Livonia Dentist Explains How Tooth Decay Forms

Posted August 5, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities begin with one particular species of bacteria, called S. mutans. These spiral-shaped pathogens metabolize sugar when it is introduced into the mouth from eating sweets or fermentable carbohydrates like white bread. Acid formation is the result of the combination of S. mutans and sugar. This acid attacks tooth enamel, wearing away at your tooth’s defenses against bacteria. As cavities form, the infection spreads inward toward the inner structures of the tooth. Travelling through the microscopic tubes of the soft layer of dentin, the bacteria infect the tooth pulp.

The Dangers of Tooth Decay

The pulp center is a vital part of the tooth. Connected to the tooth roots through root canals, the pulp holds the tooth’s nerves, living tissues, and blood vessels. When infected, the damaged tooth’s nerves send pain signals to the brain. An internally infected tooth can produce toothache with chewing pressure as well as temperature sensitivity. While this is a common symptom of an infected root canal, not all tooth decay has noticeable signs.

Detecting Dental Caries Early

Because tooth decay does not guarantee warning signs, dental checkups are imperative for detecting cavities before they lead to much larger dental health issues like an abscessed tooth, or jawbone deterioration. Our Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, employs innovative technology for seeking out even the smallest amounts of tooth decay present. DIAGNOdent, a cavity detection device, measures the wavelengths of healthy teeth against a tooth with suspected dental caries. This exposes even the earliest signs of cavities, so that Dr. Stewart can address tooth decay with the most conservative fillings possible and prevent further oral health problems. (more…)

Common Oral Side Effects of Medication

Posted August 2, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

As a comprehensive care dentist, Dr. James Stewart of Livonia, Michigan, cares not only about the health and appearance of your smile, but also about your general health and well being. For Dr. Stewart and our team, part of helping you achieve the best version of yourself means working with your other medical care providers to ensure that all of your needs are met and that you—the patient—are our first priority. Today, Dr. Stewart wants to discuss one of the reasons why overarching medical care is important: because certain medications can have an impact on your oral health. (more…)

Everything You Need to Know about Inlays and Onlays from Your Livonia Dentist

Posted July 29, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

When it comes to addressing cavities, most people think fillings are their only option. Many are unaware that our Livonia dentist offers a stronger variety of fillings that is more conservative than porcelain crowns. Our Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart will explain everything you need to know about these strong dental restorations.

What are inlays and onlays?
Inlays and onlays are two different varieties of porcelain fillings. Inlays act much like fillings by replacing the void left by tooth decay. Onlays are larger versions of inlays that not only fill the cavity but also lay over the broken or damaged cusp of a tooth. Both of these dental restorations are made from ceramics, a more durable, longer lasting material than that of composite resin fillings.

What are the benefits of inlays and onlays?

Unlike composite resin, ceramic inlays and onlays are made in professional dental labs to exact specifications. These ceramic restorations are made to blend seamlessly with the shape and coloration of the tooth.

One of the most notable benefits of inlays and onlays is tooth conservation. These restorations combine the strength of porcelain crowns with the minimally invasive methods of composite resin fillings. Our Livonia dentist can prepare your tooth using the most conservative measures possible to save natural tooth structure and ultimately preserve tooth strength.

Who can benefit from inlays and onlays?

Almost anyone is a great candidate for inlays and onlays. Patients with bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), or TMJ disorder (issues with jaw pain) can benefit from the durability of the fillings against teeth clenching and extreme pressure. (more…)

Healthy Sugar Substitutes from Our Livonia Dentist

Posted July 24, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

If tooth enamel was Superman, sugar would be kryptonite. Sugar is just about the worst thing for your teeth. When mixed with bacteria in your mouth, it quickly becomes enamel-eroding acid that causes tooth decay. That’s why virtually every list of cavity-prevention tips begin with ‘avoid sugary food and beverages.’ But we know it’s hard to deny a sweet tooth, so our Livonia dentist, Dr. James Stewart, would like to tell you about some healthier sugar substitutes.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol naturally present in foods like corn, beets, and berries. It tastes almost as sweet as sugar, but only has about nine calories per teaspoon. This sugar substitute is actually good for your teeth. xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to the tooth surface. It’s often used in sugar-free gum, and can help prevent tooth decay. Some reports show that xylitol can reduce acid-causing bacteria in the mouth by up to 90 percent. Xylitol can also help keep a neutral pH balance in the mouth.
Sugar alcohols are not digested well by the body, though. So, while it won’t raise your blood sugar, it can upset your stomach, causing gas and diarrhea.

Sucralose

Commonly marketed as Splenda, a packet is equivalent to two teaspoons of table sugar. Sucralose is derived from a sugar molecule, but is chemically altered so it passes through the body unmetabolized. It is also heat stable and can be used in baking.

Saccharin

Sold under the brand name Sweet’N Low, a packet of saccharin is also equivalent to about two teaspoons of table sugar. This substitute is best for coffee and tea, but should not be used in baking.

Aspartame

Sold as Equal, aspartame also has the ratio of one packet to two teaspoons of table sugar. It should only be used in cooking if the recipe specifically calls for it. (more…)

Smile, It’s Good For You

Posted July 19, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

One of the benefits of having a healthy mouth is that you have a smile you can be proud of. A smile can be more than the outward expression of pleasure. As our Livonia family dentist, Dr. James Stewart, can tell you, smiling can boost your health and inspire people around you.

It’s Like Medicine

Smiling and having a positive attitude can improve both your psychological and physical health. Here are a few reasons why you should put a smile on your face:

Smiling reduces stress. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, stop and smile. You will look less stressed and your demeanor will follow suit.
Smiling makes you more attractive. Scowls, frowns, and glares push people away. A smile draws people in — and then you have something new to smile about.
Smiling makes you look younger. When we smile, the muscles in our face tighten upward, lifting our countenance. Take a few years off your appearance by smiling.
Smiling kills pain and elevates mood. Turning our frown upside down releases endorphins, serotonin, and natural pain killers. Smiling is like taking happy pills and brings a new meaning to the phrase “high on life.”
Smiling lowers blood pressure. Smiling quantifiably lowers blood pressure. Test it out with an at-home blood pressure monitor or the one at your local drug store. Take a reading and then smile for one minute. While continuing to smile, take another reading.
Smiling boosts immune function. When we are stressed, our body releases the hormone cortisol, which suppresses immune function. Smiling reduces cortisol levels, thus increasing our ability to fight infection. (more…)

Babies and Teething in Livonia

Posted July 17, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Our hopefully lifelong relationship with our teeth starts at a young age—and usually with some swelling and discomfort. “Teething” is the eruption of a child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) and occurs between three months and 12 months of age. Today, our Livonia family dentist Dr. James Stewart shares some information about teething and how you can make your child more comfortable as his or her teeth erupt.

How Do I Know if my Child is Teething?

Teething can start between three and 12 months, but generally occurs around six-months-old. Eruption usually starts with the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth one to two months later. Swelling and soreness of the gums is common prior to the teeth erupting. Discomfort usually begins about three to five days before the teeth erupt. In an effort to relieve pressure in the gums, many babies will chew on toys or on their hands. They might also lose interest in eating or drinking because their mouths hurt. Some infants drool as their teeth are erupting. This can lead to a skin rash.

Minimize the Discomfort of Teething

Some babies aren’t fussy and don’t appear to be affected at all by teething. Others are noticeably uncomfortable. Here are a few steps you can take to make your child more comfortable during teething.

There are several products designed for children to chew on while teething, such as teething rings. Many are filled with water and can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer to give your child something cold and soothing to chew on. Just make sure your child has something safe to put in his or her mouth.
Using a clean finger, gently rub your baby’s gums for about two minutes at a time.
Give your baby a pain reliever designed for his or her age, such as children’s Tylenol or children’s Advil. (more…)

The Dreaded Cavity

Posted July 12, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Nothing can take the joy out of your semi-annual dental checkup like learning you have a cavity. From a young age, we’re told to brush our teeth to keep from getting cavities. But what causes cavities? And how can we keep from getting them? Today, our Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart answers those questions in an effort to help keep you cavity-free.

What Causes a Cavity

Cavities, also called dental caries, are bacterial infections that erode the structures of the teeth, beginning with the hard, protective, outer layer called enamel. The mouth is full of bacteria. Not all of them are harmful, but some of them are, and they stick to the outside of teeth and gums. More and more bacteria gather and form a sticky film of whitish residue called plaque. Plaque is the harbinger of tooth decay. Sugars from the foods and beverages we consume react with the bacteria in plaque to form acids. These acids erode tooth enamel and allow more bacteria to invade the internal structures of the tooth. Left untreated, cavities can cause severe pain and, eventually, tooth loss.

Arm Yourself in the Fight Against Tooth Decay

Preventing cavities begins with not exposing your teeth to certain substances. Sugar is a cavity’s best friend, so don’t let them play together. Avoid sugary foods. Also avoid starchy foods, like potato chips, because the starches are quickly broken down into sugars and have the same detrimental effect on tooth enamel. Soda is the worst offender. Not only are sodas loaded with sugar that eventually turns to acid, they are full of acids that can wreck healthy teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water can normalize the pH balance in the mouth and decrease the risk of developing cavities. It’s also important to exercise proper oral hygiene. The following tips can help minimize tooth decay:

Brush your teeth twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride
Floss once a day to remove food and plaque from between teeth
Use an antibacterial mouthwash (more…)

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning in Livonia

Posted July 10, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

It has been reported that 20 to 80 percent of people fear visiting the dentist. With regular dental cleanings and checkups being such an integral part of both oral and overall health, this fear can be detrimental to one’s dental hygiene. To help put those fears at ease, our Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart would like you to know what to expect during a dental cleaning.

Not Just a Cleaning

A dental exam is more than just a cleaning. Yes, a hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, but the examination is an important step in ensuring your health. Regularly-scheduled checkups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and catch any potential problems in their infancy. Dr. Stewart will check your mouth for signs of gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer.

Gum disease is a chronic condition that can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss. If it is treated in its early stage—gingivitis—it can be reversed.
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth creates acids that erode the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth called enamel. Diagnosing and treating tooth decay can reduce the risk serious complications, such as tooth loss.
More than 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Early detection and treatment greatly improves the chances of successfully treating cancers of the lips, mouth and throat.

Cleaning

The cleaning portion of the exam is important because even the most diligent patient can’t remove all of the plaque and bacteria in his or her mouth with twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. Regular visits to a dental hygienist are needed to keep your teeth free of plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that coats teeth, and tartar, which is hardened plaque. A hygienist can also polish away most coffee, tea, and tobacco stains, restoring a beautiful luster to your teeth. (more…)

Treating Bad Breath in Livonia

Posted July 4, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

No one is safe from the occasional bout of bad breath caused by onions or garlic, but what if you have bad breath all the time? Also known as halitosis, foul breath can prevent you from fully enjoying life if you’re constantly worried about offending friends and coworkers every time you open your mouth. Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart explains the causes of bad breath and the treatments he offers to knock out your offensive breath for good.

What causes bad breath?

Most cases of bad breath are due to a proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. When these bacteria, which naturally cling to the teeth, gums, and tongue, are not regularly cleaned away with good oral hygiene, they grow and produce foul odors. Some oral health problems can make bad breath even worse, including gum disease, tooth decay, and xerostomia (dry mouth). (more…)

Foods to Avoid at Your Fourth of July Picnic

Posted July 3, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

The Fourth of July in the US has become synonymous with picnics, barbecues, and pool parties with lots of soda and potato chips. While it’s become an American tradition, the foods popular at Independence Day gatherings can wreak havoc on your teeth. Livonia dentist Dr. James Stewart has some helpful advice about what to avoid at this year’s party.

How Does my Diet Affect my Teeth?

Your mouth responds almost instantly when certain foods or beverages are introduced. Bacteria in your mouth convert the sugars in the foods you eat to acids. Those acids in turn attack the enamel on your teeth, which is the hard protective coating. Every time you eat, you are exposing yourself to acids and increasing your risk of tooth decay, but some foods are worse than others.

Worst Foods for Fourth of July

Sodas and other carbonated beverages–Soda is terrible for teeth. Sodas are loaded with sugar and form a perfect storm when mixed with the acids in carbonation. While diet sodas don’t contain the massive amounts of sugar found in regular sodas, the acids in the carbonation still eat enamel.
Starchy foods–You might want to forego the potato salad this year. While potatoes, pasta, and potato chips don’t necessarily taste sweet, the starches in these popular summertime foods are rapidly converted into sugars by saliva and bacteria in the mouth.
Ice—It’s hot, we know. But even though it might be tempting to chew on the ice after finishing your glass of water—because you wouldn’t be drinking soda or carbonated beverages after we cautioned against it, would you?—chewing ice is like playing with fire. Really cold fire. Our teeth are strong, but they’re not designed to chew substances as hard as ice. Chewing ice can cause tiny cracks in the teeth that can lead to problems later. (more…)