Healthy Foods that Are Not So Healthy for Teeth

Those healthy foods that are getting your body back in shape for summer may be awesome for your diet, but unfortunately, not so much for your teeth. According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, some healthy foods that you enjoy may not be the best for your teeth and gums.

Are those healthy carbs really healthy?

You may have cut out white flour, white bread, potatoes and white rice, but the wheat and whole grain alternatives are just as bad when it comes to your teeth. Because you metabolize carbs into sugar through your saliva, you are still producing acids that will wear away the enamel on your teeth. Whole grains are just as damaging as they can become stuck between your teeth.

Dark Foods and Liquids

You may have eliminated tea, coffee, and red wine from your diet because of staining, but that curry sauce that is helping you lose weight could be just as bad. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and even barbecue sauce can cause stains on your teeth.

Citrus

Grapefruits, Kiwi, oranges, limes, lemons, tomatoes and apples, yes apples, are loaded with natural sugars. However, it is the nature of the fruit itself that can cause the majority of the damage. Eat citrus fruits with other foods and rinse after enjoying.

Dried Fruit

Great for the waistline, but bad for your teeth, dried apricots, papaya, figs, dates, and dried mango's can cause serious damage to your teeth. Just like gummy bears, sticky fruits will stay lodged between your teeth and can be just as bad as that saltwater taffy you gave up to lose weight.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Energy drinks and those sports drinks that you like to consume after a workout may be your favorite treat after pumping iron, but the truth is, they are packed with tooth eroding acids and sugar. Drink water after your aerobics class and leave the energy and sports drinks on the shelf.

If you would like more information regarding healthy food for your body and your teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today.

Healthy Teeth and Gums and Overall Health

Healthy teeth and gums begin with good oral hygiene, and if you are a bit lazy when it comes to brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, you could be doing more harm than you realize. According to Gentle Touch Family Dental, plaque can cause serious problems for the rest of your body.

The American Dental Association explains that there is a real connection when it comes to the health of your mouth and the health of your body.

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss; however, periodontal disease can also cause heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Gentle Touch Family Dental explains that sticky film that accumulates on your teeth when you sleep, eat, and drink can get into your bloodstream. That unhealthy bacterium will attach itself to the arteries in your heart causing blockages. Your mouth is loaded with healthy bacteria, but without good oral hygiene, it will become overrun with the unhealthy stuff.

Diabetes

If your teeth and gums are unhealthy and you suffer from periodontal disease, the inflammation will weaken your ability to control your blood sugar. Gum disease complicates diabetes as the inflammation impairs insulin utilization. The high blood sugar in diabetics is ideal for gum and other infections. Thankfully, by scheduling regular dental appointments with Gentle Touch Family Dental and practicing good oral hygiene, you can manage the problem.

Heart Disease

Although it is not fully understood why, heart disease and gum disease seem to go hand in hand with as many as 91 percent of patients with heart problems suffering from periodontal disease. Scientists believe that the mouth inflammation causes blood vessel inflammation increasing your risk of a heart attack in several ways.

Blood vessels that are inflamed allow less blood flow between the body and the heart Not only does this raise your blood pressure, but it can also put you at risk for a stroke or heart attack if that fatty plaque breaks off a blood vessel and travels to your heart.

If you would like more information regarding the mouth and body connection for healthy teeth and gums, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dental today. 

Custom Made Mouthguards for Facial Protection Month

It’s Facial Protection Month and that means custom-made mouthguards for the whole family. Spring has sprung and if you and your family love to spend time in the great outdoors playing sports, it’s time to call Gentle Touch Family Dental for custom-made mouthguards.

According to the Academy for Sport Dentistry, everyone who plays recreational sports should be fitted with a mouth protector. Even if you are at the park with your kids, a mouthguard is a great idea, especially if you want to prevent a trip to the ER because of an unfortunate accident on the monkey bars. In a study done from 2001 to 2008 it was discovered that the five most common injuries in children were: 

1. Basketball
2. Football
3. Bicycling
4. Playgrounds
5. Soccer 

The American Dental Association estimates that about 12 millions kids, teens, and young adults were under a doctor’s care or landed in the hospital because of a sports related injury. That resulted in 20 million school days lost and about $33 billion in emergency healthcare costs. However, according to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, some of the injuries could have been prevented with a custom fitted mouth protector.

Although there are three types of mouth protectors available, there are some things to consider.

Stock-Stock mouthguards are made to fit everyone, and because they are not custom made can be bulky and uncomfortable making it tough to talk and even breathe. You can find stock mouthguards at pharmacy or sports store.

Boil and Bite-These types of mouth protectors are available from your local sports store or over the counter at your local pharmacy. Before use, you heat it up and place in your both to fit your teeth.

Custom Made Mouthguards-The best of the bunch, these types of mouthguards are made by Gentle Touch Family Dentistry and will fit your teeth perfectly. Dr. Ahmed will take an impression or mold to make your new mouth protector that is comfortable and easy to wear.

Everyone who participates in a sport whether it is surfing, water polo, tennis or racquetball should consider a custom made mouth guard. Call or click now and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dental for the whole family.

Custom made mouthguards really can prevent an unexpected trip to the emergency room. Call or click now and participate in Facial Protection Month. 

How Plaque and Tartar Affect your Teeth

That sticky plaque that is left on your teeth after you eat and when you get up in the morning could turn into tartar. According to Gently Touch Family Dental, tartar, also called calculus, is hard plaque that has actually calcified. Unfortunately, once the plaque has turned to tartar it is virtually impossible to remove yourself. No amount of brushing or flossing will get rid of the tartar.

Growing Epidemic

Plaque and tartar is a growing epidemic with billions of people all over the world being affected. If you are one of those billions who are dealing with gingivitis, or periodontal disease, chances are you have plaque and tartar as well.

Good and Bad Bacteria

Your mouth is full of bacteria, and while most of the bacterium is good bacteria, harmful bacteria will start to overpower the good stuff if you do not practice good oral hygiene. The beverages and food that you consume will quickly convert to bacteria and plaque and can even affect your dental restorations.

Prevention

Gentle Touch Family Dentistry explains that brushing twice, flossing once each day along with regular checkups and professional cleanings can help prevent plaque and tartar build up. Make sure you watch your diet as well by avoiding sugar, acidic and starchy foods.

Tartar forms underneath your gum line and will irritate your gum tissue. Unfortunately, unless a dentist, who may recommend tooth scaling and planing, removes it the vicious cycle will continue as the tartar gives the fast growing sticky plaque a larger surface to grow on.

The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar

Uncontrolled tartar and plaque are dangerous, but can also be detrimental to your smile. Tartar absorbs stains, and if you drink coffee or tea, or smoke, you will have yellow or brown stains on your teeth and along your gum line. Tartar and plaque can also cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss.

If plaque and tartar is affecting your smile, call or click and schedule a dental checkup with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today. 

Conventional Braces or Invisalign for Straight Teeth

Conventional braces have changed over the years, but unfortunately, those old school wires and brackets can still cause pain and discomfort. However, these days, you don’t have to deal with two years worth of pain thanks to the revolutionary tooth straightening system, Invisalign. The clear answer to conventional braces could the answer that you have been looking for.

Gentle Touch Family Dental is a preferred Invisalign provider and can determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign.

Why Braces Hurt

Pushing and Pulling-Conventional wires and brackets cause pain and discomfort because your mouth is being pushed and pulled 24 hours a day seven days a week, and in some cases, this could go on for 2 years. You will have to see your dentist or orthodontist regularly who will make the manual changes by tightening your wires and brackets according to your orthodontic plan.

Cuts and Abrasions-People who wear braces have a difficult time getting used to the new hardware. Cuts to the tongue, cheeks, and lips are common in people who wear braces. If a breakage occurs, you may also be injured.

Tooth Decay

People who wear braces have a higher risk of tooth decay. Because it is impossible to brush under the wires and brackets, plaque and acid will wear away the enamel eventually causing a cavity or two.

Invisalign

With the Invisalign Tooth Straightening System, you don’t have to be concerned with pain or discomfort. Invisalign is virtually pain free, convenient, and nearly invisible. The only people who will know you are having your smile fixed will be you and Gentle Touch Family Dentistry.

Invisalign is worn between 20 and 22 hours each day. You will take your aligners out when you brush and eat. Your clear plastic custom made aligners will be swapped out every week for your entire treatment time, which could take between 6 to 18 months. You will visit with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry every 6 weeks.

If you would like more information regarding Invisalign, the clear alternative to braces, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today.

Is Fluoride That Important?

Although fluoride has been raising concerns as of late, you cannot argue with the research. In fact, studies have shown that fluoride not only helps reduce dental caries in both children and adults, but can also help repair and prevent tooth decay in its earliest stages, even before the tooth decay is visible to the naked eye. According to your Farmington Hills Dentist, fluoride is one of nature’s best cavity fighters and can help keep your entire family’s teeth strong and resilient to tooth decay.

When a small township in Michigan added fluoride to its municipal water supply more than 40 years ago, it became the first in the United States to do so, with others falling suit, it because the most effective and single public health measure, according to the ADA, to help prevent tooth decay.

Therefore, why the big uproar now, well, it seems that some people are beginning to doubt the safety of fluoride and how effective it actually is. However, the American Dental Association stands by its support of fluoride in community water supplies based on extensive scientific research. The FDA discredits claims of its safety and recommends that communities keep fluoride it their water supplies. The optimum level is 1.4 to 3.4 mg of fluoride per day for a single adult. It is possible to check the levels of your own community’s water supply by contacting your water supplier. If you have a well, you need to have a professional come out and test it for you. If it contains less than 1ppm of fluoride, talk to your dentist who will discuss other options.

With people opting for bottled water instead of tap water, the recommended amount of fluoride is not being met as brands of bottled water do not contain fluoride. If you only drink bottled water, you are not getting any of the vital mineral for your teeth. If you insist on drinking bottled water without fluoride make sure that you use a fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash or ask Gentle Touch Family Dentistry about fluoride supplements.

If you are more susceptible to cavities, talk to your Gentle Touch Family Dentistry about fluoride treatments that will help prevent tooth decay.

For more information regarding fluoride and in-office fluoride treatments, schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today. 

Professional Cosmetic Bonding Farmington Hills

Cosmetic Bonding with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry is the affordable way to a new smile, and if you are unsure about porcelain veneers, both because of the cost and the fact that they are permanent, it could be time to schedule a complimentary dental bonding consultation with the dental professionals from Gentle Touch Family Dentistry in Farmington Hills. Your Farmington Hills Dentist can determine what cosmetic procedures would be best for your needs, including cosmetic bonding.

If you are a good candidate for cosmetic bonding Dr. Fawaz M. Ahmed will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to make sure you are healthy enough for dental bonding. If you suffer from tooth decay or gum disease that will need to be taken care of first.

If you are healthy enough for cosmetic bonding, a color will be chosen to match the rest of your teeth. Once a color of resin has been chosen it will be applied to the teeth that are discolored, chipped or cracked. If you have a small space between your teeth, your dentist in Farmington Hills can repair and fill that as well.

During the cosmetic bonding process, your Farmington Hills dentist will etch the surface of your teeth before applying a conditioning liquid. This helps the resin adhere to your teeth. Once applied, Dr. Fawaz M. Ahmed will apply the resin sculpting it into place. After sculpting and once satisfied with the results, your dentist in Farmington Hills will cure or harden the resin with a laser or light. Once hardened your new restoration will be polished to match the rest of your smile.

Dental bonding is just one of the cosmetic dental procedures available from Gentle Touch Family Dentistry in Farmington Hills, and if you would like a cosmetic dental consultation, call or click and schedule your appointment today. 

Professional Tooth Whitening Not Over the Counter

Tooth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment on the planet, but it can also be the most abused.

According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, tooth whitening can lighten your teeth, but you need to be careful if you are using over the counter products.

Gentle Touch Family Dentistry explains that those pastes, gels, strips and mouth rinses that you buy at your local pharmacy do not work as well as professional tooth whitening making it easy for people to use too much or too often. There are horror stories out there including transparent, sensitive, and even blue teeth.

Professional tooth whitening uses strong whitening agents that are prescribed by your dentist. Used along with custom-made bleaching trays, your teeth can be lightened from six to 10 shades.

Unlike over the counter teeth bleaching trays, Gentle Touch Family Dentistry custom makes its whitening trays to fit your teeth. Unfortunately, the over the counter trays are a one size fits all, which could have dire consequences to your teeth and gums.

Because over the counter trays are not made to fit your teeth, you could have leakage causing gum and tooth pain. With professional tooth whitening trays from Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, you can be assured that the whole process will be quicker and easier than those over the counter bleaching products will.

When you schedule an appointment for tooth whitening with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, your teeth and gums will be checked to make sure that you are a good candidate for professional tooth whitening. If you are given the all clear, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth before sending it off to a dental lab.

Once your trays are ready, your dentist will give you a prescription tooth whitening gel that you will use for 30 to 60 minutes once or twice a day depending on your Gentle Touches instructions. In just a few weeks, you will have a beautiful new smile that you will be proud to show off.

If you would like more information regarding tooth whitening, or any other cosmetic or restorative dental procedure, call orclick and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today.  

Lumineers for Natural Looking Teeth

If porcelain veneers are a turn off after seeing your best friend’s new smile, Lumineers® could be the answer. Lumineers® are thin pieces of porcelain like material that requires little, if any, removal of your natural tooth, and best of all, Lumineers® eliminate the risk of teeth that are too big or teeth that make you look unnatural.

With just two dental visits, your new smile can be a reality as long as you have healthy teeth and gums.

Custom designed to give you a Hollywood Smile; Lumineers® are ultra thin and can be placed without painful shots or drilling. Proven to give you a long lasting smile, Lumineers® can last for more than two decades with proper oral hygiene, and best of all, unlike traditional porcelain veneers, are not permanent and can be removed if you are not happy with your new smile.

The Examination

During your initial consultation, Gentle Touch Family Dentistry will thoroughly examine your mouth to look for any signs of gum disease or tooth decay. If there are problems, those will need to be addressed before your new Lumineers® can be bonded to your teeth.

The Process

If Gentle Touch Family Dentistry determines that you are a good candidate for Lumineers®, a mold or impression will be made of your teeth before being sent to the Lumineers® lab. Photos and dental records will also be sent for an accurate fit. When your veneers are ready, your Lumineers® will be placed and bonded for a precise fit that is both comfortable and pleasing to the eye.

Once placed, Gentle Touch Family Dentistry will etch each tooth for secure bonding. Your bite will be checked and balanced to avoid breakage or chipping.

If you would like a new smile with Lumineers® for 2017, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry

Do You Have Temporormandibular Joint Disorder

TMD or temporormandibular joint disorder is a painful condition that can cause earaches, neck and jaw pain and sleepless nights, and if you are dealing with jaw popping take this easy test to determine if you need to schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry in Farmington Hills.

Temporormandibular joint disorder causes problems for up to 30 million women in America. Women are more likely to have TMD than men with bone, ligament, tissue, and muscle problems causing inflammation and even bone dislocation.

Causes

Although the jury is still out, some experts believe that chronic grinding or tooth clenching could be part of the problem. If you have had jaw trauma or a blow to the head, you could suffer from TMD. Arthritis could also put you at risk for temporormandibular joint disorder.

Symptoms

If you have migraines schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry in Farmington Hills who can determine the root cause. If you have ear infections or can’t open and close your mouth without pain it’s time to see your dentist.

Below is a simple test that you can try at home to determine if temporormandibular joint disorder is causing your jaw to lock up.

Open your jaw and put your finger on top of the joint that is located in the front part of your ear. Open wide and feel for the joint move. If it clicks or is tender, schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry who can determine if your temporormandibular joint is to blame.

Relief

For some patients your dentist will recommend less joint wear and tear. Prescription nighttime bite guards can reduce clenching and grinding and may help. In some cases, surgery may help for chronic temporormandibular joint sufferers. Chew less gum and try muscle relaxation techniques or mediation to help you find relief from temporormandibular joint disorder.

If you would like more information regarding temporormandibular joint disorder, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry in Farmington Hills for TMD therapy today.

Schedule Your Annual Dental Checkup

Now is the perfect time to schedule your annual dental checkup, especially with the holidays in full swing. Having healthy teeth and gums before you start indulging in those sweet treats will help your conscious and let you enjoy the things you only get to have once a year.

An annual dental checkup isn’t just for your teeth and gums. According to statistics, people who have a comprehensive dental exam have a better chance of oral cancer detection earlier than patients who haven’t had an oral cancer screening.

During the holidays, those cakes, candies, cookies, cakes and other delicious irresistible goodies can cause serious problems for your teeth.

Hard Candy-According to Gentle Touch Family Dental hard candies, peanut brittle, candy canes, and those scrumptious butterscotch hard candies can chip your teeth. If you don’t bite and like to dissolve every drop your teeth will be enjoying a pure sugar bath. If you like to eat hard candies, be sure and rinse and brush or enjoy with another meal.  

Chewy Morsels-Caramels, gummy bears and anything sticky will stay on your teeth. It is nearly impossible to brush away all of the sticky sugar from the fissures and grooves on the back of your teeth. Even dried fruit such as figs, mangos, apricots, dates and pineapple will remain on your teeth quickly converting to bacteria eating away the enamel on your teeth. If you must indulge rinse with water and brush when you can. According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, it isn’t a bad idea to eat sticky food as part of a meal.

Starchy Foods-Those chocolate covered pretzels are double the trouble. The chocolate is loaded with sugar and the pretzels are starchy leaving their presence in your mouth long after you have savored the last one on your plate. Keep breads, cookies, cakes, potato chips, crackers and any other starchy food to minimum and rinse and brush after enjoying.

Happy Holidays from Glen Family Dentistry and don’t forget to schedule your annual dental checkup for the New Year today. 

Invisalign Could be the Answer

Invisalign® is the answer if you have slightly tipped or rotated teeth. If your teeth are crooked or if you aren’t happy with the way your teeth fit together, call or click and talk to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry about Invisalign®.

Invisalign® is the clear alternative to conventional wires and brackets and can give you the beautiful Hollywood Smile of your dreams in as little as 6 to 18 months.

Misaligned teeth can also cause problems with your bite. Chewing and even talking can become difficult, but thanks to Invisalign®, you can have a beautiful straight smile without having to resort to uncomfortable braces.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a tooth straightening system that utilizes clear plastic aligners that are custom made to fit your teeth. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, a licensed Invisalign® provider will prescribe between 11 and 31 sets of aligners depending on your treatment plan.

Every two weeks you will swap out your aligners for a new set completing your treatment anywhere between 6 to 18 months.

Advantages

Invisalign® is the painless way to a beautiful straight smile as you remove the aligners when you eat, brush and floss wearing your aligners 20 to 22 hours each day. Because conventional braces are permanently attached to your teeth it makes it impossible to brush under the wires and brackets making you more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease.

Truly the clear advantage, the only people who will know that you are wearing your clear plastic aligners are you and Gentle Touch Family Dentistry as Invisalign® is barely visible.

Unlike conventional braces that need to be tightened every couple of weeks by your dentist or orthodontist, you only need to see Gentle Touch every six weeks to make sure that your treatment is going according to plan.

If you would like more information regarding Invisalign®, call or click and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry today. 

What is Causing your Bad Breath

Bad Breath can happen to anyone, even people who brush twice and floss once each day.

According to the American Dental Association the main cause of chronic halitosis is poor oral hygiene, however, there are some other things that could be contributing to your bad breath.

Dehydration

You may be surprised to learn that dehydration is the leading cause of bad breath, even more so than poor oral hygiene. Being dehydrated means food and bacteria will hang around in your mouth, and the longer it stays, the smellier your breath. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses a day to help sweeten your breath and keep a pack of sugarless gum handy.

Health Complications

Your dentist explains that your bad breath could be an indication of a serious disease. Excess methylamine could be a sign of kidney or liver disease while ammonia breath could signal renal failure. Some studies have even found a connection between malignant throat cancer and bad breath gases.

Too Much Outdoor Exercise

Runners and cyclists suffer from dry mouth, wheezing and asthma and while a breath of fresh air will do you good, too much can dry out your mouth and cause bad breath. Breathing in pollen and pollution not only cause health problems but can also irritate nasal passages, allergies, and chronic dry mouth.

Tonsillitis and other Throat Diseases

Persistent bad breath is a sign of throat disease and if you still have your tonsils, talk to your doctor. If you don’t, talk to your doctor anyway as chronic halitosis could be a symptom of something more serious including neck, throat, and mouth cancer.

Tobacco

Everyone knows that tobacco use leads to cancer, but it can also cause serious problems for your breath. Chewing and smoking can’t be brushed away. If you are a chronic smoker, your breath will give you away. Smoking is also one of the leading causes of gum disease and tooth loss.

If you would like more information regarding chronic bad breath, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Are you Suffering from Dry Socket?

Dry Socket is a rare condition that occurs after a tooth has been pulled. Dry socket is painful and should be treated by your dentist as quickly as possible.

So what is Dry Socket?

According to Colgate, some discomfort is expected after a tooth extraction. However, if you have intense pain that doesn’t want to go away, you could be suffering from alveolar osteitis or dry socket.

Only about two to five percent of patients will develop the condition, which is very uncomfortable, but treatable.

The hole that is left from the tooth will form a blood clot in the socket to protect the nerves and the bone underneath. Occasionally that blood clot can dissolve or become dislodged after the tooth has been pulled. This leaves the nerves and the bone exposed to fluids, food particles, and air. This can lead to pain and infection.

Who gets Dry Socket?

Some people are more likely to be affected by dry socket after a tooth extraction including: 

• Smokers
• People who practice poor oral hygiene
• Wisdom teeth extractions
• Greater than usual tooth trauma during surgery
• Birth control pill use
• History of dry socket after extractions
• Rinsing, spitting and sipping through a straw can also raise your risk of dry socket 

Dry Socket Symptoms

Check out the extraction site. If you don’t see a blood clot and see a white colored bone, it’s time to see your dentist. Other symptoms of dry socket include: 

• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Pain 

How is it treated?

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and will remove any debris before filling the hole with medication to promote healing. You will probably be asked to come back for dressing changes until the socket has healed and your pain has diminished.

If you are having a tooth pulled, or have recently had an extraction that isn’t healing properly, call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Basic Oral Hygiene Tips

Basic oral hygiene is important for healthy teeth and gums, which in turn are essential for a healthy body, but if you are one of those people who seem to be spending every spare minute in the dentist’s chair, there may be one or two things that you aren’t doing properly when it comes to oral hygiene.

Everyone knows that you should brush and floss every day, but using a mouthwash and watching what you eat always plays a big part in your overall oral health.

Brushing

According to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry, you should brush twice each day using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Use a fluoride gel or paste and be sure and brush at a 45-degree angle for at least two minutes using a soft bristled toothbrush. Replace your brush every two to three months or when it begins to wear.

Don’t brush too hard or you could damage your gum tissue. Brush behind your teeth and don’t forget your tongue. Your tongue is loaded with bacteria that could cause bad breath. Check for red or swollen gums while you brush and if you bleed, call and schedule an appointment with Gentle Touch Family Dentistry.

Flossing

The American Dental Association explains that flossing is just as important as brushing. Curve around and floss in between each tooth. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry recommends that you floss before you brush to remove the food and debris so that it can be brushed away.

Mouthwash

The mouthwashes that are approved by the American Dental Association can get rid of gingivitis and whiten your teeth. There are mouthwashes with fluoride and mouth rinses with anti-plaque ingredients. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry recommends that you rinse after flossing and brushing for at least 30 seconds. Just like brushing for two minutes, rinsing for 30 seconds or more helps wash away any leftover debris while killing germs and bacteria.

Diet

When it comes to basic oral hygiene, Gentle Touch recommends that you enjoy a healthy diet as well. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and include a daily dose of calcium rich foods such as fish and dairy products into your diet. Calcium helps protect your bones and the enamel on your teeth.

Checkups

Regular dental checkups are right up there with the rest of the basic dental health care tips. See your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and a comprehensive dental checkup that includes an oral cancer screening. If you are prone to gum disease or tooth decay, have diabetes, or suffer from a systemic disease you may want to visit Gentle Touch Family Dentistry more frequently.

If you would like more information regarding basic dental health care or would like to schedule an appointment with GentleTouch Family Dentistry, call or click now. 

Dental Bonding: Fastest Way to a New Smile

Thanks to dental bonding, you can have your chipped or cracked teeth repaired without having to spend more than one appointment in the dentist’s chair. These days your dentist can bond ceramic or other restorative materials on to your natural teeth to repair cracks or chips.

When you schedule a restorative and cosmetic consultation with your dentist, ask about cosmetic bonding. Dental bonding is the perfect solution if you are unsure about dental veneers. Dental veneers are a great option, but are permanent and more expensive than dental bonding. Some insurance companies will cover dental bonding but not porcelain veneers.

You may be a good candidate for dental bonding if: 

• You have spaces between your teeth
• Your teeth are chipped or cracked
• You have one or more teeth that is too long or short
• Your teeth are stained
• Tooth whitening doesn’t work 

Enamel Shaping

Often used with bonding, enamel shaping is a comfortable and quick cosmetic dental procedure that will give you immediate results. Gentle Touch Family Dentistry will contour and/or remove your enamel to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Dental Fillings

These days the materials that are used for dental bonding are more natural looking and resilient. Depending on the location of the cavity or filling replacement, Gentle Touch Family Dentistry may choose to use dental bonding material to fill a cavity or an inlay or outlay. Both are used to strengthen a tooth that still has life to it.

Instead of Veneers

As mentioned previously, bonding is not as invasive as porcelain veneers and is reversible. Dental bonding will give you a good idea of what you will look like if you opt for veneers.

Ask Gentle Touch about seeing a picture of your smile. Seeing your smile before anything occurs means to more unfortunate cosmetic dental mishaps.

If you would like more information regarding porcelain veneers, call or click and talk to Gentle Touch Family Dentistry in Farmington Hills today.

Do you Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits?

Good oral hygiene habits begin with brushing twice and flossing once each day, but in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to do a few other things to keep you cavity and gum disease free.

The American Dental Association explains that bacteria are alive and well and living in your mouth, however, not all bacteria is good bacteria. Plaque causing bacteria, will cause cavities and gum disease. If you want to keep your mouth healthy and clean, good oral hygiene habits are a must.

Just what is plaque?

Plaque contains bacteria and is that sticky layer of film that will accumulate on your teeth, especially where your toothbrush can’t reach. Even if you brush twice and floss once each day, you will still produce bacteria as certain foods can cause bacteria buildup.

Your dentist recommends that you avoid sugary and starchy food, which can cause high levels of acidic bacteria to form. Plaque irritates your gums and will make them sensitive and red causing them to bleed. If this is happening to you, it could be gingivitis, which is usually reversible, however, if gum disease isn’t prevented and advances to the more serious periodontal disease, which leaves pockets in-between your teeth and gums that fill with bacteria, the bone that surrounds your teeth could be destroyed eventually causing tooth loss.  

Plaque Removal

The best and most efficient way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss everyday as brushing will remove the bacteria. Use fluoride antimicrobial toothpaste that will help prevent tooth decay. Use dental floss to remove dangerous plaque in between your teeth as your toothbrush cannot reach the cracks and crevices and don’t forget to schedule regular professional teeth cleaning appointments with your dentist.

Following a good healthy diet that is full of fruits, vegetables and dairy products, dairy actually helps strengthen the enamel on your teeth, will help keep your mouth healthy as well as regular checkups with your dentist.

Don’t let plaque get the better of you. Call or click and schedule a dental checkup with your dentist today.

Health Conditions that affect Teeth and Gums

Studies indicate that poor oral health can lead to increased risks when it comes to certain health conditions, however, it can sometimes be just the opposite with gum disease and tooth decay causing health problems as your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body.

Your dentist explains that there are quite a few health conditions that will put you in the high-risk category when it comes to gum disease and tooth decay.

Pregnancy

According to the American Dental Association pregnancy, a woman’s hormones will change causing gums to swell, become red, and even bleed. If you are pregnant, it is vital that you brush, floss, and eat good healthy foods to avoid gum disease. Women with gum disease can give birth prematurely or deliver babies who have a low birth weight. If you are planning a pregnancy, see your dentist who can take care of any dental issues beforehand. If you are pregnant continue seeing your dentist, but make sure that he or she is aware of your condition as certain procedures may not be suitable for women who are expecting.

Diabetes

Although maintaining low blood sugar is a struggle for some diabetics, so is gum disease as the high levels of blood sugar can cause mouth infections. If left untreated those infections could cause serious and even permanent damage to your gums and jawbone. Severe gum disease, known as periodontal disease, will cause tooth loss if not taken care of. If you are a diabetic, keep your levels in check and make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist if you have mouth pain, sores, red, or bleeding gums.

Obesity

Your dentist explains that being overweight or obese can cause dental problems in two ways. Firstly, people who are obese make poor food choices. Those food choices are usually loaded with sugar. Sugar will increase the risk of health problems and tooth decay. Secondly, a high body fat count could be to blame for speeding up the process. Two recent studies have shown that periodontal disease progresses faster in obese people than people of average or normal weight.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes fragile bones, including the jawbone. If you have osteoporosis, your bones will become weaker which could eventually lead to tooth loss. Research indicates that women could have a higher risk as those with osteoporosis have a higher rate of gum disease.

Cancer

Cancer on its own will not cause any oral health issues, however, cancer treatments can. Studies have shown that over a third of all cancer patients will experience a dental complication of some kind as a direct result of the treatment. Some common issues include changes in taste, oral infections, dry mouth, and inflammation. If you are being treated with chemotherapy or radiation for cancer, it is important to schedule regular dental appointments to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

The Mouth and Body Connection

Your teeth and gums are just as important as the rest of your body, and if you are slack with your oral hygiene habits, you could be asking for trouble.

The American Dental Association explains that brushing twice and flossing once each day should be part of your oral health routine. You should also follow a good diet with plenty of fruits and veggies. Include dairy products as well for strong bones and teeth. Of course, regular dental checkups, twice a year or more so if you are susceptible to tooth decay or gum disease, should also be added to the mix.

The health of your mouth is a reflection of your entire body as your mouth really is the gateway to the rest of your body.

Regular checkups can tell your dentist quite a bit about the rest of your body, including whether or not you could be at risk when it comes to chronic disease.

Poor Oral Health Can Affect your Overall Health

Recent studies have suggested that your mouth mirrors the rest of your body as a whole. In other words if your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy, your overall health is probably good as well. On the other hand, poor oral health could indicate other health issues.

The Academy of General Dentistry explains that there is a relationship between stroke and heart disease and periodontitis. Perodontitis is the more serious form of gum disease and can cause other health implications as well. Studies also show that pregnant women who have gum disease are more likely to give birth prematurely.

Other research is showing that over 90 percent of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations including dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and gum problems. 

Some of the diseases include: 

• Diabetes
• Oral Cancer
• Leukemia
• Kidney Disease
• Heart Disease 

If you have regular checkups with your dentist, he or she may be able to spot or even diagnose a health problem in the early stages.

Keeping your mouth healthy should be a priority, and if you can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, call or click and schedule an appointment today.