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.
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…)
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…)
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 So, when you’re down in the dumps, you may seem withdrawn.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…)
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…)
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…)
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.
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.
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.
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…)
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…)