You hear it time and time again – from your doctor, the famous Mary Schmich, articles on the Internet, and yes, even from your dentist in Farmington Hills – wear sunscreen. This advice applies to both kids and adults, and it’s especially appropriate during National Sunscreen Day, celebrated every year on May 27th. 

The Importance of Sun Protection

We know it may seem odd to be taking sun-protection advice from a dentist, but trust us, we have a point. But first, let’s get down to the basics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 4.3 million people will be treated for two of the most common types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma – every year. These types of skin cancers, among others, are caused by too much exposure to UV (ultraviolet) light, such as those emitted by the sun and tanning beds. This makes the usage of sunscreen incredibly important, and not just for those soaking up the sun in tanning beds or laying out getting a tan. In fact, everyone is susceptible to skin cancer, including those who don’t purposely spend time in the sun. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using SPF 15 daily, even for those who don’t spend a lot of time outside, to reduce the risk of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

How Does The Sun Affect Teeth? 

The truth is, the sun can be both beneficial and detrimental to teeth. First up are the benefits. 

Oral Health Benefits of The Sun

Regular exposure to the sun will help the body produce an essential vitamin called vitamin D. Vitamin D is a necessary part of maintaining good oral health. But at the same time, you’ll hear your dentist in Farmington Hills put a lot of emphasis on getting enough calcium to support strong teeth and bones. While that’s true, the body also needs the help of vitamin D in order to properly absorb calcium. In this sense, regular sun exposure could be good for oral and overall health. Afterall, if we don’t get enough vitamin D, which may be called a vitamin D deficiency, our teeth will not be able to absorb enough calcium. This could increase the risk of cavities as well as gum disease.

Negative Oral Health Side Effects of Too Much Sun

We all know that the skin can burn quite easily if exposed to too much sun. This can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. However, oral health can also be affected by getting too much sun. When many people think of oral health, they immediately think of the teeth. And while it’s highly unlikely to get sunburn in the teeth, it’s still possible. But what’s more concerning, and way more likely, is getting a sunburn on the lips. This often-forgotten body part can actually be damaged by too much sun and can be the originating spot of skin cancer. When you apply sunscreen, don’t forget the lips. In fact, use a product designed to protect lips from harmful UV rays with at least an SPF 15. 

As we enter these warmer summer days, we encourage you to get outside. But make sure to use sun protection on all parts of your body, including the lips. And as always, don’t let summer nights take away from a good oral hygiene routine. It’s still important to brush and floss every day and see your dentist in Farmington Hills twice a year. Call us today to schedule an appointment. 

Accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

Cavities are not only common in kids, but they can also affect adults in large numbers. In fact, according to the  CDC, 90% of adults over 20 have had a cavity in their lifetime. Additionally, one out of every four adults between the age of 20 and 64 currently have at least one cavity. The good news is that your dentist in Canton can often spot and treat cavities before they become serious and require additional treatment. But there are some key signs of cavities that you can look for in between appointments. 

Tooth Sensitivity

One of the most common signs of tooth decay is new or more severe tooth sensitivity. While tooth sensitivity can occur when you’re eating or drinking something hot or cold without a cavity, extreme zings of pain after enjoying something hot or cold may be a sign of decay. Additionally, another sign of a cavity is if you experience tooth sensitivity after eating a sweet, sugary treat. Why? Well, when tooth enamel is weakened by decay, it can expose the tooth roots to things that cause pain – such as heat, cold, and sweets. 

Tooth Discoloration

While tooth discoloration can be caused by any number of things, discoloration may also be a sign of decay. Usually, when we think of tooth decay, we think of dark spots, but a cavity can also start as a new white spot. Over time, the area may start to become darker, and that’s a sign that it’s time to see your dentist in Canton. As with all dental problems, decay can become serious quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on your teeth to look for any changes in color and schedule an appointment with your dentist if you suspect decay. 

Tooth Pitting

Cavities are essentially holes in the teeth where decay has worn away enamel. Even though some cavities can be seen or felt by searching for new areas of pitting, many times these pits or holes are so tiny that they can’t be seen with the naked eye. However, your dentist in Canton has special tools and techniques that can spot a pit easily, even if it’s super tiny. In fact, the smaller the pitting the less severe the cavity is, so it’s ultimately a good thing if you can’t see or feel it. Now, if you do see a new pit or hole in your tooth, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist sooner rather than later. After all, early treatment often means easier treatment and reduces the chance of a cavity-causing bigger issues. 

The best way to protect yourself from getting cavities is to make sure to brush and floss regularly and see your dentist at least twice a year. Not only will you get a thorough, gentle cleaning at these visits, but they’re also a great way for your dentist to check for any early signs of decay. 

Welcoming new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. 

You’ve heard time and time again about how it’s important it is to see your dentist in Livonia every six months for a checkup. But why do we recommend visiting us twice a year? Do you really need dental checkups that often? The short answer is yes, but let’s take a deeper look into why these bi-annual dental checkups are so important. 

Cleaning Teeth

One of the most important parts of seeing your dentist in Livonia every six months is to get your bi-annual dental cleaning. These cleanings go above and beyond taking care of your teeth at home and will help remove any plaque or tartar that occurs naturally over time. If plaque and tartar aren’t removed, which can only be done through gentle professional cleanings, they can build up and increase the risk of decay, gum disease, and other problems. 

Spotting Cavities

Cavities are the most common dental ailment, and they often come along with tooth pain, sensitivity, and other discomforts. However, they can also be so small that they don’t have any symptoms at all. This is the ideal time for a dentist to spot and treat any areas of decay. After all, the longer cavities go undetected, the more likely they are to cause pain. Dental checkups every six months will allow your dentist to monitor any changes to your oral health and see below the surface to diagnose and treat cavities before they lead to problems. 

Diagnosing Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health problem that can develop for a number of reasons. Most often, gum disease is a result of poor oral hygiene and the buildup of plaque and tartar, but certain medical conditions, medications, smoking, and stress are also known contributing factors. Keeping an eye on gum health during your regular dental checkups is the best way to diagnose gum disease early when it’s easier to treat. In fact, early intervention is key to successfully treating and reversing gum disease. If it’s left untreated for too long, it can become irreversible.  

Checking for Oral Cancer 

While smokers, those over 55, and heavy drinkers are more susceptible to developing oral cancer, it can affect anyone at any time. In fact, more than 50,000 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer were diagnosed in 2022. As with gum disease, early detection of oral cancer is key to successful treatment, and it may just save your life. Your dentist will look for any potential signs of oral cancer during your appointments. 

Many patients will only schedule an appointment when they’re experiencing a problem. But the truth is, maintaining regular dental checkups can help avoid these problems in the first place. If you’re overdue for your dental checkup, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Livonia today. 

We are always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia

An estimated 85% of Americans will have their wisdom teeth extracted in their lifetime. While this procedure usually takes place in the late teens or early twenties, your dentist in Farmington Hills may recommend it at any time, especially if they’re starting to cause problems. Even though wisdom teeth surgery is incredibly common and doesn’t typically cause problems, there are some things you should avoid after having a wisdom tooth extraction. 

Things to Avoid

Although the recovery time from wisdom teeth surgery is usually pretty quick, there are some key things to avoid during this time to help speed up the healing process and avoid complications. 

• Chewing

Of course, you need to eat while you’re recovering, but you do need to be careful about what you eat. Your dentist in Farmington Hills would recommend that you avoid hard, sticky foods during the first 72 hours. 

• Activity

One of the best ways to promote healing is to rest. Avoid doing any strenuous physical activity for three days following surgery. Doing too much too soon can make bleeding, swelling, and pain worse. 

• Smoking 

Ingredients in cigarettes and cigars are certainly cause for concern, especially after surgery, but the action of dragging on a cigarette can be even more problematic. Pulling in air from a cigarette, or even a straw, can loosen the blood clots protecting and sealing the surgical sites. If those blood clots are dislodged too early, it can lead to a painful condition known as dry socket. 

Signs of a Problem

Many wisdom teeth extractions occur without any problems, but the risk for complications doesn’t go away completely. Here are some signs that require a call to your dentist or oral surgeon. 

• Excessive pain, bleeding, or swelling after three days
• Pus coming out of the surgical site or nose
• A fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Facial numbness

What Should You Do After Surgery? 

We’ve covered some of the things you shouldn’t do while recovering from having your wisdom teeth taken out, now let’s talk about something you should do. 

• Ice Often

Ice is one of the best ways to reduce swelling and ease pain. Apply a cold compress to the affected and keep the area cold. However, make sure to have a thin barrier between the ice pack and your skin. 

• Clean the Area

Your dentist may provide or recommend that you use a mouthwash during recovery in order to keep the area clean. Use it, but use it gently. Swishing slowly and softly will clean the areas without the risk of damage.

• Take Medications

Antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed after your treatment. Take these as recommended as they can help with both preventing infection and easing pain during your recovery. 

Not everyone will need to have their wisdom teeth removed, but most people will. Make sure to see your dentist in Farmington Hills regularly and report any symptoms of wisdom tooth pain at that time. If it’s recommended that you have your wisdom teeth extracted, always feel free to ask questions so you feel confident in the procedure and healing time. 

We are always accepting new patients at our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.