is possible that what you are seeing has been caused by a cavity. However, not everyone is lucky enough to develop that dark spot in a location that can be visible when they look in a mirror, so this observable sign could remain hidden out of sight. If you are one of those who see this dark spot, contact Dental One Care immediately so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can confirm or rule out a cavity, and then offer the appropriate treatment.

Holes in Teeth

As cavities remain untreated for long, they deepen to the extent that you will notice holes in your teeth when you move your tongue over the surface of your teeth. However, not all holes are caused by cavities. Some holes may result from other dental defects, such as a chipped tooth. So, the only way to be certain is to search for a dentist near me online.

The Presence of Pus

If you ever notice pus in your mouth, see Dr. Fardi Farhat immediately. Just to clarify, pus is a yellowish or whitish substance that accumulates around areas where inflammation has occurred. Pus has two major constituents, the first being dead white blood cells that had been sent to deal with the bacteria causing the infection at the site of inflammation. The other constituent is liquor puris, a liquid that is protein-rich. Because pus is often linked to an infection, you are likely to experience other signs of infection, including chills and fevers.

By the time pus forms in a cavity, the decay has progressed so much that an abscess has formed, and you are at risk of sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Prompt medical attention is vital to safeguard you from the grave risk you face, so don’t wait to get in touch with Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI.

Cavities start in a simple enough way, but they can quickly progress to a level at which not just your teeth but your life is at risk as well. A preventive approach is, therefore, the best way to keep on top of the situation, and our team at Dental One Care is waiting to give you the preventive or any other care that you need to restore your dental health if you are found to have a cavity. Give us a call today!

Diabetes and Oral health

March 18, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Recent studies show that 29.1 million people living in the U.S have diabetes. That is about 9.3 % of the total population. There are also 1.7 million new cases with each passing year. To top it all off, 8.1 million people do not even know that they have diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes affects your body’s ability to process sugar. Your body transforms all the food you consume into sugar which provides all the energy your body needs. Once you get diabetes your body stops making insulin, which is a hormone that is responsible for carrying sugar from your blood to your cells. Type II diabetes prevents your body from responding to insulin. In both types, your blood sugar levels shoot up which can cause problems in your kidneys, heart, eyes, and nerves.

Symptoms of Diabetes

You may have diabetes if you have frequent thirst, urination, hunger, fatigue, and irritability.

Diabetes can also affect your mouth, if left untreated, in the following ways;

You may notice that your wounds don’t heal as fast as they should
You may face trouble in tasting foods
For children with diabetes, teeth may start to pop up earlier than normal.
You would likely be more vulnerable to infections in your mouth
You may feel the shortage of saliva in your mouth which will make your mouth feel dry.
As saliva acts as a safeguard for your teeth, you could easily get cavities
Your gums would start to bleed

Why People with Diabetes Are More Likely to Get Gum Disease

Every person’s mouth is home to tiny bacteria. It’s normal. If bacteria gets into your gums then it will leave you with periodontal disease which will destroy your gums, all the tissues holding your teeth and bones.

Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting those who have diabetes. With increasing age, poor blood sugar control increases the risk of gum disease.

How Can Your Dentist Help Fight Gum Disease?

Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining oral health. Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, adds that treating gum disease can help diabetes patients maintain their blood sugar levels. Taking care of your oral hygiene and scheduling dental cleaning sessions with your dentist can contribute to lowering your HbA1c which tells you your blood sugar levels hence indicating whether your diabetes is under control.

That is why you should have a good dentist because they can help treat your gum disease or help you in keeping your diabetes under control.

If you have diabetes or suspect that you may be developing gum disease, contact us at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our team will do everything we can to treat your gum disease and improve your oral health.

Why Are Dental Regular Visits Important?

March 16, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

On normal days you might not even think about your oral health but when you start facing some sort of problems, you’ll likely rush to your Sterling Heights dentist. Well at least you worry enough to get checked out by a professional in serious situations, but you don’t want all your dental clinic visits to be an emergency. You should visit your Sterling Heights dentist regularly. In this article, we answer the most asked question we get: “Why are regular dental visits important?”

Early Warning Signs

It’s best to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary, especially when it comes to your oral health. By scheduling appointments with an experienced dentist regularly, you will decrease the likelihood of developing oral diseases. It’s important to detect potential problems before they turn into something serious. Whereas if you only visit your Sterling Heights dentist when the situation gets serious then you might find out that now it is too late and the issue cannot be resolved. If you’re not sure about your oral health state, contact us at Dental One Care. Our team is happy to evaluate you to see what the next steps are.

Preventative Measure

Maintaining your oral health is only possible when you stay on top of your oral hygiene and visit your dentist in Sterling Heights. You should be brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing a minimum of once a day. Professionals recommend seeing your general dentist every six months. Visiting the dentist regularly means that you are taking a positive step towards keeping your mouth clean and healthy. This is important for both, aesthetic and health reasons. An orthodontist can also give you tips on how to improve brushing habits at home as the method taught to you when you were a child might not be the most effective one.

Visit Dental One Care

Now that you can see why dental visits are important, make sure that you stay on top of your oral health. If you’re looking for a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, contact Dr. Fardi Farhat’s office. Our team is always welcoming new patients.

Foods and Drinks with High Levels of Acid

March 5, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Upon hearing the word “acid,” the first thought that popped up in your mind would have been that “acids” are the various chemicals you saw when you were little in the science lab in school. Or you might have thought that it is the thing which causes indigestion and heartburn. However, in reality, “acids” play a crucial role in our oral health.

While our diet comprises most foods that have low acidity, some foods and drinks have high levels of acidity. Dr. Farhat adds that some can cause severe damage to your oral health. Foods and drinks with high levels of acid can cause major damage to our enamel and can also cause dental erosion.

How do Acids Affect Our Oral Health?

As acids damage the enamel of our teeth, it becomes a massive problem for your teeth because, without the enamel, our teeth are vulnerable to damage. For every acidic food or drink we take, the enamel on the surface of our teeth becomes softer for a short while, and it loses some of its mineral content.

Enamel is the hard, protective coating of our tooth, which acts as a safeguard for the sensitive dentine underneath. As mentioned above, when the enamel is softened, it leaves the sensitive dentine underneath exposed, which can be the cause of sensitivity.

The most common types of acids in the foods we consume daily are phosphoric acids, carbonic acids, and citric acids.

Fizz

Fizziness is the most obvious sign that you can see that will tell you that what you are about to drink contains high concentrations of acids. The most popular acidic drinks are fizzy drinks, sodas, carbonated drinks, and pops. While you might be thinking that diet drinks are safe, but they too are dangerous for your oral health.

Some types of alcohol are also acidic in nature like cider, white wine, beer, and alcopops. Dr. Ben Kacos, an emergency dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that these fizzy drinks are often damaging to your enamel. Too much of them can also lead to diabetes and other health problems.

Fruits

Fruits are an integral part of a balanced diet and are known to be quite good for your health, so you might be shocked to find out that fruits also contain acids. Furthermore, fruits contain citric acids, which can lead to dental erosion.

The worst of these are citrus fruits, which have a lower pH level, which means that they have a higher concentration of acids. The most acidic fruits are lemon, grapes, grapefruit, plums, limes, and blueberries.

Now you might be thinking that it is best to remove all these from your diet, but that would not be such a great idea because they are very nutritious, and they provide your body with what it needs. So, Dentists in Sterling Heights recommend eating the fruit instead of drink it. Fruits are packed with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

To learn more tips about your oral health, contact us at Dental One Care. Dr. Fadi Farhat and his team are happy to help you in any way we can.

Tips for Phasing out Sugar

March 3, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

Tips for Phasing out Sugar

Most of us will probably say yes when asked whether you would like sugar in your tea or not. It’s not the healthiest choice, but we’re guilty of it too. It’s normal for you to crave something sweet now and then. But do you ever stop to think of how it can affect your health or even your oral health? If you did, you’d probably limit your sugar intake. In this article, we share some tips for phasing out sugar.

Sugar and Oral Health

Sugar does not just cause tooth decay, but it is also linked to some pretty severe conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and it is one of the main contributors to obesity. Phasing out sugar may seem difficult, but it may be easier than you thought. Start slow, and you’ll be back on track in no time!

Cut the Sugar

Do you like to drink your calories? For instance, do you have a cup of soda or two a day? Do you often drink frappuccinos or sweet teas? Dentists in Sterling Heights, MI suggest cutting out soda and drinking more water! Instead of drinking two cups of soda each day, cutting it down to one. Then cut it down to a few times a week, and then eventually cut it out for good. Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, adds that sugar in moderation is fine, as long as it’s not consumed consistently. By just avoiding sugar in one of your beverages can have a positive effect on your health as you would be giving up about 56 grams in a week or 2912 grams in a year.

When You’re Craving Something Sweet

If you really crave some sweetness when phasing out sugar, then try natural sweeteners like xylitol or stevia. Even better, try adding honey to your drinks or even snacking on some fruit. This will not only fulfill your sweet tooth but also keep your teeth from rotting away.

As always, regular visits to your Sterling Heights dentist will help your mouth in staying healthy. Your dentist is the best person to talk to about your oral health. Dr. Fadi Farhat, or one of our dental hygienists at Dental One Care can also offer you advice on how to adjust your diet to reach optimal health.

If you don’t have a dentist to consult with, visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Our team will take good care of you and your smile. Just contact us at our office today to set up an appointment.

Dental Tips for the New Year

January 3, 2020 by dental1admin Leave a Comment

As 2019 comes to an end, you may be busy putting together your resolutions for the coming year 2020. The dental care experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI recommend that you resolve to implement the following tips in next year and beyond. These tips are meant to improve your dental health for the rest of your life.

Improve Your Eating Habits

Dentists in Sterling Heights MI say a healthy diet is one of the most beneficial habits for your dental and overall health. The nutrients that are found in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, dairy products, and other food groups are instrumental in warding off the microbes that damage teeth. Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, adds that those nutrients are also good at strengthening your teeth. This way they can continue to execute their roles for years to come. Therefore, it is advisable to make a goal to incorporate more dental health-supporting foods into your diet.

Put the Brakes on Your Sweet Tooth

Sugary beverages and snacks are one of the most serious threats to your dental health. Every time you eat or drink something sugary, acids are left in your mouth and they attack your teeth. It is not surprising that people who eat or drink a lot of sugary substances frequently suffer from tooth decay and other related problems. The best orthodontist in Sterling Heights MI, therefore, recommends that you aim to reduce sugary beverages and snacks come next year so that you can see improvements in your dental health.

Kick Tobacco Products to the Curb

People who use tobacco products, such as cigarettes and snuff, are at a high risk of developing a variety of dental problems. Dr. Such problems include oral cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, and discolored teeth. Every step you take to quit or reduce your consumption of these tobacco products will improve your dental health. You can visit Dental One Care for advice on how to get alternatives, such as sugar-free gum if you would like to wean yourself off tobacco products.

Floss and Brush More

Nearly everyone knows that brushing and flossing frequently can keep most dental problems away. However, some people may not be as vigilant when performing these daily oral hygiene activities. If you look back and realize that you haven’t been as regular in brushing and flossing as dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend, it is a good idea for you to make a conscious decision to up your game.

Visit Dental One Care

The dental care experts at Dental One Care are best placed to safeguard your dental health. Resolving to visit the dental office regularly next year will, therefore, put you in a good place to retain peak dental health. Dr. Farhart in Sterling Heights MI will catch any issues early and resolve them before they put your oral health at risk.

There is a lot riding on your dental health. For example, your self-confidence can take a huge hit if you have missing or discolored teeth. You will also find it hard to speak or eat if you have loose teeth. For that reason, contact us at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights, MI. Our experienced professionals will assess your oral health and give you advice that will help you start the New Year off right. This year make it a goal to achieve the best dental health you have ever enjoyed.

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

December 5, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

Oral cancer screening refers to an annual examination performed by your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. This screening is used to identify signs of cancerous or precancerous conditions inside your mouth. The purpose of performing this examination is to catch oral cancer early when the odds of a complete cure are highest. At Dental One Care, we routinely perform oral cancer screenings during our patients’ routine visits. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about oral cancer screening.

Why Oral Cancer Screening Is Done

As already mentioned, Dr. Fardi Farhat, an orthodontist in Sterling Heights MI, conducts oral cancer screening to detect oral cancer or lesions that point to the possibility of oral cancer.

These screenings are particularly vital for people who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. The risk factors include;

Users of tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, cigars, and pipes)
Heavy alcohol drinkers
A history of oral cancer
A history of intense sun exposure (this heightens the risk for lip cancer)

When you visit Dental One Care, ask Dr. Fardi Farhat if you are at risk of developing oral cancer. The dentist in Sterling Heights MI will ask you several questions to ascertain your risk level. If you are found to be at risk, then oral cancer screening may become part of the routine assessments that you undergo at your dental check-up.

Limitations of Oral Cancer Screening

Additional Tests May Be Required

Many people may have sores in their mouths. Dentists in Sterling Heights explain that oral exams may not be sufficient to identify the cancerous or noncancerous sores. Additional tests may be required before a definitive oral cancer diagnosis can be made.

Not All Oral Cancers Are Detectable During Oral Exams

Cancers are abnormal cell growth patterns, and it is unlikely that an oral exam will unearth all the abnormal areas in your mouth. This means that the dentist could miss a cancerous lesion during your oral cancer screening exercise.

The Scientific Community is Still Divided

There is no research yet to confirm that screening for oral cancer can reduce the number of deaths from this condition. However, since the chances of a cure are highest when cancer is detected early, it is wise for you to undergo this screening just in case you are at risk of developing mouth cancer.

What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Fardi Farhat says you aren’t required to prepare anything before the oral cancer screening. The screening fits nicely into the other routine dental care that you receive.

During the oral cancer exam, Dr. Fardi Farhat will look into your mouth carefully. The dentist in Sterling Heights MI does this to detect if there are any visible white or red patches or sores inside your mouth.

If you have removable dentures, our team will ask you to remove them so that the area beneath the dentures can also be examined for sores and patches.

Additional Oral Cancer Screening Tests

Dr. Fardi Farhat may use any of the additional tests below during your oral cancer screening.

Use of a blue dye. You may be asked to rinse your mouth with a blue dye. This special dye is absorbed by any abnormal cells in your mouth, making them turn blue. When the expert at Dental One Care looks into your mouth, he will immediately spot those blue areas.

Use of a light. Alternatively, the dentist may choose to shine a light into your mouth during the oral exam. The abnormal (and potentially cancerous) cells will look white while your normal cells will look dark under this light.

If Dr. Fardi Farhat finds any precancerous lesions or other signs of oral cancer, he may recommend a follow-up visit to Dental One Care to monitor your mouth. Additionally, the Sterling Heights dentist may recommend a biopsy so additional tests can confirm or rule out oral cancer. Fortunately, most lesions turn out to be noncancerous, so don’t be worried if abnormal cells are observed in your mouth. Simply do everything that Dr. Farhat asks you to do. If you still have questions about oral cancer screening, contact us at Dental One Care.

Osteoporosis and Oral Health

November 5, 2019 by Claire Leave a Comment

Osteoporosis refers to a medical condition characterized by the brittleness of bones due to loss of bone density. The older one gets, the higher their risk of suffering from this condition. Research shows that dental x-rays are effective in identifying people with low bone density, which is one of the signs of osteoporosis. Since the majority of people visit their dentist more often than they see their doctor, your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may be in the best position to spot the possibility that you could be suffering from osteoporosis. For those who already know that they have this condition, there are many implications for your oral health.

Notify Your Sterling Heights Dentist

If you are taking any medication for osteoporosis, inform our team at Dental One Care. This is vital because some of those drugs that you are taking could affect your dental health.

For example, the medicines that are given to strengthen bones (drugs called antiresorptive agents) have been linked to a rare complication called osteonecrosis of the jaw. This condition causes serious damage to the jaw and the jaw plays an important role in keeping your teeth firm.

Some antiresorptive agents are given to cancer patients to combat the tendency of high amounts of calcium to float in their blood. The more of these medications that you take, the higher your risk of developing dental problems.

How Antiresorptive Agents Affect Dental Treatment

The vast majority of patients who have been diagnosed with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) are cancer patients that have received repeat doses of antiresorptive agents. Only 10 percent of people develop ONJ while taking low doses of antiresorptive agents as a treatment for osteoporosis, so you can see how important it is for you to inform your Sterling Heights dentist if you have cancer, osteoporosis or any other condition for which you are taking antiresorptive agents.

If your doctor recommends antiresorptive agents as part of your treatment, let your dentist know. Have this discussion with an expert at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights as soon as you can after starting the treatment so that an appropriate plan can be made to maintain your dental health during your treatment.

Keep Visiting Your Dentist

Under normal circumstances, it isn’t necessary to put off undergoing dental treatment while on antiresorptive agents. The odds of getting ONJ are very low. However, leaving a dental condition untreated poses a bigger risk of serious complications. Dental One Care experts recommend that anyone undergoing cancer treatment using antiresorptive agents should postpone undergoing any invasive dental procedure, such as dental implant surgery.

If there is a chance, talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights before you begin taking antiresorptive agents as a treatment for cancer. Your dentist will examine you and treat any dental disease that you have before you commence cancer therapy.

In the same vein, it is advisable that you tell your doctor or oncologist if you recently underwent any dental treatment. They will assess the situation and design an appropriate treatment plan that will give you the best outcomes.

Symptoms of ONJ

There are many signs and symptoms of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). These include the following;

Infection, swelling or pain in the jaw or gum.
Recently treated or injured gums that aren’t healing as expected.
Loose teeth.
A feeling of heaviness or numbness of the jaw.
Exposed bone tissue.

When you observe any of those signs or any others, contact us at Dental One Care immediately. One of our experts will examine you and make an appropriate diagnosis or refer you to another specialist to start osteoporosis treatment.

As you can see, osteoporosis is a condition that can have serious implications for your dental health. It is therefore important for you to do everything possible to prevent this condition from developing. Our friend, Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, states that preventive measures include having a balanced diet (rich in vitamin D and calcium), exercising regularly, quitting smoking and consuming alcohol in moderation.

For more information on how your dental health can be safeguarded if you have osteoporosis, contact Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. We shall partner with you on your journey to maintain peak dental health.