Learn How to Floss Under a Dental Bridge with Your Livonia Dentist

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Dental bridgesWhen patient has one or a few missing teeth, a dentist may recommend a dental implant. While an implanted tooth does prove quite beneficial, the process is a lengthy one. Though the implantation procedure isn’t time consuming, the recovery could take up to six months. Moreover, a patient may have to wait up to year before their dental restoration is fully-functioning.

As a quicker, more affordable alternative, patients could opt for a dental bridge. Though a bridge and an implant have similar benefits, a drawback to a bridge is the differing cleaning method. An implant doesn’t require a special cleaning regimen since it mimics natural teeth; yet, a bridge traps food particles beneath the spaces that lack teeth. To help his patients maintain optimal oral health, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, offers a few tips for flossing with a dental bridge.

Just a Few Steps to a Cleaner Smile

In order to floss beneath your bridge properly, use the following steps as part of your daily oral care regimen.

  1. Use a sufficient piece of floss—about 14 to 16 inches. Then, thread roughly one-third of the floss through the hole of the floss threader.
  2. With the opposite end of the threader, find the portion of the dental bridge sans a tooth and insert the threader until the floss reaches the other side. Then, gently grab the floss and remove the threader.
  3. Wrap the floss ends around two fingers and move the floss across the bridge. Make sure to clean between the grooves of the false teeth on the bridge since bacteria easily lingers in these places.
  4. When you’re finished, remove the floss. Your Livonia dentist instructs his patients to repeat these steps for any remaining dental bridges in your oral cavity.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Dental Bridge Care

For more helpful tips and hints on dental bridge care, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can offer you suggestions for the most effective cleaning method for your bridges. 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.

filed under: Dental Reconstruction, Restorative Dentistry

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Routine Dental Checkups Can Prevent Dental Issues, Says Livonia Dentist

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Couple brushing their teethEvery dentist urges his or her patients to receive dental checkups at least twice-a-year. Without regularly inspecting your oral health, minor dental problems can worsen and become increasingly difficult to treat. By offering exceptional dental services, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, can help you preserve your beautiful smile.

The Importance of Dental Checkups

Going to the dentist regularly is simply a precautionary measure. Similar to visiting a physician for a physical, a dental checkup helps the dentist detect any oral issues. For example, discomfort during chewing could indicate an infection within the root canal. In which case, root canal therapy would relieve the symptoms by removing the infected pulp. Moreover, headaches and jaw pain could mean issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). For which Dr. Stewart would prescribe a mouthguard to eliminate further damage to the joint and surrounding tissues. Regardless of the necessary treatment, your Livonia dentist has solution to help you sustain a healthy smile.

Maintaining Top-Notch Oral Health

To offer the finest dental care, your Livonia dentist uses the following dental technology during your dental checkups:

  • DIAGNOdent. To precisely detect cavities, Dr. Stewart uses the DIAGNOdent unit. This unit comes complete with a wand that’s passed over teeth to measure the amount of demineralization. With a final beep, the reading is displayed on the unit; the dentist then determines whether a filling is necessary.
  • Intraoral cameras. This digital camera takes detailed pictures of your teeth to accurately diagnose dental issues. With a zoom-in feature, the dentist can spot any troublesome areas he might have missed on sight alone.
  • Magnification. These surgical telescopes allow Dr. Stewart to make nearly microscopic changes during certain procedures. With magnification, the doctor can provide more thorough dental checkups and treatments.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Preventative Care

Your Livonia dentist has the expertise and knowledge to provide you and your family with excellent preventative care. If you’re looking for a friendly dental office to fulfill your dental needs, then Dr. Stewart is the dentist for you. 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.

filed under: Dental Technology, General, TMJ

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Use an Electric Toothbrush for a Cleaner Smile, Says Livonia Dentist

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ToothbrushesDo you ever wonder if you’re brushing correctly? This concern may arise often amongst manual toothbrush users. As a matter of fact, those still using manual brushes probably have issues reaching their molars. Without proper brushing in that area, bacteria lingers and cavities can begin to develop. Instead, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart suggests switching to one of these electric brushes to achieve the healthiest smile.

Try Out These Electric Toothbrushes

  • Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean. This powerful, yet gentle, five-mode toothbrush is one of the best electric toothbrushes currently available. With an extra toothbrush head and a charging station included, this brush can maintain your smile cleaner by brushing more effectively than manual toothbrush. Though the initial cost is a little high ($220 per set), the replacement toothbrush heads only cost $25 per two pack. Additionally, with the purchase of two replacement heads, you receive roughly six months worth of daily brushing.
  • Oral-B Professional Care SmartSeries 5000. This brush comes with a timer to ensure the user is brushing for at least two minutes. As the cheaper option to the Sonicare brush ($160 per set), the Oral-B brush is popular amongst users; however, the handle is slightly heavier than the Sonicare one. Concerning replacement head cost, a set of two costs less than $20. This round, soft-bristled toothbrush is affordable and effective.
  • BrushPoint Oscillating Clean Power. If you’re considering switching from a manual to an electric toothbrush, you Livonia dentist recommends using this brush as tester. With a small price tag ($4 per brush), there isn’t a huge commitment to an expensive, electric toothbrush. Essentially, BrushPoint created a simple toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach areas in the mouth. Moreover, there isn’t a need to buy replacement heads and toothbrush is battery operated.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Great Dental Care

For more helpful tips and hints on everyday dental care and oral hygiene, talk to Dr. Stewart. He can offer suggestions the oral care products that suit you best. 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.

filed under: Healthy Living, Just for Fun

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Livonia-based General Dentist Offers BreathRx for Bad Breath Sufferers

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Woman with bad breathDid you know that at any one time over 50% of Americans experience bad breath (or halitosis)? This common ailment frequently settles in our mouths while we sleep since dry mouth is one of many causes of bad breath. In fact, halitosis can also spring from food and medication. Thankfully, for patients who need to alleviate their bad breath, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia general dentistcan help with the BreathRx system. This oral care method can resolve your halitosis and produce great smelling breath throughout the day.

A Breakthrough in Halitosis Treatment

BreathRx is different because the odor-eliminating system contains Zytex. This special ingredient is actually a combination of zinc, eucalyptus oil, and thymol. These three elements counteract volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). Those compounds often appear in foods, such as garlic, onions, and liver; however, VSCs have also been found in patients with gum disease.

Additionally, the BreathRx mouthwash and breath spray contain cetylpyridinium chloride, a destroyer of oral bacteria. Furthermore, this system provides one of the few rinses on the market that can prevent the development of plaque. As one of the most effective methods for halitosis treatment, your Livonia general dentist can prescribe you the system.

Curing Bad Breath in Three Simple Steps

  • Brush. Use the BreathRx gel toothpaste daily. The Zytex formula paired with fluoride and advanced whitening power begin the fresh breath process.
  • Scrape. After brushing, use the tongue scraper and daily tongue care spray to clear out any lingering odors that attach to the soft tissue found on the tongue.
  • Rinse. The anti-bacterial mouthwash finishes the process to give your fresh breath all day long. Overtime, you’ll notice a significant difference in your breath.

Visit Your Livonia General Dentist for Halitosis Relief

Your Livonia general dentist has the answer to your bad breath problems. If you’ve tried every a bad breath treatment to no avail, visit Dr. Stewart. With this product, he can make your breath minty-fresh put an end to your halitosis. 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.

filed under: Bad Breath, General, Oral Health

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Livonia Children’s Dentist Reports: Dental Products for Kids

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Kids smilingAs adults, we understand the importance of maintaining our teeth and gums clean to avoid dental health issues. Yet, as children, teeth brushing may seem bothersome or boring. Moreover, to educate a child in any area, the proper stimulus must exist. In other words, the child has to enjoy the manner in which they learn. The same concept is necessary to establish an oral care regimen with your children. Dr. James Stewart, your children’s dentist in Livonia, offers a few dental products that will improve the oral health of your child, while still making the activity fun.

Dental Products Your Kids Will Love

  • MAM Oral Care Rabbit. This baby-friendly, soft cotton terry glove helps your little one adjust to a dental cleaning. The glove fits perfectly on either parent, and the plush bunny ears massage the baby’s gums to relieve some of their teething discomfort.
  • Tom’s Brand Strawberry Toothpaste. This strawberry-flavored toothpaste works wonders for the brushing needs of a toddler. This formula contains calcium and silica to fortify their baby teeth. Though the toothpaste is not edible, swallowing a small amount is harmless to your child.
  • Firefly Toothbrush. A light-up tooth can help motivate your child to brush more often. With handles that come in variety of colors and cartoon characters, and a 60-second timer to manage their brushing time, your child can begin sound brushing habits.
    For older children (preteens and early teenagers), your     Livonia children’s dentist recommends Brush Buddies instead. These brushes come complete with a two-minute timer, a removable head and only require a couple of batteries. Additionally, the toothbrush plays music from different artists, such as Justin Bieber to make brushing even more entertaining.
  • Cavity Fluoride Rinse. To provide extra protection against cavities, this berry-flavored fluoride rinse is just right. The mouthwash will not only encourage regular rinsing, it also cleans hard-to-reach areas, such as back molars.

Visit Your Livonia Dentist for Children’s Dentistry

Your kids can have healthier smiles with the help of your Livonia children’s dentist. With these products, your children will look forward to caring for their teeth. Establishing good oral habits is the key to ensure your child will continue a life-long commitment to oral care. 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.

filed under: Children's Dentistry, Family Dentistry

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A Teeth Whitening History from Your Livonia Dentist

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Beautiful smileTeeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures today, yet having a bright smile wasn’t always simple as it is now. Roughly 4,000 years ago the ancient Egyptians began the teeth whitening trend as way to showcase their wealth. With a paste made of wine vinegar and ground pumice stone, the Egyptians used small tree branches (or frayed sticks) to place the whitening solution onto their teeth—the wealthiest citizens had the whitest teeth.

The ancient Romans also had their hand at teeth whitening, although their method utilized urine. Thankfully, this method ended when people discovered that the whitening properties in urine came from its naturally-present ammonia.

Lastly, in the 18th Century barbers were also the local dentists. Their solution was to file teeth with a metal tool paired with nitric acid to brighten teeth. However, this method was too harsh for the enamel and weakened the tooth’s structure. Lucky for us, modern dental bleaching benefits smiles without any damage. With the help of Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, whitening treatments can significantly improve the appearance of your smile.

Teeth Whitening Treatments Today

Dr. Stewart offers many teeth whitening solutions in his Livonia-based practice. With at-home and in-office options brightening your smile has never been easier. For at-home whitening, the dentist can prescribe the DayWhite or NightWhite systems to bleach your teeth at any time. However, if you’re more comfortable with having the dentist complete the whitening procedure, Zoom! Whitening can remove stains just as effectively in an hour’s time. By combining a specialized ultraviolet light with a whitening gel, your teeth can shine up to ten shades brighter.

Whiten Your Smile with Your Livonia Dentist

Your smile can have a new look and feel with the help of your Livonia dentist and teeth whitening. During the initial consultation, he can provide a detailed overview of the procedure and answer any of your questions. 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.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry

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Transform Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers from Your Livonia Dentist

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Smiling woman

Do you want to significantly improve the appearance of your smile? You can with Dr. James Stewart in his Livonia-based practice. His office offers porcelain veneers to transform any smile into a beautiful one. Veneers can erase dental imperfections that cause patients to feel self-conscious about their smiles. This permanent solution creates dental uniformity and healthier-looking teeth for just about anyone. At your Livonia dentist, you can have the smile you’ve been seeking.

What Do Porcelain Veneers Do?

Porcelain veneers is great way to change your smile relatively fast. These thin, custom-made porcelain shells fit perfectly onto your teeth. The porcelain material mimics the translucent qualities of your teeth and provides a virtually indistinguishable restoration. With a simple preparation process to create a smooth surface for bonding, veneers can fix a number of dental flaws, including:

  • Severe stains from tetracycline
  • Worn down teeth from grinding or clenching
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Misshaped, uneven or gapped teeth

Additionally, as an alternative Dr. Stewart offers composite resin veneers. Though less invasive than a porcelain veneer, composite resin tends to stain easily, whereas porcelain is quite stain-resistant.

How Long Does the Porcelain Veneer Process Take?

Typically, just two visits can transform your smile. During the first visit, the dentist will prepare your teeth, take impressions, and outfits you with temporary veneers while a highly-skilled ceramist at a dental lab creates a permanent set. At the second visit, Dr. Stewart removes the temporaries and permanently bonds the newly-formed porcelain veneers to your prepared teeth for a total rejuvenation of your smile. The results appear natural and hide virtually any imperfection that existed before the procedure took place.

New Smiles from Dr. Stewart

Your smile can have a new look and feel with the help of Dr. Stewart and porcelain veneers. During the initial consultation, he can provide a detailed overview of the procedure and answer any of your questions. 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.

filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry

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Snoring: Your Partner’s Perspective, According to Your Livonia Dentist

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SnoringSnoring may seem like a nighttime nuisance, yet it’s typically the sign of a greater issue. Snoring can cause sleep interruptions to both the person experiencing the snoring and anyone within earshot of the sound—typically a spouse or partner. More often than not, the snorer is unaware of the nighttime tendency. Therefore, your Livonia dentist wants to share a few simple tips to help reduce snoring and improve everyone’s overall sleep.

How to Sleep When They’re Snoring

While snoring does affect the snorer, listening to it can also cause disruptions to sleep. If your loved one snores, here are a few recommendations to improve sleep for all.

  • Tell the snorer to visit the dentist. Snoring is often linked to sleep apnea. Though the sound can cause you to wake throughout the night, the underlying problem can go beyond just a noise. Suggest making an appointment with your Livonia dentist, who is trained in treating obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Roll over. Snoring is typically made worse when a person sleeps on his or her back—side sleeping opens the airway, which helps separate the tissues in the throat that vibrate when people snore. Try placing a couple of pillows next to your snorer or tape a tennis ball to his shirt to discourage rolling over.
  • Make tea. Chamomile, mint, black, green, and white teas prepared with honey and lemon helps relieve snoring by acting as decongestant. Before you and your partner head to bed, share a pot of tea.
  • Join a gym together. Weight loss, no matter how much, is definitely beneficial. However, it also helps reduce the size of the neck, reducing the potential for vibrations that cause snoring.
  • Limit your after-dinner cocktails. Many people enjoy a drink before bed, but this could worsen your snoring. Alcohol relaxes muscles, so they become apt to block the airway.

Dr. James Stewart Offers Snoring Solutions

If you have a hard time living with your partner’s snoring, suggest that he or she visit Dr. Stewart. There, you can both learn which treatments prove most effective. To schedule an appointment, call our Livonia office at (734) 425-4400. You can also visit our website to view a full listing of our services, testimonials, and print patient forms. We look forward to treating patients from Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and surrounding areas

filed under: About Sleep

Livonia Dentist Explains Snoring During Late-Term Pregnancy

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Sleeping pregnant womanThe journey of pregnancy is beautiful and unique and millions of women worldwide experience the joy of pregnancy everyday. Feeling the baby move and watching your little one develop through a series of ultrasounds creates indescribable feelings of excitement and anticipation. That being said, the growing baby bump doesn’t always make the miracle of life the easiest task to handle. Alongside occasional heartburn and back pain, you may have trouble sleeping due to snoring during the third trimester of pregnancy. Though this is completely normal, Dr. Stewart provides some insight on reasons why this happens and how to treat symptoms.

What Causes Snoring in Pregnancy?

Though not every woman will experience snoring while pregnant, being prepared for possibility doesn’t hurt. Usually, late-term pregnancy snoring stems from:

  • Swollen nasal passages affected by the elevated levels of estrogen which causes the mucous membranes in your nostrils to expand, allowing snoring to occur. These membranes also widen from the increase of throughout pregnancy.
  • Congestion from allergies or a cold can contribute to snoring.
  • Large amounts of pregnancy weight gain generally creates breathing difficulties. Try to maintaining a healthy weight while pregnant by having mindful eating habits and doing pregnant appropriate exercises.
  • Pregnancy induced sleep apnea. This condition doesn’t occur frequently amongst pregnant women, however, if your partner or spouse notices an interruption in your nighttime breathing, visit a doctor for treatment recommendations.

How to Resolve this New Development

A few simple solutions may relieve pregnancy snoring and allow a better night’s sleep.

  • Side sleeping and head elevation
  • No alcohol consumption or tobacco use, as this relaxes muscles and restricts the airway, respectively. Additionally, those habits hinder the baby’s development.
  • Gaining only the recommended amount of pregnancy weight.

Livonia Dentist Provides Snoring Solutions

Pregnancy can bring many unexpected surprises, and snoring counts as one of them. Dr. Stewart can recommend ways to improving nighttime snoring during pregnancy. 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

filed under: About Sleep, Sleep Apnea

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Surprising Foods that Can Ease Snoring with Your Livonia Dentist

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Honey and Tea Ease SnoringThe main culprit in snoring is inflammation and congestion in your nasal passages and throat. Swelling in your throat tissues paired with mucous build-up make it nearly impossible to breathe at night. This swelling creates overcrowding, and allows the tissues in your throat to vibrate. Snoring treatments range from Breathe-Right strips to surgical options to correct deviated septums. Weight loss, limiting your alcohol intake before bedtime, and sleeping on your side have also been known to reduce snoring. However, since the majority of snoring is attributed to inflammation, eating natural, anti-inflammatory foods is a simple, effective solution. Your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, recommends the following foods to naturally treat your snoring. (more…)

filed under: About Sleep

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