Xylitol 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.
Electric Toothbrush or Manual: Which Should You Use?
Did 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.
Misaligned Bite
Does 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.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Were you one of those kids that dreaded going to the dentist? You did not want to find out that you had cavities and needed your teeth filled. Was it one of your greatest fears? Well, you were not alone. Over 90 percent of the population has cavities and 78 percent of the population experienced their first cavity before the age of 17. Not only did we not want to have our tooth drilled, or be trapped in the dentist chair for a long period of time, we didn’t want people to see our silver fillings when we opened our mouth. If you or your child needs a filling your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of tooth-colored filling materials.
Understanding Tooth Anatomy
When you visit your dentist, do you feel like you’re in the dark? You don’t need to know what’s going on. You open your mouth, say “Ah,” and your dentist takes it from there. He or she knows what they are doing and we trust our dentist. It may be helpful, however, to be familiar with the anatomy of a tooth in case you need to make a decision concerning treatment. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart, is going to explain the basics of tooth anatomy.
Eating For Healthy Teeth
Remember when you were a child, how much you loved candy, ice cream, and soda? The same goes for your kids, right? One of their baby teeth must’ve been a sweet tooth. Your parents probably told you back then that you were going to rot your teeth, and they were right. All of that sugar does encourage tooth decay. If you want your children to eat for healthy teeth, stock your refrigerator and cupboards with healthy foods and snacks. If you have questions regarding healthy foods and tooth health, your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart will be happy to explain the effect eating healthy has on your children’s teeth.
Involve your Family in Excellent Oral Hygiene
If anyone in your family has unhealthy teeth and gums, the domino effect on future oral and overall health is scarier than you may realize. Certain dangerous health conditions (heart disease, strokes, cancer, Alzheimer’s) are all linked to the bacteria which breed in your mouth. If you want to eradicate these “bad guys” so you and your family’s oral-systemic health is as good as it possible, you must keep up with your preventive dental care.
Explain the Purpose of Oral Hygiene
Most children aren’t likely to feel terribly excited about brushing their teeth. One of the most common complaints of patients who are also parents is how to inspire their children to properly clean their teeth without a huge struggle. Kids are naturally inquisitive, so try talking to them about the importance of dental health, and implications of neglect. “Do it because I said so,” doesn’t tend to go very far with our modern day American children. Capitalize on their natural intelligence by highlighting the reasons behind wanting them to floss and brush their teeth with care.
Children Under 9-years-old
Sensitive Teeth And Seniors
Do you flinch because your teeth hurt when you drink something hot or cold? Have you noticed your gums lately? Do they look red or swollen, or are they pink and healthy? As we age, so do our teeth and gums. Our teeth can become discolored, stained, and worn down. Our teeth are much more noticeable than our gums. But gum health is very important to tooth health. If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity consult your Livonia, MI dentist, Dr. James Stewart. He will be happy to discuss the reasons behind tooth sensitivity and available treatments.
Answers To Your Questions About Tooth Fillings
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH), 59% of adolescents 12 to 19, 92% of adults 30 to 64, and 92% of seniors 65 and older have had dental caries (cavities) in their permanent teeth. Tooth decay is a progressive bacterial infection affecting your teeth. It continues to eat away your tooth structure if allowed and may migrate into your gums and jawbone if left untreated. If discovered in time, the decay can be removed, and a filling can be placed to prevent further infection. Dr. Stewart answers a few questions about tooth fillings and restorative dentistry below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is A Tooth Filling?
A: A filling is a type of restorative dental procedure to repair minimally damaged portions of the teeth due to cavities, fractures, or unusual use. Dr. Stewart prefers placing composite resin fillings because they are biocompatible and do not contain mercury, a harmful heavy metal found in silver fillings. Composite resins consist of a tooth colored bond mix that hardens when cured.
Q: How Is A Filling Placed?
A: Your dentist will begin with removing the decayed portion of the tooth. Anesthetic is available and is usually administered to reduce discomfort. Once the decay is removed, Dr. Stewart will shape the cavity to place a filling. Soon after, the doctor will fill the cavity with a composite resin bonding material. A curing light is used to harden the tooth filling, and the doctor will shape the filling once hardened to match the repaired tooth’s curvature.
Q: What’s The Difference Between Amalgam (Silver) Fillings And Composite Resin Fillings?
A: The following list shows the advantages of composite resin fillings over amalgam fillings:
- Do not contain mercury, a harmful heavy metal
- Tooth colored (virtually unnoticeable)
- Bond directly to tooth, creating a stronger structure
- Require less removal of enamel
Q: Who Is A Candidate For Tooth Fillings?
A: Depending on existing enamel and overall oral health, many people are candidates for tooth fillings. The purpose of a filling is to prevent the progression of decay, which means treating it early and often with regular dental checkups and cleanings.
About Dr. Stewart
James R. Stewart, Jr, DDS, PC and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.
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