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
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
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.
Receding Gums and Aging (more…)
Support the Troops with Your Livonia Dentist
The holidays are a wonderful time to be with friends and family. For our troops stationed overseas, this time of year can be difficult. Help show appreciation for our servicemen and women by donating products for care packages. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia family dentist, offers a way to participate.
Operation Gratitude (more…)
Study Reveals the Effect of Exercise on Sleep Apnea
A recent study conducted through a collaboration of the University of Pittsburgh School of Sleep Medicine, the Mayo Clinic, and the Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine of the University of Montreal has revealed a positive link between an increase in physical activity and a reduction in the severity of sleep apnea. This serious sleep disorder, characterized by frequent blockages of the air passage during sleep, can cause chronic fatigue, psychological and emotional issues, and can lead to major systemic illnesses. Dr. James Stewart, your Livonia family dentist, discusses the study’s findings and its implications for sleep apnea sufferers.
Exercise Regularly and See a Reduction in Sleep Apnea Severity
Through the course of the study, participants suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea underwent a sleep study to measure the acuteness of their sleep apnea. (more…)
Keep Your Job: Livonia Dentist Talks about Sleep Apnea and Work
People with sleep apnea struggle to stay awake and alert during the day. Sleep apnea can affect them as they go through their daily tasks of family care, driving, and work. Some patients wonder if they should talk about sleep apnea to their supervisor at work. Livonia Dentist, Dr. Stewart, answers that question, and discusses obstructive sleep apnea and its effect on you in your work environment. (more…)
Livonia Dentist Advises How to Help with Your Snoring Spouse
Picture this: after a long work week, you and your sleeping partner settle down into your warm, comfortable bed, hoping for a refreshing night’s sleep. After two hours of sleep, you awaken to a low rumbling. You start to fall back to sleep and the rumbling turns into short bursts of louder snorts. You are now awake enough to figure out that your sleeping partner is snoring. You lie awake, listening. And then the noise stops; in fact, you can’t hear him breathing. Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, asks you to consider if your partner has sleep apnea. (more…)
Livonia Dentist Discusses American Diabetes Month and Your Oral Health
Did you know that that people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease? The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetic patients become more susceptible to gum disease, oral and fungal infections, poor healing, and dry mouth-related conditions. Livonia dentist, Dr. James R. Stewart Jr., wants to inform you about the signs of diabetes and its relationship to your dental health. (more…)
Livonia Dentist Keeps You Up-to-Date: The Latest Research on Cranberries and Dental Health
Fall brings to mind the harvest of many fruits and vegetables. The iconic image of the fall harvest is the cornucopia, overflowing with delicious natural treats. Treasures like apples, pears, and grapes grace our tables and fill our stomachs. Crunching these fibrous, nutritious foods benefits our dental health, as well as our bodily health. They clean our teeth and freshen our breath. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help protect gum tissue, as well. One special fruit, cranberries, may hold a key to preventing tooth decay. In this post, Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart describes an interesting study about cranberries and tooth decay.
Plaque-Fighting Compounds in Cranberries
Plaque has long been known as the enemy of good dental health. You can combat plaque by limiting foods rich in sugar, starch, and acid. You can rinse away organisms that cause plaque by drinking water after meals or snacks. You can brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque, sugar, and acid from your teeth. Could you use one more weapon in the battle against plaque? Scientists are discovering a new weapon made of compounds from cranberries, a favorite fall food. (more…)
Livonia Cosmetic Dentist Discusses Conservative Smile Makeovers
The prevalence of extreme makeovers in popular culture, especially on television, has led us to believe that a smile makeover should involve several rather intensive procedures that dramatically alter the appearance of a person’s teeth, gums and lips. In reality, smile makeovers refer to a cosmetic dental treatment plan that can incorporate any number of procedures, both minor and intensive. Dr. James R. Stewart discusses a few conservative treatment options that, when performed as part of a cohesive cosmetic strategy, can significantly enhance the vibrancy of your smile.
Whitening Systems for Brighter Teeth
The single trendiest cosmetic solution around, teeth whitening can improve the appearance of your teeth by removing years of built up stains and discolorations. Dr. Stewart offers two types of whitening treatments at his Livonia dentist office. For patients interested in quick results, in-office whitening can brighten your teeth by several shades in about an hour. During this procedure, Dr. Stewart treats your teeth with a special, light-activated gel that whitens while you wait. (more…)