Your safety is of the upmost importance to us. Our office follows the infection control guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Our affiliation with these organizations ensures that we are up to date with the latest recommendations and guidelines. As you know, infection control has always been a top priority in our office and you will notice some additional measures that we have implemented based on current guidelines.
HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
Prior to your appointment:
You will receive an email or text to fill out any necessary forms online. This will make it more convenient for you and eliminate any paperwork in the office. One of these forms will be a COVID-19 screening questionnaire.
Upon arrival to our office:
Please wear a face mask. We will provide one for you if you don’t have one. Your temperature will be taken in the foyer. Only the patient should come in for the appointment if possible. One caregiver or family member may come in with the patient, and they must wear a face mask and will be screened.
At your appointment:
You will be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer and then use a mouth rinse prior to your dental care. Our office utilizes Surgically Clean Air purifiers to remove harmful particles, pollutants, and other airborne contaminants and bacteria from the air in every operatory during all patient appointments. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
15873 Middlebelt Rd. Suite 100 • Livonia, MI 48154
What kind of tooth brusher are you? Do you scrub vigorously, like you’re scrubbing tile grout to make it gleaming white? Do you spend 5 or 10 minutes to “really do a good job?” Or do you quickly whisk across your teeth, taking less than a minute?
Chances are, no matter how much time you spend brushing your teeth you’re most likely brushing too hard. Nearly 70% of the people that do brush are applying too much pressure. And the problem is much more serious than you might even realize.
There can’t be too much emphasis on the detriment of brushing too hard. The two, immediately obvious problems that will occur from brushing too hard are: (more…)
Approximately 10-20% of middle-aged Americans suffer from sleep apnea. Dr. Stewart is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and has extensive training in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.
On this blog, we’ve covered the negative effects of sleep disorders, and you may already know that people with sleep apnea are at risk of depression, heart attack, stroke, impotence, low productivity, and forgetfulness. Accidents on the job and behind the wheel are also a serious concern. Researchers now believe that sleep apnea may be linked to dementia, particularly in elderly females. (more…)
The number of Americans who have Alzheimer’s disease is 5.4 million, and climbing.
Dr. Stewart and our team observe official World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21st. It’s the perfect time to inform our patients on the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. While reserchers have suspected a link for years, scientists at NYU published a study in 2010 that shows how gum inflammation contributes to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Age and genetics are the primary risk factors for Alzheimer’s, and you have no control over these. However, you do have some control over your oral health. By exercising preventive measures, such as brushing and flossing properly, and by scheduling dental checkups every six months, you will cut down a risk factor for developing not only tooth loss and gum disease, but other systemic problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.
At your next checkup, Dr. Stewart and our staff will examine you for periodontal disease and treat accordingly. Alzheimer’s disease ranks 6th in leading causes of death in the United States. If gum disease makes the difference in whether or not you develop a fatal illness, your next dental visit could save your life.
Contact Dr. James Stewart, your family dentist in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400, to schedule your checkup today.
We have all done it. You leave your favorite restaurant, finish off the drink and start crunching on the ice. Crushed ice or cubed, we seem to be drawn to the frozen liquid in that cup. The problem you may not realize is that chewing on ice can damage your teeth.
Our teeth are covered with enamel, the hardest substance in the body and second hardest natural substance on the earth (next to diamonds). While tooth enamel is very durable, it can be worn away or chip. The acids produced by foods cause tooth enamel to soften for up to two hours. So, eating ice can cause the enamel to chip or wear down.
When tooth enamel is compromised, you can experience increased sensitivity, causing the tooth to react intensely to the cold. The temperature can shock the nerve of the tooth, causing discomfort or pain. (more…)
It’s that time of year again. With the kids back to school and the weather changing on us, we are now being forced to face the dreaded cold and allergy season. No matter where you are, people are sniffling, sneezing, and coughing.
Did you know that sinuses and your dental health are connected? Your sinus cavities are closely located near the roots of your maxillary, or upper, teeth. Bad oral health can contribute to sinusitis or a sinus infection. Tooth decay and infections of the gums can cause sinus discomfort and add to, and/or lead to, a sinus infection. Or vice versa, a sinus infection can negatively impact your teeth.
Sinus infections can greatly influence the sensation of the teeth. When you are congested, the sinuses cause pressure on surrounding tissues, which causes discomfort and pain in upper teeth. The pain can be felt anywhere from the incisors to the molars. Sometimes, people aren’t sure whether they have a toothache or sinus congestion. Sinus infections can also cause drainage, which leads to bad breath.
At dental checkups, Dr. Stewart can determine whether your toothache is from a sinus infection or dental problem.
If you are experiencing sinus pressure, or maybe a toothache, contact Dr. James Stewart, your family dentist in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400, to schedule your consultation today.
A balanced diet is key to overall health, and the USDA’s guidelines encourage us to limit our intake of foods and beverages high in added sugar. No matter the age- young or old- we all get those got-to-have-it cravings for something sweet. If we stop and think about indulging in this sinful treat, however, we typically focus on counting calories rather than the effects on our oral health.
Candy and other sweets have long been connected to cavities. Why is this? As far as your oral health is concerned, it’s not so much what you eat, but how you eat it. Sugar is harmful to your dental health because it sticks to your teeth and turns to acid and plaque that can accumulate at your gum line and lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
Totally avoiding added sugar just isn’t realistic, so the key to indulging in sugary confections is to limit the time your teeth are exposed to the sugar. To do this, eat sweets as a part of a meal instead of as a separate snack. After eating sweets or drinking sugary drinks, such as soda and fruit juice, rinse your mouth with water or consume dairy, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese, to coat your teeth and minimize the accumulation of bacteria. Wait about 30 minutes to brush your teeth any time you eat or drink. Your tooth enamel, the natural protective coating on your teeth, becomes soft when you eat, and waiting half an hour allows it to become hard again so that you don’t damage it or the dentin underneath with aggressive brushing.
The clinical name for chronic dry mouth is xerostomia. Dry mouth is a symptom, not a disorder, and it will make your mouth will feel cottony or pasty. The problem is, you aren’t producing enough saliva. Commonly, medications cause dry mouth, but other causes include radiation treatment, salivary gland disease, diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome, and even emotional stress. Hormone fluctuations, as occur with pregnancy or menopause, can also contribute to dry mouth.
For some people, dry mouth is simply uncomfortable. However, it can lead to other oral health problems. Saliva is an interesting and necessary bodily fluid. It controls bacteria levels, neutralizes acids, and generally cleans the mouth. When inadequate saliva is produced, you may experience increased tooth decay, oral yeast infection, a burning sensation, bad breath, and you’re more prone to developing gum disease. If you wear dentures, they may feel uncomfortable without sufficient saliva to help them adhere to your gums.
You can combat xerostomia by:
Increasing hydration (drinking water)
Using artificial saliva (from a pharmacy)
Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and carbonation in your diet
Good at-home dental hygiene, regular bi-annual dental checkups and cleanings, and eating right are just a few things you can do to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. Still, regular preventive measures are still not enough at times.
It’s important to pay attention to what’s going on in your mouth. For so many oral health conditions, early detection is key to treating the problem, restoring your oral health, and protecting you from the onset of serious overall health problems that are often associated with oral conditions.
If you have swollen gums, call Dr. Stewart’s dental office at (734) 425-4400 immediately to reserve an appointment. Often, swollen gums are a sign of gum disease, and, even if you believe you have healthy teeth and gums, swollen gums warrant a trip to the dentist. Upon examining your mouth, we will be able to tell right away if you have gum disease and how extensive the condition is.
Also, pay attention to the color of your gums. If they are redder than usual and appear very smooth and shiny, call our office to reserve an appointment. The key to treating periodontal disease is early detection. If caught in the early stages, Dr. Stewart can treat the condition effectively and conservatively.
Protect yourself from gum disease and its effects, including an increased risk of stroke, heart problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, pregnancy complications, and much more by paying attention to what’s going on in your mouth and addressing any abnormalities in the early stages.
Just like with all aspects of our world, science changes daily thanks to new research and studies. What’s the hot topic of this week, you may ask? The answer: How closely what we eat impacts our health.
The most recent adaptation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s food pyramid recommends 2 ½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit each day. If you currently consume this amount of fruits and veggies each day, good for you! Unfortunately most people don’t. If you’re one of these people, would you be more likely to eat healthy if you knew how these foods contributed to your overall well being?
Consume the following vitamins and minerals for oral and overall health:
Vitamin A prevents tooth decay and helps the formation of healthy soft tissues and teeth. Unpeeled sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and carrots are excellent sources of vitamin A. Vitamin B is actually a complex of eights vitamins that benefit oral health and comfort by preventing inflammation. B vitamins can be found in leafy green vegetables, sweet corn, peas, and berries. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it prevents free radicals from attacking cells and causing decay. This vitamin is also vital in regeneration of your skin, bones, and connection tissue, which helps prevent gum disease. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, and red and green peppers are all sources of vitamin C. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, a mineral that is vital for the structure and function of the teeth and bones. Vegetable sources of vitamin D include alfalfa and mushrooms. Calcium is in bok choy, collards, broccoli, kale, and turnip greens, and helps promote strong teeth and bones.
In addition to having regular dental exams and cleanings, having a balanced and nutritious diet can help to ensure healthy teeth and gums and a healthy body. To schedule an appointment with family dentistDr. James Stewart, call his Livonia, Michigan dental office at (734) 425-4400.
With summer coming to a close, the first day of school is just a few weeks away. For any family with school-age children– whether they’re a first grader or a freshman in high school- this can be an exciting and busy time.
What has to be done before school starts:
New clothes and shoes for the kiddos
New lunchboxes and backpacks
Keeping up with everyone’s schedules (soccer, carpool, band practice- you name it!)
Getting everyone’s schools supplies
Getting the kids to the doctor for general checkups, shots, and physicals
The list goes on and on, but is dental care on your back-to-school checklist?
If not, it should be. Regular six-month dental cleanings and checkups should begin as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. While this milestone happens at a different age for everyone, your dentist will recommend the proper time to start coming in regularly. These checkups are just another way to make sure that your kids are practicing quality at-home dental hygiene habits and that their smiles are happy and healthy.
By having their teeth thoroughly cleaned every six months, your child is protected from developing serious oral conditions, such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Also, with regular bi-annual checkups, your dentist can keep an eye on your child’s development and suggest the right time to see an orthodontist if braces are needed, as well as keep an eye on your child’s mouth and scan for anything that could become a problem in the future. After all, prevention is key to healthy living.
Dr. James Stewart is a family dentist in Livonia, Michigan, and he encourages you to bring your entire family in for regular checkups and cleanings before the kiddos go back to school. call Dr. Stewart’s dental office at (734) 425-4400 to reserve an appointment for your kids in the next few weeks so they can go back to school with a sparkling smile. Also, by calling now, your child won’t have to miss school later in the school year to go to the dentist. Unless Dr. Stewart says otherwise, checkups and cleanings every six months are all it takes to have a healthy smile.
We look forward to seeing you and starting your semester off with a smile.
What kind of tooth brusher are you? Do you scrub vigorously, like you’re scrubbing tile grout to make it gleaming white? Do you spend 5 or 10 minutes to “really do a good job?” Or do you quickly whisk across your teeth, taking less than a minute?
