sterling heights dental care Archives | Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Farhat of Dental 1 Care

When Can I Eat After a Tooth Filling?

September 4, 2018 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

When Can I Eat After a Tooth Filling?

Tooth fillings are generally not welcomed with open arms by patients once their dentist makes such a recommendation.

Aside from the seemingly primal fear of the sound of the dental drill, the pain expected once the anesthesia wears off makes people wonder if they can eat at all after the filling session is done.

So if you’re wont to ask: “When can I eat after a filling?” Dr. Farhat, a trusted orthodontist in Sterling Heights, MI, has the following answer and tips to ensure minimal discomfort after getting a filling:

Tooth Filling Tips

The anesthetic administered prior to the filling procedure normally wears off after about one to three hours. Once this happens, you may start eating soft foods such as soup or porridge (nothing too sticky, though).
After the filling work is done, some discomfort, tooth sensitivity, and soreness may be experienced for a couple of hours, days or even weeks.
What you can eat after getting your teeth filled is dependent on the material used. Silver may require you to avoid hard foods and no direct chewing for up to 24 hours. Teeth with composite (white) fillings which harden right away can be used for chewing as soon as the anesthesia wears off. Softer filling material like amalgam may require you to wait longer before you can bite or chew on solid foods.
Take note of whether or not you feel the recently filled teeth hitting first when you bite, as this should not be the case. A quick visit to your dentist would be necessary.
Be sure to bite and chew gently, and try to avoid using the filled teeth for these right away.
Since cold air can trigger tooth sensitivity in some people, always make it a point to chew with your mouth closed to prevent tooth pain.
Our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, says to avoid getting any of your fillings dislodged because of food, try not to eat sticky food at first, and wait for the filling to completely set.
Extreme heat and cold can trigger tooth sensitivity, so choose to consume moderately warm or cool food items and beverages.
Lay off the sweets! Consuming sugary drinks and foods can lead to bacterial growth in the areas around the new filling.
Keep away from tough, hard food items like hard candies, nuts, and ice. Aside from possibly causing pain and discomfort, biting hard can dislodge any unset fillings.

With the above expert advice, you should know by now that getting tooth fillings do not equate to starving afterward. Additionally, pain management is quite possible if you follow your dentist’s instructions. So, happy filling!

Does Charcoal teeth whitening work?

November 1, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

The Truth About Charcoal Teeth Whitening

Traditionally, activated charcoal is found in air filters. Also, poison control centers and hospitals use it as a form of treatment for a drug overdose or accidental poisoning.

Today, people claim that using this powdery black substance will whiten your teeth.

Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Effective?

Medical professionals gave warning against subscribing to this charcoal teeth whitening trend. This method involves smearing a charcoal-derived black mixture on your teeth. In fact, this became an online sensation after some vloggers posted videos detailing its execution on YouTube. But dental professionals say that this method might lead to tooth erosion and enamel deterioration.

Hospitals are using activated charcoal to treat patients suffering from accidental poisoning since it absorbs the harmful chemical ingested and safely removes it from the body. However, this does not necessarily mean that the same reasoning works for your teeth. There is no evidence proving that it can absorb toxins, bacteria, and staining, thus making your teeth whiter.

Some users might say that the use of a charcoal-derived whitening product is effective, but the long-term internal effect might harm other people’s teeth. The American Dental Association haven’t evaluated nor approved any charcoal teeth whitening products. The product’s abrasiveness is not known. Furthermore, activated charcoal does not deliver fluoride.

Dental professionals further emphasized that teeth are part of the ectoderm that doesn’t heal itself or replenish. On the other hand, you can shave your eyebrows, you can color your hair, or even pierce your skin — and all of these will heal, grow back or return almost entirely to their original state.

There is a huge difference between using approved dental tools and a DIY remedy like charcoal teeth whitening. Approved products will seep through the enamel and the tooth’s inner layer (dentin), thus influencing the color of your tooth. On the other hand, the charcoal-derived product might leave your teeth blotchy or stained. Moreover, it might lead to tooth erosion and deterioration, resulting in cavities and sensitivity. Once you lose enamel, it can’t grow back, so the only solution is to cover it up with a dental restoration.

To avoid these risks, a reputable Sterling Heights dentist recommends opting for tested teeth whitening solutions. You can schedule a regular teeth whitening appointment at your dentist’s office. Also, you can purchase at-home teeth whitening trays recommended by your dentist.

There are better and proven options to whiten your teeth. Instead of wasting your money on DIY charcoal teeth whitening, consult your dentist about the teeth whitening option that works best for you.

Protecting Your Kids’ Teeth With Dental Sealants

October 19, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

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.

How To Floss Correctly

October 17, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

FOCUS KEYWORD: How To Floss Correctly

Brushing and flossing are the two main pillars of good oral care. When you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once daily, you get rid of leftover food particles and plaque in your mouth that can cause cavities, bad breath and other dental problems.

But no matter how consistent you are with your brushing and flossing schedule, you won’t be able to remove all the food debris and plaque if you don’t go through the motions properly. Flossing, in particular, has to be done correctly since this practice ensures that the hard-to-brush areas in your mouth (in-between the teeth and gum line) remain clean and debris-free.

If you want to know how to floss correctly, below is a simple step-by-step guide:

Get a piece of floss about 18 to 20 inches long or about the length between the tips of your fingers and your elbow. Wrap the floss around your index and middle fingers on both hands, leaving about one or two inches between your hands to work with.
Gently slide the floss in between two teeth. Wrap it around one of the teeth into a ‘C’ shape around the base and carefully slide it under the gum line. Using the floss, wipe the tooth two to three times from base to tip.
While flossing, do not snap or force the floss since this may cut or bruise delicate gum tissue.
Make sure you floss all the sides of each tooth. Always use a clean section of the floss for each tooth to avoid spreading debris and bacteria around your mouth.
Remove the floss by using the same back-and-forth motion to bring the floss up and away from your teeth.

A dentist in Sterling Heights, MI adds some additional tips below for better, more effective flossing:

As much as possible, floss in the evening, before going to sleep, so that the plaque between your teeth does not have all night to fester and spread.
It is best to brush your teeth after flossing. This is because brushing after flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Do not focus on removing any food stuck between your teeth only. To reap all the benefits of flossing, you have to remove plaque from your teeth as well. This means scraping the tooth’s surface up and down two or three times, moving gently below the gum line and on both sides of each tooth.
Although you need to floss gently, you still need to put sufficient pressure to remove plaque. You can do this by pressing firmly against the tooth while moving gently and slowly when guiding the floss under the gum line.

When you floss properly, you’ll always have cleaner, healthier teeth. As such, take the time to learn the correct steps. Also, ask your dentist for additional advice and tips to be sure you will gain the health benefits this oral hygiene practice has to offer.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

August 29, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Types of Sedation Dentistry

For some people, a visit to the dentist evokes feelings of dread and panic. People don’t fear the dentist; what people fear is the thought of what the dentist could do inside a person’s mouth, like drilling and injecting medicine.

Patients who get anxious easily are advised to undergo sedation dentistry. Sedated patients often stay awake but experience no pain during the entire procedure. This makes dental patients less anxious and more compliant with the dentist’s instructions.

Sedatives can be administered before any type of procedure, from a quick tooth cleaning session to more invasive procedures. Here are some of the different types of sedation dentistry.

Anxiolysis

This mild type of sedation is used to relieve anxiety. With minimal sedation, the patient remains awake throughout the procedure but is visibly more relaxed. Nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” is administered using a small mask placed over the patient’s nose. In some cases, dentists may induce anxiolysis using pills instead of nitrous oxide gas. Patients who would like to avail of this type of sedation will need to be honest about any past or current medical conditions or if they are taking any medications.

Moderate sedation

Patients who undergo moderate sedation may experience slurred speech but will not remember much of what happened during the procedure. They can still respond to physical or verbal stimuli but have a reduced ability to hear, smell or feel pain. There are two ways to administer the sedative: via an IV or via intramuscular injection.

Deep sedation

Under deep sedation, patients can go in and out of consciousness but they can be awakened when needed. They won’t be able to breathe independently, will lose some of their reflexes, and won’t be able to respond to stimuli. For this type of sedation, the sedative is typically administered using an IV.

General anesthesia

Patients who need to undergo surgery or more invasive dental procedures are given general anesthesia. The option is also offered to people who are not considered viable candidates for the other types of sedation. When given general anesthesia, patients are totally unconscious throughout the procedure. The strong effects of the sedative may linger even hours after the procedure is over. As a result, patients who are given this type of sedative will need to be assisted.

Contact Dental One Care if you are looking for an experienced dentist in Sterling Heights, MI. Our staff members are standing by, ready to answer your inquiries and set you an appointment with one of our dentists.

10 Important Oral Care Tips For Seniors

August 13, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Aging diminishes one’s physical health in so many ways; this is why it’s essential for seniors to be more conscientious of their lifestyle and habits.

To ensure good health even in old age, one of the most important components is proper oral care. With proper oral care, periodontal disease — which is often linked to flare-ups of cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and cancer (illnesses that commonly plague the elderly) — can be prevented.

Here are 10 important oral care tips for seniors that a trusted dentist in Sterling Heights, MI strongly recommends:

Daily brushing is a must – even for those who wear full dentures. Brush twice a day to keep the mouth free from bacteria.
Floss once a day. For those who still have most of their original teeth, flossing is imperative in preventing calcular deposits from resulting in tooth decay.
Switch to “sensitive teeth and gums” products. Stop using those hard bristle toothbrushes and switch to soft bristle ones. Also, if flossing is proving to be tricky, switch from traditional dental floss to air floss. This air floss is better for people with compromised fine motor skills; it releases jet streams of water to dislodge food particles between teeth without hurting the gums.
Use the right toothpaste formula. For those with dry mouth, it’s better to use a toothpaste that is specifically formulated for it.
Visit the dentist regularly. Older folks are more prone to oral cancer, so it’s imperative to go to the dentist on a regular schedule for oral screening, cleaning, and other necessary treatments. It’s important to make dental visits regularly as well to make sure that gum recession is addressed. Gum recession is highly likely for older people and this can expose teeth roots, making teeth hyper sensitive.
Use special mouth rinse products to maintain the healthy pH balance of the mouth, as well as keep breath fresh.
Quit smoking. For those who still can’t kick the habit, it’s crucial to do so as soon as possible. Smoking not only dehydrates the mouth, which makes it the perfect environment for bacteria growth, but it can create other health issues as well.
Improve diet. Bread is an enemy because it can contribute to the fast development of plaque and tartar. Eat more fruits and vegetables, which are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals to keep gums and teeth healthy.
Drink water often. This will do the body a lot of good and it can help flush out bacteria from the mouth and maintain healthy pH levels.
Chew a freshening, sugar-free gum after eating. This will stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva to maintain the mouth’s appropriate pH level, and at the same time, more saliva in the mouth will help dislodge food debris between teeth and gums.

There you have it — 10 oral care tips for a healthy mouth. Seniors are advised to follow them all consistently in order to effectively prevent oral health woes.

Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Family

May 18, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Qualities to Look for When Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Family

Choosing service providers for your family should be done right. This is the very reason why it’s imperative to create standards; your standards will guide you to the professionals that would really work well with your family.

If you’re choosing the right dentist for your family, listed below are the important qualities you should look for.

1. He has a good reputation

You want a dentist who’s highly recommended. If others have had a positive experience with a dentist, that only means he/she gave good service and displayed knowledge and expertise that met the expectations of discriminating clients.

2. He is easily accessible

A dentist with an office near your home will make regular dental care convenient for your family. In this very busy world, this will serve as a big advantage to you, especially if you have young children that you still need to accompany to the dentist’s office for their appointments.

3. He has a clean and well-equipped office

The right “environment” for dental care is a must. A dentist’s office is a reflection of his commitment to proper practice, and to providing a pleasant experience to all his clients. It’s also worth noting that when a dentist’s office is equipped with the latest technology, it is a good indication that the health care professional continues to learn in order to elevate his practice and serve his clients better, says a Sterling Heights dentist.

4. He is friendly

It always helps to have a dentist who is approachable and congenial, especially if you have kids. You want your children to automatically feel safe and comfortable whenever they go to the dentist so it won’t be too much trouble getting them ready for future appointments. A dentist in Sterling Heights also points out that it’s just so much easier to get better service from friendly dentists because you feel comfortable expressing your concerns and asking them questions.

5. He is available

You want a dentist whose work hours are convenient to you, especially if you’re a very busy person and you can just barely squeeze in dentist appointments between work and other responsibilities. It’s difficult to work with a dentist who only comes in the afternoon or in the morning because you’ll really have to find time to honor your appointment. It’ll be less stressful if you can request an appointment based on your personal schedule.

6. He is a member of important dental organizations.

Finally, this indicates a dentist’s adherence to strict policies that ensure good quality service for all. If you’re in need of a great dentist, contact our sterling heights dental team today!

5 Dental Emergencies and What to Do

May 16, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

Dental emergencies can range from painful toothaches to teeth getting knocked out clean.

If you want to preserve your healthy mouth and beautiful smile, you need to take action immediately and see your Sterling Heights dentist right after taking proper dental first aid.

These are the five most usual dental emergencies and what you need to do as quickly as possible before calling your dentist.

Toothaches

The most common culprits in dental emergencies are toothaches. Unfortunately, they can be anywhere from a dull throbbing ache to downright petrifying pain. Regardless, toothaches are like warning sirens going off in your mouth — something’s wrong and you need to take action.

Clean the painful area gently; use only soft-bristle brushes and floss.
Use warm salt water to rinse out your mouth.
Do NOT place aspirin on the tooth or gum area — you can get burned.
For relief in case of facial swelling, use a cold compress.
For painkillers, acetaminophen (such as brands like Tylenol) are your best bet.

Lost a Tooth

Don’t go Rambo and pull out a loose tooth willy-nilly. If the tooth was pushed outward or inward, apply very light pressure using your finger to try and reposition it. Do NOT forcefully plug it back into its socket — besides, that would most probably hurt a lot. Rush over to your dentist; on your way there, keep the tooth stable by holding it in place with gauze or moist tissue.

Fractured or Chipped Tooth

If you chip or fracture your tooth, there’s a chance the dentist can fix the damage if you tend to it right away.

Find the missing piece of the tooth and keep it in good condition by placing it in a moist baggie or cloth. Use a few drops of water or your own saliva. If it’s in good enough condition, your dentist could potentially re-attach it. As for your mouth, rinse it out with warm water and ensure that it’s clean until you meet your dentist.

Depending on the damage, your dentist could either smooth out the chipped area and bond the piece back with tooth-colored material, place a crown on the damaged tooth, or, in cases where the tooth’s nerve has been damaged, turn to root canal therapy.

Displaced Tooth

If the tooth isn’t just loose and is completely knocked out and you want to be able to re-implant it, it’s crucial you get dental care within the hour. Before you rush to your emergency appointment:

Recover the tooth and rinse away dirt and debris with water.
Don’t use toothbrushes on it — the fragile cells on the root of the tooth are vital to re-implantation into the jaw bone.
Either place the tooth between your cheek and gums when you take it to the dentist, or use gauze or a clean cloth soaked in saline or milk to wrap it up for transport.
Keep it moist to have higher chances of success for the re-implantation.

Injury to the Mouth’s Soft Tissue

Your tongue, gums, and lips are no match for your teeth. If you puncture or cut these soft tissue areas, you need to stop the bleeding by applying firm pressure to the area using a clean cloth or gauze. If it’s still bleeding after 15 minutes, you need to contact your dentist and you may need to get some stitches if the wound is too big.

If you notice no bleeding and just pain, clean the area in question with a piece of clean cloth or gauze soaked in warm water. Use an ice compress. In case swelling and pain don’t subside, you’ll need further instructions from your dentist in Sterling Heights.

Dental Implants: A Summary of Its Pros and Cons

April 18, 2017 by sterlingheightsdentalcare Leave a Comment

In the old days, painful teeth, diseased and weak teeth would definitely mean lost teeth. But advances in dentistry have resulted in significant improvements in dental treatments and solutions. Dental implants are an example of how dental technology offers better options for many patients today.

The need for urgent tooth restoration

Teeth restoration is done not just to achieve a nice aesthetic result; it is vital for oral health as well. Once you lose a tooth, it is advisable to replace it as soon as possible because the alveolar bone in your jaw also begins to disintegrate. The neighboring teeth move into the gap, forcing the whole bite out of line. Thus, having missing teeth for quite a long time can result in certain dental issues like “bad bite” or malocclusion, which may lead to inefficient chewing.

Why opt for dental implants?

A dental implant is the best remedy for replacing missing teeth. Implants generally solve the downsides of bridges and dentures.

It protects your teeth and promotes bone preservation.

With a dental implant, the remaining teeth are protected from damage because it does not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Dental implants also replace the missing tooth as well as its root, therefore preventing bone loss.

It acts like a real tooth and is easy to maintain.

Whether for chewing or for speaking, implants offer better functionality. Implants look and function like your original teeth. And this means you can manage them the same way you do with your natural teeth.

It is safe and durable.

Unlike bridges and dentures that need replacing every 7 to 10 years, implants can last a lifetime. Implants are also reliable among older adults.

When not to choose dental implants

Dental implants are not for everybody. Smokers and those with chronic conditions like diabetes are usually advised to get an implant because they have lower success rates.

Implants also come with a price tag and insurance does not usually cover such procedure.

Moreover, the procedure can be quite complex as it involves multiple steps. In some situations, it might also need additional dental treatments. Busy patients will need to make major adjustments to their schedules to accommodate the multiple visits and recovery time.

Final thoughts

A reliable dentist in Sterling Heights will opt to preserve your teeth as much as possible. If you’re concerned about missing teeth and looking for a smart way to replace them, ask about the right options for you today!

What Is Gingivitis?

October 28, 2016 by Lauren Edvalson Leave a Comment

Everything you need to know about Gingivitis

Your dentist has warned you about the adverse effects of poor oral hygiene. One of these is gingivitis.

What is gingivitis, exactly?

Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gums or gingiva. This inflammation is typically caused by a bacterial infection. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a condition known as periodontitis. Both periodontitis and gingivitis are recognized as the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Apart from that, treatment of dental infections can lead to extensive dental treatment which can become costly. This is why it is crucial for patients to act promptly upon noticing the first signs of the Gingivitis.

What are the signs of gingivitis?

Mild cases of gingivitis often do not have noticeable signs and symptoms. However, signs like reddish or purplish color of the gums, tenderness, or bleeding while brushing or flossing can be calse for alarm. Also, bad breath, swelling, gum recession and soft gums, you will need to immediately consult a dentist.

As mentioned earlier, one of the leading causes of gingivitis is bacterial infection caused by plaque and tartar. When a bacterial infection occurs, the body’s immune system is triggered. In its effort to get rid of the bacteria which causes the inflammation, the immune system may also target the gum tissue which can then result in tooth loss. Apart from this, gingivitis can also lead to an abscess in the gums and jaw bones, infection of the gums and jaw bones, and trench mouth or ulceration of the gums.

Plaque refers to the bacterial film which naturally forms and sticks to the teeth’s surface. Although some experts suggest that this film can protect the mouth from harmful microorganisms, plaque can also cause dental problems like tooth decay and gingivitis.

When plaque is not removed properly and promptly, tartar or calculus will be formed near the base of the teeth and the gums. Tartar can be difficult to remove and requires professional cleaning.

Apart from plaque and tartar, gingivitis may also be caused by hormonal changes. Especially during menstruation and pregnancy. Gingivitis can be related to some types of medications that cause dry mouth. It can also be a result of smoking, and unfortunately bad genetics.

In order to diagnose whether you truly have gingivitis, Dr. Farhat will look for the aforementioned signs. He may also use periodontal probing or recommend an X-ray.

If gingivitis is diagnosed at an early stage, the condition can still be reversed. Treatment entails a partnership between you and your Sterling Heights Dentist. Your dentist will need to remove the plaque and tartar that has built up through a treatment known as scaling. After that, you may need to go back to the dental office periodically for cleaning and for the dentist to check your progress.

For your part, you will need to take better care of your teeth and gums. That means regular brushing and flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash. It is important to recognize the signs and catch them early. At Dental 1 Care we have seen mild and extreme cases of Gingivitis and encourage any patient who thinks they might need treatment to give us a call.