Sinus Infection or Toothache?

Posted September 13, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

It’s that time of year again. With the kids back to school and the weather changing on us, we are now being forced to face the dreaded cold and allergy season. No matter where you are, people are sniffling, sneezing, and coughing.

Did you know that sinuses and your dental health are connected? Your sinus cavities are closely located near the roots of your maxillary, or upper, teeth. Bad oral health can contribute to sinusitis or a sinus infection. Tooth decay and infections of the gums can cause sinus discomfort and add to, and/or lead to, a sinus infection. Or vice versa, a sinus infection can negatively impact your teeth.

Sinus infections can greatly influence the sensation of the teeth. When you are congested, the sinuses cause pressure on surrounding tissues, which causes discomfort and pain in upper teeth. The pain can be felt anywhere from the incisors to the molars. Sometimes, people aren’t sure whether they have a toothache or sinus congestion. Sinus infections can also cause drainage, which leads to bad breath.

At dental checkups, Dr. Stewart can determine whether your toothache is from a sinus infection or dental problem.

If you are experiencing sinus pressure, or maybe a toothache, contact Dr. James Stewart, your family dentist in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400, to schedule your consultation today.

Sweet Tooth vs. Oral Health

Posted September 9, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

A balanced diet is key to overall health, and the USDA’s guidelines encourage us to limit our intake of foods and beverages high in added sugar. No matter the age- young or old- we all get those got-to-have-it cravings for something sweet. If we stop and think about indulging in this sinful treat, however, we typically focus on counting calories rather than the effects on our oral health.

Candy and other sweets have long been connected to cavities. Why is this? As far as your oral health is concerned, it’s not so much what you eat, but how you eat it. Sugar is harmful to your dental health because it sticks to your teeth and turns to acid and plaque that can accumulate at your gum line and lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Totally avoiding added sugar just isn’t realistic, so the key to indulging in sugary confections is to limit the time your teeth are exposed to the sugar. To do this, eat sweets as a part of a meal instead of as a separate snack. After eating sweets or drinking sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice, rinse your mouth with water or consume dairy, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese, to coat your teeth and minimize the accumulation of bacteria. Wait about 30 minutes to brush your teeth any time you eat or drink. Your tooth enamel, the natural protective coating on your teeth, becomes soft when you eat, and waiting half an hour allows it to become hard again so that you don’t damage it or the dentin underneath with aggressive brushing.

For more information on oral health, please contact Dr. James Stewart, a family dentist in Livonia, Michigan, at 734-425-4400.

Chronic Dry Mouth: The Beginning of Bigger Problems

Posted September 6, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

The clinical name for chronic dry mouth is xerostomia. Dry mouth is a symptom, not a disorder, and it will make your mouth will feel cottony or pasty. The problem is, you aren’t producing enough saliva. Commonly, medications cause dry mouth, but other causes include radiation treatment, salivary gland disease, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, and even emotional stress. Hormone fluctuations, as occur with pregnancy or menopause, can also contribute to dry mouth.

For some people, dry mouth is simply uncomfortable. However, it can lead to other oral health problems. Saliva is an interesting and necessary bodily fluid. It controls bacteria levels, neutralizes acids, and generally cleans the mouth. When inadequate saliva is produced, you may experience increased tooth decay, oral yeast infection, a burning sensation, bad breath, and you’re more prone to developing gum disease. If you wear dentures, they may feel uncomfortable without sufficient saliva to help them adhere to your gums.

You can combat xerostomia by:

Increasing hydration (drinking water)
Using artificial saliva (from a pharmacy)
Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and carbonation in your diet
Chewing sugar-free gum
Using mouthwash without alcohol (more…)

Swollen Gums: A Reason to Immediately Go to the Dentist

Posted August 24, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Good at-home dental hygiene, regular bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings, and eating right are just a few things you can do to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. Still, regular preventive measures are still not enough at times.

It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on in your mouth. For so many oral health conditions, early detection is key to treating the problem, restoring your oral health, and protecting you from the onset of serious overall health problems that are often associated with oral conditions.

If you have swollen gums, call Dr. Stewart’s dental office at (734) 425-4400 immediately to reserve an appointment. Often, swollen gums are a sign of gum disease, and, even if you believe you have healthy teeth and gums, swollen gums warrant a trip to the dentist. Upon examining your mouth, we will be able to tell right away if you have gum disease and how extensive the condition is.

Also, pay attention to the color of your gums. If they are redder than usual and appear very smooth and shiny, call our office to reserve an appointment. The key to treating periodontal disease is early detection. If caught in the early stages, Dr. Stewart can treat the condition effectively and conservatively.

Protect yourself from gum disease and its effects, including an increased risk of stroke, heart problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, pregnancy complications, and much more by paying attention to what’s going on in your mouth and addressing any abnormalities in the early stages.

You Are What You Eat

Posted August 22, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Just like with all aspects of our world, science changes daily thanks to new research and studies. What’s the hot topic of this week, you may ask? The answer: How closely what we eat impacts our health.

The most recent adaptation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food pyramid recommends 2 ½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit each day. If you currently consume this amount of fruits and veggies each day, good for you! Unfortunately most people don’t. If you’re one of these people, would you be more likely to eat healthy if you knew how these foods contributed to your overall well being?

Consume the following vitamins and minerals for oral and overall health:

Vitamin A prevents tooth decay and helps the formation of healthy soft tissues and teeth. Unpeeled sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and carrots are excellent sources of vitamin A. Vitamin B is actually a complex of eights vitamins that benefit oral health and comfort by preventing inflammation. B vitamins can be found in leafy green vegetables, sweet corn, peas, and berries. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it prevents free radicals from attacking cells and causing decay. This vitamin is also vital in regeneration of your skin, bones, and connection tissue, which helps prevent gum disease. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and red and green peppers are all sources of vitamin C. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, a mineral that is vital for the structure and function of the teeth and bones. Vegetable sources of vitamin D include alfalfa and mushrooms. Calcium is in bok choy, collards, broccoli, kale, and turnip greens, and helps promote strong teeth and bones.

In addition to having regular dental exams and cleanings, having a balanced and nutritious diet can help to ensure healthy teeth and gums and a healthy body. To schedule an appointment with family dentist Dr. James Stewart, call his Livonia, Michigan dental office at (734) 425-4400.

Go back to school with a stellar smile!

Posted August 11, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

With summer coming to a close, the first day of school is just a few weeks away. For any family with school-age children– whether they’re a first grader or a freshman in high school- this can be an exciting and busy time.

What has to be done before school starts:

New clothes and shoes for the kiddos
New lunchboxes and backpacks
Keeping up with everyone’s schedules (soccer, carpool, band practice- you name it!)
Getting everyone’s schools supplies
Getting the kids to the doctor for general checkups, shots, and physicals

The list goes on and on, but is dental care on your back-to-school checklist?

If not, it should be. Regular six-month dental cleanings and checkups should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. While this milestone happens at a different age for everyone, your dentist will recommend the proper time to start coming in regularly. These checkups are just another way to make sure that your kids are practicing quality at-home dental hygiene habits and that their smiles are happy and healthy.

By having their teeth thoroughly cleaned every six months, your child is protected from developing serious oral conditions, such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Also, with regular bi-annual checkups, your dentist can keep an eye on your child’s development and suggest the right time to see an orthodontist if braces are needed, as well as keep an eye on your child’s mouth and scan for anything that could become a problem in the future. After all, prevention is key to healthy living.

Dr. James Stewart is a family dentist in Livonia, Michigan, and he encourages you to bring your entire family in for regular checkups and cleanings before the kiddos go back to school. call Dr. Stewart’s dental office at (734) 425-4400 to reserve an appointment for your kids in the next few weeks so they can go back to school with a sparkling smile. Also, by calling now, your child won’t have to miss school later in the school year to go to the dentist. Unless Dr. Stewart says otherwise, checkups and cleanings every six months are all it takes to have a healthy smile.

We look forward to seeing you and starting your semester off with a smile.

12 Steps to Sleeping Better

Posted August 8, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Dr. James Stewart is more than just a family dentist. While caring for the smiles of families from Livonia, Michigan and the surrounding areas is one of Dr. Stewart’s top priorities, he is also a healthcare provider with a special interest in sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

In fact, Dr. Stewart is considered to be an expert in the field. With extensive technology at his dental office to help diagnose and treat patients with sleep apnea, Dr. Stewart has treated countless individuals with varying forms of dental-related sleep conditions. From diagnosing the problem with a sleep study, to getting to the root of the condition, to treating it using a sleep apnea device or other solution, Dr. Stewart provides his patients with the best care in an effort to overcome this debilitating condition.

Because of this, Dr. Stewart knows the importance of a good night’s sleep. Follow these tips to sleep more soundly and get the rest that you deserve:

Pick a relaxation ritual. Engaging in a relaxing activity, preferably with dim lighting, helps separate sleeping times from times that elicit excitement, stress, or anxiety. Don’t tackle anything that is too physically or emotionally stimulating right before bedtime. Instead, turn to soothing activities like talking a warm bath, meditating, or reading. Whatever you do, stay away from bright light because it signals the brain that it’s time to awaken.
Turn everything off. If you can view a clock from your bed, move it. In fact, getting rid of the clock is effective for 90 percent of people who have difficulty sleeping. Also, be sure to turn off all other electronics and other items that could distract you or wake you from sleeping. If it’s necessary to leave something turned on, be sure it’s dimmed and the volume is turned down.
Stick to a schedule. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, and even on weekends when possible. This practice is all about circadian rhythms, which means that sleep, like other homeostatic processes, is regulated by our daily patterns.
Create a safe haven. Sleeping soundly requires the right environment- dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool. It helps if distractions, including exposure to light, uncomfortable temperatures, poor air circulation, or a snoring partner, are limited, as well. While some potential sleep disturbers are beyond your control, blackout shades, earplugs, humidifiers, and fans can help block out the major offenders.
Get comfy. When it comes to sleep, comfort is key. To ensure optimal comfort, make sure your mattress is in good shape, your sheets are a comfortable thread count for you, and your pillows are your preferred firmness.
Write it down. Instead of dwelling on the day’s drama right before bed, set aside a “worry time” earlier in the day. This frees you from having to think about those concerns when you get in bed at night. Writing, drawing, or listening to music often helps people deal with stress and worry.
Watch what and when you eat. Don’t eat anything two to three hours before your regular bedtime. The same rule applies to liquids. You don’t want to disrupt your slumber because of the need of a bathroom trip. If you suffer from heartburn, avoid eating spicy foods for dinner, as they may prevent you from lying down and sleeping comfortably.
Set the stage for sleep. Keep work, computers, TVs, and other distractions out of the bedroom. Reserving the bedroom for sleep and sex actually helps strengthen the association between bed and sleep. Reading in bed, for example, is fine if it helps you fall asleep, but the bottom line is: When you’re in the bedroom, engage in activities that help you relax.
Use your imagination. Your typical waking and sleeping times are programmed in your subconscious mind. Instead of counting sheep, try resetting the program. Hypnosis and guided imagery- even listening to an imagery CD as you fall asleep- can help you change negative sleeping patterns and achieve more restful slumber.
Fit in fitness. Fitness is important, but don’t partake in physical activity right before bed. Studies show that people who are more physically active get better sleep. A good time for exercise is during the late afternoon, especially since it takes your body a while to fully cool down, and a cooler body temperature is associated with the onset of sleep.
Say no to smoking. If you need one more reason to stop smoking, here it is: Nicotine disrupts sleep. So do caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate. These substances, plus certain medications, activate and mobilize your system, making it harder for you to fall asleep. If you must consume these substances, do so earlier in the day.
Enjoy the daylight. The body’s natural sleep hormone, melatonin, is secreted in darkness and inhibited in light, so getting sufficient exposure to light during the day can help you stay awake and alert. On the same token, Keeping your bedroom as dark as possible at night can help promote the production of melatonin and the onset of sleep.

If you suffer from snoring and sleepless nights, call Dr. Stewart at (734) 425-4400 to schedule an appointment. With years of experience helping patients overcome sleep apnea, Dr. Stewart can examine your sleeping habits and determine the right treatment to help you reclaim your life and sleep better.

The Whole Picture: Dental X-Rays

Posted August 4, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Dental inspection technology has come a long way. It’s now possible to find tooth decay, even in its early stages, using DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection; digital cameras allow us to magnify and zoom in on problems invisible to the naked eye. However, early tooth decay and periodontal disease may escape detection during a routine exam. That’s why dental radiography is an irreplaceable diagnostic tool.

Many patients express concern about exposure to radiation during dental imaging, especially when they see technicians and dentists leaving the room! While no radiation exposure is ever completely safe, dental x-rays emit very little radiation – about as much as you get from flying cross-country. You’ll also wear a lead apron to block any x-rays that scatter during the procedure. Technicians spend all day around x-rays, so they need to minimize their exposure.

If you have orthodontia, you’ll need regular imaging to check on your progress. You might also need more regular x-rays if you smoke, have periodontal disease, or have chronic dry mouth. New methods use less radiation, and newer films have shorter exposure times. Digital radiography now allows dentists to take x-rays without using film. A sensor similar to those in digital cameras captures an image, which can be stored securely and sent electronically to other dentists and health care professionals.

Before implants, surgery, or extractions, you may need to have new exposures taken. You might also need x-rays to check on restorative work, the progress of periodontal disease, or to determine if certain symptoms indicate a dental problem or other health concern. We can answer your questions about dental x-rays. Contact our office today at (732) 425-4400 for information or to schedule an appointment.

Say Goodbye to a Gummy Smile with Gum Recontouring

Posted August 1, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Have you ever looked in the mirror only to think that your smile was too gummy and that not enough of your teeth showed? If so, gum recontouring may be for you.

Gum recontouring, also known as gum lifting, does just what its name implies. With the use of a dental laser, Dr. James Stewart, a Livonia, Michigan cosmetic and restorative dentist, can quickly, safely, and effectively alter the placement of your gum tissue. The end result is a more attractive and even-looking smile.

Until recently, gum lifting was used as a treatment for periodontal disease, but cosmetic dentists quickly realized the esthetic effect the procedure could have on smiles.

While those with large teeth, weak or thin dental roots, and severe staining at the gum line aren’t candidates for gum lifting, patients looking for a simple way to improve their smile now have another option to add to the already extensive list of smile makeover procedures. Depending on your needs, Dr. Stewart will use his smile design expertise to create a beautiful smile for you.

In fact, the number of people having their gums lifted has increased over 60 percent in the past five years alone. Dr. Stewart recommends the procedure to his patients looking to enhance their smiles without the help of prosthetics, like veneers, and extra materials, as used for procedures like dental bonding. Call (734) 425-4400 for more information or to reserve your consultation appointment.

Your Dentist and Your Sleep Apnea

Posted July 25, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Dr. James Stewart has many years of experience helping patients overcome sleep apnea and sleeping disorders, but how exactly does he do it? How do dentists treat patients with sleep apnea?

Theoretically, you should visit your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings. This means that you may see your dentist more frequently than you see your general physician. Dentists are often the first medical professionals to become aware of a potential problem, like sleep apnea, simply because they see their patients more often than doctors in other medical fields.

Snoring is a common indicator of sleep apnea, but not all symptoms are as obvious. Dr. Stewart is trained in dental sleep medicine, and he can detect the less evident symptoms of sleep apnea through a conversation with you about your sleeping habits and daytime behavior. If you complain about lethargy, morning headaches, dry mouth, daytime fatigue, or a number of other factors, Dr. Stewart may send you to a sleep lab or recommend a home sleep study. If you are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), an oral appliance might be needed to treat the condition.

Dr. Stewart and his team have undergone special training for the treatment of sleep apnea and are skilled in recommending appropriate treatment, like behavior modification or an oral sleep appliance. He may suggest altering your sleep position, losing weight, or quitting smoking as conservative treatment options. Additionally, you may need to wear an oral appliance, such as a CPAP device, while you sleep to reposition your jaw and tongue to improve your airflow.

If you suspect you have sleep apnea, Dr. James Stewart invites you to schedule an appointment at his dental office in Livonia, Michigan by calling (734) 425-4400.