Livonia Dentist Reports Health Issues Linked to OSA

Posted August 29, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Do you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and have yet to receive treatment? Then this article is meant for you. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains the health risks associated with untreated cases of OSA.

Untreated Cases of OSA Could Lead to Following

Heart disease. Those who suffer with OSA lose valuable sleep each night, which places great strain upon the heart. When the heart doesn’t receive the right amount of oxygen, it must work twice as hard to maintain the rest of the systems functioning properly. Since sleep apnea deters that process, patients with untreated sleep apnea have an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Cancer. According to a study conducted in Japan, women with sleep apnea had a 62% increased risk of developing breast cancer than those women who didn’t have OSA. Moreover, people with sleep apnea were 47% more likely to have cancerous colorectal polyps, than those who didn’t have the sleeping dysfunction.
Diabetes. If you have diabetes and an untreated case of OSA, you may want to reconsider having a sleep apnea evaluation. Studies have shown that patients with diabetes and sleep apnea tend to have higher glucose levels by at least 9%. Furthermore, their morning insulin readings were 30% higher than OSA-free diabetics.
Urinary problems. Do you awake often at night to use the bathroom? Surprisingly, the cause may stem from sleep apnea. The lack of sleep caused by sleep apnea makes women up-to 90% more likely to wake during the night to use the restroom; men were 34% more like to wake.
Increased mortality rate. Having untreated OSA can increase the mortality rates of sufferers under the age of 45. This is due to the frequent interruptions of sleep on a nightly basis. To avoid this issue, your Livonia dentist suggests seeking treatment for your sleep apnea quickly.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about OSA Treatments

If you display the signs of OSA and would like more information about treatment, then take care to visit your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can perform an evaluation of your nose and throat to determine if you suffer from the sleep disorder. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Livonia Dentist Explains Menopause Headaches

Posted August 27, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Ladies, have you noticed a spike in the amount and intensity of your headaches lately? If you’ve answered yes, then the problem could stem from menopause. For women who have entered menopause, the hormonal changes tend to cause an increased level of stress, which can lead to nightly teeth grinding (or bruxism). Alongside the typical ailments, such as, hot flashes and mood swings, headaches cause by bruxism can also occur.

To explain more about menopause headaches, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist shares this information for women in the menopausal stage of their lives.

Cause of Menopause Headaches

When women enter menopause, it’s similar to entering puberty. A rush of hormones overtakes the body, which elevates stress levels and causes unwanted side effects–like teeth grinding and eventually headaches. This is due to the constant ups and downs in estrogen and progesterone levels.

Exposure to external stimuli also plays a role in menopause headaches. Controlling internal factors isn’t as simple, yet, limiting harsh lights, loud sounds, and monitoring daily caffeine intake is up to you. Making minor lifestyle changes can help ward off the frequency of menopause headaches.

Symptoms Associated with Menopause Headaches

Menopause headaches have three types: migraines, tension, and sinus. While the associated symptoms don’t pertain exclusively to menopause headaches, take care to notice if you have any of them during your next headache.

Nausea and vomiting
Sinus pressure
Sensitivities to light and sound
Neck pain
Visual distortions
Pulsing and radiating pain throughout the forehead and temples

To seek relief, many women simply take an over-the-counter pain relievers and wait for the discomfort to subside. However, if the pain proves more problematic for everyday pain relievers, talk to your Livonia dentist about starting a treatment regimen; prescribed medication may provide long-lasting relief.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist to Discuss Menopause-Induced Headaches

If you experience headaches due to menopausal symptoms, contact Dr. Stewart. He can provide treatment options to help you determine which treatment method you wish to begin. 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.

Braces for Baby Teeth? Livonia Dentist Explains How This Works

Posted August 22, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

While having braces is quite common for teenagers, braces have become much more common amongst kids, too. Since baby teeth predict how and where adult will erupt, ensuring baby teeth remain well aligned is important.

Despite this, some parents hold off on orthodontic treatment until their child is older. However, some dental ailments shouldn’t wait until the problem has had a chance to worsen. To explain which ailments require correction at an early age, your Livonia children’s dentist, Dr. James Stewart provides this information.

Conditions that Require Early Orthodontic Treatment

Crossbites. Kids with severe bite problems display those issues at an early age—especially with crossbites. With a crossbite, the upper and lower teeth don’t sit over one another correctly. Instead, the upper teeth become nestled within the lower teeth on one side—teeth also appear tilted towards the cheeks or even the tongue. Though this is usually seen with front teeth, a crossbite can affect any portion of the mouth.
Furthermore, crossbites don’t correct themselves. In fact, a crossbite only worsens with time and the problem is solidified once permanent teeth erupt. Since treatment is relatively simple, it’s best to not wait until the problem worsens; your Livonia children’s dentist can explain how the treatment works and how soon you can begin.
Severe overcrowding. Baby teeth guide adult teeth into place, and if the baby teeth don’t complete this process correctly, orthodontic-related issues arise. Overcrowding is one of those aforementioned issues.
When your child has too many teeth for their mouths, adult teeth can become impacted and erupt improperly. Or the teeth can grow-in misaligned. Should your kids fall into this category, the dentist may suggest extracting some teeth. Then, the doctor places braces upon the baby teeth to guide the underlying teeth into the right spot.
Impacted teeth. Though this doesn’t perfectly correlate with orthodontic treatment, impacted adult teeth can prove very problematic for children. Impacted teeth cause infections, cysts, and even damage to the surrounding healthy teeth.

Consult with Your Livonia Dentist about Childhood Orthodontic Treatment

Your Livonia children’s dentist is an expert at detecting early childhood dental problems. If you’re unsure if you’re child will need braces in the future, talk to Dr. Stewart. With a simple evaluation of your child’s teeth, he can determine if orthodontic treatment is necessary. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Livonia Dentist Talks about the Benefits of Having a Family Dentist

Posted August 20, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Family dentistry is an important aspect of dental care. The convenience of having one office that can treat almost anyone within a household makes going to dentist both feasible and simple. In this article, your Livonia family dentist discusses the advantages of having a trusted family-oriented dental office to attend.

The Perks of Visiting a Family Dentist

Advantage # 1 – Age doesn’t affect the possibility of treatment.

From grandparents to teenagers and infants, too, a family dentist can tackle almost anything. With expert skills and knowledge in a variety of areas, the doctor can offer a number of treatment options. These can range from denture placement to orthodontics. Regardless of the need, your Livonia family dentist is prepared to care for you smile in whichever way he can.

Advantage # 2 – Parents can come into the treatment rooms with their children.

When children become old enough to know what going to the dentist means, they may feel uncomfortable or anxious about the appointment—which is perfectly natural and understandable. In such instances, the doctor allows the parent to accompany the child into the treatment room. The familiar face tends to calm the child, which makes treatment much easier to complete.

Advantage # 3 – Greater scheduling flexibility.

Your Livonia family dentist understands that life gets busy, therefore, flexible scheduling makes visiting the office that much easier. With a simple call, the receptionist is able to make an appointment that accommodates your schedule as much as possible.

Advantage # 4 – Children can build a relationship with a dentist from an early age.

Taking your child to dentist at an early age is crucial in establishing sound oral care habits. Should you take your child to a family-focused dental practice at a young age, the child is able to acclimate to the atmosphere much better. Plus, they learn to trust the dentist and may even look forward to visits.

Bring the Whole Family to Your Livonia Dentist Today

For exceptional dental care for you and your entire family, talk Dr. Stewart. He can treat almost person—regardless of age—and alleviate oral ailments to ensure your smiles stay healthy and strong. 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 Dentist Shares Candies that Have Been Smile-Approved

Posted August 15, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Do you like to eat sweets or candy every now and then? Many people have a sweet tooth, though, choosing wisely beforehand can save your smile from need a cavity filling or two. Dr. James Stewart, your 48154 dentist explains which sweets prove better for your oral health and which ones to limit.

Candies You Can Enjoy Virtually Carefree

Sugar-free lollipops. If you’re craving a sucker, try having the sugar-free variety. Not only does it cut-down on calories, the lessened sugar content won’t harm your teeth as much as a traditional lollipop can. Furthermore, having a lollipop from time-to-time increases your saliva production, which reduces your risk for cavities. After all, saliva is the mouth’s natural defense against cavity-causing bacteria.
Sugar-free gum. Much like having the occasional sugar-free sucker, sugarless gum decreases your risk of forming cavities for two reasons. The first, the gum maintains your salivary glands active to stave off a dry mouth. Secondly, chewing gum—especially after eating—helps dislodge food particles.
Dark chocolate. Many studies have indicated the benefits of dark chocolate; the higher cacao content, the better. Unlike the milk chocolate variety, dark chocolate, contains antioxidants. These antioxidants help reduce blood pressure, which makes for a healthier heart.

Take Care to Limit These Sweets Whenever Possible

Sugar-loaded snacks. Eating candy corn, cookies, pie, and cake can ruin both your smile and waistline. The high amounts of sugar helps feed the oral bacteria that lead to tooth decay. Plus, the excess sugar is stored as fat in body. While enjoying a sweet treat once-in-a-while isn’t horrible, take care to brush your teeth soon afterward.
Chewy and sticky foods. Sticky or chewy sweets pose the biggest problems for smiles. The sticky substances give the sugar a steady base to latch onto. Since even saliva has trouble removing the chewy particles, bacteria has more time to attack the enamel. This proves especially true for molars, which have deeper grooves and crevices. Therefore, after having gummy candy, taffy, and even dried fruit, clean your teeth right way.
Sour candy. This type of candy is enjoyed by many; however, your 48154 dentist recommends avoiding the sweet treat. Sour candy is highly acidic, which wreaks havoc on teeth. Yet, should you sneak a couple of pieces, drink water with it. Then, wait about 30 minutes before brushing to allow your enamel to harden again.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Safe Foods to Enjoy or Avoid

To learn more about healthy foods and goodies to eat that won’t prove detrimental to your smile, consult with Dr. Stewart. He can explain why some foods benefit your teeth more than others. To schedule an appointment with your Livonia 48154dentist, 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.

Common Facts about Dentures from Your Livonia Dentist

Posted August 13, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Before you receive your first set of dentures, take care to learn a little more these tooth replacements. Many people have a few misunderstandings when it comes to dentures. Luckily, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, is here to eliminate those misconceptions with the following information.

What You Need to Know about Your New Dentures

No tooth replacement lasts forever. Even the most permanent of tooth replacement options—the dental implant—still requires regular maintenance and possibly even replacement. This rule applies even more to dentures since the base tends to stretch after a couple of years. If the denture isn’t readjusted, the pieces could fall our during use or cause mouth sores due to an improper fit.
Dental visits still occur. Denture wearers should still visit the dentist at least once a year. This allows the dentist to see how the dentures fit, make any adjustments (if necessary), and answer any questions you may have. Plus, a visit to your Livonia dentist is the perfect opportunity to check your gum health. Even with out natural teeth, your gums can still become infected from the bacteria prevalent on the dentures.
Not noticeable. The concern for many new denture patients is that everyone will know they’re wearing a tooth replacement. This is untrue. A well-fitting denture goes unnoticed.
Return to normal activities comfortably. Without a full set of teeth everyday activities, such as eating, talking, and even laughing becomes an issue. Once you become acclimated to the dentures, those tasks will no longer prove problematic.
Using adhesives is helpful. While dentures come manufactured to exact size, a little extra support never hurt anyone. When placing your dentures, use a strong denture adhesive, such as Poligrip or a similar product. The added security makes your dentures even more functional.
You get what you pay for. Dentures come in variety of options; however, the tried and true expression: you get what you pay for truly applies. While the cheaper options may seem like the better deal, those wear-out quickly, and you’ll end-up spending more money replacing the pieces than you’ll get to wear them. Instead, opt for a more expensive variety. The initial cost will run higher, yet the lifetime of those dentures is prolonged.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist to Learn More about Dentures

If you’re in need of a tooth replacement option and have considered dentures, consult with your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can examine your mouth and determine which type of denture would suit you best. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Helpful Exercises for Snoring Cessation from Your Livonia Dentist

Posted August 8, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

If someone in your family snores, then you’re probably seeking snoring cessation tricks. Snoring is a side effect of weak throat tissues. To strengthen those muscles, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, suggests some snoring cessation exercises to reduce nighttime snoring.

These Tips Can Improve Your Snoring Symptoms

Purse your lips. Though pursing your lips may not seem like a helpful snoring-reducing tip, the act actually helps alleviate snoring. Simply purse your lips for 30 seconds and repeat periodically during the day.
Didgeridoo. This Australian instrument works wonders for relieving snoring symptoms. Learning how to the play the didgeridoo helps strengthen the muscles in your throat and nose that control breathing. The stronger those muscles become, the less you’re likely to snore.
Sing. By singing (regardless of how well) you’re coordinating synchronized movement in the mouth, throat, soft palate, and lungs. Much like playing the didgeridoo, you’re strengthening those muscles to decrease the possibility of weakened esophageal muscles as you sleep—the root cause of snoring.
Move your uvula. When the uvula relaxed, the muscles in that area tends to block your airways, thus, causing snoring. Yet, with frequent uvula strengthening exercises, you can prevent those tissues from giving out throughout the night. To complete this snoring cessation tip your Livonia dentist recommends using a mirror to see your uvula. Then, contract those tissues until the uvula moves up and down.
Reposition your tongue. Place your tongue behind your teeth and slide it back until you feel your hard palate. Continue to do this several times in one sitting and throughout the day. This opens up your throat more, which helps reduce snoring.

Livonia Dentist Teaches Patients about Snoring and its Causes

Snoring is typically the sign of a larger issue. If you or someone in your family is heavy snorer and you would like more information on snoring cessation treatments, talk your Livonia dentist. During an evaluation, Dr. Stewart can determine the cause of snoring and find a way to alleviate it. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Kiddo Snoring? Your Livonia Dentist Explains Possible Causes

Posted August 6, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Children can have some strange nighttime tendencies. Some sleepwalk and others talk in their sleep; yet, what most children don’t do is snore in their sleep. A child who snores loudly every night is probably suffering from a larger issue.

While snoring may not seem like a problem, the lack of oxygen each night may leave your kiddo tired throughout the morning. Bottom line, if it’s a persistent habit, then a visit to the dentist is in order to determine the cause. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist highlights the common reasons for childhood snoring.

Your Child Might Have One of These Ailments

The common cold. If your kiddo is enduring the common cold or even allergies, then they might experience some nighttime snoring. A cold or even allergy season tends to cause a build-up of mucus. This build-up can block airways to prevent your child from breathing properly. In these instances, simply wait until the cold has passed or until their allergies have been controlled. If your child still display symptoms of snoring after addressing the aforementioned problems, consult with Dr. Stewart.
Enlarged tonsils. The main function of the tonsils is to stave off airborne viruses. Due to this, tonsils tend to become infected and enlarged, which can cause snoring. If enlarged tonsils is the cause of your child’s nighttime snoring, your Livonia dentist may recommend removal altogether.
Obstructive sleep apnea. A common misconception about sleep apnea is that the sleeping disorder only affects adults. However, about four percent of children suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA. Take care to notice how your child sleeps. If they pause, gasp, or stop breathing several times throughout the night, this could point to OSA. In such cases, Dr. Stewart urges patients to bring in the child for an evaluation.

Learn More about Nighttime Snoring in Children

If your child is enduring nighttime snoring, take care to visit your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can examine your child to determine what the source of the snoring. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Diagnosing OSA: Livonia Dentist Tells You How

Posted August 1, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

What’s an average night’s sleep for you? If it’s not restful, you may feel tired throughout the day. Though trouble sleeping is a fairly common ailment, patients who snore excessively and constantly feel groggy or irritable, may suffer from a condition called obstructive sleep apnea (or OSA). This sleeping disorder keeps sufferers having a successful night’s sleep.

While patients usually don’t know they have OSA, a few studies can confirm it’s presence. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, explains which tests and examinations prove you have OSA.

Tests and Examinations that Can Determine if You Have OSA

Medical history. Before the doctor can diagnose you with OSA, he needs to know what your everyday sleeping pattern looks like. He may ask you to keep a sleep journal for a couple of weeks. In this journal you should highlight how much you sleep each night and how many naps you take throughout the day. Additionally, include any nighttime tendencies, such as snoring, gasping, or choking. While you may not know if you have any of these habits, your spouse or partner can help you complete those inquiries.
Physical exam. Once your sleeping journal is underway, your Livonia dentist will want to examine your nose, throat, and mouth for growths or blockages. These issues tend to occur more frequently in children with enlarged tonsils. However, adults can encounter similar problems by having an enlarge uvula or soft palate.
Partaking in sleep studies. For sleep studies, patients undergo one or both types: a polysomnogram (or PSG) or a home-based monitor. The PSG records four main areas: brain activity, eye movement, heart rate, and blood pressure. A PSG test will also take into account how much air you’re taking in. Though Dr. Stewart won’t conduct the sleep study in his office, sleep labs and centers can perform the test and send the dentist the results.
The home-based monitor records similar data: oxygen levels in your blood, air movement and intake, heart rate, and chest movement. The device is kept in your home to allow you to sleep in a comfortable, familiar setting. Once the necessary data is collected, the doctor formulates an appropriate treatment plan.

Talk to Your Livonia Dentist about Sleep Apnea Detection

If you believe you may suffer from OSA and would like more information on how to test for the sleeping disorder, visit your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can conduct sleep studies and perform in-office check-ups to determine if you have sleep apnea. To schedule an appointment, 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.

Livonia Dentist Suggest Headache Relief Techniques for Patients

Posted July 30, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Then perhaps you can find relief naturally. With several medication-free methods, you can lessen the frequency of your headaches. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist offers his patients some alternative headache therapy techniques.

Helpful Methods for Alleviating a Headache

Massage. Though massaging may only provide temporary relief, it does work immediately. Your Livonia dentist recommends rubbing your neck, temples, head, and shoulders since these areas tend to carry the most tension.
Acupuncture. This ancient practice can trigger certain nerves throughout the body, which promote relaxation and alleviates pain. Many patients find the treatments helpful; plus, the cost is more than affordable for nearly anyone.
Hot and cold. As one of the simplest methods for headache therapy, using heating pads and ice packs tops the list. For tension-based headaches, place a heating pad at the base of your neck to relax those muscles. You can also use a cold pack on your forehead to constrict the inflamed blood vessels, which occurs during headaches.
Meditation. Your headache could stem from stress, which means finding a way to relax could help alleviate the discomfort. If you’re interested in trying meditation, find a quiet, distraction-free space to clear your mind everyday. Over time, you’ll notice a decrease in your stress level and headaches.
Yoga. Care for a little stretching? Studies have shown that patients who practice yoga experience less headaches and fewer bouts of anxiety. Yoga promotes meditation alongside a more flexible, relaxed body.
Botox. More commonly known for fighting wrinkles and maintaining a youthful look, Botox has been proven to help alleviate headaches. Those who suffer from chronic migraines also find great relief in Botox treatments. Though injections do run high ($350 per one) many insurance companies cover the cost, if the patient can’t find another headache relief method.

Learn More about Headache Relief Your Livonia Dentist

For more information on headache relief techniques and to learn common causes of headaches, talk to your Livonia dentist. Dr. Stewart can find the cause of your headaches and offer more remedies to manage the pain and discomfort. To schedule an appointment, 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.