Pregnant? Give Oral Health Added Attention!

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

While many pregnant women become more health conscious during pregnancy, moms-to-be should also be extra attentive to their oral health. Research has shown that oral decay and the bacteria of periodontal disease can lead to pre-term labor.  Additionally, many OB/Gyn doctors now caution their pregnant patients that poor oral health during pregnancy can even put an unborn child at risk of infections or low birth weight.

When pregnant, women often eat more frequently. The reaction in your mouth is an acid attack whenever you eat or drink. Be sure to swish or brush afterwards and floss daily. Use a tongue scraper, which helps to remove oral bacteria embedded in the tongue.

For those who experience morning sickness, use a rinse of warm water and baking soda. Most importantly, however, have a thorough oral examination early in your pregnancy to ensure you and your baby can both enjoy optimal health!

To schedule an oral examination, call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles.

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Oral Health Tips For Arthritis Suffers

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

If you are an arthritis sufferer, you are twice as likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease is the country’s number one cause of tooth loss and has been linked to serious health problems. These include coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, and memory loss. Findings published by the Journal of Periodontology stated that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had an average tooth loss of 11.6 teeth compared to 6.7 teeth of other participants in the study.

RA is the nation’s leading cause of disability and limits the daily activities of over 7 million Americans. Because we understand the physical limitations RA can cause, the following tips are provided to make your oral hygiene at home easier.

• Water irrigators can remove food particles and plaque between teeth.

• Electric toothbrushes and floss holders can reduce the amount of effort required by the hands.

• Wrap toothbrush handles with a sponge hair roller to create a more comfortable, thicker grip.

• Replace knob-type faucets with levers, which are easier to turn on and off.

• Insufficient saliva in the mouth increases the risk of bacterial growth. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. If you are taking medications that are drying, oral rinses are available to help maintain oral moisture. Minimize caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, all which are drying to oral tissues.

With a good oral care commitment, RA sufferers can maintain a healthy smile and prevent tooth loss. If you suffer with arthritis, overcoming the physical limitations to protect your smile will result in a constant reminder that YOU are in charge of your health!

Posted in arthritis, dentist shelby twp, detroit dentist, dry mouth, heart disease, new patients, Periodontal Disease, Your Health, Your Teeth | Comments Off

Repairing A Gummy Smile In A Single Visit

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

If someone special in your life has a ‘gummy smile,’ you probably have noticed they tend to hold back on a really full smile. They may put their hand in front of their mouth when smiling or look down when laughing. In photos, they tend to resist a full smile.

This is a shame for so many people who are precious to us. Perhaps it is a mother or wife. Maybe it is a bride who knows all eyes (and photographs) will be on her. Maybe it’s a child preparing for college and feels uneasy about making new friends.

Repairing a gummy smile is, quite frankly, a fairly simple procedure. Often, excess gum tissue is removed in a single procedure. The gum line is evened out so the smile has a more balanced and appealing appearance. We use a laser for most procedures for a precision contour and rapid healing time. Patients are very comfortable throughout the procedure with either oral or I.V. sedation, if desired.

If you have, or know someone who has, a gummy smile and would like to feel more confident smiling, laughing and enjoying social gatherings, begin with a free consultation to discuss the procedure. Your smile should reflect YOU at your very best! Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles to learn more.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist, dentist shelby twp, detroit dentist, Metro Detroit, new patients, Sedation Dentistry, smile makeover, Your Teeth | Comments Off

Why More Adults Opt For Dental Implants

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

In my dental practice, an ever-increasing number of adults opt for a dental implant or implants over other tooth replacement options. Although some patients are familiar with the advantages of an implant vs. other options, I always present all their choices and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

While the one and only ‘disadvantage’ of an implant is the initial cost, which is typically higher than other options in tooth replacement, the long-term benefits of an implant greatly outweigh the additional upfront expense. Over time, the health advantages alone make implants a better investment. Also, dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. No crown-&-bridge combination, partial or denture can outdo the longevity of an implant.

From a dentist’s point of view, implants are especially superior in how they function BELOW the gums. Although you cannot see how implants are held in the bone, this foundation gives implants the same stability as that of natural tooth roots. Additionally, the presence of an implant keeps the bone from ‘resorbing,’ or shrinking. When tooth roots are no longer present in the bone, implants recreate the stimulation needed to maintain its mass.

Another bonus is the ability of an implant to hold one, two or more teeth without needing the support of adjacent teeth. Unlike a crown-&-bridge combination or some partials, a dental implant supports teeth on its own. With dental implants, there is no need to crown neighboring, otherwise healthy teeth merely to support replacement teeth.

Here, we provide all phases of dental implant treatment. With everything done in one office, patients save time and expense versus treatment between two offices with several visits to each.

We offer a free consultation for those who are interested in any type of tooth enhancement or replacement. Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles to arrange a time to discuss your needs and have your questions answered.

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The Beauty of a Smile – Both Inside & Out!

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

Here are just a few of the comments we’ve heard after patients have had smile enhancements:

“I feel so much better about how I look now!”

“This is the best thing I’ve ever done! It’s taken years off my appearance!”

“I never knew what a boost in confidence this would give me. Why I didn’t do this years ago, I’ll never know!”

“I like my new smile so much that I’ve lost 12 pounds and got a new hairstyle. I feel like a new person!”

“I feel more social now and say ‘Yes’ more often to get-togethers. I feel like I’m having more fun now!”

“My husband wants to have his smile redone now, too! I think he’s jealous!”

While we’re thrilled to hear such positive feedback from our cosmetic dentistry patients, they get one more bonus they don’t always remember. As a Neuromuscular Dentist, I provide them with unique skills that is blended into their treatment. These skills ensure their smile enhancements fit in a balanced and harmonious way with head and neck muscles, facial bones and jaw joints.

This neuromuscular approach results in a smile that does not make them susceptible to headaches, migraines, facial pain, broken teeth, chips or uneven wear down the road. The advanced training I received in neuromuscular dentistry gives our patients optimal longevity, function and comfort along with the fabulous appearance of an enhanced smile.

Often, just 6 porcelain crowns or veneers create an entirely new look for one’s smile. For those who want a whiter, brighter smile, we have our patients whiten their teeth prior to placing their crowns or veneers. This way, all teeth – both natural and the ones we restore – have the same shade.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, a beautiful change may be just a consultation away. Call us toll free 1-866-9-Smiles to discuss your smile!

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist, dentist shelby twp, detroit dentist, invisalign, Neuromuscular Dentistry, new patients, smile makeover, teeth whitening, veneers, Your Teeth | Comments Off

We Help You Keep Dangerous Inflammation In Check!

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the gums that causes loss of the bone that support teeth.  Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation creates an over-production of immune cells that actually damage, rather than repair. Rampant inflammation can lead to cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, as well as other major health problems.

To aid your body’s ability to keep inflammation in check, it is important to maintain a healthy mouth. Your mouth can be a tremendous source of bacteria, which can develop into gum disease. When gum disease weakens oral tissues, this bacteria can enter the bloodstream. Research has already associated the inflammatory reaction of oral bacteria with a list that includes coronary artery disease, stroke, memory loss and diabetes.

This information, in itself, should be enough to motivate adults to brush (at least twice daily) and floss every day. However, it is also important to keep those six-month dental exams and cleanings. This allows removal of bacteria-laden plaque, which can occur between visits (even for diligent brushers and flossers).  Plaque build-up is what your Hygienist is scraping off, and no amount of brushing or flossing will remove it.

In addition to maintaining good oral health, you may be interested in a list of foods that may actually add to harmful inflammation. While everything in moderation is always wise, some foods are more irritating and tend to exaggerate inflammation. They include:

MSG – This preservative and flavor enhancer is a chemical that has been shown to have inflammatory responses. While more research is needed to understand why MSG causes inflammation, we already know that the human body does not tolerate it well.

Sugar – Excess sugar in the body creates havoc in a number of ways. While the body goes through intricate maneuvers to process it, the end result is inflammation.

White Bread – White bread is refined to nothing more than fast-digesting carbohydrates that irritate the body. Both white bread and pastas break down quickly into sugar, leading to higher sugar levels in the blood.

Gluten – Sensitivity to gluten can lead to bloating or digestion problems. It is believed that these symptoms could be an inflammatory response.

Alcohol – Alcohol becomes sugar as soon as the body begins to break it down. A small amount of alcohol is tolerable – even beneficial. However, too much allows bacteria to easily enter the linings of the intestines. This can lead to irritation and inflammation.

Trans Fats – Many processed foods are full of hydrogenated oils (manmade fats), which can damage the cells that line your blood vessels.  This results in ‘plaque buildup’ in arteries.

We’ll keep you posted on new findings as they are published. In the meantime, let us know if you’re past due for a check-up and cleaning! It’s one of the simplest ways to help protect your overall health and well-being! Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles to schedule. New patients are always welcome!

Posted in arthritis, dentist shelby twp, Dentistry In The News, detroit dentist, heart disease, new patients, Periodontal Disease, Your Health, Your Teeth | Comments Off

Thank Your Denture For Your Jowls.

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

Long-time denture wearer?  If you suspect your face has grown longer, it is probably because jowls have formed on both sides of your face. This is often the result of facial muscles that have detached from the jaw bones once they shrink to a certain point.

Here is why you’ve lost bone: When natural tooth roots are held by the upper and lower jaw bones, they provide stimulation to the bone, which helps it maintain its mass. When tooth roots are no longer present, lack of stimulation results in bone resorption, or ‘melting away’ of the bone.

Although resorption occurs slowly, pressure on the jaws from wearing dentures actually speeds the resorption process. Since many denture wearers also sleep in their dentures, this continual pressure accelerates the rate of bone loss even more.

When dentures are first placed, the fit can be satisfactory for 1 – 5 years. However, as bone loss progresses, the denture’s fit lasts at less-frequent intervals each time. This is why relines are regularly needed. For example, one year after the extraction of teeth, a denture wearer experiences a 25% bone loss. Three years later, 60% of the bone is gone. While the biting force with teeth is 250 lbs., an average denture wearer bites with only 5 – 6 lbs. of force.

Today’s implant dentistry includes types, such as the ‘All-On-4,’ that need minimal bone for placement. Because these implants are placed at unique angles, just four implants (upper or lower) are able to support a full arch of non-removable teeth.

Regardless of the process, dental implants will enable you to chew comfortably and speak and laugh confidently without fear of embarrassment. Call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles for a consultation to learn what is required for your needs as well as treatment options.

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Dental Fears? Nothing To Fear Here!

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Dr.Barbat

As a Dentist, I cannot imagine hurting a patient. Even more, I cannot fathom why a Dentist would continue to work on a patient they can see is in pain. Yet, the horror stories I have heard from people tell me there are still Dentists who are creating dental phobics. Unfortunately, many of these individuals end up avoiding much-needed dental care for years.

While I’ve always been committed to providing exceptional results and flattering smiles, I also know that dentistry can be performed without the patient experiencing pain.

For fearful patients, most do fine with Oral Sedation, which requires no needles to administer and has a quick recovery. We also offer I.V. Sedation for a ‘twilight sleep’ state for people who need a deeper level of sedation. However, many patients opt for Oral Sedation once they realize they can trust me to prevent any discomfort throughout their procedure.

A healthy, confident smile is an important part of one’s overall health and well-being. If you know someone who avoids dentistry because of fear, suggest they call toll free 1-866-9-Smiles for a free consultation. I’ll be happy to talk with them in our comfortable consultation room (which is removed from the clinical side of the practice) and answer any questions.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist, dentist shelby twp, detroit dentist, Fear of Dentist, new patients, Sedation Dentistry, smile makeover, Your Health, Your Teeth | Comments Off