Regular Checkups with Your Livonia Dentist Can Protect You from Serious Oral and Overall Health Problems

Posted May 26, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

You’ve seen how periodontal disease can lead to arthritis, but this oral condition can also lead to other serious health problems, including Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, birth complications, heart problems, osteoporosis, certain cancers, and strokes.

May is National Stroke Awareness Month, and, therefore, the perfect time to explore just why gum disease can lead to an increased chance of strokes.

A stroke occurs for two reasons: when a ruptured blood vessel or impaired blood flow causes brain hemorrhaging, or when a clot blocks a blood vessel. Dr. Wu, a stroke expert from the State University of New York at Buffalo says that bacteria are to blame. Harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream through the mouth, stimulating blood clotting, damaging the lining of blood vessels, and increasing the risk of stroke.

Additionally, gum disease is twice as likely to cause strokes as it is to cause diabetes, and it is equally as likely to cause strokes as it is to cause high blood pressure.

Gum disease is present in the mouths of approximately 80 percent of American adults, yet many don’t even know they have it. It’s imperative that you have regular dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months so that I can screen for early signs of this disease and other oral health conditions.

I’m Dr. James Stewart, and I invite you to call my dental office in Livonia, Michigan, at (734) 425-4400 to schedule an appointment. My team and I look forward to keeping your smile healthy for years to come.

Be Like Shaq and Give Sleep Apnea the Attack

Posted May 23, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Even celebrities and athletes aren’t perfect. People in the spotlight get sick, go grocery shopping, and walk their dogs just like us. Some even snore, and Shaquille O’Neal is one of those snorers.

If you, like Shaq, snore, or if you sleep with someone who does, you know how annoying and frustrating the habit can be. Whether you’re the one fighting to keep your airways open or fighting to get some shut-eye, snoring can be a disturbance. Then, it can turn into a life-threatening problem.

Snoring is one of the tell tale signs of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing while sleeping becomes difficult because your airways are slightly or severely obstructed. Often, breathing can stop completely, sometimes for as many as 10 seconds. In addition to not breathing several times throughout the night, you’re not getting the sleep you need because your body wakes you every time your breathing stops.

Attack sleep apnea and reclaim your life and a good night’s sleep. That’s what Shaq did! After years of snoring and freight-train-turned-silent nights, the basketball star decided to take part in a sleep apnea study sponsored by Harvard University. Hear about Shaq’s experience here.

I’m Dr. James Stewart, and I urge you to make an appointment at my Livonia, Michigan, dental office at (734) 425-4400 to find out more about sleep studies and sleep apnea treatments. I’ve helped countless patients stop snoring, sleep comfortably, and achieve a higher quality of life. I want to help you do the same.

Livonia Dentist Discusses Link Between Periodontal Disease and Arthritis

Posted May 20, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland reported that patients reduced arthritic pain and the number of swollen joints after treating their dental problems.

“It was exciting to find that if we eliminated the infection and inflammation in the gums, then patients with a severe kind of active rheumatoid arthritis reported improvement on the signs and symptoms of that disease.” Stated Dr. Nabil Bissada, chair of the school’s Department of Periodontics.

This study was not the first to link gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatologists and other clinicians have studied the how gum disease may lead to systematic disease. Dr. Ali Askari, chair of the department of rheumatology at University Hospitals, states that historically, arthritic patients felt better when teeth were pulled or received antibiotics used to treat periodontal disease.

Askari and Bissada worked together, studying 40 patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease and severe rheumatoid arthritis. These inflammatory diseases share similarities in the progression of the disease over time. In both diseases, inflammation caused by toxins from bacterial infection destroys hard and soft tissue. One common toxin revealed in the study, called, tumor necrosis factor-alpha , can initiate new infections or aggravate sites where inflammation already exists. (more…)

Proper Oral Care for Dementia Patients

Posted May 17, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Caring for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s can prove challenging. Patients often resist care oral health because they feel threatened. Caring for their oral health can be easier thanks to a group of nurses at Penn State School of Nursing. The nurses developed a plan, Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction, to assist caregivers in providing oral hygiene to patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

The nurses created the plan to reduce threat perception among these patients. They suggest that caregivers smile while they interact with the patients, approach them at eye level, pantomime, and gently hold the patient’s hand while brushing teeth.

The number of patients in nursing homes who still have natural teeth is rising, due to proper oral hygiene. By using the threat reduction plan, caregivers can provide oral hygiene assistance in a more effective and friendly manner.

Several studies show a connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease. With proper oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing after meals, and visiting the dentist every six months for deep cleaning and checkup, the risk of periodontal disease decreases.

Dr. James Stewart, a Livonia dentist, has experience caring for elderly patients and knows the challenges commonly associated with senior dental health. If you are a caregiver for a patient with Alzheimer’s or dementia, contact Dr. Stewart at (734)425.4400 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Stewart cares for patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.

Interesting Dental Facts From Livonia Dentist

Posted May 13, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

With proper oral hygiene, teeth can last a lifetime. Today, more than ever before, people are keeing their natural teeth throughout life. When it comes to care and maintenance of teeth, here are some interesting dental health facts to keep in mind:

50 percent of people polled state they notice a smile before any other feature .
80 percent of men and women feel guilty when they forget to brush their teeth. However over 75 percent of American adults have some level of gum disease.
Three out of four people admit, they don’t change their toothbrushes as often as they should. Toothbrushes should be replaced every six to eight weeks or immediately after an illness.
While brushing your teeth, maintain a six-foot distance from the commode. Airborne particles from flushing can travel up to six feet.
The average woman smiles approximately 62 times a day, while a man generally smiles only eight times a day.
Children laugh 400 times a day, and adults only laugh about 15 times a day.
Adults lose more than 164 million hours of work annually due to dental visits and oral health problems.
44 percent of dental expenses are paid out-of-pocket.
The most popular color of toothbrush is blue.
The average toothbrush contains 2,500 bristles.

To maintain teeth for a lifetime, brush twice a day, floss once a day, rinse after meals, and visit your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and checkup. Contact Dr. James Stewart at (734)425-4400 to schedule your semi-annual dental visit. Dr. Stewart maintains healthy teeth for residents of Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.

The Trouble with Halitosis

Posted May 9, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Halitosis, or bad breath can occur after eating odorous foods, or because of poor oral hygiene, taking certain medicines, or using tobacco products. However, halitosis also can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, such as periodontal disease, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, liver or kidney disease, chronic sinusitis, or chronic bronchitis.

Through proper oral healthcare — brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing after meals, and visiting the dentist every six-months for a thorough cleaning and checkup — you will decrease your risk for halitosis and periodontal disease. If your bad breath continues, consult Dr. James Stewart first to determine if the halitosis is related to your mouth.

Dr. Stewart will conduct a complete medical and dental history. First, your diet, tobacco use, medications, medical conditions, and family history will be reviewed. He will then examine your mouth, take x-rays, and measure your gums for indications of periodontal disease. If Dr. Stewart determines the halitosis is not of oral origin, you should contact your physician. (more…)

Creative Ways to Thank Mom on Mother’s Day

Posted May 6, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 is set aside to show mothers our love and appreciation. Instead of purchasing a generic card, try a few of these creative ways to say thank you:

Start Mom’s special day off with a healthy breakfast in bed:

Orange juice
12-grain toast with raspberry preserves
Eggs
Deli ham
Coffee

After she’s finished her excellent meal, continue the pampering by preparing a bath with salts, candles, relaxing music, and her favorite book or magazine. Be sure to give her a small basket with her favorite scented lotions.

Create a personalized Mother’s Day card with a family photo and heartfelt note. Shutterfly and Tiny Prints are two websites that can help!

Touching on the creative side, purchase some colorful canvas and paint. Make a lasting memory with a collage of the family’s handprints. Mom will treasure this masterpiece forever. (more…)

Livonia Dentist Examines the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Dry Mouth

Posted May 2, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining good oral health. It washes away food particles, cleans teeth, and neutralizes harmful acids. Without saliva, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, you suffer from xerostomia or dry mouth.

To determine the cause of dry mouth, your dentist will review your health, habits and medication list. Certain prescription and nonprescription medications can dry out your mouth. Some mouth-drying medications are: anti-depressants, antihistamines, decongestants, diet pills, bronchodilators, and muscle relaxers.

Infections, different diseases, and medical treatments can also lead to dry mouth. People who suffer from diabetes, anemia, HIV, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis may exhibit signs of dry mouth, as well. Chemotherapy and radiation have also been known to damage salivary glands and cause dry mouth. (more…)

Stroke Susceptibility Affected by Sleep Apnea

Posted April 29, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

According to a recent study conducted at Yale University School of Medicine, people with sleep apnea are more likely to suffer strokes and die in their sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked by soft tissue in the mouth or throat. When the blockage restricts oxygen, bloodflow to the brain decreases and blood pressure elevates.

Normally, the brain regulates bloodflow to meet its metabolic needs through a process called cerebral autoregulation. The study showed that repeated decreases in bloodflow and spikes in blood pressure, caused by numerous episodes of apnea, reduced the brain’s ability to regulate these functions.

The study also revealed that people with sleep apnea were three times more likely to suffer a stroke than people who slept normally through the night. “After we found that sleep apnea is a risk factor for stroke and death, independent of other risk factors, we hypothesized that there must be something wrong with the regulation of bloodflow to the brain,” stated Dr. Vahid Moshsenin, one of the leading researchers. (more…)

Small Steps Lead to Huge Success

Posted April 25, 2011 by Dr. Stewart

Research shows that maintaining proper diet and exercise can increase your overall well-being and life expectancy. Dentists encourage their patients to eat a healthy diet, not only to prevent cavities and gum disease, but also to promote good overall health. Studies show good oral health contributes to good overall health.

While the road to better health can seem like an uphill battle, the outcome is the prize. Taking small steps towards a healthy lifestyle will allow you a better opportunity for success. Making small changes in your diet will prove more effective than denying yourself of favorite foods completely then binging on sweet and fatty treats. Apply these three diet changes to set you on the path to healthy living:

Decrease alcohol consumption: Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, both for your overall and oral health. Alcohol contains empty calories that add up quickly. It alsocontains sugar and acid, which, combined with natural bacteria in the mouth, leads to a higher risk of tooth decay. Alcohol should be limited to two glasses a day for men and one glass a day for women. (more…)