Causes of Plaque and Tartar

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Some of the biggest enemies to your oral health are dental plaque and tartar. The primary reason why you brush and floss is to keep these two substances in check. In this article, you’ll discover what plaque and tartar are, how to prevent their buildup and what you can do when problems associated with plaque and tartar arise.

Dental Plaque Defined

The soft, sticky film which accumulates on your teeth is called dental plaque. This biofilm varies in appearance from a colorless substance to looking pale yellow. As saliva, food and other fluids in your mouth combine, they produce bacterial deposits which accumulate in the spaces where your teeth and gums meet.

The bacteria in that plaque generate acidic wastes which can damage your teeth and gums. This damage can progress to a level where it becomes permanent. Dr. Fardi Farhat warns that when plaque isn’t removed promptly, it can become tartar, cause tooth decay and gum disease.

The Connection Between Dental Plaque and Tartar

As time passes, mineral deposits are added to the plaque on your teeth and it will start to harden. This process takes between 24-72 hours. Once it hardens, it becomes tartar and cannot be removed at home by brushing or flossing. Professional help is needed to get rid of tartar.

Research estimates that about 68 percent of all American adults have calculus (tartar). This hard substance is brown or yellow and bonds to the tooth enamel. Experts at Dental One Care reveal that individuals who suffer from dry mouth, have crowded teeth, wear braces, smoke or are advanced in age are more likely to develop tartar. The older one gets, the faster tartar can buildup on the teeth.

How to Spot Dental Plaque’s Early Signs

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about plaque and tartar. Dr. Neda says that it isn’t easy to tell that you have this substance on your teeth. She recommends that you maintain a strict oral hygiene routine of brushing at least two times each day and flossing once every day. In addition to that, visit Dental One Care every six months for professional dental cleanings and checkups.

The dentist will detect any plaque and tartar accumulations during those visits and use different tools, such as a dental scaler, to remove the buildup.

IThe dental visits also give you an opportunity to get brushing and flossing tips in order to deal with any problem areas noticed by the dentist or hygienist attending to you.

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, suggests that you use plaque disclosing tablets if you want to identify where plaque is accumulating in your mouth while at home. Stains will show in all the places where plaque is present, so you can use this information to pay special attention to those areas while you brush. Don’t worry about the stains from the tablets; they will be removed as you brush.

Complications Related to Plaque and Tartar

It is important to get rid of plaque, otherwise, the acids produced by the plaque bacteria will eat away at your teeth and cause cavities. Additionally, your gums are likely to become inflamed if plaque isn’t eliminated. This gum inflammation is called gingivitis. The presence of plaque in your mouth will also eventually give you bad breath.

Steps to Stop Plaque and Tartar from Accumulating

  • Use a fluoride toothpaste. Such toothpaste will fight the bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque.
  • Visit Dental One Care every six months. The professional dental care you receive routinely will reduce the likelihood of developing dental diseases related to the buildup of plaque.
  • Floss once each day and talk to a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI about helpful tips to cover all the surfaces between your teeth. Try different products, such a water flosser until you find what gives you optimum results.
  • Upgrade to an electric toothbrush and change its head every three months. Electric toothbrushes do a better job of getting rid of plaque because they deliver thousands of cleaning strokes each minute.
  • Stop smoking or manage this habit so that you can reduce the amount of the chemicals which accelerate the formation of plaque and tartar.
  • Use an alcohol-free mouthwash. Select a brand that provides full-spectrum protection from oral bacteria for at least 24 hours.

It is important for you to take a proactive approach when keeping your teeth free from plaque and tartar. Brush, floss and use mouthwash consistently, and then couple this with professional dental cleanings and checkups twice a year. Any tartar that forms on your teeth will then be removed promptly before it triggers other dental health problems. Call Dr. Fardi Farhat at Dental One Care for help in fixing any dental health problem for a lifelong smile.

Types of Floss

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Types of Floss

Have you recently walked down the grocery store aisle filled with dental floss? The wide variety available today will leave you scrambling through the packaging, trying to figure out which type of floss is right for you.

No matter which type of floss you end up going it, it will likely get the job done as long as you remember to floss at least once a day. But at the same time, each floss has its own benefits. We breakdown the different types of flosses here:

  • Unwaxed: Made out of thin nylon, this type of floss consists of 35 strands of nylon twisted together. Even with that the floss is thin and can get into spaces between your teeth, no matter how tight. But unwaxed floss tends to break or shred easily.
  • Waxed: Made out of nylon like unwaxed floss, but this has a coating of wax on it. The wax coating gives the floss a stronger structure which makes it harder to break.
  • Polytetrafluorethylene floss (PTFE): PTFE is a material that is found in gore-tex fabric. This, of course, means that the material is tough and not easy to shred, making this one of the strongest floss available.
  • Dental tape: For individuals that have a little more space between their teeth, the dental tape is easier and more comfortable to use. The tape is broader and flatter than your average floss and you have the option to pick between waxed or unwaxed.
  • Super floss: Made out of yarn-like material, super floss is stiffer than the nylon floss. It is great for use when it comes to cleaning around bridges and braces.

Should you get flavored floss?

All the different types of flosses listed above come with flavored options. The reason why has a lot more to do with the possibility of leaving your mouth feeling minty fresh. The flavor adds an additional element to the floss that both children and adults enjoy. Not only does it leave them with a beautiful smile but also promotes fresher breath, at least the mint flavored flosses do.

Dr. Fardi Farhat from Dental One Care is keen to recommend mint-flavored floss to parents for their children. It takes a dull daily task that kids should be performing and makes it more exciting, adding the flavor of mint. The dentist found that kids are more likely to make flossing a habit when the element of flavor is introduced.

Dental flossers

We asked our friend, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about dental flossers. Dr. Green says dental flossers are a popular choice but it’s not for everyone. It may be hard for some to hold the floss in their hands and move it between their teeth, this is especially true for children who have trouble flossing. Dental flossers come with floss attached to a handle. This gives individuals something to hold with a lot more ease when they floss than the string itself. They can gently move the floss between their teeth and parts of their gum line to ensure they get all food particles out and keep their mouths healthy.

Should you get an electric flosser?

Another option for individuals that have trouble with standard floss is electric flossers. These come with an ergonomic handle and can have heads that are either angled or can change angles to ensure you get in between every tooth. The floss has a gentle motion that works on its own to displace any particles present between your teeth. All you have to do is move it up and down once between the teeth.

What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning

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What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning

Plaque build up is not usually always easy to spot. Unless the build-up occurs around your teeth or the gum line. However, plaque along with bacteria can go deep into your gums, attacking the root of your teeth. This is an area where you can’t combat the bacteria by simply brushing or flossing, leaving your teeth vulnerable. Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI can help you combat bacteria and plaque deep in your gums through deep cleaning, which is also known as root planing and scaling.

The process cleans deep into your gums, removing any tartar or plaque present. The reason why it is called deep cleaning is that it goes deep into your gums and tooth’s roots. It is a treatment that is highly recommended for anyone that has gum infection or disease. For example, if you have advanced gingivitis, you should schedule a deep cleaning appointment with your Sterling Heights dentist to so the disease doesn’t become any more serious and evolve into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a severe gum disease that is a painful infection that leads to bone and teeth loss. But the disease can be controlled and prevented with a timely root planing and scaling.

Process of Deep Cleaning

Dr. Fardi Farhat from Dental One Care highlights the procedure of deep cleaning. While it is usually recommended for individuals with gingivitis or gum infection, there may be times that your dentist may recommend it when you go for regular cleaning. The procedure is as follows:

  • To ensure you don’t feel pain, a local anesthetic will be applied or injected in the are of the gum and teeth where the cleaning is to occur.
  • A tool used for scaling will then scrape tartar and plaque present in your tooth’s roots. This will ensure that the bacteria is removed so there is no chance of cavities or decay.
  • In case of severe infection, you may be given antibiotics to continue to combat the bacteria and disease while also promote healing.
  • A planing tool is then used at the end of the treatment to reshape the tooth’s surface and make it smoother, reducing the chances of the formation of bacteria.

We asked our friend, Dr. Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, about deep cleaning. Dr. Green says, “Deep cleaning paired with a good oral regimen can help you maintain healthy gums and teeth while eliminating the chances of gum diseases.” To schedule a deep cleaning with Dr. Farhat, click here. 

The Benefits of Deep Cleaning

Through the procedures individuals will experience the following benefits:

  • Combat gum disease: Anyone with gingivitis or early stages of periodontitis can combat the disease with the help of deep cleaning. More often than not, just one procedure is more than enough to eliminate the disease.
  • Prevents tooth decay: Gum disease has been linked to the loss of tooth tissues which causes them to decay. As the decay reaches the root, simple treatment such as dental filling isn’t enough to combat decay. You need to clean the infection from the root of your teeth to prevent decay.
  • Fresher breath: Gingivitis leads to bad breath. The plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth makes your breath unpleasant. Through deep cleaning, you remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gum which gives you better breath.

It is imperative that you contact your Sterling Heights dentist at the earliest sight of gum inflammation. The sooner it is treated, the better so it doesn’t have a chance to develop into periodontitis.

All Your Questions About Dental Bridges and Partial Dentures, Answered!

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Dental bridges and partial dentures may be suitable for you if you have lost one or more teeth. However, it may be hard for you to decide which option is best for you if you don’t have sufficient information to make an informed decision. Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care put together this brief guide to address all your questions about dental bridges and partial dentures.

Why Should Missing Teeth Be Replaced?

First, replacing a missing tooth helps to maintain the visual appeal of your smile. Many dentists in Sterling Heights, MI realize that majority of people become self-conscious once they have a gap due to a missing tooth. If you have a gap, you’re less likely to smile or interact freely with others. Replacing your missing tooth eliminates this problem and allows you to have normal social interactions.

Secondly, replacing a missing tooth also serves a functional purpose. For instance, your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend that you replace your missing tooth so it doesn’t affect your chewing or speaking abilities. Tooth replacement ensures that each tooth remains in its proper position for effective eating, speaking, as well as esthetics.

How Can a Missing Tooth Be Replaced?

A missing tooth or teeth can be replaced in one of three common ways, according to dentists at Dental One Care.

First, a dental bridge may be used to fill the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. Secondly, a false tooth, called a partial denture, can be placed in the existing gap. Alternatively, an implant may be used to provide an anchor for a crown.

What Are Partial Dentures?

A partial denture refers to a plate on which one or more false teeth have been placed. This partial denture could be made from a mixture of plastic and metal, or it could be made from only plastic. Partial dentures often have clasps (clips) that are used to attach the partial denture to the surrounding teeth. Depending on their location, the clasps may be visible when you open your mouth or if you smile.

How Does a Plastic Partial Denture Differ from One With Metal?

Dr. Farhat explains that purely plastic partial dentures are easy to fabricate and are therefore inexpensive. However, extreme care is needed during their production in order to prevent them from damaging the teeth onto which they are anchored/supported. This damage results because the plastic partial denture is quite heavy in order to give it the needed strength.

Conversely, partial dentures that have metal components are stronger and lighter than entirely plastic partial dentures. These partial dentures are also more costly when compared to plastic ones.

Which Option Is Best for You?

The experts at Dental One Care will base on the condition of your teeth in order to recommend whether an entirely plastic partial denture is appropriate or one with metal is a better alternative.

How Should Partial Dentures Be Looked After?

First, make sure yous clean your dentures every day. This starts with brushing them using a recommended denture cleaner rather than toothpaste. Toothpaste may cause tiny grooves to form on the dentures. Next, soak the dentures overnight in a cleaning solution so that the denture retains its shape and remains free from germs.

It is advisable for you to place a folded towel or bowl below where you are brushing the dentures in case you drop them. Otherwise, they may be damaged if they have a long fall. You can also have your dentures professionally cleaned at Dental One Care if you notice that they are developing stubborn stains.

What Are the Alternatives to Partial Dentures?

You can replace your missing tooth with an implant-supported crown or you can get a dental bridge. The experts at Dental One Care will recommend the best options for you and your needs.

What Are Bridges Fabricated From?

Dental bridges are normally made by fusing porcelain to a metallic base. Precious metals, such as gold, are preferred for this because they tend to last longer. However, non-precious metals, such as steel and aluminum, may also be used.

Is a Bridge Always an Option?

Dr. Farhat explains that not everyone is a suitable candidate for a dental bridge. This is because one must have strong teeth next to the gap left by the missing tooth or teeth. The nearby teeth have to be strong because the bridge will be anchored to them for support. If the surrounding teeth are weak, another replacement option will be recommended by your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI.

How Soon Can a Bridge Be Fitted?

You may have to wait for several months after your tooth is extracted before a dental bridge can be fitted. This interval is needed in order to allow your gum to heal fully after the tooth was pulled. In the meantime, the Sterling Heights dentist may give you a temporary denture while you wait for the gum to heal.

Are Bridges Affordable?

The cost of a dental bridge varies depending on various factors, such as the size of that bridge and the material from which it is made. Be sure to ask for a written estimate of the costs and the treatment plan before you start the procedure.

How Should Dental Bridges Be Looked After?

We asked our friend Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Livonia, MI, about dental bridges. Dr. Laurich strongly emphasizes practicing good oral hygiene. Be sure to clean the dental bridge on a daily basis to avert bad breath and other problems like periodontal disease. Ensure that your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI or a dental hygienist demonstrates how you can keep the area underneath the false tooth clean.

Don’t hesitate to contact Dental One Care if you have other questions about dental bridges, partial dentures or about any aspect of your dental health. We are available to address any dental health issue you may have, so give us a call today and get an appointment.

How to Reduce Your Dental Anxiety

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Are you one of the millions of Americans who tense up and become anxious at the mere thought of going to the dentist? Dental anxiety can originate in childhood and can develop it as an adult. Whatever the roots of your anxiety are, it is helpful to address this issue before it worsens and stands in the way of getting the professional dental help that you need. Read on and discover what you can do about this condition.

Signs of Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety takes many forms, but it generally begins as a sense of panic each time you think about visiting the dentist. Some people find it hard to sleep once they contemplate going to the dentist, and some may even fail to function normally at work once their mind is taken up by their upcoming dental appointment. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, explains that dental anxiety can be attributed to one or two factors.

First, people with dental anxiety have real or imagined fears about the pain they will experience as a dental procedure is being done.

Secondly, one may develop dental anxiety as a result of the lack of control that exists while they are sitting in the dental chair and a procedure is being done.

In both these scenarios, the anxiety can be lessened by taking a few simple steps.

Acknowledge and Communicate About Your Anxiety

No problem can ever be solved if you don’t realize there’s a problem and that you need help to fix the problem.

So, if you have dental anxiety you should admit to it. Once you do that, you can inform Dr. Farhat, a dentist at Dental One Care, about your situation. That way you will be able to talk about your anxiety and address your fears head-on.

This will save you from procrastinating or avoiding your Sterling Heights dentist altogether.

If you go to a dental office that doesn’t seem to understand your anxiety, then you switch dentists. Switch to Dental One Care where your anxiety will be treated with the seriousness it deserves.

How Your Dentist Can Help

Your dentist in Sterling Heights can do several things to help you overcome your dental anxiety. However, this will depend on the level of anxiety you have and the specific remedies that you respond to.

For example, Dr. Farhat may keep giving you periodic updates about each upcoming step during your treatment so that the fear of the unknown can be eliminated.

Alternatively, your Sterling Heights dentist can pause periodically during your cleaning or treatment so that you can take a breather and calm down your nerves.

Other patients often find it easier to describe the signs they exhibit when dental anxiety is getting worse. Knowing such signs helps the dentist to know when to give the patient a break before the dental anxiety reaches an overwhelming level.

Involve a Trusted Friend or Family Member

The dentist isn’t the only resource that you can utilize in your bid to banish dental anxiety. We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental anxiety. Dr. Kacos explained that many patients who suffer from dental anxiety often overcome it when they discuss the condition with a friend, colleague or family member.

The involvement of another person helps the patients to realize that undergoing a dental procedure isn’t as bad as they had made it out to be. Talking also enables them to realize that they aren’t alone in that situation.

Additionally, you can also ask your friend or family member to accompany you during your dental visits. The support of that person will ease you out of the dental anxiety, or at least lessen it.

Dentists Have Other Options

When the alternatives above fail to address your dental anxiety, then Dr. Farhat may opt to give you some form of sedative to calm you down during a visit.  For example, he may give you an oral sedative about an hour before you are due to undergo a dental procedure. Laughing gas, moderate sedation, deep sedation or even general anesthesia can even be considered if your dental anxiety is severe. So, your dental health is not doomed because of your dental anxiety. Contact Dental One Care today and schedule an appointment so that you find out how Dr. Farhat can help your specific case of dental anxiety.

The Must-Knows About Dentures

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The Must-Knows About Dentures

Gone are the days when dentures were ill-fitting, unsightly and uncomfortable. Today, dentistry has taken so many strides that many people are opting for dentures even if other dental prosthetics could suffice for their condition.

Nevertheless, many who could benefit from these replacements don’t get them because they don’t have sufficient information about dentures. The experts at Dental One Care have put together this guide so that you can get answers to many of the concerns you may have had about dentures.

Of course not all your questions may be addressed here, so you may still need to talk to Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI for a personalized assessment of the suitability of dentures for your needs.

Dentures Defined

Basically, dentures are one of the replacement options when you have lost some or all of your teeth. The only distinguishing attribute of dentures is that they aren’t permanently attached or anchored in the jaw or natural teeth.

Dentures are designed to replace many teeth at a go, so they are the go-to option for those who have lost all or nearly half their natural teeth. Dentures can be full or partial depending on the needs of a patient.

When Should I Consider Getting Dentures?

Your Sterling Heights dentist may recommend dentures if you have wide gaps in your mouth due to the loss of several teeth in one or both the upper and lower row of teeth. These wide gaps rule out the use of fillings or crowns as options since there isn’t sufficient anchorage for these alternatives.

Older people who have endured pain and persistent root infections may consider dentures once all other options to save their natural teeth have been exhausted. In this case, the remaining teeth will be extracted and replaced with dentures to put an end to the infections and pain.

Dr. Farhat will recommend either partial or full dentures based on the number of natural teeth that you still have and the location of the gaps which need to be filled.

What Is Based on to Recommend Partial or Full Dentures?

As already mentioned, the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI considers several factors when deciding whether you should get a set of partial or complete (full) dentures. First, the number of teeth remaining plays a role.

If very few teeth are left (only four, for example), then the dentist may extract the remaining ones and give you full dentures. This is because those remaining teeth may no longer be serving any functional or esthetic role, and it could be costlier to design and manufacture a set of dentures that accommodates those remaining teeth.

Secondly, the condition of your remaining teeth will also be assessed before a decision to recommend full or partial dentures is made. If those teeth are extensively decayed or damaged (or have another serious dental issue that gives them a poor prognosis) then the teeth will be pulled and you will get full dentures.

How Are Dentures Made?

The exact process that is followed when creating a set of dentures will depend on the unique requirements of each patient. Generally, a detailed picture of your mouth is usually created by taking numerous measurements. A cast is then made and tried on to confirm that it fits your personal specifications. It isn’t uncommon for several of these casts to be made and tried on since a good fit is critical to the long-term utility of these prosthetics.

You, therefore, need to be patient throughout this process, especially given that you are unlikely to get your final set of dentures until after several weeks have elapsed in case some teeth were pulled.

This wait time is important because your mouth transforms during the healing process and the final fitting should be done once your gums and oral structures have reached some form of stability.

How Do They Stay Firmly in Place in the Mouth?

You may have heard horror stories (most likely exaggerated ones) that dentures dramatically fall out of the mouth when you laugh out loud or while you eat. You may have also been told that one must keep applying some kind of adhesive in order to retain the dentures in place.

Dr. Farhat explains that all those aren’t true because only ill-fitting dentures require an adhesive to stay in place. Fitting dentures rely on suction power to remain firm in the mouth. Your Sterling Heights dentist can only recommend an adhesive if your oral structures, such as the gums, change so much that you feel sore or have pain because the dentures are shifting in your mouth.

Even then, a new set of dentures, or an adjustment of your current set, is sufficient to fix the problem so that you don’t need to apply an adhesive anymore.

Is It Easy to Eat With New Dentures?

The professionals at Dental One Care say that it is normal for the dentures to feel awkward in your mouth during the first few weeks after you get them. This is because your oral structures haven’t gotten used to these devices, but this gradually changes as you use your dentures daily.

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI recommends that you deliberately chew using both sides of your mouth so that all sides get used to the dentures. You will soon be able to use these dental replacements in the same way that you were using your natural teeth.

The only condition given is that you should avoid consuming very hard or sticky foods (hard toffees, for example) since these can dislodge the dentures. Chewing gum is a no too.

For How Long Should One Wear Dentures Daily?

Generally, dentures can be worn during the day and removed at night so that the gums can rest and repair themselves while you sleep. However, Sterling Heights dentists often ask patients to wear new dentures overnight in order to determine how well those dentures are fitting. Soreness, tenderness or pain in any section of the gum in the morning suggests that an adjustment needs to be made in that part of the prosthetics.

Do Dentures Require Special Care?

We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the care of dentures. Dr. Dhoon says that many people think that dentures require less care, which is not the case. Although dentures do not require any special care, you should still continue your oral health routine to ensure the longevity of your dentures. It is advisable to place them in a container of water overnight so that they stay supple and clean. You can add a cleaning solution to this water, but make sure to ask Dr. Farhat for his recommendations first.

You also need to brush the dentures after removing them in the evening and before you wear them in the morning. This will keep them clean and protect you from the oral bacteria that may have been breeding on them. Periodic dental visits are still necessary so that the experts at Dental One Care can monitor your oral health and act promptly if a problem develops.

An important tip that Dr. Farhat gives his patients is that they should always place a cloth or bowl beneath the dentures as they are brushing them. This will prevent the dentures from falling to the floor and being damaged if you accidentally drop them.

Aren’t Dentures Expensive?

The cost of dentures depends on several factors. First, the materials from which they will be made affects their price. Dentures made from cross-linked polymers are the most costly.

Secondly, the number of fittings that you need also add to the final cost of the prosthetics. There’s nothing you or your Sterling Heights dentist can do to control this since the unique issues you have may necessitate the use of several casts before the best fitting is achieved.

Thirdly, people who need tooth extractions also end up paying more since this step is charged separately.

It is advisable to talk to your dentist about any payment plans available if you are concerned about the cost of getting dentures. Also, find out about the warranty on the dentures so that you don’t pay more if the dentures fail within the warranty period.

Still have questions about dentures? Contact Dental One Care and all your concerns will be addressed. Or book an appointment today so that you can be evaluated and advised on the suitability of dentures for your needs.

Tips for Dealing with Dry Mouth

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Tips for Dealing with Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be an uncomfortable experience regardless of how brief it is. However, some people suffer from the condition for several weeks, months or even years depending on what the underlying reason is.

Several factors have been linked to the development of dry mouth. These include cancer treatment (chemo and radiotherapy), infections, medications, and dehydration.

Dry mouth causes several effects, such as bad breath, periodontal disease, cavities, and poorly fitting dentures.

For some people, the condition subsides on its own while it can persist in others. For example, those who are undergoing radiotherapy may sustain permanent damage to the salivary glands resulting in chronic dry mouth.

You can take several measures to combat this condition. In the section below, is tips for dealing with dry mouth.

Tip #1 for Dry Mouth: Be Vigilant About Hydration

Dr. Farhat recommends that people with dry mouth should take small sips of water throughout the day in order to keep hydrated. Drink about 8-12 glasses of water on a daily basis unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.

Tip #2 for Dry Mouth: Get Gum or Hard Candy

Professionals at Dental One Care say that many patients have said that chewing gum or sucking on hard candy helps them with the symptoms of dry mouth. Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI recommends that sugar-free gum or candy should be used for this purpose. This is because sugar can dehydrate the body and give oral bacteria a chance to multiply rapidly.

Tip #3 for Dry Mouth: Stay Clear of Caffeine, Alcohol and Acidic Juices

These three types of drinks aren’t good for people with dry mouth because they dehydrate the body and worsen the symptoms of dry mouth. Sterling Heights dentists also advise people with dry mouth to read product labels carefully in order to weed out those with alcohol. For example, many types of mouthwash have alcohol as an ingredient. You want to avoid using these products altogether.

Tip #4 for Dry Mouth: Always Moisten Food

It can be hard to chew dry food if you suffer from dry mouth. A useful tip, in this case, is to moisten all your food, such as bread, with milk, soup, broth, melted butter before you eat it. In this way, it will be easy for you to chew and swallow that food.

Tip #5 for Dry Mouth: Avoid Tobacco Products

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dry mouth tips. Dr. Kacos says that people with dry mouth to refrain from using any tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco and combustible cigarettes. This is because the chemicals in those products can dehydrate dry mouth sufferers further. Additionally, tobacco products can damage the salivary glands and this is why smokers and those who use other tobacco products have a higher likelihood of suffering from dry mouth.

Tip #6 for Dry Mouth: Buy a Humidifier

In the colder seasons, the air tends to be drier. This can make people with dry mouth feel their symptoms more acutely. Try using a humidifier to increase the relative humidity of the ambient air.

Tip #7 for Dry Mouth: Brush After Each Meal

Lack of saliva in the mouth means that they don’t rinse their mouth sufficiently. Consequently, bacteria may grow faster and their breath may develop a bad odor. Brushing after each meal can reduce these effects of dry mouth. Remember to dip your toothbrush in water before you brush your teeth so that the bristles aren’t hard on your gums.

Tip for #8 for Dry Mouth: See a Professional

It is imperative that you talk to a professional, like Dr. Farhat if you suspect that you have dry mouth. They will take the necessary steps to confirm whether you have the condition, and then recommend the best measures to take. For example, your doctor may prescribe some medication to stimulate your salivary glands to produce more saliva.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

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What are the pros and cons of dental veneers? Well, dental veneers are an excellent way to enhance your smile, especially if you have chipped, cracked, misaligned, malformed or discolored teeth. For any of these problems, porcelain veneers offer a perfect solution.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are made from porcelain, which is the same color as your tooth. These veneers resemble thin shell that work as a covering for the surface of your teeth. It is one of the most demanded cosmetic dentistry treatment which gives you a bright smile with renewed confidence.

At Dental One Care, our dentist is experienced in providing highly-effective porcelain veneer treatment to help you restore your confidence and smile.

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

Just like any other treatment, it is essential that you know the pros and cons of porcelain dental veneers before you undergo the treatment. For your convenience, Sterling Heights dentist has put together some common pros and cons. These will help you determine whether porcelain veneers are right for you or not.

Benefits of Porcelain Dental Veneers

Give You an Enhanced Smile

As already mentioned, dental veneers offer an easy and quick way to improve your smile. Due to years of smoking, drinking caffeinated drinks or taking pigmented foods, eventually, turns your teeth yellowish.

Dental veneers are generally resistant to stains, so you won’t have to worry about whitening your teeth or whitening your veneers for a long time. These give you a naturally enhanced and picture-perfect smile, improving your overall appearance.

Minimally Invasive Dental Treatment than Crowns

In the case of dental crowns, your natural tooth needs to undergo extensive grinding to prepare it for the treatment. Porcelain dental veneers, on the other hand, are minimally invasive options as they don’t require removal of your tooth enamel and have stronger bonds than conventional crowns.

Helps Fix Minor Cosmetic Dental Issues

Minor tooth problems, such as mildly gapped or crooked teeth, are usually treated with braces, but in some cases, dental veneers can also help. These veneers can cover minor dental issues once they are attached to your teeth.

We asked our friend, Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about dental veneers. Dr. Kacos says veneers are one of the most common cosmetic treatments in dentistry because of the results. Your actual teeth may remain crooked or gapped, but others won’t know about it. However, it would be best if you remember that dental veneers cannot always treat all orthodontic issues and Dental One Care may recommend some other orthodontic treatment for your dental problems.

Drawbacks of Porcelain Dental Veneers

Irreversible/Permanent Treatment

Dental veneer treatment is considered permanent because your tooth surface enamel is removed to place the veneers on your natural teeth. Once porcelain dental veneers are placed on your teeth, they can’t be removed. If you take proper care, dental veneers can last for about 15-20 years.

Increased Sensitivity

After you get dental veneers, you may feel uncomfortable and more sensitive to hot or cold food. However, this condition may last for just a few days following the treatment because your tooth enamel is slightly exposed before placing the veneer, which causes mild sensitivity.

Veneers Are Not Unbreakable

It’s true that dental veneers are highly durable, but they are not unbreakable. If you eat hard-to-chew foods or have a habit of teeth grinding, then your veneers can chip, damage or fall off. You should follow a regular and proper dental and oral care routine to protect your veneers and smile.

At Dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, Dr. Farhat provides you an in-depth consultation regarding the available cosmetic dental treatment options. As a professional and experienced dentist, Dr. Farhat spends ample time to understand your concerns and suggest the right treatment for you!

What Happens If I Don’t Replace A Missing Tooth?

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What happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth? A missing tooth is a very common problem among people due to bad eating habits, tooth damage, wear and tear and gum diseases. At Dental One Care, our dentist Dr. Farhat treats missing tooth problems on a regular basis. However, have you ever thought of the effects that a missing tooth can have on your appearance and overall personality?

The Effects of a Missing Tooth

A missing tooth makes you appear older than you actually are and gives you an unpleasant appearance. Additionally, it also places unnecessary pressure on the surrounding teeth and puts your oral health at risk. This makes it very important for you to consult a professional dentist in Sterling Heights to help you with the issue.

What Other Problems Can Occur Due To A Missing Tooth?

The most evident effect of a missing tooth is obviously reflected on your looks. But if you do not pay attention to it, severe problems can occur and pose a serious threat to your dental and oral health. Some of the common issues pertaining to a missing tooth that people seek treatment for at Sterling Heights dentists include the following:

Crooked Teeth

We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, the question of what happens if I don’t replace a missing tooth? Dr. Cowen says that crooked teeth are one of the most common results. Your teeth provide support to each other. When there is a missing tooth, the neighboring teeth begin to shift towards the gap. With time, this leads to crooked teeth, issues in biting and pain in your jaw joint.

Tooth Decay and Gum Conditions

When your teeth shift as a result of missing tooth, you might not be able to properly brush the surface and in-between while brushing and flossing. Due to improper cleaning, plaque deposits on the surface and between your teeth. This condition increases the risk of various gum diseases as well as tooth decay, leading to the loss of another tooth.

At Dental One Care, our qualified and experienced dentist, Dr. Farhat, provides professional treatment for all kinds of teeth and gum diseases.

Loss of Bone

Your teeth provide support to your jaw bone by stimulating the growth of the jaw bone. When you have one or more missing teeth, this can lead to jaw shrinkage, which changes the structure of your jaw and ultimately the shape of your face.

TMJ Disorders

When you have a missing tooth, other teeth shift to take its place, gradually. This puts a strain on the Temporomandibular joints (TMJ) of your jaw bone which is connected to your skull bone. Due to this strain, you are likely to experience headaches, pain, and discomfort in your TMJ joints.  

Dietary Changes

Missing teeth not only have adverse effects on your appearance and oral health but also affect your diet. A missing tooth makes it difficult for you to eat many healthy foods, such as raw vegetables, fruits, etc. This harms your health in the long run.

All these problems associated with a missing tooth cause health, social and professional problems. There are several treatment options available at Dental One Care for missing teeth, which include dental bridges, dental implants, and full or partial dentures. Our expert, trained and experienced dentist, Dr. Farhat is proficient in performing all dental procedures with proficiency and care at our Sterling Heights Dentist Clinic.

The Pros and Cons of an Electric Toothbrush

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You may be wondering whether it makes sense for you to switch to using an electric toothbrush or you should just stick it out with the good old manual toothbrush. Read on and discover some of the pros and cons of electric toothbrushes. Use this information to make an informed decision on whether you should start using these devices, or not.

The Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

More Thorough Brushing

One of the biggest benefits of electric toothbrushes is that they can brush the surfaces of your teeth more thoroughly and faster than if you were brushing with a manual toothbrush. For example, a person typically makes about 300 strokes each minute while brushing using a manual toothbrush. An electric toothbrush takes brushing to a whole new level because some models can make more than 10,000 strokes each minute. This higher number of strokes ensures that your teeth will be cleaner if you use an electric toothbrush.

Reduced Risk of Serious Health Complications

We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Farmington Hills, MI, about the benefits of electric toothbrushes. Dr. Dennis explained that the benefits of using an electric toothbrush go beyond just your oral health. Research has shown that using an electric toothbrush consistently can reduce plaque formation by at least 21 percent. Remember that plaque allows oral bacteria to breed rapidly and eventually leak into your bloodstream, causing serious health complications like stroke and heart disease. Using an electric toothbrush, therefore, reduces the likelihood that you will suffer from those potentially life-threatening conditions whose origins can be traced to oral bacteria.

Reduced Medical Bills

Imagine how you much you would spend if the valves of your heart were compromised by bacteria that has migrated from your mouth after gum disease was left untreated for long. With healthcare as expensive as it is in the U.S., you can be ruined financially if such an emergency finds you without medical insurance. Fortunately, using an electric toothbrush can forestall many of those costly health complications.

Ideal for the Infirm

Another benefit of electric toothbrushes is that they can take the hassle out of brushing for individuals who have various complications, such as arthritis, that prevent them from using their hands effectively. In fact, the experts at Dental One Care routinely advise the elderly and other people who can’t use their hands properly to switch to electric toothbrushes.

Suitable for Individuals with Braces

Electric toothbrushes are a godsend to people who wear orthodontic devices, such as braces. Dentists in Sterling Heights frequently encounter various oral diseases among people who wear braces because the wires of those devices prevent the individuals from brushing and flossing effectively. With an electric toothbrush, you can say bye to improper oral hygiene because the electric toothbrush will reach all those places behind and around the wires of your braces. Consequently, you will be less likely to suffer from the opportunistic oral infections that result from poor brushing.

The Drawbacks of Electric Toothbrushes

High Initial Cost

One of the most glaring drawbacks of electric toothbrushes is that they are quite pricy when compared to manual toothbrushes. For example, while you can easily buy a manual toothbrush for less than a dollar, the least expensive electric toothbrushes may cost a hundred dollars. You also need to budget for the regular electric brush head replacements that will further dent your finances.

They Are Less Portable

It is easy to slip a manual toothbrush into your purse or any other container, but electric toothbrushes are bigger and cannot be transported as easily. This can create serious inconveniences to you if you travel frequently.

They Aren’t Readily Available

Speaking of traveling, it may be hard for you to find electric toothbrush heads that are compatible with the model of electric toothbrush that you own. Similarly, you may not be able to find electric toothbrushes in any convenience store that you walk into when the need to buy one arises, such as when you realize that you forgot to pack your electric toothbrush before you traveled. This lack of easy access to the devices may deter many people from switching to electric toothbrushes.

As you can see, electric toothbrushes have pros and cons that you need to think about carefully before you make the decision to switch to using these devices. Contact Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care for some professional advice on your oral health.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

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