The Light Before Christmas in IMAX® At the Detroit Science Center

Posted December 11, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

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Infuse a little magic into your holiday season with the stunning, stop-animation film The Light Before Christmas. The film begins with a cold, blustery Christmas Eve, when two lost children, Katie and Makean, are rescued by their friend, The Candleman, an old sage who imparts wisdom, hot chocolate and stories. The Candleman opens a weathered book and begins to read the classic tale, The Night Before Christmas. To their astonishment, Katie and Makean find themselves as characters in the poem, where they experience the wonder and delight of Santa’s visit to their home, complete with Hob the Elf and full team of reindeer. This is a perfect film to take the kids and the grandkids to and you just might discover the magic of Christmas all over again!

10 Million Undiagnosed Cases of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Posted December 7, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

According to WrongDiagnosis.com, there are 12 million Americans who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). That’s one in 22 or nearly 4.5% of the population. The startling statistic is the undiagnosed cases, though. About 10 million Americans don’t know that they have obstructive sleep apnea. They live with the symptoms and problems from OSA, yet they never seek treatment because they don’t realize the problem or they think that what they’re experiencing is normal.

However, obstructive sleep apnea is serious. It can increase the risk for heart attack and premature death. If you or your loved one shows one or more of these symptoms, please call my office, James Stewart, DDS, PA, in Livonia, Michigan. I have helped many people realize improved sleep and better quality living with non-invasive dental sleep medicine.

Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Loud snoring
Abruptly waking while choking or gasping for air
Tiredness, fatigue
Irritability (more…)

Dental Emergency Tips from Dr. Stewart

Posted December 4, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

Do you know what to do if a crown or filling falls out? What should you do if your child knocks out a tooth? I’m Dr. James Stewart. Through the years I’ve seen patients with just about every dental emergency you can imagine. If you find yourself in a dental emergency situation, I hope these first-response tips help you. It’s important that you call your dentist and explain the problem, so that you can know the next steps to take.

Knocked Out Tooth
If you can find the tooth, place it in a glass of milk and take it to your dentist’s office. In some cases, a tooth can be replaced and naturally reattached. Be sure to not touch the nerve of the tooth. If the tooth or the socket from which it came are dirty, gently rinse with water. If your tooth’s socket is bleeding, place a damp, soft rag over the area, but do not press down. You don’t want to damage the nerve.
Crown Falls Out
If you can find the crown and it is in one piece, you can put a small drop of toothpaste inside it, then re-attach it to your tooth. It may hold until your dentist can see you. If the crown is in pieces, or if you lost a filling, you can take the pieces in to the dentist, but you’ll need a new restoration. Be ginger with the affected tooth until you can get to your dentist’s office. Do not try to replace a broken crown or filling. If it comes loose, you could choke on it.
Cut On or In Mouth
In most cases, a cut anywhere on your head will bleed significantly. Rinse the area gently with water, then apply a soft, moist towel to the laceration. If your skin has been peeled back, replace the skin over the wound after rinsing with water. A small cut will heal on its own, but a deep or wide cut may need stitches. If bleeding does not stop in a few moments, go to the emergency room.
Toothache, Swelling, Pain in the Mouth
If you aren’t allergic or sensitive to it, take Ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. You can also place an herbal tea bag on the affected area in your mouth; this may help reduce the pain and swelling, as well. If your discomfort is to be expected (for instance, following a dental procedure), your doctor should have provided postoperative instructions. If your pain is unexpected, make a dental appointment as soon as possible.

If you don’t have a dentist or need a new one, feel free to call my dental office in Livonia. I serve patients from Farmington Hills, Farmington, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and surrounding areas. Just dial 734.425.4400, and my front desk will fit you in as soon as possible. Should you experience significant pain or bleeding, be sure to go straight to the nearest emergency room for immediate assistance.

Holiday Foods that Help Your Mouth

Posted December 3, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

The temperature here at our office in Livonia has dropped and snow is on the ground. At James Stewart, D.D.S., we know what that means. It is time for the holidays!

Everyone loves delicious holiday foods and sweets and treats. Sitting down to the table with family and friends for a great meal is a joy unmatched by anything else in life. Unfortunately, your mouth might not agree.

I’m Dr. James Stewart, and I want to tell you how to protect your teeth during the holiday season. First, it is important to know what you are trying to protect your teeth from. Our mouths contain hundreds of bacteria, some good and some harmful. Streptococcus mutans, also known as S. mutans, are a type of harmful bacteria that live and thrive inside the oral cavity. Pies, cakes, and cookies are often staples in the holiday meal. As we enjoy these yummy desserts, so do S. mutans and other bacteria, causing the sugars to stick to our teeth and eat away at tooth enamel — causing cavities. There is, however, good news.

Some foods common at the holiday dinner table have the power to help prevent tooth decay. Recent research has shown that compounds in cranberry disrupt enzymes that S. mutans and other bacteria use to build glucans. Without these enzymes, bacteria in plaque can’t stick to teeth and cause decay. It has been proven that the production of S. mutans decreased by up to 70% and cavity formation decreased by up to 45% when the cranberry compounds were present. Surprisingly, red wine also has an effect on cavity prevention. The abundant waste made from the red winemaking process, such as fermented seeds and grape skin, contain compounds that also fight bacteria. Like cranberry, these compounds inhibit the activity of the bacterial enzymes by as much as 85%.

Taking care of your teeth is a year-round job. Brush your teeth, avoid foods filled with sugars as much as possible, and don’t snack often. Your mouth will thank you 24/7.

Keeping up with regular cleanings and exams is also part of taking care of your teeth. To schedule your post-holiday dental cleaning, please contact my office. Happy holidays to you and your family from James Stewart, D.D.S.!

Dr. Stewart and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Posted November 23, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

I’m honored to be one of the very few dentists who are part of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. This organization is involved in health policy legislation that affects sleep disorder patients and treatments. AASM is dedicated to making certain that sleep medicine receives the attention it deserves — for the benefit of people who suffer from sleep apnea and other sleep disorders.

Members understand the details of sleep disorder treatment, from insurance billing to the most contemporary treatment options and research in the field. We continually research, read, and share information about sleep medicine. Members are committed to providing high quality care that truly helps patients overcome sleep apnea and enjoy higher quality of life.

I attend many courses and meetings held by the AASM, and I’ve found them immensely beneficial to both my knowledge and the quality of treatments I can offer my patients. As part of my commitment as a doctor, I appreciate the opportunities presented by AASM. If you have questions about my training or association memberships, don’t hesitate to ask. I want you to have full peace of mind that I’m the right sleep medicine doctor for you!

Detroit Welcomes the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Posted November 19, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

Where has this year gone? The holidays are already ready upon us, and that means it’s time to officially ring in “the most wonderful time of the year.” Here at James Stewart, DDS, we like to promote activities for the whole family in Livonia and the surrounding areas.

The official tree lighting of Detroit will take place tonight (Friday, November 19). The event is hosted by the city of Detroit, the DTE Energy Foundation, Campus Martius Park, and the Detroit 300 Conservancy. Tickets for preferred seating will be on sale at Fountain Bistro until 1pm today. Preferred seating will open at 4pm and remaining tickets will be sold at the entrance on Monroe. Preferred seats are $5 for children and $10 for adults. All proceeds support the events and activities at Campus Martius Park, also known as “Detroit’s gathering place.”

The event begins at 6pm at Campus Martius Park, located just 20 minutes away from our office in Livonia. This event is completely family friendly, so bundle up the whole gang to enjoy special ice skating performances, seasonal activities, musical entertainment, and of course, the annual tree-lighting ceremony. If you don’t want to brave the chilly, winter weather, the ceremony will be broadcast online at ClickonDetroit.com beginning at 6:30pm.

One-Visit Root Canal Therapy

Posted November 16, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

In some cases, I can perform root canal treatment in my office, in just one visit. I’m Dr. James Stewart, and at my Livonia dental office, you’ll find comfortable, competent dental care and wise counsel for excellent oral healthcare. If you’ve been told that you need a root canal, feel free to schedule a second opinion visit with me.

A human tooth has layers. The white part we see is the enamel, and a layer of sensitive dentin is underneath. Then, the inner core is a canal that houses the tooth’s root, or nerve. The root brings nutrients to the tooth and removes waste. If the root is compromised by a deep cavity or fracture, it can become infected — and ultimately, it will die. The infection builds, creating painful pressure from within the tooth. Root canal treatment is a procedure in which I remove the internal infection and place a man-made substance in the tooth’s canal. The tooth is then crowned, and it can remain in place indefinitely if it stays healthy.

The alternative to a root canal is extraction of a tooth, and it’s always best to replace the missing tooth. Looked at this way, a root canal is a conservative treatment option.

After an initial exam, I will tell you if you’re a candidate for one-visit root canal treatment in my office. If your case is more complex, I’ll recommend a local endodontist, a specialist in root canal therapy.

Livonia Parks & Recreation Center is Great for Healthy Living!

Posted November 11, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

Do you get out and about to stay fit? Or do you lock yourself in during the winter months and focus only on the holidays? Stress is at an all-time high for most people in November and December, and exercise is a great way to reduce stress. At the Livonia Parks & Recreation Center, you’ll find a great selection of activities, classes, and events for every age group.

Swimming: There’s a leisure pool and competition lap pool. There’s a water slide, lazy river, water playground, and spa pool indoors. Outdoors in the summer, kids can enjoy the splash pool or water spray ground in the sun.
Gym Sports: The main gym features two full-size basketball or volleyball courts. In the multi-activities court, two more basketball courts are available, as well as inline hockey, floor hockey, indoor soccer, lacrosse, badminton, and special events.
Fitness Hub: A great selection of cardiovascular equipment, ranging from treadmills to elliptical trainers to recumbant bikes, make staying fit a cinch. There are also free weights, leg press stations, and over 2K lbs. of weight plates. To keep your mind occupied during workouts, the Fitness Hub is equipped with a complete TV sound system.
Track: A 1/11 mile track, indoors, is great for walkers and joggers. The outdoor path for walking and jogging spans 1/2 mile.
Rock Climbing: Twelve stations are available at the 42’high by 36′ wide rock climbing wall. Parents and children love this activity, and it can be an extreme workout.
For Kids: In addition to childcare, up to two hours at a time, the rec center has a giant tree fort for children to enjoy, and a game room for older kids.
Skate Boarding: Outdoors, kids can enjoy a 14K sq.ft. skate park with raps, 1/2 pipe, fun box, spines, and more.
Volleyball: There’s indoor volleyball in the gym, two sand courts are located outside.
Soccer: Indoor and outdoor soccer are available.

So don’t stay indoors and let the calories — and stress — build up this holiday season. Get out and get fit! My team and I want you to enjoy a high quality life of good health, fun, and wellness.

Great Halloween Candy Buy Back Event ~ Thank You!

Posted November 9, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

Thanks to everyone who helped make our second annual Halloween Candy Buy Back a great success! We collected 400 lbs. of candy this year, which was more than double last year’s collection! That means more candy for Operation Gratitude (www.opgratitude) to include in their care packages for the troops. We also have a lot of cards that were made by the children, and we will include them with the candy. I am told the cards are also greatly appreciated by the troops.

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We wanted to extend a special thank you to those in the community that helped out in our event this year:

Community Choice Credit Union
Huntington Bank
Westborn Market
Little Caesars
Burger King
V.F.W.

We feel that this is a great event because not only are we helping to support our troops, we are getting rid of that excess candy that causes cavities and contributes to childhood obesity. Thanks again for your support for the troops and our children’s health!

Celebrate Veterans Day in Detroit

Posted November 5, 2010 by Dr. Stewart

Veterans Day is a time to honor all of the men and women who have served our great country. Having our office located in Livonia, so close to Detroit, means that we get to participate in all Detroit has to offer.

The Metropolitan Detroit Veterans Coalition invites all veterans to march in the 5^th Annual Metro Detroit Veterans Day Parade and Ceremonies. Veterans day is Thursday, November 11, but the parade will take place tomorrow, Saturday, November 6 and proceed south on Woodward Avenue to Hart Plaza.

Veterans’ organizations, including service organizations, youth groups, and marching bands are encouraged to march in the parade. Community members of all ages are encouraged to come cheer on and recognize those who so willingly made sacrifices to protect our freedoms and rights.