Cancer can develop in any part of the body, including in the mouth. Oral cancer, also commonly referred to as mouth cancer, is incredibly common and can affect the mouth, tongue, tonsils, and throat. In fact, more than 50,000 people will be diagnosed with some type of oral cancer every year. The good news is that oral cancer doesn’t have to be deadly. If oral cancer is diagnosed by your dentist in Canton early enough, treatment can often be successful 

Oral Cancer Signs & Symptoms

The hard part about diagnosing oral cancer often comes from the fact that some of the early signs of oral cancer can easily be confused with other oral health conditions. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if any of the signs and symptoms below don’t go away within 2-3 weeks, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Canton as soon as you can. 

• Chronic cough
• Changes in voice 
• Difficulty swallowing
• An earache on one side 
• A hard lump in the soft tissues
• Swollen tonsil on one side without pain
• A painless lump on the outside of the neck
• Any sore that doesn’t heal itself within 2-weeks
• Discoloration in the mouth including a red, white, or black appearance

Check Your Mouth 

While regular checkups with your dentist are certainly important, there are things you can do at home to proactively check for early signs of oral cancer or other symptoms of tooth trouble. Keep an eye out for any new tooth sensitivity, bleeding, or sores in the mouth. Additionally, check in with the Check Your Mouth initiative to help you identify potential abnormalities in the mouth.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors 

Even though oral cancer can happen to anyone at any time, there are some things you can do to lower your risk of developing this serious and sometimes deadly disease. Keep in mind that some factors are genetic, but others can be controlled.

• Reduce Alcohol intake – Nearly 70% of people diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers

• Avoid Tobacco –  80% of those who get oral cancer either currently use tobacco or did at one time

• People 50 or older — Oral cancer tends to be most prominent in people over the age of 50

• Men — Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women, but that doesn’t mean women are excluded from oral cancer

Oral cancer is a tricky thing, and the best way to protect yourself against it is to see your dentist in Canton twice a year. Like many oral health problems, oral cancer is best and most successfully treated when it’s caught early. 

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

There are many things to feel stressed about, from taking care of work obligations to handling all the things that are happening in your personal life. While a certain amount of stress can actually be a good thing, too much of it can cause problems. In fact, excessive stress has been linked to heart disease, gastrointestinal problems, and obesity. But, not to stress you out even more, your dentist in Ann Arbor knows that too much stress can also affect your oral health. 

Stress & Oral Health

Many times, the effects of stress are simplified to include only things like increased anxiety levels, eating habits, headaches, and stomachaches. But it’s also common for signs of stress to first show up as symptoms that affect your oral health. In fact, stress can affect oral health in numerous ways. 

• Jaw Pain

While jaw pain could indicate a variety of problems, stress is often at the top of the list. When we’re stressed, especially over a long period of time, our bodies tend to react in a variety of ways. One of those ways is to start clenching or grinding our teeth together. Oftentimes this is done without us even knowing it’s happening, such as during sleep. This results in constant pressure on the jaw joint, making the muscles sore which could eventually cause TMJ disorder or TMD. TMD is painful, and some common signs are the popping or clicking of a jaw, a locked joint, or generalized jaw pain. If you have jaw pain that you can’t explain, talk to your dentist in Ann Arbor. 

• Bleeding Gums

Many people think that it’s normal for gums to bleed after brushing or flossing. However, bleeding gums at any time should be cause for concern. Bleeding gums is a tell-tale sign of gum disease, but there’s a common misconception related to gum disease. Many people think that gum disease is automatically a result of poor dental hygiene. But the truth is, several other things can increase the risk of gum disease, including smoking, certain medications, clenching or grinding your teeth, and yes, stress. When we experience too much stress, our immune system often becomes worn down. This can allow bad bacteria in the mouth to flourish, causing an infection and leading to gum disease. Gum disease can cause tooth loss, and heart disease, and increase the risk of stroke.

• Mouth Sores

Sores in the mouth, such as canker sores, can be triggered by a vitamin B deficiency or a variety of injuries or irritations. Research also supports the theory that mouth sores can appear during periods of increased stress. Mouth sores that should warrant a visit to your dentist in Ann Arbor include those that appear as white or red ulcers that last longer than two weeks. 

Reducing Stress Can Benefit Oral Health

We can’t completely avoid stress in our lives but can do things to manage stress in order to live happier lives and protect ourselves against the negative side effects of too much of it. Some ways to lower stress and therefore the effects of stress, include: 

• Breathing Techniques. Sometimes, all we need to do is breathe. Deep breathing has been shown to reduce stress, lower your heart rate, and make you feel relaxed. Take a walk, try yoga, or find a breathing exercise online. 

• Exercise. Exercise can do more than burn fat. In fact, exercising regularly will increase our brains’ “happy chemicals” of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and testosterone. These chemicals can help make us feel good and lower anxiety and stress. 

• Sleep. Adults should get anywhere between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. However, many of us don’t. Focusing on getting a good night’s sleep can reboot your body and lower stress levels. 

Stress is a natural part of life, and certain amounts of it can actually be beneficial. But too much can cause problems in oral and overall health. During this Stress Awareness Month, focus on your stress levels and how they may contribute to your overall health. 

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

Your dentist in Livonia is certainly focused on keeping your mouth healthy, but the truth is, we’re also focused on what you eat. Why? Well, the truth is, what you eat can impact not only your overall health but your oral health, too. To help do our part in celebrating National Nutrition Month, we’re here to raise awareness about how eating right can keep your body and smile happy. 

How Foods Affect Oral Health

Everything we eat can impact oral health. There are some foods that are great for teeth, and some that can cause problems. 

What to Avoid

• Sugary Sweets: Eating too many sugary sweets can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even gum disease. It’s why your dentist in Livonia recommends limiting your daily intake of sugar. When we eat sugar, it feeds the bacteria in the mouth that produce acid. This acid erodes tooth enamel and can cause cavities as well as tooth sensitivity.
• Acidic Foods & Drinks: Speaking of acid, foods, and drinks that are acidic, such as citrus fruits, sports drinks, and soda can also directly harm the protective layer of enamel on teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay.
• Starchy Snacks: Sugar and acid aren’t the only things that can negatively affect oral health. Starchy foods, such as bread, crackers, and potatoes, can also contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, high-carb foods break down into simple sugars and can affect your teeth in the same way as sugar. 

Best Types of Food for Teeth

• High in Calcium & Vitamin D: Two essential nutrients are needed to build and keep strong teeth (and bones!) – calcium and vitamin D. Foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and salmon, can help keep teeth and gums healthy.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C isn’t only for enhancing the immune system, it’s also important for gum health. Enjoy foods with a lot of Vitamin C, such as broccoli, strawberries, and bell peppers.

Finding the Best Food for You

Nutrition can be complicated. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tried to help us out by introducing the Food Guide Pyramid in 1992 to show us how much of each food group we should strive to eat every day. But the truth is, nutritional needs are individual, and not all of us need the same things in the same quantities. Things like age, gender, height, weight, activity level, and underlying health concerns can make your ideal combination of foods different from someone else. The best way to find out your nutritional needs is to go to MyPlate and customize the best mix of dietary recommendations for you.

Do your part this month, and all year around, to commit to eating better to keep your mouth and body healthy. And, of course, make sure to see your dentist in Livonia at least twice a year for dental cleanings and exams.  

We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia to best serve our neighbors. 

The luckiest day of the year, St. Patrick’s Day, is almost here, which means we’re about to see a lot of green everywhere, including in your favorite adult beverages. In particular, it’s become a tradition to dye beer green, which is not only festive and fun but can also cause some concern for your dentist in Canton. In fact, green beer, and all types of alcohol, can negatively affect oral health. 

Green Mouth

The dye used to turn beer green can also temporarily turn your mouth and teeth green. This may be fun during St. Paddy’s Day but could be odd at any other time. This is why it’s a good thing that any green staining can usually be removed by brushing your teeth. Whitening toothpaste is often the best choice as they contain abrasive properties that can more effectively scrub away stains. Keep in mind that starting celebrations with clean teeth can help reduce stain severity. Areas of plaque or tartar buildup will attract and retain dying agents faster and more severely than clean teeth, much like disclosing plaque rinses show kids areas of their teeth they didn’t clean so well. 

However, it’s not only green beer that can cause tooth discoloration. In fact, drinking any type of alcohol excessively can cause tooth staining and make teeth look yellow or brown. These stains tend to be more difficult to remove and may need to be treated with a professional tooth whitening treatment or other forms of cosmetic dentistry from your Canton dentist such as veneers. 

Weakened Teeth

The strongest material in your body is your tooth enamel, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged. Acid is usually the culprit behind damaged tooth enamel, and a lot of things we eat and drink are acidic, including beer and other alcoholic beverages. The acidity of these foods and drinks can easily erode enamel and leave teeth at risk for decay, sensitivity, and discoloration. Weakened tooth enamel may be noticed if teeth look gray, dull, or translucent. 

Enjoy Your Beer, Protect Your Teeth

Enjoying alcoholic beverages in moderation greatly reduces your risk of any alcohol-related oral health problems. But besides limiting your alcohol intake, there are other ways you can further protect your smile including: 

• Drinking water after every alcoholic beverage
• Maintaining a great oral health care routine of brushing and flossing every day 
• Scheduling and keeping appointments with your dentist in Canton twice a year

Whether you’re due for a dental checkup or are looking for the best way to whiten your teeth, we’re always happy to see new patients. We have offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call us to schedule an appointment today.  

If you’re considering getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, you probably have a lot of questions for your dentist in Livonia ranging from what’s involved with the procedure to how much it’s going to hurt. The truth is, the procedure for getting dental implants is a surgery, so some pain should be expected. However, the minimal amount of pain that’s typically associated with getting dental implants may be small compared to the benefits of a permanent solution to missing teeth. 

Dental Implant Surgery

A dental implant is one of, if not the best, ways to replace a missing tooth. Implants can even replace multiple teeth in order to avoid wearing dentures or a bridge. Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement option so there is no need for removal, soaking, or worrying about slippage. But the treatment itself can cause concern, so let’s take a closer look at the surgery itself. 

• Step 1: Prep The Area

Before an implant can be placed the area needs to be fully prepped. This can mean different things for different people. If you’re already missing a tooth, there is no need for an extraction. But if a tooth isn’t healthy, it may need to be extracted by your dentist in Livonia first. Additionally, patients may sometimes need a bone graft to prepare the jaw bone and make it stronger for the actual implant placement. 

• Step 2: Post Placement

There are actually a few pieces and parts to a dental implant. The first part is the implant post which is metal and screw-like. This post is placed into a drilled hole in the jawbone and acts as an artificial tooth root. Once the post is placed, it will need time to integrate into the jawbone. This healing period can take a few months but it’s absolutely necessary in order to ensure a stable implant. 

• Step 3: Abutment & Crown Placement

Once the post is fully integrated and fused into the jaw bone, your dentist will attach an abutment and then a crown on top of it. Crowns are custom made in size, shape, and color to look like a natural tooth so the restoration blends into the smile. The final result is a permanent, complete, natural-looking smile.  

Dental Implant Pain

Now that we know a little more about what’s involved with getting a dental implant, let’s take a deeper look into how much pain is involved. Since dental implant treatment is in fact a surgery, patients should expect some level of pain, but it’s probably not as bad as you think. Patients shouldn’t experience any pain during the actual post placement, but they may have some discomfort for the next 10 days after surgery. If pain lasts more than 10 days, call your dentist. Excessive pain after 10 days may be a sign of an infection so it’s important to see your dentist sooner rather than later. 

Dental implants are often considered the superior tooth replacement option. So if you are missing teeth or at risk for losing teeth, talk to your dentist in Livonia about whether or not dental implants may be the best choice for you. 

We’re always accepting new patients at all of our dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.

Finding the best dentist in Farmington Hills depends on what you’re looking for in a provider. The truth is, your dentist is a key part of your healthcare team and you need to feel comfortable, confident, and trust in their care. After all, you will be seeing them at least twice a year for preventive checkups and cleanings, so it’s important to find someone you like. Here are five tips to help you find the best dentist for your individual needs. 

• Get Recommendations

While you head online and search for “dentist near me,” one of the easiest ways to quickly narrow your search is to talk to those around you. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers about their dentists to easily generate a short list of choices. 

• Read Reviews

After you get a few recommendations, head online to read reviews of dentists in Farmington Hills . Online reviews are a great way to get an understanding of the general feelings about the level of dental care, personality of the team, and pros and cons. 

• Check Out Their Work

Patients who are particularly interested in advanced dental care such as cosmetic dentistry or dental implants should check out dentists’ previous work. Many dentists will feature before and after photos on their websites so you can get an idea of their level of care. 

• Evaluate Their Services

Some dental offices offer most services under one roof while others have a particular focus in specific areas. Depending on your individual needs, you will want to look into the types of services offered at different offices. Also consider their technology and how it can help make dental care easier. 

• Check Them Out in Person

The best way to get a feel for a dentist and their team is to visit them in person. An initial visit or consultation will give you a sense of the office environment and personality. While  patients may prioritize different things, it’s always important that you feel the office is clean and that you’re being listened to and respected.

While it may seem like a daunting task, taking some time to get to know your options when it comes to choosing the best dentist in Farmington Hills can benefit you in the long run. Start by making a list of the things that matter to you the most when it comes to selecting a dentist, then get to work researching dentists in your area. Keep in mind, the more comfortable you are with your dentist, the more likely you are to keep up with regular appointments. Seeing your dentist at least twice a year is crucial to maintaining good oral health and can keep dental problems away.  

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

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a public health event brought to us by the American Dental Association (ADA). The purpose of this month-long celebration is to bring parents, caregivers, teachers, and healthcare providers like your dentist in Ann Arbor together to raise awareness of the importance of proper oral hygiene and dental care in children. The theme for 2023 is Brush, Floss, Smile!, and there are tons of ways you can help make dental care more fun for the children in your life. 

“Brush, Floss, Smile!”

This year’s slogan is Brush, Floss, Smile! helps both kids and caregivers learn just how important it is for kids to brush their teeth regularly as well as floss in between each and every tooth. To help, ADA has put together fun, interactive games and activities to make learning about dental care fun for kids. Head on over the ADA website and download all sorts of free educational tools including coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, and a calendar to keep track of brushing habits. 

How Should Kids Brush & Floss?

Brushing and flossing tiny teeth are important, but your dentist in Ann Arbor will also encourage you to make sure your little ones are doing them correctly. Developing proper technique and a solid routine will help children throughout their lives.. 

Proper Brushing

Kids and adults should brush their teeth twice a day, once when you wake up in the morning and once before bed at night. Use the following techniques: 

• Angle the toothbrush against the gum line at a 45-degrees
• Gently scrub teeth using small circles with the brush
• Brush all surfaces of each tooth and up under the gums
• Brush the tongue from back to front

A thorough brushing should take about two minutes. Don’t shy away from humming songs or finding two-minute brushing videos to turn a habit into a fun activity. 

Proper Flossing

It’s just as important for kids to floss once a day as it is for adults, and little ones should start flossing whenever they have two teeth that touch each other. But like brushing, flossing requires a specific technique, and it can be hard for kids. The best way to floss is gently wiggle the floss in between each tooth and curve it up under the gums. You can try traditional floss but you may have more success with a floss pick.

While brushing and flossing are crucial for all smiles, maintaining visits to your dentist in Ann Arbor is also necessary. Schedule an appointment today! 

We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.