Vitamins Can Improve TMJ Disorder, Says Livonia Dentist

Posted October 3, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Temporomandibular joint (or TMJ) disorder is a serious and uncomfortable disorder that affects the way your jaw joint functions. Patients who suffer with TMJ disorder tend to have frequent headaches, jaw pain, and even trouble eating and yawning. Yet, as unfortunate as this jaw dysfunction is, patients can use some natural and simple methods to reduce symptoms.

Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains which vitamins can improve TMJ disorder symptoms, in the following informative article.

Lessen TMD Symptoms with These Vitamins

B-vitamins. The B-vitamins have been know for their many benefits, one of which is stress relief. Oftentimes, patients with TMJ disorder have a teeth grinding or clenching habit, which frequently stems from stress. If this applies to you, try taking 100 milligrams of each of the most common B-vitamins, like, B-12 and B-6. Patients can also take a B-complex vitamin, which contains all eight of the B-vitamins.
Vitamin C. Taking vitamin C is one of the go-to vitamins people reach for to ward off colds. Yet, this super-vitamin does more than combat everyday germs. In fact, vitamin C helps fortify muscles and soft tissues within the body, especially those in mouth and jaw. The production of collagen is stimulated by the presence of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the tissues around the TM joint. Your Livonia dentist recommends that TMJ disorder patients take roughly 4,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day.
Vitamin E. To increase the amount of fluidity in your joints—specifically your TM joint—take a daily dose of vitamin E. With roughly 1,200 milligrams each day, the tissues around your TM joint can heal and begin to function properly. Additionally, vitamin E helps repair blood vessels, which become damaged in patients who have TMJ disorder as a result of a teeth grinding habit.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for TMD Treatment

For patients with TMJ disorder, talk to Dr. Stewart about treatment options. If this disorder is caught early, treatment can prevent further damage to your TM joint and reduce your discomfort. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Provides Patients a Dental Sealants FAQ

Posted October 1, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Do you have questions about dental sealants? If you’ve answered yes, then take care to read this article. Here, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist provides his patients with an FAQ to answer any questions surrounding dental sealants.

Answers to Your Dental Sealants’ Questions

Q1: What is a dental sealant?

A1: A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating that covers the chewing surfaces of teeth. Placing sealants is painless and provides extra protection against tooth decay. Should you choose to receive dental sealants, the dentist simply paints the coating directly onto your teeth and allows them to dry.

Q2: Do sealants work only on children?

A2: Many dentists recommend that children receive sealants around age five or six on their permanent molars. Since those biting surfaces prove difficult to clean, placing the sealant adds a bit of extra cavity protection to avoid childhood tooth decay.

That being said, sealants haven’t been deemed exclusively for children. In fact, any patient can request the placement of sealants during their dental appointments.

Q3: Which teeth can utilize sealants?

A3: As aforementioned, first and second molars prove the most difficult to clean. This is because those hewing surfaces contain many areas where food particles can accumulate with ease. Without the proper cleaning method, those food bits start to breakdown, which allows oral bacteria attack the enamel and cause cavities. For this reason, your Livonia dentist typically places sealants upon back teeth.

Q4: Does dental insurance cover dental sealants?

A4: Dental insurance covers preventative care, such as: teeth cleanings, cavity fillings, root canals, and even some extractions, if its been deemed necessary. Since dental sealants help ward off cavity-causing bacteria, insurance should cover the cost. However, you should speak to Dr. Stewart about your individual insurance provider to learn which treatments they’re willing to pay.

Livonia Dentist Completes Preventative Dental Procedures

For more information about dental sealants, consult with Dr. Stewart. He can explain how dental sealants can benefit practically anyone’s smile. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Talks about Root Canal Pulp Diseases

Posted September 26, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Did you know that the pulp within the root canal can become diseased? In fact, patients who require root canal therapy have some type of pulp disease plaguing their teeth. Furthermore, without the correct treatment, the surrounding tissues have the possibility of becoming infected, also.

In this article, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist explains the varying types of pulp diseases that can occur within the root canal.

Many Different Types of Pulp Diseases Exist

Reversible pulpitis. This type of pulp disease is fixable and usually occurs to patients who have severely cracked or broken a tooth. Reversible pulpitis is typically noticeable when patients have an extreme sensitivity to hot and cold foods or sweet foods. Should these symptoms arise, take care to visit your Livonia dentist for treatment.
Irreversible pulpitis. Unlike with reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis isn’t resolvable by correcting a broken tooth. Patients with irreversible pulpitis have to have a root canal procedure to prohibit the infection from spreading. However, if the pulpitis has advanced too much, the dentist must extract the tooth altogether.
Pulp calcification. Also called, pulp stones, this condition is the hardening of the pulp tissue. Pulp stones cause nerves to become compressed, which causes patients quite a bit of pain. To remove pulp stones, your Livonia dentist must utilize root canal therapy to eliminate your pain and discomfort.
Pulp exposure. When decay goes beyond the enamel and dentin and reaches the pulp, it’s called, pulp exposure. If the pulp is exposed to food debris and bacteria, infections develop and in more a severe cases patients also develop an abscess. With pulp exposure, eating practically anything causes discomfort. If you notice this occurs to you frequently, make visiting Dr. Stewart a priority.

For Root Canal Issues, Visit Your Livonia Dentist

If you have pain or discomfort that stems from your root canal, take care to visit Dr. Stewart as soon as possible. With an exam he can determine what is causing your discomfort. Then, he can begin the appropriate treatment method to eliminate the issue. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist: Preparing for a Dental Implant Procedure

Posted September 24, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

For patients who have made the final decision to receive dental implants, this article may benefit you. Having dental implants placed is an involved process that requires a lot of time and patience. Thus, before the actual surgery takes place, it’s important to know the preparatory steps of the procedure.

Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains how to prepare for you dental implant procedure.

Step-By-Step Dental Implant Preparation Guide

Take care to have comprehensive dental exam, which includes full x-rays and models of your mouth. This allows your Livonia dentist to determine how the procedure will take place.
Inform your dentist of any medical conditions you’re currently experiencing. For example, patients with heart issues may need to take certain antibiotics before the implantation begins. Additionally, certain medications won’t mix well with the anesthesia, which would require the dentist to adjust the type of anesthesia used during the procedure.
Reduce or stop smoking and drinking in the weeks leading up-to the surgery. Smoking and drinking seriously inhibit your ability to heal properly. Furthermore, these habits could cause the implant to fail.
Roughly six hours before you undergo the dental implant surgery, avoid eating or drinking anything. You may drink small amounts of water, though, if you must.
On the day of surgery, wear loose and comfortable clothing. Since the dentist sedates you for the procedure, it’s important to feel comfortable for the duration of implantation process.
Additionally, ask a family member or friend to drive you home post-procedure. Due the medication, the dentist will not allow you to drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. If possible, have someone in your home for roughly a day to help you adjust to the healing period.

For Dental Implant Procedures, Visit Your Livonia Dentist

If you’re planning on having a dental implant procedure soon, take care to follow the correct steps. Before the day of implantation, Dr. Stewart will walk you through the procedure to ensure you’re properly informed. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist: Factors that Increase Gum Disease Risk

Posted September 19, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Did you know that gum disease doesn’t always develop from poor oral hygiene? Granted, a lack of proper dental care is one of the leading reasons for gum disease development, yet a number of alternative factors also increase your risk of the oral ailment.

To teach his patients about the other causes of gum disease, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist provides this post.

Know the Cause of Gum Disease

Changes in hormones. Women and teens have an increased risk of developing gum disease due to the major changes in hormones. For women, pregnancy has been known to cause small bouts of gum disease. This is why dentists usually recommend that pregnant women come into the office every three months during their pregnancy to monitor any changes in their oral health.
As for teenagers, the burst of hormones into the body tends to decrease the immune system, which makes the development of gum disease possible.
Tobacco use. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and any other type of tobacco products can wreak havoc upon your oral health. Using tobacco products decreases your ability to fight infections, which makes you more susceptible to oral illness and diseases. Furthermore, smoking interferes with your ability to heal; that alone makes it increasingly difficult to rid your mouth of gum disease.
Genetics. According to your Livonia dentist, sometimes the cause of periodontal disease has everything to do with genetics. Patients who have a family history of gum disease have a greater likelihood of developing the oral ailment.
Diet. A diet that’s low in nutrients tends to bring down your mouth’s defenses against diseases. To increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, try eating vitamin C rich foods like oranges and grapefruits, since vitamin C helps rebuild oral tissues. Also, you can opt for a multivitamin to reap the same benefits.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Gum Disease Treatment

If you display signs of gum disease and need treatment, visit Dr. Stewart. After an oral exam, he can discuss the possible causes for your bout of gum disease. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia dental practice at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Explains Factors that Trigger Migraines

Posted September 17, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

As far as headaches go, nothing tops migraines. These headaches oftentimes prove debilitating for sufferers and finding relief never seems to come fast enough. The cause of migraines stems from a number reasons.

For some patients, it’s genetic and having bouts of migraines is very normal. For others, migraines may come from temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD). With TMD, the jaw joints become clenched tightly enough to produce a migraine. Regardless of the reason for your migraine pain, having the appropriate relief therapy is key to try living a headache-free life.

In today’s article, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, shares the differing factors that can cause migraines.

Your Migraines Could Stem from One of These Factors

Hormonal changes. This is especially true for menopausal women. The frequent drops and elevations in estrogen and progesterone can cause migraines. Additionally, pregnant women and those who have begun an oral contraceptive regimen may also experience migraines. If this applies to you, make sure to inform Dr. Stewart about these hormonal changes when you begin migraine therapy.
Foods. Overly salted foods, aged cheese, and even processed foods can sometimes trigger migraines. Furthermore, skipping meals or long bouts of fasting can trigger a migraine. To better this ailment, trying eating more natural foods and have several small snacks throughout the day.
Stress. If you’re frequently under high levels of stress, migraines may happen to you quite often. This stress could come from work or home. Should this cause your migraines, learning some relaxation techniques can greatly improve migraine symptoms.
Sleep pattern changes. Receiving either too little or too much sleep can sometimes lead to migraines. Your Livonia dentist suggests establishing a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it—even on the weekends.
Environmental changes. This is probably the worst type of migraine trigger since no one can control the weather. However, for some people, changes in pressure or temperature can trigger a migraine. The best advice for these suffers is to closely watch the weather reports and stay prepared for sudden changes.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Migraine Therapy

If you regularly suffer from migraines, take care to visit Dr. Stewart. With a series of evaluations he can determine the cause of your migraines. To schedule an appointment with our Livonia office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Children’s Dentist Describes Dental Treatments for Kids

Posted September 12, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Pediatric dentistry is specialized field of dentistry. In fact, pediatric dentists must undergo an additional two to three years of training before they’re certified to treat children. Therefore, if you’re looking for a dentist for your children, a pediatric dentist is the way to go. Not only do they have expertise in this area, their dental practices cater to children, too.

Your Livonia children’s dentist, Dr. James Stewart, discusses the types of treatments he offers that target the specific needs of children.

Treatments a Pediatric Dentist Offers

Infant exams. A dentist recommends bringing children in for a check-up when their first tooth erupts or, at the latest, by their first birthday. During this visit, the dentist checks the baby’s mouth for signs of any obvious issues. Then, your Livonia children’s dentist offers tips on how to clean their newly sprouted tooth and the teeth that follow.
Additionally, during this appointment, Dr. Stewart discusses preventative care treatments that your child can have when they have aged a bit. For example, the use of fluoride treatments and dental sealants alongside nutrition tips can fortify your kiddos’ teeth.
Habitual evaluations. This means that the doctor takes into account any habitual habits your baby has, like, using a pacifier or thumbsucking. Furthermore, the dentist discusses the disadvantages of long-term continuation of these habits.
Orthodontics. The need for orthodontic treatment is detectable at a young age. With frequent and periodic visits, the dentist can evaluate the oral structure. Then, should the child display signs that indicate the need for future orthodontic treatment, the doctor begins the preparations when it’s appropriate.
Minor dental ailment repair. For kids who need fillings or have endured some type of dental injury, Dr. Stewart can handle the situation with ease. Should your child need more in-depth dental care, don’t hesitate to contact, your Livonia children’s dentist. He an repair their smile to prevent further damage within the oral cavity.

Visit with Your Livonia Dentist for Pediatric Dental Care

Establishing sound dental care habits with your children is key for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Once your child is able to visit the dentist, go see Dr. Stewart. He can offer advice on how to maintain your child’s oral health in top-notch shape. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia children’s dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website for services, testimonials, and patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist Suggests Proper Dietary Choices for Kids

Posted September 10, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Eating habits follow a child for life, which is why starting sound eating habits at young age is critical. Not only is eating properly necessary for growing bodies, the right nutrition can maintain a smile healthy and strong.

Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia family dentist, provides a proper nutrition guide to help parents and kids eat a little smarter to ensure your teeth and bodies become fortified daily.

What Your Children Need to Eat

Fruits and veggies. Throughout the day, at least half of your kids meals and snacks should consist of fruits vegetables. Once your child is able to eat solid foods, start introducing to healthy flavors. Items like carrots, apples, squash, and tomatoes each classify as sound healthy choices.
Grains. Alongside fruits and veggies, approximately a fourth of your child’s daily food intake should consist of whole grains. This includes, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain pastas. Ward off eating processed white breads, rice, and pastas since those have been stripped of their nutrients. Though many vitamins have been added after the fact, it’s best to stick to whole grain foods instead.
Dairy. Try balancing in a little dairy at each meal. Whether your child drinks milk with supper or has yogurt as a snack, dairy everyday is a must. Furthermore, when you give your child dairy products, try to choose low-fat or fat-free varieties.
For kids who have lactose allergies, you can swap milk products for soy, almond, and rice based dairy alternatives.
Lean meats. As for meats, it’s best to stick to the leaner varieties, such as: skinless chicken, fish, and leaner cuts of beef. If you can, your Livonia family dentist suggests incorporating about eight ounces worth of seafood into weekly meals.
Additionally, if your family chooses to follow a vegetarian diet, your child can receive their protein from eggs, beans, and legumes. However, using alternatives to protein like the aforementioned ones is great for any diet.

Children’s Dentist Provides Children’s Dental Care

For more information on kids nutrition, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can suggest the proper dietary choices for your children that promote healthy bodies and smiles. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia family dentist, call (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Livonia General Dentist Discusses Cleft Palates and Oral Health

Posted September 5, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Children who were born with cleft palates require more in-depth dental care. If this applies to your child, then this article may provide some insightful information. In this blog, your Livonia general dentist, Dr. James Stewart, talks about the effects of cleft palates on a child’s oral health.

What is a Cleft Palate?

A cleft palate is a common type of birth defect that occurs when the hard and soft palates have an gap from an inability to close in the womb; approximately one in every 700 births result in a cleft palate, lip, or both. The opening begins on the upper lip, through one of the nostrils, and continues onto the soft palate. Cleft palates come in two variations: unilateral complete or bilateral complete.

A unilateral complete cleft palate only has one opening in lip through either the right or left nostril and both palates. On the other hand, a bilateral complete cleft palate affects both nostrils and palates. Though this ailment is correctable with surgery, it can pose some childhood oral health issues. Thankfully, with the help of your Livonia general dentist, your child can overcome said issues and still have a beautiful smile.

How a Cleft Palate Affects Your Child’s Oral Health

Since a cleft palate causes the lips to separate, dental growth and development may become affected. Typically, this separation changes how the incisors—and occasionally the canines— grow in.
Once your baby has sprouted his or her first tooth, take them to the dentist. During this visit, the doctor can begin to detect any dental issues that may arise in the future and keeps a record of each of those findings. With periodic visits, the dentist continues to track their dental growth until all of their baby teeth have erupted.
Additionally, the doctor notes the jaw growth and whether or not the child will need orthodontic treatment. In many cases, children who have had a repaired cleft palate require braces and other orthodontic care. However, in these cases, the treatment is quite successful, resulting in a flawlessly corrected smile.

Ask Your Livonia Dentist about Special Needs Pediatric Dental Care

If your child requires special pediatric dental care due to a cleft palate or similar reason, contact Dr. Stewart. He can examine your child to determine the best way to provide them with dental treatments. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia general dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.

Twice-Daily Brushing Saves Teeth, Explains Livonia Dentist

Posted September 3, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

From the first time that you visited the dentist until now, you’ve probably been told that a proper teeth cleaning regimen is a must at least twice a day; if you can brush after every meal, that’s even better. While this advice may sound redundant, brushing routinely can not only save your teeth, it can keep your body healthy, too. To explain the consequences of insufficient brushing, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, provides this information.

Consequences of Brushing Only Once Per Day

Halitosis. Brushing and flossing is one of the surest ways to remove lingering food particles from teeth. Without completing a regular teeth cleaning routine, though, those tiny bits of food begin to breakdown; thus, producing the cause of halitosis, or bad breath.
Cavities. The aforementioned process that causes bad breath also causes cavities. Over 600 types of oral bacteria live within in the oral cavity at any given time. However, the unhealthy varieties that cause cavities feed on the sugars left behind by food particles. This process creates an acidic by-product, which weakens the enamel and leads to cavities.
Gum disease. Alongside bad breath and cavities, brushing only once a day causes gum disease. Unlike tooth decay, which directly affects the enamel, gum disease affects your mouth as a whole. Since the gums and jaw bone anchor tooth roots in place, a diseased gum line is unable to sustain teeth. Therefore, when untreated cases of gum disease advance into periodontitis, patients experience tooth loss. Though the cause of gum disease isn’t exclusively due to poor oral hygiene, it is a leading cause. For this reason, your Livonia dentist urges patients to brush at least twice a day.
Increased heart disease risk. While many patients believe that gum disease is purely an oral issue, the truth is that gum disease affects the entire body—including the heart. Many studies have shown that oral infections can enter the blood stream, which can allow heart disease to develop.
Furthermore, untreated gum disease makes patients more susceptible to the development of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and even stroke.

Livonia Dentist Shares the Benefits of Teeth Cleaning

If you would like more information about the benefits of teeth brushing twice or more a day, talk to Dr. Stewart. With his help, you can begin and maintain a sound teeth cleaning regimen to ensure your smile stays in top-notch shape. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia dentist, call our office at (734) 425-4400. Also, visit our website to view services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas.