Foods and Drinks with High Levels of Acid

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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.

How to Manage Sensitive Teeth

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The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that about 40 million Americans suffer from teeth sensitivity. Pain or discomfort in the teeth each time the trigger (something hot or cold or even pressure) is activated characterizes this problem. If you are one of the millions who suffer from teeth sensitivity, don’t despair. Our team of professionals at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI reassures you that this condition can be managed. Here are some of the suggestions you can implement to get relief from teeth sensitivity.

Step Up Your Oral Hygiene Habits

Your first step in managing sensitive teeth is by implementing the advice that your dentist in Sterling Heights MI recommends. This includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing once each day. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush because one with hard bristles is counterproductive. This is due to the potential damage it can cause to your gums and teeth. It is also advisable to replace your toothbrush every three months or as soon as you notice the bristles are aging. When you improve your oral hygiene habits, any bacteria that was damaging your teeth and gums resulting in tooth sensitivity will be killed and you could notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Get a Desensitizing Toothpaste

There are toothpastes that are specifically designed to reduce teeth sensitivity. You might, therefore, want to talk to a dentist at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights MI for advice as to whether a desensitizing toothpaste could help your situation. An example of a desensitizing toothpaste is Sensodyne. 

Go Slow on Acidic Drinks and Foods

Orthodontists in Sterling Heights MI caution that any acidic drink or food you consume can only make a case of sensitive teeth worse. This is because the acidic substances, such as citrus fruits, soda, and processed carbs make tooth enamel soft and prone to erosion. This ultimately worsens sensitivity. To improve your symptoms, it is best to lay off acidic foods and drinks. If you must take an acidic drink, use a straw so that the drink has minimal contact with your teeth.

Don’t Whiten Your Teeth

If you have been using teeth whitening products and realized that your teeth became sensitive, forego using those products. This is because you could be one of the people who are sensitive to the ingredients in the whitening product. 

Dr. Brian Leeson, a dentist in St. Petersburg FL, explains that some at-home teeth whitening products can cause teeth sensitivity when they are used for longer than is recommended or in a way that differs from the instructions of the manufacturer. Putting a halt to the teeth whitening process will cause the sensitivity to reduce.

Get Help for Bruxism

The teeth sensitivity you are experiencing could also be as a result of teeth grinding (bruxism). Dentists in Sterling Heights MI say that many people who suffer from this condition don’t know they do because it happens while they are asleep. If you suspect you do this, talk to your dentist about your suspicions. Our experts may give you a mouth guard or other device to protect your teeth from damage while you sleep. This could result in a reduction in the teeth sensitivity that you feel.

Forego the Mouthwash

Some people develop teeth sensitivity after using over-the-counter mouthwash brands that are acidic. If the enamel is damaged, the acidic mouthwash can attack the softer dentin, which causes teeth sensitivity to worsen. You may have to talk to your dentist about the different oral care products that you use, especially mouthwash. This way any possible culprit can be identified and replaced with something tooth-friendly.

See Your Dentist Frequently

When you visit Dental One Care on a regular basis, the professionals at our office will identify any potential problems that trigger teeth sensitivity. If teeth sensitivity has been giving you problems, contact us today and we will get to the bottom of it.

Teeth Cleanings Before the Holidays

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teeth cleanings before the holidaysThe holidays are just around the corner! While you may be excited about holiday activities, now is the time to have your teeth cleaned by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. Keep reading to discover why right before the holidays is the best time to get your teeth cleaned professionally.

The Importance of Regular Teeth Cleanings

Dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend that you get teeth cleaning services by a professional at least once every six months. These cleanings come with several advantages, such as checking for gum disease.

Dr. Fardi Farhat, an orthodontist in Sterling Heights, MI, adds that regular cleanings at Dental One Care help get rid of plaque and calculus. Not all plaque and calculus can be removed during your oral hygiene activities at home. The plaque that forms beneath the gum line is particularly problematic because it can cause dental infections leading to tooth loss.

Regular dental cleanings at Dental One Care also provide an opportunity for our team to give you advice on various issues related to your dental health. This is especially important with the upcoming holidays, likely putting your dental health at risk.

The Teeth Cleaning Process

When you visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI, to have your teeth cleaned, the hygienist will start with examining your gums and teeth using an overhead light. If the hygienist observes anything of concern, he or she will bring it to the attention of Dr. Fardi Farhat.

Once the inspection is completed, the hygienist will use special tools to brush and floss your teeth. The cleaning agent used during this process is stronger than the toothpaste you use at home, so your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly.

Any stains on your teeth will also be removed during this teeth whitening unless they are intrinsic stains that cannot be removed by abrasive tools or agents.

For people with dentures, the dental cleaning process at Dental One Care will involve cleaning and adjusting those dentures. By the end, the dentures will be clean and fit properly.

When necessary, a fluoride treatment will be administered to give your teeth added protection against cavities and tooth decay. 

If you have other dental work, like dental crowns or fillings, the hygienist in Sterling Heights will polish that dental work.

Educational Instructions During Teeth Cleaning

Your dental hygienist at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also give you some educational information relevant to your dental health. This could include the following categories of information;

Nutritional Advice. This advice will be given to you to ensure that you avoid excessive holiday treats and drinks that could be detrimental to your dental health. Getting more of the foods and drinks that are beneficial to your dental and overall health is more important.

Proper Brushing and Flossing Techniques. The hygienist may have noticed that certain parts of your teeth aren’t being cleaned appropriately as you brush and floss. Thus, he or she may advise you on how to improve your technique. An improved technique will help clean all the surfaces of the teeth adequately.

Counseling on Tobacco Use. If you are a smoker or use other forms of tobacco (snuff, for example), the educational instructions that you receive may include counseling about the dental risks associated with this habit.

Dental Evaluation

Once the hygienist finishes, Dr. Fardi Farhat will come and evaluate your teeth. He will identify cavities and any other dental problems you may be having. The Sterling Heights MI dentist will then suggest a follow-up visit to monitor any potential problems. He may schedule a visit to treat the problem found.

When the dental cleaning process finishes, you are free to go and start enjoying the holidays! Keep in mind all the advice given regarding how to safeguard your teeth from all the holiday sweets and delicacies. After the holidays, pay Dental One Care a visit so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can assess and fix any damage your teeth sustained during the holidays before the problems worsen.

Causes and Solutions for Jaw Pain

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Many adults experience chronic jaw pain. Some of the commonly known symptoms include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, headaches or pain when biting. Several things can cause facial pain when biting making it even harder to diagnose and treat. A detailed examination conducted by your Sterling Heights dentist can help determine the cause of the pain. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat discusses some of the causes and solutions for jaw pain.

 Possible Causes of Jaw Pain or Facial Pain

  • Sinus problems
  • Infections
  • Arthritis
  • Toothache 
  • Injury 
  • Tooth grinding 
  • Periodontal disease
  • Problems with your jaw or the temporary temporomandibular joint.

Treatment Plan for TMJ 

Your dentist in Sterling Heights will set up a treatment plan. This will depend on the origin of your facial pain. However, recommendations could include:

  • Muscle relaxants 
  • Exercises
  • Mouth protector 
  • Antibiotics
  • Root canal therapy
  • Periodontal treatment
  • Extraction

It is recommended that you consult your dentist or physician for diagnosis or treatment if you are suffering from any jaw or facial pain.

So, to have the peace of mind that the dentist you are consulting is the best in his or her field you should visit Dental One Care, located in Sterling, MI. Our team of medical professionals contains dentists who have completed their education from the best medical universities in the country and other than that, they have taken several medical courses. If you decide to choose a dentist from our medical team, you would no longer need to worry about any of your dental problems as your dentist will be fully equipped to handle your situation by combining experience and skills to satisfy his patients.

How Do I Know If My Filling Is Too High? 

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Do you have the perfect bite even after your fillings? Well, If you may recall, your dentist may have asked you to bite down on paper post completion of the filling. This is primarily done because of the need to check if the teeth bite is together correctly. Our Sterling Heights dentist gradually adjusts wherever the filling is too high, making it the perfect bite and you the happiest client.

Dental Filling Adjustments at Dental One Care

Since the procedure of a filling involves numbness, it may be a tough task to give apt feedback on how high the filling actually is. In fact, we may just respond with contentment on how it is until we reach home and regain the feel, realizing it may actually need correction. 

If this is the case, then you may find it worth your time to return to Dr. Fadi Farhart to have the necessary adjustments made. If you avoid a visit back, apart from an uneven bite, you may experience pain in the future. This is because our teeth are attached to bony sockets by ligaments and these tissues are sensitive to a change in the pressure.

Problems that a High Filling Can Cause 

Our friend, Dr. Christopher Green, a dentist in Parker, Colorado, explains that our periodontal ligaments may get struck by inflammation and tenderness as a consequence of a high filling. This happens in instances where we bite down too hard on a filling that is already too high, which adds more pressure causing tenderness and pain. Another issue that can surface with a filling that is too high is extensive pressure on another tooth. This may lead to that tooth cracking, and so, we may need a dental crown. 

Misaligned bites can even cause issues with jaw joints leading them to become inflamed, painful, and tender. 

How to Fix a Filling That is Too High 

Our team at Dental One Care, in Sterling Heights, MI, would be more than happy to adjust a filling for you. This will take only a few moments to free you from the pain you may be experiencing. After the necessary adjustments are made, you will definitely feel more comfortable and confident in your bite.

However, in the case of inflamed periodontal ligaments, healing time may take a few days or up to a week for the swelling to come down. If the pain persists, schedule an appointment with Dr. Farhat as we would hate for any of our patients to face any sort of discomfort. The sooner your dental appointment is booked, the quicker our Dental One Care team, can cater to your dental needs. For questions about your filling or other dental services, please contact our office.

Getting Rid of Calculus Build Up

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Many people use the word calculus or tartar and plaque as though they mean the same thing. While these names refer to similar things, they are different but all can be due to several dental health problems, like gum infections and tooth decay. It is important to learn what these substances are and discover the simple steps that we, at Dental One Care, recommend you use to get rid of plaque and tartar.

Plaque and Tartar: How They Differ

Plaque refers to a biofilm of bacteria that forms on your teeth. Or, to put it more bluntly, plaque is a bunch of bacteria grouped together on the surface of your teeth.

While that description may gross you out, plaque formation is a natural process that happens in everyone’s mouth. In fact, Dr. Fadi Farhart explains that as soon as you finish brushing your teeth, the process through which plaque forms starts taking place.

The saliva that forms in your mouth has glycoproteins that protect your teeth. However, those same glycoproteins also provide a surface on which oral bacteria can stick to creating a biofilm of bacteria starting to form on your teeth.

The oxygen in your mouth then allows the population of bacteria to grow rapidly, and plaque is the result.

If you look at your teeth in the mirror, the yellow, black or orange tint you may see on some parts of your teeth is plaque.

Once you have plaque, the stage is set for tartar or calculus to form as well, unless you take steps to halt that process.

Tartar is plaque that stays long enough on your teeth until it hardens. A combination of saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) causes the hardening of the bacterial biofilm (plaque) due to the minerals contained in these fluids (saliva and GCF).

Because saliva is crucial to the formation of tartar, tartar tends to form in the areas of your mouth where plenty of salivae is present, like around your molars and incisors. Calculus can also form on the gum line of all your teeth since saliva collects and sits there for a while.

Since tartar is plaque that has hardened, there is no difference between the appearance of plaque and tartar.

Why It Is Important to Remove Plaque and Tartar

From a cosmetic point of view, tartar and plaque are gross, and that alone is enough to emphasize why it is important to remove these buildups from your teeth.

However, more importantly, plaque and tartar increase your risk for cavities. Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Fadi Farhart, explains that the longer plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the greater the chance that oral bacteria will damage your teeth and cause cavities.

Our team at Dental One Care also caution that as plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, you could suffer worse problems, like tooth infections, and you could ultimately lose the affected teeth.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Plaque and Calculus from Teeth

Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and calculus on an ongoing basis, but despite your best efforts at these oral hygiene routines, plaque and tartar will still form on your teeth. Here are some home remedies that you can use to complement brushing and flossing as plaque-fighting measures:

  • Get anti-tartar toothpaste. Check for toothpaste that is specifically formulated to help users fight the accumulation of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Ask Dr. Fadi Farhart for advice on the appropriate anti-tartar toothpaste.
  • Tap the powers of baking soda. You can also remove plaque and tartar at home by brushing your teeth using a mixture of baking soda, a bit of salt and water. Dr. Kristina Neda at Thorough Dent Smiles in Georgetown, Kentucky, explains that this mixture helps in two key ways. First, the baking soda scrubs the plaque and tartar off your teeth. Secondly, baking soda is anti-microbial, so it will kill the bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque and tartar.
  • Use orange peels. Get an orange peel and gently rub its inner surface against your teeth. This will kill the bacteria causing plaque and calculus to buildup on your teeth.
  • Chew raw vegetables. A dentist in Parker, CO, Dr. Christopher Green, recommends chewing raw vegetables as a way of removing plaque from their teeth. The fibers in the vegetables clean the teeth and remove accumulations of plaque.
  • Use mouthwash. It is advised to rinse your mouth with mouthwash on a daily basis. Dr. Farhart says doing this kills the bacteria in your mouth and reduces the rate at which plaque forms. Additionally, using mouthwash also helps you clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.

Get Your Teeth Cleaned Professionally

The DIY measures above can help rid your teeth of tartar and plaque, but they can only go so far. The best way to get rid of all the plaque and calculus is by visiting Dental One Care so a member of our team can provide teeth cleaning services using the best tools for the job, like special brushes and scrapers. Getting your teeth professionally cleaned once every six months will keep you safe from the problems that could result from plaque and calculus.

Top Causes of Tooth Decay

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The best form of treatment is prevention. However, when dental treatment is necessary, you can depend on Sterling Heights dentist, the well-trained staff to make dental care more comfortable for you in a state of the art environment. Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems in the world and often becomes the catalyst for other forms of dental problems. In this article, Dr. Fardi Farhat explores the top causes for tooth decay

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, occurs when the acid made by bacteria present in your mouth starts eating away at your teeth. Initially, the decay is unnoticeable on the enamel (the outer layer of the teeth) and then slowly moves to the Dentin (middle layer), and finally to the pulp, where the highly sensitive blood vessels and nerves are located. In order to understand how to prevent it, we must first understand what causes tooth decay.

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a gradual process which starts with demineralization (loss of tooth minerals) and goes on all the way to form a cavity. It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are stuck in the teeth in places from where they are not completely removed through brushing and flossing. Some of the major causes of tooth decay are:

Poor oral hygiene: Lack of brushing allows the buildup of plaque, which then attacks the tooth enamel. Oral hygiene is not limited to just brushing, though. You should make flossing, mouth wash, and brushing your tongue a part of your oral hygiene routine too.

Sweet/sugary foods: Bacteria feeds and thrives on sugar, enabling it to make the harmful acid that starts the process of tooth decay.

Tooth grinding: Excessive tooth grinding, mostly done unknowingly during sleep, damages the enamel, thus opening the way for tooth decay.

Acidic foods: Drinks like soda and fruit juice are also known culprits behind the breaking down of enamel and thus tooth decay.

Dry mouth: Saliva in your mouth helps wash away the food residues and thus preventing the food particles from being trapped in the teeth. Therefore, a dry mouth becomes more vulnerable to tooth decay.

Early signs and symptoms of tooth decay

As mentioned earlier, tooth decay has several steps involved in the process, and if the treatment begins in the earlier stages, it will be easier and quicker to get rid of the problem. Contact your Sterling Heights dentist as soon as you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Toothache
  • Stains/spots on your teeth
  • Noticeable hole/pits in the affected tooth
  • Tooth sensitivity

However, often, these symptoms can go unnoticed and are only identifiable through X-rays. Therefore it is crucial to visit your Sterling Heights dentist for regular checkups in order to avoid unnecessary pain and trouble.

Prevention of tooth decay

Tooth decay can be prevented by enacting a proper and effective oral hygiene routine. Follow the steps below for optimal oral health: 

  • Brushing your teeth: You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste. Ideally, you should be brushing your teeth after every meal.
  • Dental floss: It is recommended to floss your teeth at least once a day, in addition to brushing.
  • Limit sugary foods and drinks: It has already been established that bacteria and sugary foods are the best of friends. Thus a decrease in their intake amounts to a decrease in chances of tooth decay.
  • Regular dentist visits: Following the steps above does not guarantee prevention of tooth decay, as sometimes the plaque cannot be cleaned with brushing and floss, and requires removal by your Sterling Heights dentist.

Treatment of Tooth Decay

Treatment of tooth decay depends upon the severity of the decay:

  • Fluoride treatment: This is an early-stage treatment where fluoride restores enamel, preventing further decay.
  • Tooth Fillings: The decay is removed by a drill, and then filled with a substance like silver, composite resin, or gold.
  • Crowns: For a severe cavity, a custom fit cap replaces the natural crown of the tooth after removing the decay.
  • Root canal: When the decay has reached the pulp of the tooth and affected the nerves, a root canal is performed to save the tooth.

Myths About Oral Cancer

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6 Myths About Oral Cancer

Does the mention of oral cancer, bring up any particular images or memories in your mind in the same way that other cancers, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, do? If you don’t think oral cancer is serious cancer, then take a moment and think about the fact that one person dies of oral cancer in the U.S. every hour. That is a whopping 24 people every single day! You can now see how important it is for everyone to get accurate information about this form of cancer so that as many people as possible can be saved from its clutches. Here are some myths about oral cancer that should not detract from your understanding of this condition.

Myth #1: Younger People Cannot Get Oral Cancer

Many people believe that they are too young to suffer from oral cancer. This dangerous myth prevents them from taking the steps that they need to take to detect the disease early enough for successful treatment.

The fact is that while oral cancer is more common among older people, it can affect people of any age, including children and young adults. Dr. Fardi Farhat insists that the best way to be certain that you don’t have oral cancer is to under regular screening for the disease.

Myth #2: Only Smokers Suffer from Oral Cancer

We asked our friend, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about oral cancer. Dr. Green explains smokers are indeed at a heightened risk of acquiring oral cancer, but many other risk factors predispose non-smokers to this cancer. For example, a family history (a child, parent, or sibling suffering from the disease) of oral cancer increases the risk that someone will also have this disease even if they don’t smoke. So, don’t think that you are immune from oral cancer simply because you don’t smoke. See a dentist in Sterling Heights for regular oral cancer screening so that you can be sure that you don’t have the disease.

Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Be Concerned About Oral Cancer If You Don’t Have Pain

It is also wrong to believe that you don’t need to be concerned about oral cancer if you aren’t experiencing any pain.

Pain may be a symptom in some cancers, including oral cancer, but pain alone (or its absence) cannot be relied upon as an indicator of whether someone has oral cancer or not. Some oral cancer lesions don’t cause any pain, so the disease may progress undetected if you are waiting for the pain in order to take action.

The best way to know for sure that you don’t have oral cancer is to undergo oral cancer screening each time you visit Dental One Care for your dental checkup every six months.

Myth #4: Stress Causes Oral Cancer

While everyone could do with a little less stress, the high levels of stress today cannot be blamed for the oral cancer cases we see. Dr. Fardi Farhat emphatically states that to date, no direct link has been found between stress and the development of oral cancer.

However, stress has been linked to other health challenges, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and insomnia. This could probably be the reason why some people have mistakenly linked stress to oral cancer.

Myth #5: You Will Get Oral Cancer If It Runs In Your Family

While dentists in Sterling Heights, MI will tell you that one of the known risk factors for oral cancer is a family history of the disease, this factor doesn’t on its own determine whether someone will get the disease. Several factors, such as one’s diet, alcohol, smoking, exposure to HPV or HIV, often combine to trigger the onset of the disease. It is worth repeating here that having a family history of oral cancer, or any other cancer for that matter, isn’t the only predictor of one’s chances of getting the disease.

Myth #6: Oral Cancer Isn’t Dangerous

When one compares oral cancer to other forms of cancer, such as breast cancer and cancerous brain tumors, one can see that oral cancer isn’t as aggressive as those other cancers. However, Dr. Fardi Farhat stresses that oral cancer is also dangerous as exemplified by the statistic mentioned at the beginning of this blog post that oral cancer kills at least one American every hour. You should, therefore, avoid taking this cancer lightly under the mistaken belief that it isn’t dangerous. Get screened at Dental One Care and start treatment early if you are found to have the disease.

As you can see, it may sometimes be hard to separate fact from myth if you don’t talk to a professional about what you hear or think. It is therefore advisable to visit Dental One Care regularly and put any query you may have about oral cancer to Dr. Fardi Farhat. The Sterling Heights dentist will give you the accurate information that you need, as well as screen you for the disease. Fortunately, chances are high for a complete cure if the disease is caught early, so don’t hesitate to undergo regular screening.

11 Tips for Invisalign Patients

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Because Invisalign aligners are worn for up to 22 hours each day, it isn’t uncommon for patients to be concerned about the way their day-to-day lives will be affected by this treatment. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI has compiled the following tips and tricks to help each patient get the very best from Invisalign while minimizing the inconveniences associated with wearing the aligners.

Switch Aligners While Going to Bed

The highest degree of soreness, tenderness or even pain tends to be felt by Invisalign patients when they have just switched from one aligner to another.

While this soreness or tenderness is unavoidable, Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that patients switch aligners just before going to bed rather than in the morning. This timing is advisable because the adjustment to the new aligner will happen while you sleep and the soreness will be no more (or will be considerably lessened) by the time you wake up.

Make Cold Compresses Your Friend

The tip above will address the worst of the discomfort that you feel each time you start using a new Invisalign aligner, but some residual soreness or tenderness may carry over into the next day or two. For such situations, a cold compress placed outside the mouth will go a long way towards alleviating the discomfort.

Mind What You Eat

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, to share her tips for Invisalign patients. Dr. Neda explains that just like any cosmetic dentistry treatment, you’ll need to be mindful of what you eat. When you feel sore as a result of wearing Invisalign aligners for the first time, one of the worst things that you can do is to eat foods that are chewy, crunchy or crispy. This is because such foods will place an added strain on your teeth and gums, and this is not what you want.

Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that you refrain from consuming crunchy, crispy or chewy foods while wearing Invisalign aligners so that you don’t strain your teeth unnecessarily.

Adopt the Right Sleeping Position

In the beginning, patients may notice that they produce a larger volume of saliva when they wear Invisalign aligners for the first time. This excessive production of saliva will gradually reduce as your oral structures become accustomed to the aligners.

Before that normalization happens, it is wise to prop up your head and lie on your back while you sleep. This will reduce how much saliva you produce while you sleep and it will prevent drooling.

Breathe Through the Nose

The excess production of saliva that happens in the first few days when you start wearing Invisalign aligners can cause this saliva to flow out of your mouth if your mouth stays open while you sleep.

One way to prevent this flow of saliva is by keeping your mouth closed and only breathe through your nose. If you breathe through the mouth by default, talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI and you will get advice on which specialist to see so that you don’t suffer avoidable inconveniences while wearing Invisalign aligners.

Always Have an Aligners Case

As Dr. Fardi Farhat will tell you before you get your set of Invisalign aligners, you should remove these aligners each time you are going to eat or chew anything and put the aligner back in your mouth after brushing or cleaning the teeth and gums after eating.

The ability to remove your Invisalign aligners periodically carries a risk that the aligners will be lost or damaged during the time that they are out of your mouth. To prevent such an eventuality, it is advisable to have a case in which you can place your aligners at all times. Talk to a Sterling Heights dentist for advice on which case to acquire if you currently don’t have one.

Avoid Hot or Pigmented Beverages

You can take drinks while wearing an Invisalign aligner. However, caution should be taken when taking pigmented beverages, such as coffee, because these may stain the clear aligners.

In the same vein, avoid taking hot drinks while an aligner is in your mouth. The hot drink will warp the aligner and your treatment may be compromised. This is not to say that you shouldn’t drink anything hot. Instead, be aware of the risk and remove the aligner before consuming the hot or pigmented drink.

Don’t Worry When Kissing

You can kiss your partner while having an Invisalign aligner in your mouth. However, you are also free to first remove the aligners before you kiss if this will make you more comfortable. Note that colored lipstick and lip-gloss will stain your clear aligners, so keep the aligner out of your mouth if this risk of staining is present when you kiss.

And the Photo Shoot!

The shiny aligners will make your smile bright in photos, and this is a good thing because any imperfections in your teeth will be masked. However, when the camera is focused on your face or mouth, the clear aligners may be visible, so you may need to get creative and avoid these kinds of photos as much as you can if you are concerned that people will know that you wear aligners.

In the long run, you will develop healthy dental habits as a result of the little adjustments that you make to your lifestyle while you wear Invisalign aligners. These good habits will serve your dental health in good stead, so embrace those changes as lifelong habits. If you still have questions about Invisalign aligners, or indeed about any aspect of your dental health, give us a call at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire team will gladly address your concerns and give you the care you need to get your dental health back.

How to Choose a Dental Crown

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If you have just undergone a root canal, or your tooth was extensively damaged due to physical trauma, or you lost a tooth and want to replace it with an implant-supported restoration, your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend that you have a crown placed. One of the major decisions that you will have to make subsequent to deciding to get a crown is choosing the material from which that crown can be fabricated. The experts at Dental One Care recommend that you read this blog to the end so that you can have the information you need to make the best choice when faced with that question.

Gold Crowns

In the past, gold was the most common material from which dental crowns were made. Today, this material is no longer as popular because of the prohibitive cost of gold. For example, an ounce of gold can cost upwards of $1,300! Another reason why gold crowns aren’t as common is that these crowns aren’t esthetically pleasing since they don’t resemble natural teeth.

However, gold is an excellent choice if the crown will be placed in a part of the mouth that isn’t visible when you smile, such as at the back of your mouth. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI explains that gold is a very good choice for a crown because it has a long track record of not causing any reactions or sensitivities when it is placed in the mouth.

Additionally, the Sterling Heights dentist says gold crowns are very strong and will easily take in stride all the bite forces exerted upon them while you chew. This is the primary reason why these crowns have been known to last for 40 or more years.

Another reason why you should consider gold crowns is that preparing your tooth for this type of crown doesn’t involve removing a lot of enamel from the tooth. This minimal preparation is important because you will be less likely to develop sensitivity to temperature extremes or pressure. If you can afford the cost, a gold crown would, therefore, be the best option for you.

Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns

If a pure gold crown is out of reach for you, porcelain fused to metal crown can be a good way to enjoy the strength of gold without incurring the high cost of pure gold crowns. For PFM crowns, the substructure or core is made from gold or any other precious or semi-precious metal. These include platinum and palladium. The exterior or visible part of this crown is made from porcelain.

Dr. Fardi Farhat reveals that PFM crowns usually have a metal rim that is visible at the bottom of the crown. This rim can eventually show through when your gums recede, and this can detract from the visual appeal of the crown.

In terms of durability, PFM crowns can last between 7 and 12 years, so you can see how superior gold crowns are on durability alone.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Sterling Heights dentists may recommend a stainless steel crown, but these tend to be temporary. This explains why children whose milk teeth have decayed extensively or those that are too weak to support a filling are treated with stainless steel crowns.

This crown covers the entire tooth, just as crowns typically do. As the milk or baby tooth grows, the stainless steel crown grows with it and will come off once that baby tooth makes way for the permanent tooth.

Note that stainless steel crowns aren’t aesthetically appealing, but you can contact Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI and talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat about other options that are more esthetic for your kid.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are also referred to as all-ceramic dental crowns. These crowns are the most common these days because they look like natural teeth and a casual observer cannot know that you have a crown in your mouth.

Porcelain crowns are also suitable for teeth in any part of your mouth, so there are no limitations on where they can be placed. They are popular because they don’t cause users to develop tooth sensitivity as is the case when you have crowns made from metal. Porcelain also doesn’t trigger any sensitivities, so they are good for people who have a history of reacting to metal crowns.

Types of Porcelain Crowns

When you visit Dental One Care for porcelain crowns, Dr. Fardi Farhat will assess you and select from one of two types of these crowns. The first is the e.Max porcelain crown. This crown can be made and placed on the same day when you visit, and it forms a very strong bond with your tooth.

The second type of porcelain crown is one made from Zirconia. This is the strongest type of porcelain used to make dental crowns and advancements in dental technology have made it possible to make this crown virtually identical to natural teeth. However, Zirconia crowns don’t bond as strongly with the tooth as is the case with e.Max porcelain crowns.

What You Need to Know About Porcelain Crowns

There are a few downsides that you need to know about all types of porcelain dental crowns. First, these crowns will crack or break more easily when compared to other types of crowns. Secondly, these crowns can accelerate the rate at which the opposing teeth wear out due to the contact between the porcelain and the natural teeth. Furthermore, preparing a tooth for a porcelain crown requires the removal of a significant amount of enamel, unlike what happens for gold crowns, for example.

In terms of durability, porcelain crowns last anywhere between 5 and 10 years. As already mentioned, the care you provide for these crowns will protect them from fracturing or cracking, and this will be beneficial to their durability.

Note that because people are different, a dental crown material that is appropriate for one person may not be advisable for another person. For this reason, it is better for you to visit Dental One Care in Sterling Heights so that Dr. Fardi Farhat can examine you, take your medical history and then recommend the most appropriate dental crown material for your needs.

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