Causes of Receding Gums

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Gum recession is a very common problem, that many of us experience in varying degrees over the years. Sometimes it is so mild that it may go unnoticed, but frequently you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Inflammation and redness of the gums.
  • Your teeth becoming longer.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks
  • Bleeding of the gums, especially the area just adjacent to the tooth
  • Mobility and looseness of teeth

These are all signs and symptoms of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). One of the key manifestations of gum disease is receding gums. This occurs due to the loss of collagen fibers in the gums, so they lose their support and start to fade and shrink away, the same way that the skin wrinkles with age.

So what are the causes of receding gums?

Dr. Farhat, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains the most common reasons for gum recession:

Bad oral hygiene Causes Receding Gums

Receding gums as explained is one of the features of gum and periodontal disease. With poor oral hygiene, plaque and tartar start to accumulate at the gum lining and apply pressure on the gums. With time and more lack of care, the gums start to give way and lose their strength, and they begin to shrink. In mild cases, a quick cleaning procedure may help to improve the situation, but if left untreated for a while, the effects may be irreversible.

Smoking Causes Receding Gums

We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI, about how smoking affects receding gums. Dr. Laurich says that the sworn enemy of the gums is smoking. While smoking does not cause recession of the gums directly, it contributes greatly to bad oral hygiene, and consequently could result in gum recession over time. Dr. Laurich highly recommends quitting the use of tobacco to save your gums and overall health.

Excessive or violent brushing Causes Receding Gums

This may come as a shock to most people, but excessive brushing may be just as bad as not brushing at all. If you violently scrub your teeth 5 or 6 times a day, thinking that this would prevent decay or gum disease, you need to stop immediately. Violent brushing not only causes grazing and cracking of the enamel which could lead to decay, but it also tears the collagen fibers of the gums and makes the recession proceed a lot faster.

Age 

Sometimes, recession is inevitable, such as that which happens with age. Unfortunately, you can’t control it, and it will happen sooner or later, but you can help delay the process by following a strict oral hygiene regimen and taking care of your teeth and mouth.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions could contribute to weakness in the gums and subsequent recession. Diabetic patients are the most common, where diabetes directly influences the amount and strength of the collagen fibers, and the gums are inherently weak and prone to recession. Pregnancy has a similar effect, where all the nutrients are sucked away to be given to the growing baby, and the gums take a hit, but usually, the effect is reversible once the baby is born.

Teeth Grinding

You might think “why does grinding the top of my teeth affect the gums which are far below?”. Well, this happens because the excessive pressure on the teeth wears the top, but generates micro cracks at the bottom where the gums meet the tooth. These cracks are invisible but they cause irritation of the gums, and they have no choice but to recede away or risk injury.

What Are Dental Veneers?

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You may be considering dental veneers if you have some cosmetic or functional defects, such as discoloration or chips, on a tooth or several teeth. Use the following information to get an accurate idea regarding the suitability of veneers for your situation.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin materials placed over the front surface of a tooth or teeth. Porcelain is the most common material used for this purpose because of its close resemblance to natural teeth. Additionally, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI explains that porcelain is an ideal material because it doesn’t stain as easily as other materials. Stains can also be polished off the porcelain veneers.

Composite resin is also used to make dental veneers. This material stains more easily because it is slightly porous.

When Would You Need Veneers?

You can get veneers if you would like to change the shape, position, and color of your teeth. For example, a dental veneer can be placed on a chipped tooth so that it looks whole again. Your Sterling Heights dentist will help select the right color for your veneers so that your smile is enhanced without giving your teeth an artificial appearance.

The thickness of the dental veneer will vary in accordance with the defect or unique characteristics of the tooth where it is being placed. For instance, the veneer will be thicker where your tooth was chipped.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers have numerous benefits. First, they protect damaged teeth and help them to last longer. They also give you a brighter smile, especially if you have stained or discolored teeth. The veneers installed by Dr. Farhat fix defects in your teeth and leave your teeth looking as natural as possible. Someone looking at you will get a sense that you did something, but they will be unable to tell what exactly you did! Additionally, getting dental veneers is a minimally invasive procedure. The dentists at Dental One Care have frequently worked on clients who hardly require any preparation before veneers are placed.

What Issues Should One Know Before Getting Veneers?

First, dental veneers are an irreversible procedure. It is therefore advisable for you to have a detailed discussion with your Sterling Heights dentist so that you can proceed when you know that there is no turning back.

Secondly, dental veneers can be an expensive treatment. This fact is even more of concern given that many dental insurance plans exclude this procedure from what is covered. Talk to Dr. Farhat or any dentist in Sterling Heights, MI about a payment plan in case you cannot pay in upfront.

What Preparation Is Required Before Veneers Are Placed?

The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will talk to you about your smile makeover goals. Dr. Farhat will ask you to decide how many teeth you would like to place veneers on. Remember, you can get just one veneer or several.

Next, Dr. Farhat will remove some of the enamel on the teeth so that your teeth will not look too large once the veneers are placed. The amount of enamel removed is minimal, equivalent to the thickness of the veneer. Think of the veneer as being less than half the thickness of your fingernail.

Thereafter, the experts at Dental One Care will take impressions of your teeth and prepare molds that will be used by a lab to fabricate your custom veneers. You can then return to have your veneers placed.

How Long Does the Dental Veneer Process Take?

You may need at least two dental visits to have your dental veneers placed. The first visit is for the initial assessment and preparation. The second visit will be for installing the veneers. A third visit may be recommended in order to assess how well you are coping with the veneers. Some adjustment can be done in case you experience pain or discomfort several days or a week after the veneer was placed. Some patients may need temporary veneers as they wait for the permanent ones while others may not need these temporary restorations. Dr. Farhat will advise you on this matter during your initial assessment.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

We asked our friend Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the longevity of dental veneers. Dr. Dhoon says that one of the benefits of veneers is that with proper care, they can last a long time. Dental veneers are very strong and can last anywhere from 5-20 years depending on the material used to make them and how well you take care of them. This care includes brushing and flossing daily as well as avoiding using your teeth to bite or crush hard substances, such as hard nuts. Ultimately, you should expect to replace your veneers at some point in the future, so think about this possibility before you decide to receive the first set.

Need More Advice?

Get in touch with Dr. Farhat at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI. He will answer any queries that you may have about dental veneers and then advise you about any other alternatives that may be suitable for your needs.

The 3 Distinct Stages of Gum Disease

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The 3 Distinct Stages of Gum Disease

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, believes that patients need to know the different stages of gum disease so that they can take the necessary steps to arrest the situation before it worsens. This article discusses the three distinct stages of gum disease that dentists at Dental One Care deal with among their patients.

Stage One of Gum Disease: Gingivitis

The first phase of gum disease is gingivitis. During this stage, your gums start to get irritated by the bacteria contained in the built-up plaque on your teeth. As a result of this irritation, your gums will start swelling and looking red. You may notice that your teeth bleed each time you floss or brush.

The best way to stop gingivitis is by stepping up your oral care routine at home. This includes brushing at least two times each day and flossing once a day. This oral care will remove plaque and stop tartar from forming on your teeth.

Stage Two of Gum Disease: Periodontitis

The second phase of gum disease is periodontitis. This second stage starts if you don’t treat gingivitis. Dr. Farhat explains that the bacteria growing in the plaque deposits start damaging the bone supporting your teeth as well as the connecting tissues surrounding your teeth. Consequently, your gums will begin detaching from the teeth and deep pockets will form between the teeth and gums. These pockets harbor even more bacteria, and your breath will develop an odor due to the effects of the toxic excreta of this bacteria. We asked our friend Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about periodontitis. Dr. Cowen says, “This stage is a make or breaking point for many patients. You can either take the matter into your own hand and treat your gum disease or you can pay the consequences later on.” Dr. Cowen highly recommends treating gum disease right away.

At this point, you will need to see a Sterling Heights dentist to treat the gum disease because your oral care at home may not be sufficient to reverse the condition. Dr. Farhat and his team at Dental One Care will clean out the bacteria in the dental pockets and also clean below the gum line so that all the plaque and tartar can be removed. This will leave the teeth surfaces smooth and less susceptible to the growth of bacteria. The dentist in Sterling Heights, MI may also prescribe some antibiotics after the procedure to get rid of the bacteria. 

Stage Three of Gum Disease: Advanced Periodontitis

When periodontitis is left untreated, it progresses to advanced periodontitis. At this point, the gum disease is at its most devastating stage. The disease will have several characteristics, such as pus between your gums and teeth, bad breath, swollen and red gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth and loss of supporting bone mass around the teeth. 

You should never let gum disease progress to this level because once you start losing bone tissue, there is no turning back. Your teeth will also be exposed to other diseases and decay because they are exposed due to gum recession. Some of your teeth may also fall out as you eat or expose them to any impact.

Advanced periodontitis can be treated by conducting deep cleaning of your teeth. Dr. Farhat may also perform a root planing and scaling procedure to remove the bacteria lodged deep within your dental structures. The dentist will advise you about how many repeat cleaning sessions you should undergo at the dental office to tame the advanced periodontal disease.

As you can see, each stage of gum disease comes with its own symptoms and risks. Take prompt action once you suspect that you have gum disease. You can also visit Dental One Care for a thorough assessment by Dr. Farhat (Sterling Heights’ leading dentist) so that any dental problem you have is addressed immediately.

Why You Should Consider Getting Dentures

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You may have thought about dentures if you are experiencing any of the precursors or early warning signs such as loose teeth. This article discusses what you need to know about dentures. Use this information to make an informed decision or seek further clarification from Dental One Care before you get a set of dentures.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are usually given to individuals who have only lost a few natural teeth. Your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will anchor the partial dentures to the nearby teeth using metal clasps. The partial dentures will look and work like natural teeth, and they will prevent your remaining natural teeth from shifting towards the gaps left when you lost the natural teeth.

Conventional/Full Dentures

Conventional or full dentures are the most common type of dentures. These dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower jaw (or both in some cases). Your Sterling Heights dentist will give you these full dentures after a month or two has elapsed, and your gums have healed after your teeth were extracted.

Dr. Farhat says that many patients have numerous misconceptions about full dentures. For example, some people think that it is inevitable that these dentures will at one time fall out of their mouth as they are talking or eating. However, such incidents only happen when a defect develops. People who have dentures that fit well can never experience such often embarrassing incidents. Besides, modern dentures no longer require the use of adhesives to hold them in place. Instead, Dental One Care fabricates dentures that have inbuilt supports.

Removable Dentures

Partial and full dentures may be removable. This means that you don’t have to keep them in your mouth 24/7. In fact, Dr. Farhat recommends that people with removable dentures should remove them twice each day in order to clean them. Partial dentures can also be soaked in a special cleaning solution overnight while you sleep. This respite allows your gums to rest in case the dentures had a minor defect that caused the gums to become sore. In such a case, see a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI so that the necessary adjustment can be done to your dentures in order to make them fit properly.

Fixed Dentures

Fixed dentures cannot be removed in the same way that removable dentures can be removed. A minor surgical procedure allows your dentist to place implants in your jawbone. Over time, the titanium implants become fused to the bone and keep stimulating it as you eat. This stimulation averts the bone loss that characterizes people who don’t get replacements after losing their natural teeth. Dr. Farhat also explains that fixed dentures are the strongest form of dentures due to this firm anchorage in the jawbone.

However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this type of dentures. For example, individuals whose bone density is low may require a bone graft before the implants are installed. Other health conditions may even preclude you from having fixed dentures installed, so first talk to your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI before you zero in on this option.

Other Options for Missing Teeth

We asked our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, about treatment options for missing teeth. Dr. Kacos says, “Dentures are one most sought out treatment options out there. People who have dentures are able to restore their smile and go back to normal eating habits. However, they are not meant for everyone. Consult with your Sterling Heights dentist to find out if they work for you.” Don’t in any way limit yourself to dentures if you have lost some or all of your natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Other options, such as dental implants, dental crowns, and dental bridges may be a better option depending on your specific circumstances. Contact us at Dental One Care and set up an appointment so that our experts examine you and advise you on the best course of action to take to restore your smile.

In Office vs. At Home Teeth Whitening

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You’ve probably thought about whitening your teeth if they have become yellow or discolored over time. However, it is hard to decide between all the different treat whitening options on the market. This article compares in-office whitening and at-home teeth whitening so that you can decide which teeth whitening treatment is suitable for you.

Teeth Whitening Options

In-office teeth whitening is done at your dentist’s office. Your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI starts by discussing your teeth whitening goals. Dr. Farhat will then design a custom teeth whitening tray for you. This tray will contain a whitening agent and the dentist will use a special light or heat to accelerate the action of the whitening solution. Depending on your teeth whitening goals, you may get your desired shade in one to two visits.

In contrast, at-home teeth whitening kits are in the form of toothpaste or trays/strips. These use a bleaching agent whose concentration is lower than what may be used when you choose to whiten your teeth at Dental One Care. The at-home teeth whitening product comes with easy-to-follow instructions, such as explaining how long you should wear the tray each day. In a few weeks or months, your teeth will whiten to the desired level.

Comparison of Cost

It usually costs more to have your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office. This is partly because of the costlier materials used (higher concentrations of bleaching solutions, for example) and the labor required to conduct the procedure. However, this cost is justified when you consider how quickly you will get the desired results. Not to mention the longevity of your pearly white smile.

At-home teeth whitening is usually more affordable because the products are mass-produced and use a lower concentration of bleaching solutions. That notwithstanding, the tradeoff is that you will take longer to get the desired outcomes. 

Comparison of Results

As already mentioned, professional or in-office teeth whitening yields results faster than at-home teeth whitening methods. We asked our friend Dr. Ben Kacos, a dentist in Shreveport, LA, to compare at-home teeth whitening treatments and in-office teeth whitening treatments. Dr. Kacos says both methods will give the same outcomes, it’s about how quickly you want results. Your teeth are likely to remain white for the same number of years regardless of the method you used to whiten them. The durability of the results will depend on other factors, such as whether you continue to consume foods and drinks, such as coffee, that can stain your teeth again.

Comparison of Side Effects

The fact that at-home teeth whitening kits or products are mass produced means that those products will not be suitable for everyone. For example, Dr. Farhat, a Sterling Heights dentist, reveals that he has encountered patients who complained that their gums felt sore as they wore a teeth whitening tray bought at a drugstore. Such complaints are common because the generic whitening trays often don’t fit the users well. Teeth and gum sensitivity can also result when people use at-home teeth whitening kits.

In-office teeth whitening has a lower chance of triggering side effects because the professional at Dental One Care will first assess you to establish whether you will react to a certain bleaching agent or not. Additionally, you will be under professional observation throughout the teeth whitening procedure. So the possibility of side effects is greatly reduced when you opt to have your teeth whitened by a Sterling Heights dentist.

All in all, both in-office and at-home teeth whitening methods come with their own unique pros and cons. The ultimate decision regarding which option is best for you will depend on your unique circumstances, and the advice given to you by your local Sterling Heights dentist, Dr. Farhat.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

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Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

Every now and then, a product or ingredient catches the attention of consumers, and it causes a buzz in different areas of people’s lives. Today, the buzz is activated charcoal and its purported benefits in dentistry. Many brands of toothpaste now contain activated charcoal. These companies claim that such toothpaste can combat bad breath and whiten your teeth. Is charcoal toothpaste safe? This article discusses what dental care professionals like Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, say about this new trend.

Why the Activated Charcoal Buzz is Spreading

Activated charcoal has some uses in the medical field due to its porous nature. For example, it is often used to manage some forms of poisoning since it can absorb the unwanted substances in the gastrointestinal tract before those toxic substances are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Such medical uses have prompted some people to stretch the purposes for which activated charcoal can be used for. For example, those people reason that a substance which can suck the poison from the GIT can also absorb toxins or stains from your teeth. And that is how the use of this substance on teeth started.

Can Activated Charcoal Be Used on Teeth?

Dr. Farhat reveals that some patients admit that they have seen results by using activated charcoal for teeth whitening. However, the dentist in Sterling Heights recommends caution when using activated charcoal to whiten your teeth because there isn’t any scientific proof about the long-term effects of using activated charcoal in this way.

For example, the Sterling Heights dentist says that no research has been done to establish how activated charcoal will affect the population of good bacteria in the mouth, or how any medication will be affected by the ingestion of activated charcoal.

We asked our friends, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA about his thoughts on the use of activated charcoal on teeth. Dr. Cowen advises those who insist on using activated charcoal to use it sparingly. For example, use it just once every fortnight. Why this precaution? Dr. Cowen explains that activated charcoal is abrasive, so you risk eroding your enamel each time you brush your teeth with a toothpaste containing it.

Additionally, the dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, advises people with receding gums to avoid toothpaste containing activated charcoal. This is because the toothpaste will accelerate the gum recession and trigger sensitivity in the roots of your teeth.

It is also worthy to note that dental stains are of different types. Activated charcoal cannot whiten teeth that have deep stains. So it would be futile to keep brushing in the hope that your teeth will become whiter. Activated charcoal cannot penetrate the teeth to reach those types of stains.

Experts at Dental One Care also ask people who brush using activated charcoal toothpaste to be observant regarding any changes in their dental health. For example, stop using the toothpaste if your gums bleed as you brush.

The specific product that one selects may also have a role to play in the outcomes registered. Users should, therefore, restrict themselves to products from reputable manufacturers, so that any side-effects resulting from poor-quality materials are avoided.

What Safer Ways Are Available?

Is charcoal toothpaste safe? The jury is  In the meantime, Sterling Heights dentists recommend that you buy an at-home teeth whitening kit, or ask Dr. Farhat to conduct in-office teeth whitening treatment. This method will reduce the risks that you are likely to expose yourself to.

Alternatively, those who want a natural, inexpensive home remedy can take an orange peel and rub its inner surface against the teeth. This method is safe, although results may take longer to show.

I guess you now have the answers (and more) to the question “Is charcoal toothpaste safe?” Use the information above to make an informed decision if you ever wish to whiten your teeth using charcoal toothpaste. Better still, talk to a professional at Dental One Care so that you can get the help you need without taking unnecessary risks with your dental health.

Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

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Benefits of chewing sugar-free gum

Everybody thinks that oral hygiene is achieved by brushing, flossing and using mouthwash. While these actions can maintain excellent hygiene, there is one key component missing, that is your diet.

Decay and periodontal disease are a result of bacteria acting on specific types of food, releasing acids and causing all kinds of problems. So, to put it simply, if you don’t eat these foods, your chances of decay and gum disease are minimalized.

These kinds of harmful foods are mostly sugars, especially artificial sugars. And of course, gum. In general, gum is one of the most harmful types of food that you can consume. This is because it contains a great amount of sugar, in addition to being sticky, so its effect lasts much longer on the teeth and gums.

This is true for sugar-containing gum, but sugar-free gum is a whole different matter. Some studies suggest that chewing sugar-free gum frequently is not harmful, but beneficial.

Dr. Farhat of Dental One Care, your local dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains the numerous benefits of chewing sugar-free gum.

Sugar-Free Gum Washes Away Bacteria

A number of studies state that chewing sugar-free gum can wash away harmful bacteria, which lead to a decrease in decay and periodontal disease. This is true because of the stickiness of the gum, so the bacteria sticks to it and is removed when the gum is disposed of.

Sugar-Free Gum Increases the Production of Saliva:

We all produce saliva on a regular basis. It’s actually a key role in our oral hygiene. Eating anything would cause an increase in saliva production. We asked our friend, Dr. Taher Dhoon, a dentist in Greeley, CO, about the benefits of sugar-free gum. Dr. Dhoon says that an important benefit of chewing gum is that it increases saliva. Increased production of saliva has many benefits which include:

  • Saliva Treats Dry Mouth:

Dry mouth is a condition when saliva production is reduced, causing your mouth to feel prickly and dry. Chewing sugarless gum increases saliva production and in turn, decreases dry mouth effects.

  • Saliva Reduces Decay:

 As explained, saliva has a key role in preventing decay. This is due to the watery nature of the saliva that tends to wash away the bacteria causing the decay.

  • Saliva Strengthens Tooth Enamel:

 Saliva is loaded with minerals, either from the diet or from drinking water. When saliva production is increased, these minerals stay in contact with the tooth enamel longer, strengthening it and protecting it from decay.

Sugar-Free Gum Reduces Tooth Sensitivity

In addition to being alkaline in nature, saliva acts as a buffer, shielding the tooth from harmful acids that could cause sensitivity.

Does this mean that sugarless gum is a substitute for normal brushing and flossing regimens?

Dr. Farhat says absolutely not! There is simply no substitute for the good ole brush and floss and toothpaste. Sugar-free gum certainly helps their job become easier, but in no way should be considered sufficient alone.

A Dentist’s Perspective on Oil Pulling

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A Dentist’s Perspective on Oil Pulling

The advent of social media and celebrity worship has resurrected the ancient Ayurvedic tradition of oil pulling. So, what is oil pulling and why is everyone talking about it, are the claims of its benefits valid, and what do dentists think about it? Read on and get answers from your local Sterling Heights Dentist, Dr. Fardi Farhat.

What is Oil Pulling

Oil pulling refers to the act of swishing some oil in your mouth for 5-20 minutes. This is done once each day. Proponents recommend the use of coconut oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil for this exercise.

Does Oil Pulling Work?

Natural remedies are a hit among individuals who prefer an earth-based solution. Some people claim that oil pulling can whiten their teeth, prevent or cure inflammation, remove toxins from the mouth (hence the name “oil pulling”, meaning that the oil pulls toxins and germs from the mouth and teeth), cure bad breath, arthritis, and gingivitis.

However, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, advises patients to take these claims with a grain of salt since there is hardly any credible scientific research to back it up. In fact, the reports from practitioners also vary widely. Some report oil pulling with a host of benefits while others say no benefit was seen after they did it over several weeks.

Are the Effects of Oil Pulling Unique to That Practice?

It is reasonable to expect that oil pulling can prevent plaque from forming on your teeth or reduce the population of bad bacteria in your mouth. However, those very effects can be attained using a variety of methods.

For example, chewing sugar-free gum after you’ve had a meal will remove any food particles left in your mouth. So, bacteria will have less to feed on and thrive. Similarly, dentists in Sterling Heights recommend that people use mouthwash in order to keep their mouth smelling fresh and free from the buildup of bacteria. Rinsing with water and can also do the same.

Compared to these options, oil pulling loses some of its appeal. Especially when one considers the appearance of the mixture of oil and saliva after the swishing. Also, many people can’t keep the oil in their mouth for that long (20 minutes).

Are There Better Ways to a Healthy Smile?

Most, if not all of the purported dental health benefits of oil pulling can be attained by brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once a day. We asked our friend, Dr. Cody Cowen, a dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, about his thoughts on oil pulling. Dr. Cowen says that effective brushing and flossing doesn’t require as much time as oil pulling, yet its benefits have been documented for decades.

He says the best way to ensure that your dental health is protected is by maintaining oral hygiene on a daily basis as well as seeing your Sterling Heights dentist at least twice each year. This will ensure that any developing issues are identified and resolved early.

What Does the ADA Think?

The American Dental Association (ADA) took note of the oil pulling fad so seriously that they published some information about the practice. Their view is that it is untested and they recommend the oral care measures stated earlier.

In case you have any other query about oil pulling, or about any other dental concern, don’t hesitate to contact Dental One Care. Our professionals are waiting to respond to your concern and give you the treatment you need in order to regain or maintain your dental health.

How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

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How to Prevent Dry Socket After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

People who’ve had a tooth extracted may have heard of dry socket before. Dry socket is a common complication that occurs after a tooth is extracted. So what is dry socket and why should you do everything possible to prevent it after a tooth extraction? Read on and learn how to prevent dry socket after wisdom tooth removal.

What Dry Socket Is

Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, describes a painful condition that results when the blood clot covering a tooth extraction site is dislodged before the underlying nerve tissues and bone have healed. The premature loss of this protective clot lengthens the healing time and results in a lot of discomfort and pain.

How Do Know You Have Dry Socket?

Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, explains that it ’s normal to feel some pain after having your wisdom teeth removed surgically. However, this pain is transient and ends a few days after the extraction.

So, patients can suspect that they have dry socket if they experience intense pain that spreads to the face and head days after the surgery. Bad breath may also indicate that one has dry socket, especially if they don’t have a history of halitosis.

The professionals at Dental One Care also advise that patients observe the surgical site in a mirror. Dry socket should be suspected if the surgical site is fully or partially empty (lacking the blood clot which formed after the surgery).

How to Prevent Dry Socket

Don’t use drinking straws. The suction force created as one is using a straw can easily dislodge the blood clot at the tooth extraction site. Dr. Farhat, therefore, recommends that you refrain from using a straw for at least one week after you have had a tooth extracted. That abstinence will allow the site to heal under the protection provided by the blood clot.

Opt for softer foods. It is also wise to opt for soft foods during the days following tooth extraction. The soft foods will cause less stress on the surgical site as you eat. For example, eat mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup in the first two or so days after the surgery. Try harder foods later and revert to the soft ones if you feel pain.

Refrain from tobacco use or smoking. We asked our friend, Dr. Dennis Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI about how to prevent dry socket. Dr. Laurich says that the risk of dry socket increased threefold for smokers when compared to non-smokers. He says this is because the act of smoking entails a sucking force that can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site. Additionally, the chemicals in the tobacco and any other substance that one may smoke can also interfere with the body’s healing processes, such as causing the clot to dissolve prematurely. You should work with your dentist in Sterling Heights, MI, to find a way to reduce or abstain from smoking and the use of tobacco until you have healed after wisdom tooth extraction.

Be meticulous in your oral hygiene. Another tip for those who want to learn how to prevent dry socket is that they should be particular about their oral hygiene during this healing period. Oral germs can prevent a blood clot from forming, or they can break it down once it forms. Talk to your Sterling Heights dentist about how you should brush your teeth, as well as the use of antibacterial mouthwash that may be helpful in preventing infection while you heal.

Talk to the dentist about other medications. Discuss any medications that you are currently taking as you prepare for surgery to remove wisdom teeth. You should also consult your dentist in case any medication is prescribed for another condition within the time that you are healing after undergoing tooth extraction surgery. For example, oral contraceptives have been linked to causing dry socket.

Call a dentist in Sterling Heights, such as Dr. Farhat, if you suspect that you have a dry socket. The Dental One Care team will advise you about what you should do next. Otherwise, do everything you can to implement the advice given above on how to prevent dry socket.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

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2019 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Smile

Every year we tend to make one or more New Year’s resolutions. A few of those typically surround your health and may include losing weight, eating less junk food, and exercising more, etc. Many people don’t realize that your oral health affects your overall health, which is why it’s important to include good oral health habits in your daily routine. 

So, why not try to make New Year’s resolutions for your smile and stick with it! This will not just help improve your confidence, but your quality of life as well. In the article below, Dr. Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, MI will explore the different New Year’s Resolutions for your smile.

Make New Year’s Resolution for Enhanced Smile

Beautiful, white and shining teeth are a pleasurable sight. A lovely white smile instantly grabs peoples’ attention and boosts your self-confidence. It gives you a healthier social, emotional and personal life. To help enhance your smile, brush twice a day and stay away from foods and drinks that will stain your teeth. If you make this transition, your aging process will go a lot smoother.

Make Daily Brushing and Flossing Your New Year Resolution

At the moment, your health is primarily a result of choices that you have been making up till now. When you develop a habit for something, it becomes part of your routine. Ultimately, you shouldn’t have to think twice about doing it every day. Focusing and developing healthy habits promotes your overall health and prevents various diseases.

Developing a habit of regular brushing and flossing can have a powerful impact on your smile! Consider it just like cleaning your room. When you start your day by making your bed, you feel happy that you’ve already accomplished a task so early in your day. 

You may compare this task to brushing your teeth in the morning. Properly brushing and flossing your teeth first thing in the morning gives a boost to your body and mind. Brushing your teeth and gums in the morning will also help with bad breath, prevent gum disease, and enhance your smile. Also, this habit sets a base for the rest of healthy habits. Once you stick to this habit of properly cleaning your mouth, you will gain confidence that you can develop other healthy habits as well. So, if you don’t already brush your teeth twice a day, add that to your New Year’s Resolution list.

Smile More for a Longer Life

We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Canton, MI for his 2019 New Year’s Resolutions. He said that research has proved that smiling wider improves your happiness, and your economic, personal and social life as well as self-confidence. So, one of Dr. Matt Laurich’s 2019 goals is to smile more each day!

We 100% support his New Year’s Resolution. Some of you may be cringing at the thought of smiling more because you’re embarrassed by your smile. This should motivate you to take your dental health seriously this coming year.

So, if you also wish to smile more to improve the quality of your life, take care of your teeth. Follow the basic oral care routine and get regular oral checkups all year through to keep serious dental problems at bay. Book your appointment with Dental One Care, a Sterling Heights dentist office.

Contact Us: 586 274 2800

Take a moment and browse our website and you will find valuable and informative material about the dental services we offer.

Our website also provides you with information about our dental professional team, office hours, insurance plans, appointment procedures, directions to our office and other valuable information.