Category: Oral Health

Livonia Dentist Discusses Link Between Periodontal Disease and Arthritis

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland reported that patients reduced arthritic pain and the  number of swollen joints after treating their dental problems. “It was exciting to find that if we eliminated the infection and inflammation in the gums, then patients with a severe kind of… Read more »

Proper Oral Care for Dementia Patients

Caring for patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s can prove challenging.  Patients often resist care oral health because they feel threatened.  Caring for their oral health can be easier thanks to a group of nurses at Penn State School of Nursing.  The nurses developed a plan, Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction, to assist caregivers in… Read more »

The Trouble with Halitosis

Halitosis, or bad breath can occur after eating odorous foods, or because of poor oral hygiene, taking certain medicines, or using tobacco products. However, halitosis also can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, such as periodontal disease, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, liver or kidney disease, chronic sinusitis, or chronic bronchitis. Through proper oral… Read more »

Livonia Dentist Examines the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Dry Mouth

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining good oral health. It washes away food particles, cleans teeth, and neutralizes harmful acids.  Without saliva, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, you suffer from xerostomia or dry mouth. To determine the cause of dry mouth, your dentist… Read more »

Small Steps Lead to Huge Success

Research shows that maintaining proper diet and exercise can increase your overall well-being and life expectancy. Dentists encourage their patients to eat a healthy diet, not only to prevent cavities and gum disease, but also to promote good overall health.  Studies show good oral health contributes to good overall health. While the road to better… Read more »

Caring for Aging Teeth

Like our bodies, teeth need proper care to last a lifetime. Even though teeth are surprisingly resilient, everyday wear and tear and natural aging can take a toll. Along with following the American Dental Association’s guidelines on proper dental care (brush twice daily, floss once a day, and visit a dentist every six months for… Read more »

Great Vitamins for Women

Studies have shown that poor nutrition increases a woman’s risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. When women typically diet, they may deplete their bodies of essential vitamins and minerals. Doctors and dentists recommend women incorporate foods full of vitamins and minerals because the body will use food-sourced vitamins more efficiently than supplements. Our… Read more »

Sleep Impacts Oral Health

Lack of sleep worsens periodontal disease. During a study conducted in Japan, 219 factory workers were evaluated to determine the affect their lifestyles had on their oral health.  Researchers examined lifestyle habits, including: exercise, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, amount of sleep, nutrition, stress, number of hours worked, and eating breakfast. The study revealed the number-one… Read more »

Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Oral cancer affects approximately 36,500 people yearly, which accounts for about two percent of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. According to recent statistics, of these 36,500 people, approximately 7,900 will die from the disease. The death rate is high due to late detection of the disease. Oral cancer generally metastasizes to the cervical lymph nodes in the neck.

Livonia Dentist Recommends Moderating Acidic Foods

Maintaining a proper pH level in your mouth can prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Continual consumption of foods with low pH levels can also lead to irreversible dental erosion. I’m Dr. James Stewart, a dentist in Livonia, MI., and I want to discuss why acidic foods should be consumed in moderation.