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

Posted by

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…)

filed under: Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Tooth Stains: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic

Posted by

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.

(more…)

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Patient Education

What Is Tongue Thrusting?

Posted by

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.

(more…)

filed under: Children's Dentistry, Patient Education, Preventive Dentistry

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

Posted by

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.

(more…)

filed under: Just for Fun, Patient Education

Dry Socket

Posted by

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.

(more…)

filed under: Patient Education

Diabetes: An Oral-Systemic Connection

Posted by

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.

(more…)

filed under: Oral-Systemic Connection, Patient Education

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Posted by

crookedThere have been many theories as to what causes crooked teeth, from ridiculous ideas such as inter-racial breeding to the consumption of soft foods. Research has even been done by examining the skulls of hunters and gatherers and comparing them with those of agriculturalists. Other research indicates that the increase in crooked teeth is nutritional in origin. Whatever the cause, three out of four children as young as five years, present with improper developing jaws and crowded teeth. Today, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart talks about crooked teeth.

(more…)

filed under: Children's Dentistry, Oral Health, Orthodontics, Patient Education

Seniors and Dental Health

Posted by

seniorsAs you age you notice your body changing. You may become a bit forgetful, your muscles may become sore easier, you may be getting a few aches and pains in your joints, or find that physical activity makes you stiff the next morning. You know your body is going to age. You’ve watched your parents as their bodies began to age, your aunts and uncles, and your grandparents. However, for some reason teeth seem as if they should be ageless, but teeth age too. Today, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, talks about seniors and their dental health.

(more…)

filed under: Family Dentistry, Oral Health, Patient Education, Senior Dental Care

Oral Health and Heart Disease: Is There a Connection?

Posted by

heartIt has been all over the news that your oral health can affect your overall health. It’s said that periodontal disease (gum disease) can contribute to diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. But how? In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains the oral-systemic connection between oral health and heart disease.

(more…)

filed under: Oral Health, Oral-Systemic Connection, Patient Education