Partial Denture or Bridge?

pic1There are many options available when it comes to tooth replacement. So many options, in fact, that it may become confusing trying to decide which is right for you. There are dentures, partial dentures, bridges, implants, etc., and each has its own benefits. Today, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart explains the difference between a partial denture and a bridge.

(more…)

The Importance Of Brushing Your Tongue

whitetongueHave you ever wondered what that white film on your tongue is? It gets thicker the farther back you look. Sometimes it looks grayish, or brownish. Perhaps you don’t give much thought to it, but you should. It’s putrefying, or rot-causing, bacteria eating leftover food particles in your tongue. Gross, huh? That’s not all. As it metabolizes the food particles it releases foul-smelling gases that we call bad breath. Most people pay conscientious attention to their teeth, but overlook their tongue. Brushing your teeth eliminates plaque, but a few hours afterward your tongue transfers more sugar, debris, and rot-causing bacteria that produce plaque back onto your teeth. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart discusses the importance of brushing your tongue.

(more…)

How Often Do You Think About Your Toothbrush?

worn toothbrushHow old is your toothbrush? Have you replaced it recently? What kind of toothbrush do you buy?  Believe it or not, your toothbrush is important to your health, and not just your dental health, but your overall health. But, you probably don’t give it much thought.  For instance, are your bristles worn? Is your toothbrush comfortable in your mouth? If your toothbrush is not comfortable and you are not brushing effectively then you are doing yourself a disservice. We brush our teeth not only to keep them clean and healthy, but to prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease affects your overall health, so it’s best to keep it at bay. In today’s blog,your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart discusses the importance of your toothbrush.

(more…)

Are There Oral Health Differences Between Men And Women?

manvswomanYou all know that men and women are different. You figured that out at an early age. Not only do men and women look, act, and communicate differently, they show their emotions differently, and they even take care of themselves differently. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart explains oral health differences between men and women.

(more…)

Keep Your Body Healthy: July 2014 Kids Night Out In Livonia, MI.

wallclimbParents, need a break? Enjoy a night to yourselves while the Livonia Parks and Recreation Department gets your kids up and moving. Exercise is important and today too many people sit in front of the computer or TV for hours at a time. Looking for something to get your kids moving? Your Livonia, MI dentist Dr. James Stewart suggests  Kids Night Out! and Rock Wall Climbing Social! this coming Friday at the Community Recreation Center in Livonia, MI.

(more…)

Can Hydrogen Peroxide Be Used For Oral Care?

hydrogen peroxideHydrogen peroxide is a staple in everyone’s bathroom cupboard. You probably remember your parents cleaning your cuts and scraped knees with hydrogen peroxide when you were a kid. You probably thought it was cool the way it foamed up when it came into contact with your cut.  But what exactly is hydrogen peroxide and can it benefit your teeth? If you want to know more about hydrogen peroxide and dental health contact your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, he will be happy to discuss the dental benefits associated with hydrogen peroxide.

(more…)

Is Xylitol A Chemical?

xylitolXylitol is a100 percent natural sugar substitute derived from fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, berries, and lettuce. Your body also produces xylitol from other food sources. An average adult with a normal metabolism can produce up to 15 grams of xylitol a day. Xylitol is not a chemical like aspartame, Splenda® or sucralose, and although it may be difficult to tell the difference taste-wise, it contains 40 percent fewer calories than sugar. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, will discuss how xylitol can benefit your dental health.

(more…)

Electric Toothbrush or Manual: Which Should You Use?

tbrushDid you know the electric toothbrush was invented in Switzerland in 1939?  It wasn’t introduced to the U.S. until the1960s.  Some of you reading this were probably born in that decade. Today, electric toothbrushes have risen in popularity. They are affordable and easy to use. Children tend to enjoy brushing with electric toothbrushes over manual ones. They find them fun and even say they tickle. There is an ongoing debate, however, as to whether they are more or less effective than a manual toothbrush. If you have questions regarding the use of electric toothbrushes your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, will be happy to answer them for you.

(more…)

Misaligned Bite

kidDoes your child have a misaligned bite? The technical name for a misaligned bite or “bad bite” is malocclusion.  Malocclusion can be caused by genetics, mouth breathing, or bad oral habits such as thumb sucking. Most people, children and adults, have some level of malocclusion, but nothing that usually warrants treatment. Research indicates that 90 percent of school-aged children present with some sort of malocclusion, but only 10 to 15 percent of those children require treatment. If your child’s bite appears misaligned, if they have trouble chewing or speaking, or are embarrassed to smile, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart can evaluate their bite and recommend appropriate treatment that may help prevent future problems.

(more…)