Toothpaste FAQs

tp1People tend to take things like toothbrushes and toothpastes for granted. They have been around since you were born. You never gave a thought to when they were invented, how they are made, or what they consist of. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, shares some interesting FAQS about toothpaste.

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Eating Disorders and Oral Health

eatAccording to the National Eating Disorder Association 10 million American women suffer from some type of eating disorder. Men suffer from eating disorders, too. According to a Newsweek survey, 40 percent of 131 Cornell University football players engaged in bingeing and purging, in order to help stay in shape.  Eating disorders can last from one to over 15 years. Today, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, discusses eating disorders and their effect on oral health.

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Do you Have to Brush Teeth when You’re Sick?

woman relaxing

When a terrible virus strikes, you may not have much of an appetite, and energy loss is almost certain. With sicknesses such as the flu, you are probably going to have a hard time even getting out of bed for a few days. It can be tempting to say to yourself, “why bother brushing my teeth? There’s nothing on them since I haven’t eaten, and I won’t be kissing anyone any time soon.” These are interesting arguments, but you should still make an effort to keep up with your oral hygiene when germs are having their way with your body.

Relieving a Sore Throat

There are home and drugstore remedies which certainly take the edge off of sore throat pain. Various home and drugstore options will help take the edge off of a seriously sore throat. Gargling with a teaspoon of salt mixed with eight ounces of warm water is quite soothing. Throat sprays and liquid medications can quell the sharp, biting discomfort you feel each time you swallow. Gargling with an antibacterial mouthrinse can kill extraneous germs trying to multiply inside your mouth. Or even simple over-the-counter pain medication (provided such pills are approved by your general physician) can really relieve a sore throat, provided swallowing the pill isn’t too excruciating. (more…)

Tooth Stains: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic

white1The definition of intrinsic is “lying within,” and the definition of extrinsic is “outward or external,” and so it is with tooth stains. Some tooth stains can be removed using over-the-counter whiteners while others cannot. The determining factor is usually whether or not the stains are intrinsic or extrinsic, or internal or external. Today your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, discusses the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic tooth stains.

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What Is Tongue Thrusting?

babywbottHave you ever heard of tongue thrusting or is this condition new to you? The term “tongue thrust” can be found in dental literature as far back as 1958. Tongue thrusting is also referred to as infantile swallow, reverse swallow, reverse infantile swallow, anterior resting tongue position, and anterior tongue position. It is an involuntary act that can do damage to your dentition. If you would like more information regarding tongue thrusting, contact your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, who discusses tongue thrusting in today’s blog.

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Prickly Ash: A.K.A. The Toothache Tree

toothache painWould you ever have thought that a tree could soothe your toothache pain? We’ve become so far removed from nature that we’ve forgotten that Native Americans didn’t have painkillers or antibiotics. Nature was their pharmacy. They sought medicinal properties in trees, plants, and weeds.  Read on to learn more as your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, discusses the Prickly Ash: A.K.A. the Toothache Tree in today’s blog.

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Dry Socket

socket1Visiting the dentist can be stressful especially if you need a tooth extracted. While most extractions are performed without complication, once in a great while something unexpected may occur. Today, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains the occurrence of dry socket.

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Diabetes: An Oral-Systemic Connection

diabetes1Have you heard of the oral-systemic connection? It means your oral health is connected to the overall health of your body. Research shows that your oral health is influenced by other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease, among others, and vice versa. Your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, discusses the connection between diabetes and the health of your oral cavity in today’s blog.

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