Livonia Dentist Helps You Sleep Better

Posted January 11, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

Sleeping through the night re-energizes you to work throughout the day more productively and creatively. Some people rarely lose sleep, while others constantly wake up through the night. You can tell who doesn’t always sleep well by a lack of short-term memory or sour mood. Loved ones of people who wake up feeling like they didn’t sleep enough may report loud snoring. In this case, losing sleep could signal obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Luckily, Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, can help you get a betternight’s sleep with OSA combination therapy.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OSA sufferers wake hundreds of time a night due to a lack of oxygen. Soft tissues in the mouth and throat block the airway, causing sleepers to stop breathing for short periods of time. The body wakes to restart the flow of oxygen. Moments of breathlessness occur so frequently, that the body never reaches the state of deep sleep where we restore our energy. OSA sufferers may never realize they wake up so often, since they usually immediately fall asleep after beginning to breathe again. A classic sign of OSA is loud snoring, or the sound of soft oral tissue vibrating while you breathe. If you can’t stop snoring and feel tired after sleeping all night, you may suffer from OSA.

OSA Combination Therapy

Obstructive sleep apnea puts more than 12 million Americans at risk of depression and high blood pressure, among other health problems. To help patients sleep through the night and live healthier lives, Dr. Stewart offers OSA combination therapy. This form of OSA treatment combines a continuous positive airway pressure machine (CPAP) and an oral appliance to help patients breathe without interruption during sleep. The CPAP machine pumps air through a mask, keeping oral soft tissues from obstructing the airway. To ensure consistent breathing, patients also wear an oral appliance that positions the lower jaw outward, which allows normal breathing to occur without tissue in the throat blocking air flow.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Livonia Dentist

If you feel tired after what seems like a full night’s sleep, or can’t stop snoring, talk to Dr. Stewart about OSA combination therapy. Schedule an appointment at our 48154 dentist office by calling (734) 425-4400. We welcome patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Novi, Dearborn Heights, Dearborn, Garden City, Westland, Redford, and surrounding areas.

Livonia Dentist on Premedication for Heart Patients

Posted January 8, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

The well-being of our patients is our primary concern. At our Livonia dentist office, our team follows strict protocols to ensure the safety of our patients, from our youngest to our oldest. This is why, for patients who may suffer from heart conditions, we recommend taking antibiotic prophylaxis, or premedication, before certain dental procedures. Your Livonia family dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains why premedication is important for heart patients.

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Your Livonia Dentist: Dr. Stewart’s Training and Expertise

Posted January 4, 2013 by Dr. Stewart

When you trust someone with your health, you want to know that you’ve selected an expert. Fortunately, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, meets the criteria.

Education

Dr. Stewart earned a bachelor of science degree in microbiology from the University of Michigan, where he later completed his doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) degree. Afterward, Dr. Stewart attended his general practice residency at Sinai Hospital of Detroit.

To provide the best standard of care possible, Dr. Stewart has continued his education. He has completed prestigious curriculum at the Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies and the Postdoctoral Dental Studies Institute. (more…)

Livonia Dentist on How to Winterize Your Lips

Posted December 21, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Good oral health involves taking care of more than just our teeth and gums. Between shoveling snow and fighting off colds, we often forget the simple measures needed to protect our lips. With the temperature dropping and serious winter weather setting in, this is the time of year when we all experience chapped lips. Thankfully, your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, is here with some tips on how to winterize your lips.

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Tips on Treating a Sore Throat from Your Livonia Dentist

Posted December 18, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Every cold and flu season, there seems like there’s always a new bug to catch. We can always rely on one thing staying the same, though: sore throats. When your throat is itchy or burns, performing daily tasks, like brushing your teeth or eating and drinking, can be quite painful. Keeping a clean mouth when you’re sick matters, because more bacteria are present in your mouth and can easily infect your gums while your immune system is weakened. How do you help your body feel better? In this article, Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart provides some remedies for treating your sore throat. (more…)

Livonia Dentist Explains BRONJ

Posted December 13, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Have you ever felt concerned about the future of your bone density? Bone loss is a reality for many people, particularly women, as they get older. For many, they trust their general physicians when they are prescribed bisphosphonate drugs for conditions such as osteoporosis. While bisphosphonates are a terrific solution for many people, including those battling with bone loss as a result of certain types of cancer, there are occasionally serious side effects. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, will tell you more about Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ), which can actually defeat the very purpose of bone building bisphosphonate medication. (more…)

Feel Happier with Your Livonia Dentist

Posted December 12, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

When you’re in a good mood, it shows. Feeling good can make a person more productive and social. So, when you’re down in the dumps, you may seem withdrawn. Don’t let a funk ruin your day. Improving your mood doesn’t take long and is worth your time. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia dentist, offers quick ways to improve your mood. (more…)

Livonia Dentist on Baking Soda and Brushing

Posted December 6, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, has several uses. Whether using it around the house or in the kitchen, the versatile substance has been helpful for decades. Baking soda also works to whiten teeth like in-office whitening treatments or at-home kits. How does it work? Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains how baking soda whitens teeth. (more…)

Fresh Breath for the Holidays with Your Livonia Dentist

Posted December 4, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Tis the season for gathering with family and friends for festivities and feasting. But what if you have bad breath? Bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing. But, in most cases, you can freshen breath until the odor subsides. Or, if bad breath is persistent, it could be a sign of oral or systemic health problems. Knowing what causes bad breath and what it could signal can help you and your dentist treat it. Your Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, explains bad breath and how to curb it. (more…)

Livonia Dentist Explains Gum Recession

Posted November 30, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Growing old brings a few perks: retirement, senior discounts, and more time with family. But some unique problems also arise. Gum recession presents a new set of challenges in maintaining oral health. As gums recede, food can stick between teeth and gums, increasing the risk for gum disease. To know how to navigate receding gums, we first need to have a better idea of what gums do. Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, clarifies the function of gums and the process of gum recession.