Technology Gives Livonia Dentist an Edge

Posted August 17, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

As part of his mission to meet patient needs, Dr. James Stewart uses advanced dental technology. The tools he uses during regular check-ups and dental procedures help patients feel comfortable during their visit to the dentist. These tools also allow him to meet patient expectations for accurate diagnostics and precision treatment. The following is a list of some of the technologies Dr. Stewart incorporates.

DIAGNOdent

Going to the dentist can be stressful for some. Those with dental anxiety often dislike the techniques and tools used during check-ups. Dr. Stewart uses advanced cavity detection to eliminate patient discomfort. DIAGNOdent is a tool that allows Dr. Stewart to check for tooth decay without the use of metal dental probes. The device uses a laser to detect tooth decay or demineralization, which is the early phase of tooth decay. Those who fear or are uncomfortable with traditional methods of cavity detection can now relax in peace while Dr. Stewart gently waves the wand over their teeth. The device also shows the extent of decay with a digital readout. (more…)

Livonia Dentist Discusses The Comforts Of Oral Appliance Therapy

Posted August 16, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious medical condition affecting about 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women in America. This condition is characterized by loud snoring, restless nights, and high blood pressure in its sufferers. OSA occurs when the soft tissue in the back of the throat collapses during sleep, blocking the airway to the lungs.

For many years, the gold standard in sleep apnea treatment has been the continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machine. This large, noisy machine can be particularly uncomfortable for some of its users, and disruptive to their partners. In honor of National Relaxation Day, Dr. James Stewart would like to shed some light on a more comfortable alternative.

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Dental Stem Cells: Powerful Medical Reserves

Posted August 11, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Exciting medical advancements followed the discovery of stem cells. While research progresses, scientists discover more applications for these incredible cellular reserves. While stem cells exist in your body, they were historically difficult to harvest. Things have changed. The discovery of dental stem cells makes capitalizing on the powerful abilities of these cells easier, promising exciting new applications in medicine.

Flexible Cellular Reproduction

Stem cells are master cells with the incredible ability to replicate cells other than their own. While normal cells can only reproduce cells of the same type, stem cells can reproduce cells of many different types. For example, normal blood cell can only make new blood cells, but a stem cell may reproduce blood, kidney, heart, or bone cells. Scientists can use stem cells to regenerate skin, bone, and entire organs.

There are two types of stem cells: embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells come loaded with controversy and public outcry. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are free from these ethical concerns, and scientists use them in current medical research. Dental stem cells hold exciting promise for scientists, because of their easy access and high potency. (more…)

How to Care for Your Smile at Bedtime

Posted August 8, 2012 by Dr. Stewart

Throughout each and every day, your show your mouth the most love at two times: when you wake up in the morning and when you go to bed at night. Because your oral and overall health are connected, it’s important to make the most of these dental hygiene times to keep your teeth and gums healthy and working properly. Today, Livonia, MI dentist Dr. James Stewart wants to discuss how to up the ante with your bedtime dental hygiene routine.

Brushing

There are three steps to proper dental hygiene: brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an oral rinse. Let’s start with brushing.

To help protect your teeth from plaque buildup and tooth decay, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth. The American Dental Association recommends holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to your teeth and brushing back and forth in short, gentle strokes. Be sure to brush the inner, outer, and biting surfaces of your teeth.

As long as you brush your teeth before you go to bed for the night, it doesn’t matter if you brush right after dinner or right before going to bed. Once you brush for the night, however, make sure that you don’t eat or drink anything other than water.

Flossing

Flossing is essential to remove plaque and debris that your toothbrush can’t reach. The ADA recommends flossing at least once a day, so before bed is a good time.

To properly floss your teeth, use an 18-inch piece of floss to gently clean between each of your teeth, taking care to floss all the way up to the gum line and behind all of your back molars. As you move from tooth to tooth, use a clean section of the floss.

Rinsing

In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing with an ADA-approved oral rinse or mouthwash can help your smile stay plaque, cavity, and gingivitis free. Ask Dr. Stewart for mouthwash recommendations at your next appointment.

For more tips and tricks for a healthy smile, call our Livonia, MI dentist office at (734) 425-4400 to reserve a dental checkup and cleaning appointment with Dr. Stewart.

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…)