Persistent Facial & Neck Pain May Be Relieved Easily

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

More than 15% of American adults suffer from chronic facial pain. Common symptoms include pain in or around the ear, jaw tenderness, clicking or popping noises when opening the mouth, or head or neck aches.

In some instances, facial pain is caused by sinuses, toothache, or gum disease. However, this can also stem from facial muscles, strained jaw joints, or grinding or clenching teeth. If the ridges on tooth surfaces look flat or you occasionally wake up with jaw soreness, you may be grinding your teeth while your sleep.

Teeth grinding during sleep is a habit of one-third of Americans and employs ten times the force of normal chewing. Not surprisingly, it contributes to problems such as loose teeth, headaches, and pain in the temples and jaw.

In many cases, a custom-made mouth guard can provide relief and protect your teeth. These are created to give you an exact fit so it is comfortable for sleeping. The firm material it is made from often eliminates the urge to grind that softer, over-the-counter materials seem to encourage.

If facial or neck pain has become a persistent problem, call our office at (586) 739-2155 or mention your concerns at your next visit.

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Michigan Oral Health Statistics Have Room For Improvement

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

Ahhh… Michigan. It’s one of those state’s that seems to have it all, from the Great Lakes and sandy shores to lush wooded land dotted by lakes and ribboned with streams. Yes, Michigan is a winner – except for our population’s oral health statistics!

While Michigan ranks 8th in the U.S. when it comes to people having regular care dental visits (for cleanings and exams), 17.1% of it’s 65+ population are missing ALL of their teeth! So, it may also be of little surprise to learn that Michigan ranks 23rd in the nation’s overall Health Index.

Because the statistics are recent, this may reflect a growing trend of Michigan’s population to maintain regular dental visits and be proactive when it comes to their oral health. Hopefully, we’ll see a lower percentage of toothless 65-&-over adults as those who are now more ‘orally committed’ in our population reach this age.

At our dental office, we want to keep the faces of Michigan beaming with healthy, confident smiles! If you are behind on dental check-ups,  let’s sit down and talk about what has prevented you from finding a ‘dental home.’ Because, after all, Michigan gives you so many reasons to flash a fabulous smile, all day, everyday!

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SecondHand Smoke Ups Non-Smokers Risk For Gum Disease

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

In 2004, the Surgeon General concluded that there was sufficient scientific evidence to show a relationship between tobacco and periodontal (gum) disease. As research  continued along these lines, exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown as an additional risk factor when it comes to the susceptibility of gum disease.

A study conducted at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill used data from nearly 2,400 non-smokers, ages 53-74, who had exposure to secondhand smoke for a few hours each day. The conclusion showed that this exposure can double a person’s risk of severe periodontal disease. Those exposed to secondhand smoke for 25 hours or less each week had a 29% increase.

The findings of the study were released in December 2011 in the American Journal of Public Health.

 

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Sweet Indulgences To Keep Your Smile Healthy

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day … so many holidays and so many goodies, with adults often indulging in sweet treats as much as children! Yet, it’s not necessarily an occasional indulgence that takes its worst toll on adult tooth enamel.

Plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria in the mouth, is continually forming on teeth and gums. When these bacteria come in contact with sugar or starch, they produce an acid that attacks teeth for 20 minutes or longer. Repeated attacks can expose tooth enamel to decay. Cough drops, hard candy and breath mints that linger in the mouth subject teeth to acid attacks for the duration the product is in the mouth. Sweet beverages are equally as harmful. Sipping cola or sweet tea over an extended time creates the same effect.

Plus, the stickier things are, the more difficult it is for saliva to cleanse the sugar out of the mouth. For example, a piece of hard butterscotch candy that sticks to your teeth can be more harmful than a chocolate bar that is more easily rinsed out of the mouth through saliva.

How do you enjoy these treats and minimize harm to your teeth? First, try to treat yourself to these items along with mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps to neutralize acid production and rinse the mouth. Another tip is to chew sugarless gum after you indulge if brushing your teeth is not possible. Sugarless gum increases saliva flow to wash away decay-producing acid.

Drinking lots of water, particularly fluoridated water, is another good way to help prevent tooth decay. And, of course, stay committed to your brushing and flossing routine at home and keep your regularly scheduled hygiene exams and cleanings. These are easy, inexpensive ways to prevent problems from occurring in the first place or catch those at their earliest stages, which minimizes treatment needs.

Follow these tips and you’ll still be able to enjoy occasional sweet treats and have a smile that shows you also indulge in good oral health!

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When Cold Drinks Give Teeth Painful Jolts!

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

Gum recession is often caused by rigorous tooth brushing, which can expose the dentin in the neck of the tooth. However, there are also other causes to gum recession.

Teeth have a protective coating of enamel that covers a porous layer called dentin. The dentin layer is made up of microscopic bulbs that surround a nerve center. The nerve center is sensitive to things like high or low temperatures or jolts. If the dentin is exposed, the nerve center responds with pain signals. When the bristles of a tooth brush or hot or cold beverages hit these sensitive areas, the common response is pain.

Poor oral hygiene can ultimately lead to gum recession as well. When bacteria in the mouth are not removed on a daily basis, plaque forms around the teeth. This plaque is toxic and causes irritation to the gums, which can develop into gingivitis. As the gums become more inflamed, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis (gum disease). With gum disease, the gums lose their attachment to the teeth, giving the appearance of long, unsightly teeth. Even worse, this allows for easy entry of bacteria to penetrate bones and tissues that support teeth. Gum disease is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Another cause of gum recession may be from trauma resulting from teeth clenching or bruxing (tooth grinding). This action can break down gum tissues and lead to recession. When gum recession is causing this, it can be accompanied by worn or chipped teeth.

For minor gum recession, use a soft bristle tooth brush and lighten up on your brushing stroke. Rather than a back-&-forth ‘scrubbing’ motion, use a swipe from the base of each tooth to its end. Then, clean the tops of teeth with a circular motion. Also, use a  ‘sensitivity’ toothpaste with potassium nitrate to block the nerve endings.

In more severe cases of gum recession, surgery of a cosmetic or restorative nature may be recommended.  Gum tissue regeneration and gum grafting are excellent ways to protect the gums and make the smile look more attractive. Gum grafting is a common periodontal procedure. We perform this procedure with a laser for excellent results and optimal patient comfort.

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist, dentist shelby twp, detroit dentist, Periodontal Disease, Sedation Dentistry, smile makeover, Your Health, Your Teeth | Leave a comment

Menstrual Cycle Affects Gum Health

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

According to findings published in the Journal of Periodontology, many women report increased inflammation and discomfort of the gums associated with their menstrual cycle. Symptoms include a slight burning sensation, bleeding with minor irritation, redness to the gums, oral ulcers and general pain and discomfort in the gums.

In this study, researchers compared the gingival and periodontal status of premenopausal women between the ages of 20 to 50 years at different times in their menstrual cycles. Researchers measured plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, gingival recession and gum attachment levels. Gingival inflammation was lower during menstruation than during ovulation and pre-menstruation, which may be attributed to hormonal peaks and drops.

Further studies may determine whether these transitional changes have lasting negative effects on gum health. In the meantime, our female patients in this age bracket should relay symptoms experienced on a cyclical basis to us for notation in their charts. This also includes any prescription or over-the-counter medications being taken.

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HPV Creating Alarming Rise In Mouth & Throat Cancers

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

Approximately 20 million Americans are already infected with HPV, or the human papilloma virus. It’s growth rate is such that the word ‘epidemic’ is now being used and a Centers of Disease Control advisory committee has recommended that 11 and 12 year olds be vaccinated against it. So, how does this relate to your oral health?

In the 1980′s, HPV was attributed to around 16% of mouth and throat tumors. By the 2000′s, that jumped to nearly 75%. It’s been predicted that HPV-related mouth and throat cancers will outnumber cervical cancer (presently, the focus of HPV vaccination) by 2020.

Oropharyngeal cancers are malignancies of the tonsils, soft palate, base of the tongue and throat. While its well-known that HPV spreads through genital contact, which increases the risk of cervical cancer and genital warts, it is not so well known that HPV can be spread through oral sex. It is this type of transmission that is linked to mouth and throat cancers.

In addition to keeping your 6-month dental exams (which should include oral cancer screenings), alert us immediately if you have difficulty swallowing, have lumps in the neck, or experience pain in the mouth or ear. Do NOT wait until your next check-up to have these evaluated. Call (586) 739-2155 for an immediate appointment.

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Heavy Snoring May Indicate A More Serious Problem – Sleep Apnea!

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

While some snoring can be harmless, heavy snoring can also be a warning sign of Sleep Apnea. Those who are at most risk for Sleep Apnea include:

• Men and women with large neck sizes

• Middle-aged and older men as well as post-menopausal women

• People who smoke

• People who are overweight or obese

Those who are dependent on insurance coverage for treatment are typically required to have their Sleep Apnea diagnosed through a sleep study. Because of the expense and hassle of spending the night at a sleep center, many are never truly diagnosed.

Because Sleep Apnea is such a dangerous condition that often goes undiagnosed, we can coordinate a home sleep study. Usually within two weeks after you return the device, you will return to our office to review the findings during a consultation. If you have Sleep Apnea, we can begin your treatment with a custom-designed oral appliance that is comfortable and will not interfere with your sleep.

If the findings show your Sleep Apnea is very severe or is not your problem, we’ll make recommendations to help you find other treatment options.

Our goal is to help Sleep Apnea sufferers get a true diagnosis without an expensive, time-consuming process. And now, today’s comfortable, effective, FDA-approved oral devices can help keep airways open for patients with mild to moderate Sleep Apnea and for those with severe Sleep Apnea who can’t tolerate a CPAP machine.

There are many types of oral devices, each with different advantages. The right one for you is based on things like the severity of your apnea, the size and shape of your jaw and tongue, and whether you grind your teeth or have a condition like TMJ disorder.

The first step is completing a brief questionnaire. Call our office to learn more at (586) 739-2155 or 1-855-9-Smiles. You may be sleeping peacefully very soon!

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Replace That Tooth As It’s Removed!

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

Sometimes, no matter how well you care for teeth, there are occasions when a tooth requires removal. This could be the result of a sports injury or, perhaps from grinding or clenching, a tooth cracks below the gum line and eventually breaks.

When removal is necessary, replacing the tooth with a dental implant at the same time is the ideal solution for several reasons. First, the former tooth root’s angle and shape make insertion of the dental implant a simple process, eliminating drilling that would normally be required.

Secondly, a replacement tooth is immediately attached in most cases. You’re advised to avoid biting or chewing directly on that tooth for a time while the bone grows around the implant, securing it in place. However, you’ll never be without a tooth.

Also, the gum contours around the tooth and the gum ‘points’ between the teeth on each side can be preserved. These tend to flatten out when teeth are removed and require gum recontouring by laser dentistry to truly reshape to a natural appearance. Immediate placement of implants after tooth removal preserves this, giving you a beautiful result.

Dental implants also mean you avoid having to use neighboring teeth as supports as with crown-&-bridge combinations. And, because dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, they make an excellent investment.

If you find yourself dealing with a tooth removal, chin up! Dental implants give you a terrific tooth replacement option!

 

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Make A Change That’ll Get Truly Noticed!

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Dr.Barbat

Ask any Personal Trainer. They’re busy as bees in January. In April, however, things have slowed down. By June, they’ve dropped off significantly. Resolutions to improve our appearance by working out requires a major commitment of hard work and time. And, while it’s something we should strive to do, the slow pace of getting fit is hard for some of us impatient folks to stick with for the duration it takes.

If you remember the once popular television program “Extreme Makeover,” the producers quickly realized that the ideal candidates were those with the worst smiles. The reason they zeroed in on this criteria was the ‘after’ result could have such a dramatic difference in a person’s overall appearance. They knew some weight loss and toning could give a nicer frame. Breast implants, a tummy tuck and even a nose job would create a better look. Yet, it was the person’s smile that seemed to grab everyone’s immediate attention, show after show!

Want to make a positive change in your appearance? Call to schedule a free consultation so we can sit down and discuss the appearance of your smile. I’ll listen to what you want to change and make suggestions as to the procedures that can create the smile you want. I’ll answer your questions and then you can make the decision you feel is best.

While you work to get yourself in shape this year, you could be doing so with a smile that is your best feature! Imagine … a smile that boosts your confidence and says, “I feel good about myself!” That’s an attitude a Personal Trainer would say will keep you going all year!

Posted in Cosmetic Dentist, dentist shelby twp, detroit dentist, invisalign, smile makeover, teeth whitening, veneers, Your Teeth | Leave a comment