Mouth ulcers are small, often painful sores that can develop inside your mouth in various places such as your cheeks, tongue, gums, or lips. While having one can certainly be an inconvenience and cause a few days of discomfort, they’re usually no cause for concern. In fact, most ulcers heal and disappear on their own without treatment from your dentist in Livonia. However, there are occasions when an ulcer may be a sign of something more serious. 

Symptoms of a Mouth Ulcer

The most common symptoms of mouth ulcers are small, painful lesions. These lesions typically have red outside with white, yellow, or gray centers. Ulcers are not contagious, but new ones can show up close to the time when older ones heal. Additionally, it’s common to have a few ulcers at one time. Sometimes, ulcers will also go hand-in-hand with a fever. 

Causes of Ulcers

Several different things can cause an ulcer to develop, and these causes can vary from person to person and even from ulcer to ulcer. What we do know is that ulcers can be hereditary, and those with a family history of mouth ulcers are more likely to develop them as well. Other factors that can cause ulcers include: 

• Injuries to the mouth such as biting your cheek or tongue
• Spicy, salty, or acidic foods
• Devices such as braces, dentures, or a mouthguard that rub 
• Stress and anxiety
• Hormonal changes

People with certain medical conditions are also more likely to develop ulcers. 

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease such as Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis
• Celiac disease
• Diabetes
• Viruses 
• Lupus

Ulcer Treatment

Treating an ulcer can often be done at home through remedies such as rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day, using an over-the-counter anesthetic, and avoiding trigger foods. Occasionally, your dentist in Livonia will recommend corticosteroids or antiseptic treatments. 

It’s important to note that most ulcers will go away on their own within 10-14 days. If it doesn’t, it’s time to see your dentist. 

The Link Between Ulcers & Oral Cancer

Sometimes an ulcer could indicate a bigger problem such as oral cancer. Ulcers that do not heal on their own, such as those that don’t go away within 10-14 days, may be a sign of oral cancer. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Livonia immediately if you notice: 

• An area that looks like it could be an ulcer but doesn’t have any pain
• Rough or hard patches in the mouth
• Oral cancer is most likely to have ulcer-like sores under or on the tongue

Ulcers can absolutely be a pain, both literally and figuratively. But they should go away on their own within two weeks. If you do have an ulcer or suspect oral cancer, get to your dentist quickly. Oral cancer is often treatable and treatment is more successful in the early stages. 

We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia, and we’re always accepting new patients. 

We all know how important it is to see your dentist in Farmington Hills at least twice a year for routine dental visits. These check ups allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and keep an eye out for any changes such as cavities, gum disease, and other concerns. Seeing them every six months can help find any potential problems when they’re easier to treat. But what exactly happens during your routine dental visit while you’re laying back in the dental chair? 

Getting to Know You

Before your dentist or dental hygienist gets to work looking in your mouth, they’ll likely ask you a few questions about your general health such as your medical history, medications, and allergies. They may also talk with you about any oral health concerns you have including pain, cosmetic dentistry concerns, or areas of discomfort. This is also a great time to mention any dental anxiety you may have so that your team can cater your care to your needs. 

Dental X-Rays

Your dentist in Farmington Hills will usually take dental x-rays at least once a year to monitor oral health below the gums. Dental x-rays can also show early areas of decay that can’t be seen without the help of x-ray vision. Most dental offices now use digital dental x-rays which are not only considered very safe, but they also only expose patients to very low doses of radiation. 

Cleaning

Following taking any necessary x-rays, your dental team may perform a cleaning. During this stage of the appointment, usually a dental hygienist will gently scrape away any plaque or tartar buildup from teeth and below the gums. This step is important because tartar can’t be removed by brushing your teeth at home, it requires special tools and techniques that your dental team is trained in. Next, your team will floss your teeth and polish them.

Exam

Between your dental hygienist and your dentist in Farmington Hills, you may experience two different types of exams – one before or during your cleaning and one after. This varies depending on the office, but usually your hygienist will visually examine your teeth to look for concerns such as gum redness, visible decay, or sores. They may also measure the depth of your gum pockets to rule out any suspicion of gum disease. Then, your dentist will come visit and exam your bite, jaw, and individual teeth for any signs of decay.

Scheduling and keeping this bi-annual dental appointment are a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. Remember, it’s also important to take care of your teeth at home to reduce tartar buildup and the likelihood of cavities. Always brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day. 

We have dental offices in Ann Arbor, Canton, Farmington Hills, and Livonia. Call the dentist closest to you to schedule an appointment today!

Cold and flu season usually spikes between December and February, which means we are just entering peak season for these illnesses. Along with the typical symptoms of fever, cough, and body aches, there can occasionally be signs that affect oral health, too. Thankfully, your dentist in Canton is here to ease your concerns about why your teeth may hurt when you’re sick. 

Tooth Pain May Not Equate to an Oral Health Problem 

Your dentist in Canton will usually say that any tooth pain is typically a sign of an oral health problem and that you should schedule a visit sooner rather than later. While that may be true most of the time, there are some exceptions, especially when you’re sick. You see, when you have the flu or a cold and have pain in multiple teeth, the discomfort may actually be a side effect of the illness itself rather than a problem with the teeth. How does this happen? Well, it comes back to anatomy and how close our teeth are to other areas of the body. 

Sinusitis & Tooth Pain

Tooth pain that comes along with an illness may be a side effect of something called acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is when the spaces in your nose become inflamed or swollen. While this can happen for any number of reasons, it’s most commonly a result of the common cold or the flu. Pressure in these areas can cause pain in the top back teeth. Other symptoms of sinusitis include: 

• Facial pain
• Headaches
• Ear pressure
• Bad breath
• Green or yellow mucus
• Fever

Dry Mouth

One of the most common ailments that go along with any cold or the flu is congestion, which is particularly concerning for your dentist in Canton. The discomfort of not being able to breathe through your nose goes further than simply being annoying. When we can’t breathe out of our noses, we need to breathe out of our mouths. Mouth breathing can cause an uncomfortable feeling of dry mouth. But dry mouth is more concerning than simply being uncomfortable. Dry mouth has been linked to oral health problems such as decay, tooth sensitivity, and infections. 

However, mouth breathing isn’t the only thing that can cause dry mouth. In fact, many medications can also dry out saliva production and create an arid environment. When there isn’t enough saliva, bacteria can flourish and lead to the formation of gum disease. 

To help counteract dry mouth, make sure to drink plenty of water, especially when you’re sick. Not only can water help you stay hydrated, but it can also help protect teeth against dangerous bacteria and germs. 

Anytime your teeth hurt can certainly be concerning. However, if your tooth pain comes along with feeling sick, it may not be necessary to see a dentist as long as you are drinking plenty of water and use sugar-free medicine whenever possible. Now, if tooth pain persists after you feel better, consider scheduling a checkup with your dentist in Canton to evaluate your teeth and overall oral health. 

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

If you’re embarrassed by your teeth, you’re not alone. More than 50% of Americans are insecure about their teeth. This may mean that you cover your mouth when you laugh or smile without your teeth showing in photographs. A lot of the time, smile insecurity is due to the color of teeth. While many things can cause tooth staining, your dentist in Ann Arbor wants you to know that there are several ways you can stop tooth staining in its tracks. 

Stop Smoking

One of the main things that cause tooth discoloration is smoking and using other forms of tobacco. Tobacco, along with other ingredients in cigarettes and even smokeless tobacco, is known to cause the yellowing of teeth. Additionally, since tobacco products also contain addictive ingredients, it’s not uncommon for these products to be used several times throughout the day. This means that teeth are constantly exposed to the staining ingredients. Additionally, tobacco stains are harder to remove. While your dentist in Ann Arbor supports quitting smoking and using other tobacco products, we understand that they are difficult to quit. Keep in mind that tobacco use is a leading cause of oral health problems, including oral cancer.   

Eat Healthy

Certain foods and drinks such as red wine, tea, coffee, soda, and even pasta sauce can cause tooth staining. But there are also some foods that can actually help reduce staining. Snacking on raw vegetables and fruits such as apples, celery, or even some types of cheese can gently scrub away surface stains. 

Brush Your Teeth Often

Your dentist in Ann Arbor will always recommend that all patients brush their teeth twice a day, every day, for two minutes. However, brushing your teeth after meals, particularly the ones that can contribute to tooth staining, is also important. If you can’t thoroughly brush your teeth, try rinsing your mouth out with water to help remove staining ingredients. 

If you find yourself in a position where you can’t rinse your mouth out with water, find some sugarless gum and chew it for a little while to remove even more food particles.

Straws Can Help

While it may seem silly, a simple straw is a great way to reduce the risk of tooth discoloration when drinking a tooth-staining beverage. Straws help the liquid bypass teeth and decrease the likelihood of staining. There are several reusable straws you can buy and carry with you in case you run into a situation where straws aren’t available. 

To be frank, tooth discoloration happens, sometimes even if you try your hardest to prevent it. But the good news is that there are several cosmetic dentistry options available for whitening teeth and even reversing discoloration. From smile whitening treatments to cosmetic dentistry solutions, like dental veneers, your dentist in Ann Arbor will help you find the best way to whiten your teeth.

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

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common infection that affects the gum tissue. It’s so common, in fact, that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have some form of the disease. In the early stages, gum disease can often be treated successfully by your dentist in Livonia. However, if the disease progresses, it could mean serious trouble. 

Stage 1: Gingivitis

The least severe stage of gum disease is gingivitis. During this stage, the infection only affects the gum tissue, and treatment can help reverse the disease. 

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis

If gingivitis isn’t treated it can progress into the initial stages of periodontitis. When this happens, the infection starts to spread into the areas where tissues connect teeth to bone.  

Stage 3: Mild Periodontitis

Following early periodontitis is mild or moderate periodontitis. It’s during this stage when a patient can experience significant bone loss. 

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis

The most severe case of gum disease is advanced periodontitis where there is more than 50% bone loss. 

Signs of Gum Disease

Signs and symptoms of gum disease can vary depending on the stage of infection and can range from: 

• Bleeding gums
• Red, swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Receding gums
• Tooth sensitivity
• Loose teeth

If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist in Livonia. 

How is Gum Disease Treated?

There are a number of ways that your dentist can treat gum disease. Again, it depends on each individual situation. Some of the common treatments for gum disease include:

• Deep Cleaning – A deep cleaning will clean up under the gum line and not just above it like a traditional dental cleaning. This can help remove the infection at the source. 
• Antibiotics – Just like when you’re sick, taking antibiotics for gum disease can help fight off bacteria and the infection. 
• Surgery – In more serious cases, your dentist may recommend gum surgery such as a gum graft.

How to Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease

The best way to ensure your gums stay healthy is to brush and floss twice daily. Getting into this habit will help remove plaque buildup. Allowing plaque to accumulate on the teeth is what ultimately leads to gum disease in the first place. There are also other ways you can lower your risk of gum disease. 

• Stop smoking or using tobacco products
• Replace your toothbrush often – no toothbrush should be used for longer than 3 months
• See your dentist in Livonia at least twice a year

Don’t let gum disease affect your oral health or your teeth. Keep your biannual dental appointments for regular preventive care so your dentist can detect and treat any problems early. 

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

Everyday things such as coffee, wine, and even spaghetti sauce can take a once bright, white smile and transform it into something discolored. If you were once used to brilliant white teeth and find yourself staring into the mirror and wondering when your teeth went from dazzling to dull, you’re not alone. In fact, more than half of Americans are insecure about their teeth. The good news is that there are many different ways to whiten your smile. The most common way is over-the-counter whitening strips. However, your dentist in Farmington Hills wants you to know the benefits and risks that go along with the use of whitening strips. 

Whitening Strips: 101

Whitening strips are thin pieces of plastic covered with an active whitening ingredient. Some of the active ingredients can include hydrogen peroxide, sodium hydroxide, or chlorine dioxide. When in doubt, look for a product that offers no more than 14% of hydrogen peroxide and steer clear of anything that has chlorine dioxide – it can irreversibly damage tooth enamel. Additionally, it’s crucial to follow package instructions accurately. Whitening strips that are used too often or left on too long can cause unwanted side effects, and there’s no benefit to doing so. 

What To Know Before Buying Whitening Strips

There are so many different kinds of whitening strips available to you. You can buy them almost anywhere – from your local grocery store to online without ever consulting your dentist in Farmington Hills. However, we encourage you to first talk with your dentist before spending any money on whitening strips. After all, whitening strips are only effective at removing surface stains and not internal stains, and it’s hard to know the difference between the two without a professional opinion. 

Risks of Whitening Strips

While whitening strips can be effective at removing surface stains, they don’t come without their risks. Some risks of using whitening strips can include:

• Gum Irritation – Whitening strips that contain hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth, but if too much of the whitening strips touch too much of the gums for too long it can cause damage. Whitening strips can result in gum swelling and bleeding if used incorrectly. 

• Splotchy Whitening – While whitening strips often use ingredients to effectively stick them to teeth, patchy or splotchy whitening can occur. This can make discoloration even more obvious than it was before. 
• Sensitivity – Perhaps the most common side effect of whitening strips is tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can have symptoms such as fast zaps of pain through teeth and pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold. 

Are Whitening Strips Right For You? 

The absolute best way to make sure you’re investing your money into something that will give you the results you want is to first talk with your dentist in Farmington Hills. They can help determine the origin of your tooth staining and recommend the best way to whiten your smile that will give you the results you want. 

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