What Causes Tooth Discoloration?

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Tooth discoloration can affect you in many ways, like making you self-conscious about your smile. As a result, your social interactions and other aspects of your life can take a hit. But what causes teeth to become discolored? Read on and discover some of the common causes of tooth discoloration and the common remedies that dentists in Sterling Heights MI recommend.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Pigmented Foods and Drinks. Some vegetables, fruits, and drinks like coffee, red wine and soda can stain your teeth if you consume them frequently.

Tobacco Products. People who consume various tobacco products, such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco, face a high risk of developing tooth discoloration. This is due to the chemical compounds found in tobacco, according to orthodontists in Sterling Heights, MI.

Poor Dental Hygiene. When you aren’t as vigilant about maintaining oral hygiene by flossing and brushing, you are likely to develop dental stains. This is because plaque will readily harden on your teeth and form calculus. Poor oral hygiene also allows pigmented foods and drinks to stay in contact with your teeth for long, resulting in stains.

Some Medications. Medications, such as some antibiotics, high blood pressure medication and antihistamines can also stain your teeth. This effect is particularly pronounced when kids whose teeth are still developing take those drugs.

Age. As one grows older, the enamel on the teeth gets eroded leaving dentin closer to the surface of the teeth. Dentin is closer to brown or yellow in color, so when it is exposed, your teeth will look discolored.

Genetics. Some people are naturally endowed with tooth enamel that is thicker or whiter than that of others. Your discolored teeth may have nothing to do with your oral care habits, the foods and drinks you consume or any medication you are currently taking.

Environmental Factors. You may also develop stains on your teeth if you live in an area with high concentrations of fluoride in the water supply or when you take large amounts of fluoride as a supplement. Fluoride rinses and treatments can also eventually cause tooth discoloration.

Trauma. Dr. Lyons, an orthodontist in El Dorado Hills CA, has encountered numerous cases of people with discolored teeth resulting from trauma, such as accidents during contact sports. Kids whose teeth are still developing can also get stains due to a fall that affects the enamel.

How to Prevent Tooth Discoloration

As the discussion above shows, many of the causes of teeth discoloration are within your control. Therefore, you can prevent this cosmetic dental problem by making simple lifestyle changes. For example, make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. You should also control or drop habits like cigarette smoking that increase your risk for tooth discoloration. Having teeth cleaning services every six months by a professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights MI will also avert tooth discoloration.

Treatment Options for Tooth Discoloration

If you already have stains on your teeth, talk to a dentist in Sterling Heights MI about the applicable treatment options. He or she will recommend the most appropriate from the following remedies;

  • Improving your flossing and brushing techniques.
  • Limiting your consumption of drinks and foods that stain your teeth.
  • Getting dental veneers.
  • Undergoing dental bonding.
  • Undergoing teeth whitening (using OTC whitening products, in-office teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening trays made by your dentist in Sterling Heights MI).

Don’t let discolored teeth affect the quality of your life. Contact us at Dental One Care if you live in Sterling Heights MI and we will give you our considered opinion about how you can treat the discoloration and avoid the recurrence of dental stains.

How to Remove Plaque

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What is Plaque?

After your dentist performs a teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will look sparkly and white, but over time this beautiful color fades away, and the teeth start to appear slightly dull and yellow. This yellow color comes from plaque, which is a filmy substance made out of bacteria. Plaque accumulates both above and below the gum line. This might not be a pleasant sight for you, but it is even worse for the health of your teeth and gums if it is not removed. 

Best Ways to Remove Plaque

The best and most effective way to get rid of plaque is to brush your teeth twice a day. Make sure to use a soft toothbrush and replace it every three to four months when the bristles of the toothbrush start to fray. Using an electric toothbrush is usually more effective at removing plaque than a traditional toothbrush.

You should also floss before brushing your teeth. This way, any bits of food stuck to the teeth are removed so you can brush them away. To floss your teeth:

  1. Take about 18 inches of floss and wrap one end around each of your middle fingers.
  2. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Then, gently push the floss between two teeth.
  3. Move the floss into a C-shape on the side of one tooth.
  4. Rub the floss up and down gently, continuing to press it against your tooth.
  5.  Repeat this process for every tooth.

After flossing, brush your teeth for approximately two minutes.

To Brush Your Teeth:

  1. Take an amount of toothpaste about pea-sized on your toothbrush.
  2. Hold your toothbrush on your teeth at a 45-degree angle to your gums.
  3. Move your toothbrush back and forth in short, gentle strokes the same width for each of your teeth.
  4. Brush all the outside surfaces, inside surfaces, and chewing surfaces of your teeth, and don’t forget your tongue.
  5. For the inside of your front teeth, tilt your toothbrush vertically and make small up and down strokes.

Unfortunately, plaque will accumulate very quickly after being brushed away. Experts suggest other at-home treatments to remove plaque buildup. These recommendations include oil pulling and baking soda treatments.

Oil Pulling

Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown KY, says swishing coconut or olive oil around in your mouth may strengthen your teeth, prevent the tooth from decaying, and remove plaque.

Coconut oil is believed to be a good option because it contains fatty acids such as lauric acid, a substance with inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. 

Baking Soda

Research has brought forth evidence which shows that individuals who brush their teeth with baking soda removed more plaque. These individuals also had less plaque regrowth over twenty-four hours than those who brushed their teeth with toothpaste not containing baking soda.

How Plaque Causes Tartar to Form

Tartar forms when plaque on the surface of your teeth combines with minerals in your saliva. Just like plaque, tartar can also form on both above and below the gum line. Tartar acts as a breeding ground for plaque bacteria.

Unlike plaque, tartar can’t be removed by brushing or flossing. The only way to get rid of it is to visit our dentists for a teeth cleaning service. They will use a technique called “scale and polish.” Scaling refers to the removal or picking off of tartar from the teeth while polishing refers to shining and smoothing the teeth.

How to Prevent Plaque and Tartar from Forming

As mentioned before, brushing your teeth daily is the most efficient way to prevent tartar and plaque from forming. Other than that, it is also recommended to visit our team every few months for a checkup.

If you are looking for a reliable dental clinic in Sterling, MI, then you should visit Dental One Care because our team of orthodontists includes one of the most experienced and qualified orthodontists.

If there is a need for treatment to remove tartar, then you should visit us at Dental One care as we are one of the best in Sterling, MI. 

How is In-Office Teeth Whitening Done?

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 As you grow older, your teeth naturally lose their brightness due to the effects of the foods and drinks that you consume, medication, genetics, and many other factors. However, you don’t have to live with stained or discolored teeth because there are several options that you can select from to whiten your teeth. One option, whose popularity is growing rapidly, is the in-office teeth whitening. Results from in-office teeth whitening show sooner than the results of whitening your teeth using a DIY kit bought over-the-counter. Here are the steps that the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI will follow as they whiten your teeth professionally.

Step #1: Taking Records

The first step that Dr. Fardi Farhat, a Sterling Heights dentist, will take is to record the baseline shade of your teeth. This baseline is the current shade of your teeth when you come to the office.

Your dentist will then show you a shade guide as you discuss how bright you would like your smile to be. Note that experienced dentists like Dr. Fardi Farhat will recommend the most appropriate level of brightening that would bring out the best from your smile without making your teeth look too unnatural. Once the goal of how bright your teeth should be is agreed upon, the next steps follow in rapid succession.

Step #2: Thorough Cleaning

The teeth whitening compound will not be effective if the surfaces of your teeth are coated by plaque and tartar. Dr. Fardi Farhat or any other dental care professional at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, MI will, therefore, polish your teeth using pumice so that all the plaque is removed.

Step #3: Mouth Isolation

A piece of gauze will then be placed in your mouth to keep the teeth that have just been polished dry. Additionally, retractors may also be used to keep your lips, cheeks, and tongue out of the way for the teeth whitening solution. A barrier is also placed along the gum line to protect your gums from being damaged by the teeth whitening solution.

Step #4: Application of the Whitening Solution

The next step is to apply the teeth whitening solution on the front surfaces of your teeth. The most commonly used solution is hydrogen peroxide, but the professionals at Dental One Care can also use carbamide peroxide as a bleaching agent.

Step #5: Curing

Laser light is often needed to cure or activate the whitening compound applied on your teeth. However, some bleaching agents don’t require this special light. Instead, the bleaching agent is reapplied several times. Once the curing light has been applied, the bleaching solution is left on the teeth for about 30 minutes before it is rinsed off.

Step #6: Fluoride Treatment

This step isn’t necessary for everyone. However, for some patients, such as those who have a history of teeth sensitivity, a fluoride treatment is provided to deal with any sensitivity that could result after the teeth whitening procedure. For most people, this is the final step and they leave with a brighter smile.

However, some professional teeth whitening techniques require you to make an additional visit or visits to the Dental One Care office for additional treatments before your teeth can reach the desired shade of white. In such a case, Dr. Fardi Farhat will schedule out all those visits so that when you leave, you will know when each visit is scheduled.

Before you leave the dental office, our dentists in Sterling Heights will advise you about what you should or shouldn’t eat or drink within the first 24 hours after your teeth whitening procedure. The things to avoid are especially pigmented foods and drinks, such as coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, beets, yellow mustard and tobacco products. These substances can stain your recently-whitened teeth, so avoiding them in that timeframe allows the whitening products to cure on the teeth.

Professional DIY Teeth Whitening Kits

If you find the in-office teeth whitening procedure to be very expensive since your insurance doesn’t cover it, the next best option is to get a professional teeth whitening kit that you use at home. We asked our friend, Dr. Christopher Green, a cosmetic dentist in Parker, Colorado, about his opinion about DIY teeth whitening kits. Dr. Green says that teeth whitening kits will get the job done but in-office teeth whitening gives you instant results and it last longer. 

This kit can be custom-made for you at Dental One Care. Dr. Fardi Farhat starts by taking an impression of your teeth and then sending this mold to a dental lab. In about two weeks, the teeth whitening trays will be ready.

Once you receive the tray from the Sterling Heights dentist, all you have to do is to put drops of the specially formulated whitening agent in the tray before placing the tray on your teeth for about an hour each day. This is repeated daily for two weeks as your teeth gradually whiten to the desired shade.

Professional at-home teeth whitening kits offer better results when compared to over-the-counter teeth whitening products available on the market. So, take your pick between having your teeth whitened at Dental One Care by an experienced professional or having a custom tray made so that you can whiten your teeth at home. Regardless of the option that you choose, Dr. Fardi Farhat and the entire Dental One Care team in Sterling Heights will be available to help you in any way possible so that you retain your bright smile for years to come.

 

Improve Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

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Cosmetic dentistry has advanced so much that the options available to those who want to improve their smiles are so abundant that they may need help in selecting the procedure which is best suited for their needs. Here is a brief discussion of some of the cosmetic dental procedures offered at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights. Use this information to narrow down your options as you consider ways to fix any cosmetic defect you or a loved one has.

Teeth Whitening

As you grow older, the foods and drinks you consume, the medicines you take, and other factors take a toll on your teeth, thereby causing them to lose their natural bright color. When that happens, several options are available to you to restore your bright smile. For example, you can ask Dr. Fardi Farhat, a leading dentist in Sterling Heights, to prepare a customized teeth whitening tray which you can use at home to get rid of the stains in a gradual process. Alternatively, the experts at Dental One Care can perform in-office teeth whitening using a stronger bleaching agent than what is contained in at-home teeth whitening kits.

In-office teeth whitening may be more costly when compared to at-home teeth whitening, but you get quicker results, and the process is overseen by a professional. For instance, while at-home teeth whitening may take several weeks to show results, in-office whitening brings results immediately, and you walk out with brighter teeth.

Dental Veneers

You may have heard of veneers on furniture, haven’t you? Well, dental veneers also refer to thin materials that are placed on the front of your teeth for one or several reasons. For example, the veneer may be used to cover a permanently stained tooth, or it can be intended to improve the appearance of a poorly shaped tooth.

Veneers are mainly used to provide a temporary fix to cosmetic defects on the teeth which are visible when you smile or speak. You shouldn’t, therefore, consider them as a remedy for a defect affecting the teeth at the back of your mouth.

At least two visits are needed to get veneers. The first visit to Dental One Care caters for the initial consultation as well as taking an impression of the teeth upon which veneers will be placed. Color matching is also done during this visit. The second visit is for placing the veneers on the teeth once the external dental lab sends the completed restorations back to Dr. Fardi Farhat. Veneers are more complex and therefore, more expensive than dental bonding.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding entails placing tooth-colored resins on a tooth with a minor defect, such as a chip, discoloration, or poor shape. The resin bonds with the tooth under the influence of a special light. This simple procedure can be completed in one visit to Dental One Care in Sterling Heights, unlike veneers, which require several visits. However, the material used during bonding stains and cracks easily, so you want to take better care of the bonded tooth if you want to retain the bond for years.

Dental Crowns

As the name suggests, a dental crown covers your entire tooth in the same way that a cap does on one’s head. Crowns are the cosmetic restoration of choice when serious structural or cosmetic damage occurs. For example, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may be so weak that only a crown will keep it together for years. Similarly, badly fractured teeth need crowns to retain their structural and aesthetic integrity.

The superior strength of crowns comes from the materials, such as porcelain, gold, and other metals, from which they are made. Crowns can be temporary or permanent. Temporary crowns are made from less durable materials since they aren’t intended to be used for long. Permanent crowns are usually fabricated by an external lab, so you use the temporary crown while you wait for the permanent one to be made. Crowns are more expensive than the cosmetic dentistry procedures described earlier, but they make up for that higher price tag by their durability.

Enamel Contouring and Shaping Procedures

If you want to make minor changes to the size, shape, and position of your teeth, then talk to the experts at Dental One Care. The Sterling Heights dentists will remove some enamel from the surface of your teeth in order to fix the defect which has you bothered. Many times, enamel shaping and contouring is done in combination with dental bonding since the removal of some enamel from your teeth can leave them weaker.

Dental Braces

Braces are primarily used to correct dental crowding, misalignment, bite problems, and jaw muscle issues. Traditionally, braces were composed of metal wires while today there are plastic nearly-invisible aligners used to move your teeth in a more discreet way. Some conditions, such as when you want to move back teeth with deep roots, are better handled by traditional metal braces while other cases, such as minor misalignment, can be fixed using clear braces. Talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat to find out if you qualify for the clear braces (Invisalign, for example). The correction of your dental defect usually takes several months as the braces are adjusted periodically while they slowly move the teeth to their new positions.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are one of the most complex and expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. It involves the surgical placement of a metal screw (usually titanium) in your jaw and letting that metal fuse with your jawbone before a component called an abutment is placed in the implant. The top part of a tooth replacement called a crown is attached to this abutment anchored in the implant. The entire process can take anywhere from three months to more than half a year, depending on how quickly your body can heal after each of the different steps of the procedure. Nearly everyone can get dental implants since some of the limiting factors, such as bone loss, can be corrected through other procedures (bone grafts, for example). We asked our friend, Dr. Matt Laurich, a dentist in Livonia, MI, about dental implants. Dr. Laurich says dental implants are one of the best cosmetic treatments you can choose from at the dentist because they basically pay for themselves since they last forever!

Many more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental bridges and procedures to fix indentations in your gums, also exist. Talk to Dr. Fardi Farhat and an appropriate cosmetic dentistry procedure will be recommended to fix your specific condition. Why stay with an imperfect smile when solutions exist?

 

Best Ways to Keep Your Healthy Gums

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Dental health isn’t all about having sparkling teeth to display during photo moments or munch on any kind of food you desire. The health of your gums also matters, and millions of people have diseased gums and they don’t even know it. Dental One Care doesn’t want you to be one of those blissfully ignorant people, and it has compiled the following tips to help you to keep your gums healthy.

Brush Twice a Day

This seems so basic, but you would be shocked by how many people neglect to perform this crucial oral health activity. Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, explains that it takes plaque approximately 24 hours to form and start hardening into tartar (calculus). By brushing twice a day, you disrupt this plaque and tartar formation process so that bacteria doesn’t get lodged beneath your gum line to cause you gum disease. So, take the hint and start brushing twice a day and make sure that you brush all the surfaces of your teeth each time.

Use the Right Toothpaste

If you thought that all toothpaste was created the same, take a closer look at the different kinds of toothpaste in the toothpaste aisle of your local convenience store. Some toothpaste is meant to whiten your teeth, other types are for people with sensitive teeth, some varieties are for kids, and some toothpaste is fluoride-free. There’s a variety of toothpaste for every conceivable need. Which type is right for you? First, the experts at Dental One Care in Sterling Heights recommend that you narrow down your options to toothpaste which have the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. This shows you that the toothpaste has been endorsed by dental professionals as being helpful in protecting dental health. Secondly, select a toothpaste that contains fluoride since it has a track record of protecting teeth from decay and damage by bacteria. The rest is just bells and whistles (flavors, etc.).

Know When to Rinse Your Mouth

Rinsing the mouth can have two totally different effects depending on when it is done. For example, rinsing your mouth with water just after you have had a meal is a good habit because it washes away any food particles which may have remained stuck on your teeth. However, it isn’t advisable to rinse your mouth with water immediately after brushing because you want the fluoride in the toothpaste to have a few minutes to work its protective magic on your teeth. Rinsing immediately washes that fluoride away! Dr. Fardi Farhat, therefore, recommends that you wait a minute or so after brushing your teeth before you rinse your mouth.

Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash

While still on the subject of rinsing your mouth, dentists in Sterling Heights also recommend that you use a medicinal rather than esthetic (making your breath smell fresh) mouthwash. This mouthwash will kill any bacteria growing in your mouth and your gums will be protected from gum disease. Read the product labels of different mouthwashes available and pick one that is antibacterial. Alternatively, you can ask Dr. Fardi Farhat, a dentist in Sterling Heights, for the best brands to buy.

Floss Daily

We asked our friend, Dr. Kristina Neda, a dentist in Georgetown, KY, about important dental care habits. Dr. Neda says flossing may be one of the most important daily habits you can have. Your toothbrush may not be able to reach all the areas that need to be cleaned. For example, a toothbrush is unable to reach the gum between teeth. Such hard-to-reach areas are best cleaned by flossing on a daily basis, regardless of what time you decide to floss. Remember, plaque starts hardening into tartar within 24 hours, so flossing once a day gives you a chance to catch that plaque when it is still pliable.

Get Off Cigarettes

Another damaging habit that will certainly compromise the health of your gums is smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes are very harsh on the gums and soon cause them to be inflamed. The same chemicals also make it hard for the gums to heal, so you will quickly slide into a spiral of gum issues if you smoke. Talk to the experts at Dental One Care for suggestions on what to do and who to see for help in quitting smoking. As you work towards quitting smoking, the team of Dr. Fardi Farhat will treat the dental health problems caused by smoking.

Schedule Dental Cleanings Every Six Months

You can also ensure that you have healthy gums all your life by visiting Dental One Care for professional dental cleanings every six months and a checkup at least once a year. This professional care is important because any developing issues will be caught and treated early before they cause extensive damage to your dental health. For example, gingivitis can be caught early and reversed before it progresses to periodontal disease which can cause irreversible damage to your teeth, jaw, and gums.

Watch Your Diet

Your diet also plays a big part in determining whether your gums will be healthy or plagued by disease. For example, a person who limits the consumption of sticky or sugary drinks and foods stands a higher chance of having healthy teeth and gums when compared to another whose diet contains a lot of these substances. Dr. Fardi Farhat recommends that you eat a diet that is teeth-friendly, such as consuming foods rich in calcium (yogurt, milk, etc.). A balanced diet is crucial to availing all the nutrients that your gums and teeth need to stay healthy.

Stay Hydrated

Keeping hydrated is beneficial to your oral health, especially your gums. A hydrated body will usually secrete enough saliva to maintain a correct pH balance in the mouth while also washing the oral environment to get rid of food particles, bacteria and other contaminants in the mouth. Take about 8 glasses of water each day so that your body stays hydrated. The amount of water you need will vary in accordance with the time of the year, the activities you are engaged in and your overall health. Listen to your body and hydrate accordingly.

Despite all your efforts to keep your gums healthy, you may still develop gum disease. When that happens (if you notice that your gums are inflamed, bleeding or swollen, etc.), contact Dental One Care for prompt treatment. The timely treatment promotes oral health because diseases aren’t given a chance to progress. So, call us each time you notice something unusual about your oral health. Dr. Fardi Farhat will conduct a thorough examination and design an appropriate treatment plan to bring you back to good oral health.

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.

Does Charcoal teeth whitening work?

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The Truth About Charcoal Teeth Whitening

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

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

Is Charcoal Teeth Whitening Effective?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do White Spots on Teeth Mean?

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white spots

What White Spots On Teeth Mean

Everyone wants to have white teeth. They are some of the best natural accessories you can present to the people around you to feel more confident. Because of this, many often visit their dentist to undergo teeth whitening treatments, or decide to pick the DIY option.

White spots on teeth, however, can have a different effect on a person’s smile. If they are numerous, they become too unappealing and will have a negative impact on your smile. Aside from this, though, most of the time these spots shouldn’t really be a cause for concern.

Causes

Discovering the cause behind the white spots on your teeth is a good step to know if you should start worrying about this dental issue or not. A dentist in Sterling Heights explains the usual causes of white spots on teeth below:

  • Flourisis. This is a dental condition common among children which damages the tooth’s enamel due to excessive intake of fluoride before their teeth are fully developed. People who often drink water with high fluoride content are also prone to getting white spots on their teeth.
  • Decalcification. In certain cases, white spots can also be a sign that a cavity or tooth decay is beginning. The spots will appear where the tooth is weaker, usually toward the bottom of your tooth where your gums are. If you are particularly fond of eating and drinking sugary and acidic food or beverages, your teeth will more likely develop these white spots due to mineral loss. Decalcification is also known as plaque buildup.
  • Plaque buildup. Failing to make sure your teeth is completely clean, particularly before going to sleep, can cause hard, scaly spots to appear near the gum line. They can appear as spots and will cause your teeth to look more discolored.
  • Brace removal. Lastly, some persons with orthodontic braces usually have trouble properly brushing their teeth. Because of this, it is highly likely that there was a plaque build-up which can now be easily seen after having their braces removed. In this instance, the white spots have already developed or will turn into cavities.

Treatment Options

A visit to your dentist can help you determine the cause behind the white spots on your teeth. Once this has been identified, your dentist will recommend the best treatment option.

If the spots are plaque, you will have to undergo oral prophylaxis. Bleaching and fluoride treatments are usually the first procedures a dentist will recommend if a less invasive option would be sufficient. For more difficult cases, an air abrasion procedure may be needed. Under this treatment option, the dentist will use a device that blows crystal particles toward the calcium deposit. Because of the high speed or force, the calcium deposit will be removed from the teeth without causing any damage.

If air abrasion still doesn’t work or the spots are too big, you may need fillings to cover them. A dentist can also recommend dental veneers or caps to cover up the spots.

Practicing good oral hygiene also plays an important role in preventing the appearance of white spots. Regular brushing and flossing will help you avoid plaque and cavity buildup. It is also important to visit your dentist every six months so that any possible dental issues can be checked, diagnosed, and treated immediately. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Other Uses For Listerine You Should Know About

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Listerine is the most popular brand of mouthwash. You see it in nearly all medicine cabinets or bathroom counters, from homes to hotels to hospitals and dental clinics. The small bottles are also quite handy; you can place them in your bag and use it to gargle with after a meal, allowing you to have instant fresh breath wherever you are.

But aside from giving you fresh breath and helping keep your teeth plaque-free and your gums healthy, there are other uses for Listerine that are quite surprising and you may not even know about. These include the following:

As an anti-dandruff solution.

In the past, Listerine was marketed as a product that can help you get rid of dandruff. This solution didn’t really gain popularity but various studies show that this is an effective solution. If you want to try this remedy, combine ¼ cup Listerine and 1 cup of water and rinse your hair and scalp with the mixture. Afterwards, rinse your hair thoroughly.

As a lice removal product.

Nothing can be more uncomfortable and embarrassing than having lice nesting on your hair. The good news is that you don’t have to buy shampoo that will help you get rid of them; you can use Listerine. Simply apply the mouthwash to your lice-infested hair and cover it with a shower cap. Leave the treatment on your hair for at least an hour and then rinse your hair thoroughly with water.

As a skincare product.

Because of its ingredients, you can use Listerine as an alternative to your usual toner or astringent. Its alcohol content, in particular, can clean your pores and help you get rid of bothersome, unsightly acne. Your skin will also smell fresh after every use, too.

As an anti-itch remedy.

If you’re feeling itchy on some parts of your body because of bug bites, rashes or poison ivy, dab some mouthwash on the affected area. You’ll get instant relief and experience its cooling and soothing effects immediately.

As a deodorant.

You don’t have to fret and run to the nearest supermarket or drugstore if you run out of deodorant. If you have a ready stock of Listerine, simply soak a cotton ball in the product and dab the cotton ball under your arms. You can also pour the mouthwash into an empty spray bottle and spray your armpits with the solution. Listerine helps prevent body odors since it kills the bacteria that produce these bad smells.

As an anti-fungal product.

Lastly, some people suffer from toenail fungus. If you have this problem, soak your feet in Listerine for at least 30 minutes every day. The ingredients in the mouthwash will help you get rid of toenail fungus. Your feet will smell better, too.

Listerine is known as an oral care product. But it can easily be a versatile healthcare product as long as you know how to use it properly. To learn more, contact your sterling heights dentist today!

Sedation Dentistry: A Recommended Solution For Patients With Dental Anxiety

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It’s not just kids who are afraid of going to the dentist; a lot of adults have this fear, too. In fact, dental anxiety or phobia is a condition that is common among adults.

Dental anxiety refers to the feeling of being nervous or afraid of going to the dentist. These fears stem from or can be about anything related to dentistry: dental pain, needle phobia, the smell in the clinic and the clinic itself, or a bad experience with an inept dentist. All of these make it hard for a person to go to a dental clinic, so much so that that they would prefer to suffer from a severe toothache or tooth loss than consulting a dentist.

Overcoming Your Fear of Dentists

Sedation dentistry pertains to the use of medication to sedate patients with the aim to make them feel more relaxed while they undergo a dental procedure. It utilizes a combination of relaxing and pain-relieving drugs so that patients who have dental anxiety are comfortable and pain-free during their procedure.

There are different levels of sedation that patients can opt for. They range from minimal sedation (the patient is awake but completely relaxed) to moderate sedation (the patient experiences slurring and won’t remember much of the procedure) to deep sedation (the patient is nearly unconscious but can still be woken), and general anesthesia (the patient is completely unconscious).

Forms of Sedation

A trusted dentist in Sterling Heights explains that the different levels of dental sedation usually correspond to the different forms as well, which are:

Inhaled sedation. Under this form, a patient inhales a type of gas (usually nitrous oxide) that has a sedative effect. The patient will inhale the gas through a mask and its sedative element will enter the bloodstream. The patient will then feel tired and even a bit sleepy and reduce his or her sensitivity to pain. The inhaled sedative does not have long lasting effects and once the procedure is over, they will wear off quickly.

Oral sedation. With this type, patients are given a tablet or pill that will make them more relaxed and less sensitive to pain. This is the least invasive method of sedation since it does not involve any injections or breathing apparatus. The medicine’s sedative effects can be powerful that the patient can fall asleep under its influence but he or she can maintain consciousness and still be aware of what is happening around them. Under its effects, the patient will be free from anxiety or fear. They will feel relaxed and experience less discomfort and pain while undergoing a dental procedure.

Intravenous sedation. Also known as IV sedation, under this method, the sedative is administered through a tube attached to a needle which is inserted into the arm and directly over a blood vessel. Once the drip starts, the sedative is administered directly into the bloodstream. Because of this, IV sedation is considered the most effective method that can be used for patients with severe dental phobia.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia. General anesthesia will be administered through inhalation or an intravenous drip. This is a method that is least used or recommended by dentists since the patient will lose consciousness once the sedative takes effect. Patients won’t feel any discomfort during the dental procedure as they are in deep sleep. Under this method, the patient’s health, vital signs, and level of consciousness will be closely monitored and maintained by the dental practitioner, nurse or qualified anesthetist.

If you are suffering from dental anxiety and considering undergoing sedation for an important procedure, you will do well to understand the different types of dental sedation. And with the advice of your dentist, you will be able to choose the best one that will suit your needs.

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